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Levy Y, Rempel D, Nguyen M, Yassine A, Sanati-Burns M, Salgia P, Lim B, Butler SL, Berkeley A, Bayram E. The Fusion of Wide Field Optical Coherence Tomography and AI: Advancing Breast Cancer Surgical Margin Visualization. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2340. [PMID: 38137941 PMCID: PMC10744864 DOI: 10.3390/life13122340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explores the integration of Wide Field Optical Coherence Tomography (WF-OCT) with an AI-driven clinical decision support system, with the goal of enhancing productivity and decision making in breast cancer surgery margin assessment. A computationally efficient convolutional neural network (CNN)-based binary classifier is developed using 585 WF-OCT margin scans from 151 subjects. The CNN model swiftly identifies suspicious areas within margins with an on-device inference time of approximately 10 ms for a 420 × 2400 image. In independent testing on 155 pathology-confirmed margins, including 31 positive margins from 29 patients, the classifier achieved an AUROC of 0.976, a sensitivity of 0.93, and a specificity of 0.98. At the margin level, the deep learning model accurately identified 96.8% of pathology-positive margins. These results highlight the clinical viability of AI-enhanced margin visualization using WF-OCT in breast cancer surgery and its potential to decrease reoperation rates due to residual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanir Levy
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 555 Richmond St W #511, Toronto, ON M5V 3B1, Canada; (D.R.); (M.S.-B.); (A.B.)
| | - David Rempel
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 555 Richmond St W #511, Toronto, ON M5V 3B1, Canada; (D.R.); (M.S.-B.); (A.B.)
| | - Mark Nguyen
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 8585 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 106N, Dallas, TX 75247, USA; (M.N.); (P.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Ali Yassine
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada;
| | - Maggie Sanati-Burns
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 555 Richmond St W #511, Toronto, ON M5V 3B1, Canada; (D.R.); (M.S.-B.); (A.B.)
| | - Payal Salgia
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 8585 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 106N, Dallas, TX 75247, USA; (M.N.); (P.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Bryant Lim
- The Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada;
| | - Sarah L. Butler
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 8585 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 106N, Dallas, TX 75247, USA; (M.N.); (P.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Andrew Berkeley
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 555 Richmond St W #511, Toronto, ON M5V 3B1, Canada; (D.R.); (M.S.-B.); (A.B.)
| | - Ersin Bayram
- Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc., 8585 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 106N, Dallas, TX 75247, USA; (M.N.); (P.S.); (S.L.B.)
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Rempel D, Cullen C, Matteson Bryan M, Vianna Cezar G. Reliability of Open Public Electric Vehicle Direct Current Fast Chargers. Hum Factors 2023:187208231215242. [PMID: 38031880 DOI: 10.1177/00187208231215242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to systematically evaluate the usability of all public electric vehicles (EV) direct current fast chargers (DCFC) in the San Francisco region. BACKGROUND To achieve a rapid transition to EVs, a highly reliable and easy to use charging infrastructure is critical to building confidence among consumers. METHODS The functionality and usability of all 182 open, public DCFC charging stations with CCS connectors (combined charging system) in the 9 counties of the Bay Area were tested (655 electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) ports). An EVSE was classified as functional if it charged an EV for 2 minutes. RESULTS Overall, 73.3% of the 655 EVSEs were functional. The causes of the nonfunctioning EVSEs (23.5%) were blank or unresponsive screens or error messages; payment system failures; charge initiation failures; network failures; or broken connectors. In addition, the cable was too short to reach the EV inlet for 3.2% of the EVSEs. A random sampling of 10% of the EVSEs, approximately 8 days after the first evaluation, found no overall change in functionality. CONCLUSIONS The level of functionality found with field testing conflicts with the 95-98% uptime reported by the EV service providers (EVSPs) who operate the EV charging stations. There is a need for precise and verifiable definitions of uptime, downtime, and excluded time, as applied to public EV chargers. APPLICATION The level of failure of the existing public EV DCFC charge infrastructure highlights the importance of improving the system design and maintenance to improve adoption of EVs.
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Radwin RG, Hu YH, Akkas O, Bao S, Harris-Adamson C, Lin JH, Meyers AR, Rempel D. Comparison of the observer, single-frame video and computer vision hand activity levels. Ergonomics 2023; 66:1132-1141. [PMID: 36227226 PMCID: PMC10130228 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2136407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Observer, manual single-frame video, and automated computer vision measures of the Hand Activity Level (HAL) were compared. HAL can be measured three ways: (1) observer rating (HALO), (2) calculated from single-frame multimedia video task analysis for measuring frequency (F) and duty cycle (D) (HALF), or (3) from automated computer vision (HALC). This study analysed videos collected from three prospective cohort studies to ascertain HALO, HALF, and HALC for 419 industrial videos. Although the differences for the three methods were relatively small on average (<1), they were statistically significant (p < .001). A difference between the HALC and HALF ratings within ±1 point on the HAL scale was the most consistent, where more than two thirds (68%) of all the cases were within that range and had a linear regression through the mean coefficient of 1.03 (R2 = 0.89). The results suggest that the computer vision methodology yields comparable results as single-frame video analysis.Practitioner summary: The ACGIH Hand Activity Level (HAL) was obtained for 419 industrial tasks using three methods: observation, calculated using single-frame video analysis and computer vision. The computer vision methodology produced results that were comparable to single-frame video analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Hen Hu
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Oguz Akkas
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephen Bao
- SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Jia-Hua Lin
- SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - Alysha R. Meyers
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - David Rempel
- University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Rempel D, Berkeley A, Thompson A, Krishnamurthy S, Augustine B, Hunt K, Jatoi I, Nazarullah A, Nagi C, Levy Y. Abstract A004: Development and validation of a convolutional neural network to identify ductal carcinoma in situ in lumpectomy margins using wide field optical coherence tomography. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2022. [DOI: 10.1158/1940-6215.dcis22-a004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: To develop and validate a convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify regions of interest (ROIs) suspicious for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and residual malignancy in lumpectomy margins using wide-field optical coherence tomography (WF-OCT). Background: WF-OCT is the optical analog of high-frequency ultrasound and produces high-resolution intraoperative imaging in real time, with a tissue penetration depth up to 2 mm. Multi-reader studies of WF-OCT have demonstrated the ability to differentiate normal breast parenchyma from neoplasms with greater than 85% sensitivity and specificity. Intraoperative evaluation of lumpectomy specimens using WF-OCT may aid in achieving negative margins at the time of primary surgery and avoid re-excisions. CNNs, a form of artificial intelligence (AI), can be trained to spot ROIs in WF-OCT images of margins suspicious for DCIS and, more generally, residual malignancy. Methods: Lumpectomy margins from 126 patients with ductal malignancy were imaged using WF-OCT, compared to permanent histology (PH), and annotated by board-certified breast pathologists to create a training set of 25,000 control ROIs. A CNN algorithm was developed with 3 convolutional layers, a 3x3 kernel, and 3 fully connected layers to perform binary classification of images as either “suspicious” or “non-suspicious” for malignancy. A weighted loss function was implemented to balance the training data available for non-suspicious vs. suspicious images and to tune sensitivity and specificity. Once trained and properly weighted, the CNN was tested in a prospective study using WF-OCT images of margins from 29 lumpectomy specimens from 29 patients with biopsy-proven DCIS, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), or both. The CNN results were compared to PH. Results: Patients were 61.5 ± 7.3 years old, 100% female, with Stage 0-1 disease. Disease types included DCIS (n=27), atypical ductal hyperplasia (n=24), IDC (n=20), invasive lobular carcinoma (n=2), mixed (n=74), and benign findings including usual ductal hyperplasia (n=35), atypical lobular hyperplasia (n=19), duct ectasia (n=17), lymphatic invasion (n=13), and lobular carcinoma in situ (n=12). Following primary surgery, fresh margins were scanned using WF-OCT and approximately 1.9M ROIs were analyzed by the CNN, yielding 15,136 as suspicious for malignancy. Overall, four hundred and ten (410) ROIs were correctly identified, yielding a 74% true positive and 0.8% false positive detection rate; sensitivity and specificity were 74.4% and 99.2%, respectively. Specific to DCIS, the CNN demonstrated a 73% true and 0.5% false positive rate; sensitivity and specificity were 73.0% and 99.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Automated analysis of WF-OCT images of lumpectomy specimens, using a trained CNN to identify ROIs suspicious for malignancy is feasible, demonstrating high concordance with PH. Specific to DCIS, the CNN demonstrated equivalent utility with a lower false positive rate. A prospective trial is needed to evaluate specimens in real time to determine improvement in re-excision rates.
Citation Format: David Rempel, Andrew Berkeley, Alastair Thompson, Savitri Krishnamurthy, Beryl Augustine, Kelly Hunt, Ismail Jatoi, Alia Nazarullah, Chandandeep Nagi, Yanir Levy. Development and validation of a convolutional neural network to identify ductal carcinoma in situ in lumpectomy margins using wide field optical coherence tomography [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Rethinking DCIS: An Opportunity for Prevention?; 2022 Sep 8-11; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2022;15(12 Suppl_1): Abstract nr A004.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Toronto, ON, Canada,
| | | | | | | | | | - Kelly Hunt
- 3MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX,
| | - Ismail Jatoi
- 4UT Health Sciences Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | | | | | - Yanir Levy
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Toronto, ON, Canada,
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Rempel D, Potvin J. A design tool to estimate maximum acceptable manual arm forces for above-shoulder work. Ergonomics 2022; 65:1338-1351. [PMID: 35040744 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2030806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a need for design criteria for above-shoulder work to prevent shoulder fatigue and supraspinatus injuries. A tool is developed to estimate maximum acceptable manual arm forces for above-shoulder work based on 25th % female strength with adjustments for supraspinatus tendon impingement and shoulder fatigue. The tool equations are presented along with tables of maximum acceptable manual arm forces in 77 locations in the 3 D space above the shoulder that accommodates a 50th % female reach. The largest acceptable anterior force, 140.3 N, occurs at shoulder height, 0.5 m anterior to the shoulder. The largest acceptable superior force, 84.4 N, occurs at shoulder height, 0.1 m anterior and 0.2 m medial to the shoulder. The new tool provides design criteria for arm exertions at a higher level of detail than prior ergonomic tools, making it useful for engineers. Based on sensitivity analyses, the tool is robust to parameter assumptions. Practitioner summary: Above-shoulder work is associated with increased risk for shoulder fatigue and injuries. A new tool is developed that estimates maximum acceptable manual arm forces for work at or above shoulder height. The tool can be used to design acceptable above-shoulder work so that it can be accomplished by most workers. Abbreviations: AFF: arm force field; AP: anterior/posterior; DC: duty cycle; GH: glenohumeral angle; HT: humerothoracic angle; LM: lateral/medial; MAE: maximum acceptable effort; MAF: maximum acceptable force; MAS: manual arm strength; MVC: maximum voluntary contraction; N: newton; OCRA: occupational repetitive action; R: reach distance; RMS: root means square; RULA: rapid upper limb assessment; SF: scale factor; SI: superior/inferior; ST: scapulothoracic angle; T: thoracicKEY POINTSA new design tool is introduced that estimates maximum acceptable hand forces for specific locations above the shoulder.This above-shoulder tool is based on a 50th percentile female anthropometry and 25th percentile female manual arm strength.These base strengths are multiplied by scaling factors that adjust for subacromial impingement and fatigue.The tool was shown to be robust based on sensitivity analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jim Potvin
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Rempel D, Berkeley A, Moos D, DiPasquale AA, Elmi M, Fine RE, Lee M, O’Brien B, Turner JF, Wilke LG, Thompson A. Abstract CT230: A prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-arm trial to determine the impact of the Perimeter B-Series OCT System on positive margin rates in breast conservation surgery. Cancer Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-ct230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution tissue-imaging modality that enables real-time imaging up to 2mm deep. The Perimeter B-Series OCT System combines wide field-OCT (WF-OCT) with an artificial intelligence system, ImgAssist, to assist clinicians in the detection of lesions suspicious for breast cancer. The objective of this investigational device trial is to assess adjunctive Perimeter B-Series OCT System use compared to standard care in identifying and addressing positive margins intraoperatively.
Design: Prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-arm trial in females with biopsy-confirmed cancer undergoing breast conservation surgery (BCS) (NCT05113927). Following lumpectomy and standard-of-care intraoperative margin assessment participants will be randomized to a device or control arm (2:1 schema). Controls may undergo intraoperative pathology or frozen section analysis, per routine. WF-OCT will be done on all device arm specimens, with an opportunity to excise tissue from the lumpectomy cavity post-analysis. The new margin will be imaged with WF-OCT and the surgeon may take up to a maximum of 6 total shaves, including up to 2 shaves in each orientation.
Eligibility: Adult females undergoing breast conservation surgery for biopsy-confirmed Stage 0-III invasive ductal and/or DCIS are eligible, including post-neoadjuvant therapy. Pregnant or lactating, those with Stage IV cancer, lobular carcinoma as primary diagnosis, previous ipsilateral breast surgery, multi-centric or bilateral disease, use of cryolocalization, or any treatment affecting margin integrity will be excluded.
Specific Aim: The study hypothesis is that use of the Perimeter B-Series OCT System in BCS will reduce the proportion of subjects with at least 1 unaddressed positive margin. The primary endpoint is occurrence of aat least 1 unaddressed positive margin for a subject. The secondary endpoint is the number of unaddressed positive margins per subject. Safety includes Adverse Events; false-positive shaves per subject (device arm); and BREAST-Q Satisfaction with Breasts subscale. Other outcomes are total excised tissue volume, initial and all procedures including repeat surgeries; margin-level effectiveness (sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV); and operative time.
Statistical Methods: The study was powered via the primary endpoint, assuming a 15% unaddressed margin rate, 90% power, 2:1 device-to-control ratio, and 10% loss of subjects due to screen or device failure. Both the primary and secondary effectiveness endpoints are based on within-subject comparison of the 2 treatments in the device arm (SOC+WF-OCT).
Planned Accrual: 309 subjects (206 device, 103 control) will be enrolled at 8 centers over approximately 12 months.
Citation Format: David Rempel, Andrew Berkeley, David Moos, Allison A. DiPasquale, Maryam Elmi, Richard E. Fine, Marie Lee, Bridget O’Brien, John F. Turner, Lee G. Wilke, Alastair Thompson. A prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-arm trial to determine the impact of the Perimeter B-Series OCT System on positive margin rates in breast conservation surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT230.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Berkeley
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Moos
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Maryam Elmi
- 3University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
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Rempel D, Berkeley A, Nagi C, Pekar V, Burns M, Augustine B, Nazarullah A, Jatoi I, Hunt KK, Thompson A, Krishnamurthy S. Abstract 458: Development and validation of convolutional neural network to identify regions of interest in lumpectomy margins using optical coherence tomography. Cancer Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background/Objective: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the optical analog of high-frequency ultrasound and produces real-time, high-resolution images up to 2 mm deep. Multi-reader studies of OCT have shown differentiation of normal parenchyma from neoplasms, including DCIS and cancers, with >85% sensitivity and specificity. Intraoperative evaluation of breast lumpectomy margins (LMs) with OCT may help achieve negative margins at primary surgery and avoid re-excision. Artificial Intelligence can be trained to spot regions of interest (ROI) in OCT LM images suspicious for malignancy. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an automated convolutional neural network (CNN) to screen OCT LM images for ROIs.
Methods: Following IRB approval, LMs from 126 patients with ductal malignancy were OCT imaged. Images were compared to corresponding permanent histology and annotated by breast pathologists to create a training set of 25,000 control ROIs. A CNN algorithm was developed with 3 convolutional layers, a 3x3 kernel, and 3 fully connected layers to perform binary classification of images as “suspicious” or “non-suspicious” for malignancy. A weighted loss function was used to balance the training data for non-suspicious vs. suspicious images and to tune sensitivity and specificity. Once trained and weighted, the CNN was tested in a prospective study using OCT images of 29 LMs from 29 patients with biopsy-proven ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), or both. CNN results were compared to permanent histology.
Results: The patient population was 61.5 ± 7.3 years old, 100% female, with Stage 0-1 disease. Disease included IDC (n=20), invasive lobular (n=2), DCIS (n=27), mixed (n=74), atypical ductal hyperplasia (n=24), as well as benign findings including atypical lobular hyperplasia (n=19), lymphatic invasion (n=13), lobular carcinoma in situ (n=12), usual ductal hyperplasia (n=35), and duct ectasia (n=17). Following primary surgery, LMs were scanned using OCT and images were CNN analyzed. Approximately 1.9 M OCT ROIs were assessed, identifying 101,099 suspicious ROIs. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) ROIs were correctly identified, yielding a 70% true positive and 5.2% false positive rate with 70% sensitivity and 96% specificity. The receiver operating curve is shown below.
Conclusions: Automated analysis of OCT images using a trained CNN to identify ROIs suspicious for DCIS or IDC in LMs is feasible, demonstrating high concordance with permanent pathology. These findings indicate the utility of AI for screening OCT images with potential utilization for intraoperative evaluation of LMs. A pivotal prospective clinical trial will be necessary to evaluate breast specimens in real time to determine if this application may improve re-excision rates in lumpectomy.
Citation Format: David Rempel, Andrew Berkeley, Chandandeep Nagi, Vladimir Pekar, Margaret Burns, Beryl Augustine, Alia Nazarullah, Ismail Jatoi, Kelly K. Hunt, Alastair Thompson, Savitri Krishnamurthy. Development and validation of convolutional neural network to identify regions of interest in lumpectomy margins using optical coherence tomography [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 458.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Berkeley
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Margaret Burns
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beryl Augustine
- 1Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alia Nazarullah
- 4University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Ismail Jatoi
- 4University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Kelly K. Hunt
- 5The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Harris-Adamson C, Eisen EA, Kapellusch J, Hegmann KT, Thiese MS, Dale AM, Evanoff B, Meyers AR, Bao S, Gerr F, Krause N, Rempel D. Occupational risk factors for work disability following carpal tunnel syndrome: a pooled prospective study. Occup Environ Med 2022; 79:442-451. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2021-107771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundAlthough recent studies have identified important risk factors associated with incident carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), risk factors associated with its severity have not been well explored.ObjectiveTo examine the associations between personal, workplace psychosocial and biomechanical factors and incident work disability among workers with CTS.MethodsBetween 2001 and 2010 five research groups conducted coordinated prospective studies of CTS and related work disability among US workers from various industries. Workers with prevalent or incident CTS (N=372) were followed for up to 6.4 years. Incident work disability was measured as: (1) change in work pace or work quality, (2) lost time or (3) job change following the development of CTS. Psychosocial factors were assessed by questionnaire. Biomechanical exposures were assessed by observation and measurements and included force, repetition, duty cycle and posture. HRs were estimated using Cox models.ResultsDisability incidence rates per 100 person-years were 33.2 for changes in work pace or quality, 16.3 for lost time and 20.0 for job change. There was a near doubling of risk for job change among those in the upper tertile of the Hand Activity Level Scale (HR 2.17; 95% CI 1.17 to 4.01), total repetition rate (HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.02), % time spent in all hand exertions (HR 2.20; 95% CI 1.21 to 4.01) and a sixfold increase for high job strain. Sensitivity analyses indicated attenuation due to inclusion of the prevalent CTS cases.ConclusionPersonal, biomechanical and psychosocial job factors predicted CTS-related disability. Results suggest that prevention of severe disability requires a reduction of both biomechanical and organisational work stressors.
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Rempel D, Gallagher S. Workplace Risk Assessment Tools for Preventing Shoulder Disorders. Saf Health Work 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.12.804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Rempel D, Curti S. Special Session 14 Preventing and Managing Occupational Shoulder Disorders. Saf Health Work 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.12.800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Tamminga SJ, Kuijer PPFM, Badarin K, Alfonso JH, Amaro J, Curti S, Canu IG, Mattioli S, Mehlum IS, Rempel D, Roquelaure Y, Visser S, van der Molen HF. Towards harmonisation of case definitions for eight work-related musculoskeletal disorders - an international multi-disciplinary Delphi study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:1018. [PMID: 34863143 PMCID: PMC8645098 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background International consensus is needed on case definitions of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and diseases (MSDs) for use in epidemiological research. We aim to: 1) study what information is needed for the case definition of work-related low back pain (LBP), lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS), subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lateral and medial elbow tendinopathy, and knee and hip osteoarthritis, and to 2) seek consensus among occupational health professionals/researchers regarding the case definitions of these work-related MSDs. Methods A two-round Delphi study was conducted with occupational health professionals/researchers from 24 countries. Definition of work-related MSDs were composed of a case definition with work exposures. Round 1 included 32 case definitions and round 2, 60 case definitions. After two rounds, consensus required 75% of the panellists to rate a case definition including work exposures ≥7 points on a 9-point rating scale (completely disagree/completely agree). Results Fifty-eight panellists completed both rounds (response rate 90%). Forty-five (70%) panellists thought that for LBP a case definition can be based on symptoms only. Consensus was only reached for work-related medial elbow tendinopathy, while the lowest agreement was found for knee osteoarthritis. Where consensus was not reached, this was – except for LBP - related to physical examination and imaging rather than disagreement on key symptoms. Conclusion Consensus on case definitions was reached only for work-related medial elbow tendinopathy. Epidemiological research would benefit from harmonized case definitions for all MSDs including imaging and physical examination for LRS, SAPS, CTS, lateral elbow tendinopathy and hip and knee osteoarthritis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04871-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sietske J Tamminga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - P Paul F M Kuijer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathryn Badarin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jose Hernán Alfonso
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joana Amaro
- EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stefania Curti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irina Guseva Canu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center of Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Mattioli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ingrid S Mehlum
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Yves Roquelaure
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Steven Visser
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk F van der Molen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Jones RM, Rempel D. Standards for Surgical Respirators and Masks: Relevance for Protecting Healthcare Workers and the Public During Pandemics. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:495-504. [PMID: 33942848 PMCID: PMC8135753 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
National standards for surgical respirators and masks are written and enforced to protect healthcare workers from particles and microorganisms such as Severe Acute Respriatory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to the ability to filter particles (e.g. filtration efficiency, FE), the standards address breathability (e.g. differential pressure), how well the mask seals to a worker’s face (e.g. fit test), the level of protection from a fluid splash, and other factors. Standards used in the USA, European Union (EU), and China were compared with respect to testing methods and certification criteria. Although there are substantial similarities in standards for respirators, such as surgical N95, FFP2, and KN95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), there are differences with respect to who performs that testing and fit-testing requirements that influence certification. There is greater variation in test methods between countries for surgical (USA) or medical (EU and China) masks than for FFRs. Surgical/medical masks can be certified to different levels of protection. The impact of the similarities and differences in testing methods and certification criteria on FFR and mask performance for protecting healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 are discussed, as well as the value of a new standard in the EU for testing fabrics for masks used by the public. Health and safety personnel in healthcare settings must understand the differences between standards so that they can select respirators and masks that provide appropriate protection for healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Jones
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT, USA
| | - David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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13
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Rempel D, Henneman J, Agalloco J, Crittenden J. Hydrogen Peroxide Methods for Decontaminating N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators. Applied Biosafety 2021; 26:71-79. [PMID: 36034688 PMCID: PMC9134325 DOI: 10.1089/apb.20.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: During a pandemic, when the supply of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) is limited, FFRs may be decontaminated by methods that inactivate pathogens as long as they do not damage FFR function. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is widely used for decontamination in medical settings. Objective: To review the literature on the use of H2O2 to decontaminate N95 FFRs and identify methods that inactivate virus and preserve FFR filtration efficiency and fit. Methods: The literature was searched for studies evaluating H2O2 decontamination methods on inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses and microorganisms inoculated on N95 FFRs and the effects on respirator filtration efficiency and fit. Current U.S. Federal guidelines are also presented. Results: Findings from relevant laboratory studies (N = 24) are summarized in tables. Commercially available H2O2 decontamination systems differ on how H2O2 is delivered, the temperature, the duration of treatment, and other factors that can impact N95 FFR filtration efficiency and fit. Some methods inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus-contaminated N95 FFRs with >3 log attenuation, whereas other methods are yet to be evaluated. Discussion and Conclusion: Most of the H2O2 methods reviewed effectively decontaminate N95 FFRs without damaging FFR function. However, some methods adversely impact N95 fit or filtration efficiency, which could go undetected by the end user and compromise their protection from pathogen inhalation. When making decisions about H2O2 decontamination of respirators, it is important to understand differences in methods, effects on different FFR models, and potential hazards to workers who manage the decontamination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John Henneman
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Department of Animal Sciences & Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Jill Crittenden
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Kwong LH, Wilson R, Kumar S, Crider YS, Sanchez YR, Rempel D, Pillarisetti A. Review of the Breathability and Filtration Efficiency of Common Household Materials for Face Masks. ACS Nano 2021; 15:5904-5924. [PMID: 33822580 PMCID: PMC8900768 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c10146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control have recommended universal face masking by the general public to slow the spread of COVID-19. A number of recent studies have evaluated the filtration efficiency and pressure differential (an indicator of breathability) of various, widely available materials that the general public can use to make face masks at home. In this review, we summarize those studies to provide guidance for both the public to select the best materials for face masks and for future researchers to rigorously evaluate and report on mask material testing. Of the tested fabric materials and material combinations with adequate breathability, most single and multilayer combinations had a filtration efficiency of <30%. Most studies evaluating commonly available mask materials did not follow standard methods that would facilitate comparison across studies, and materials were often described with too few details to allow consumers to purchase equivalent materials to make their own masks. To improve the usability of future study results, researchers should use standard methods and report material characteristics in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H. Kwong
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Corresponding author: Laura H Kwong, 650-332-4667,
| | | | - Shailabh Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yoshika Susan Crider
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA
- Energy & Resources Group, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA
| | - Yasmin Reyes Sanchez
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Rempel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ajay Pillarisetti
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
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15
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Shergill AK, Rempel D, Barr A, Lee D, Pereira A, Hsieh CM, McQuaid K, Harris-Adamson C. Biomechanical risk factors associated with distal upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in endoscopists performing colonoscopy. Gastrointest Endosc 2021; 93:704-711.e3. [PMID: 33160978 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Endoscopists experience upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries. The primary aim of this study was to compare distal upper extremity biomechanical risk factors during colonoscopy with established risk thresholds. Secondary aims were to determine which subtasks during colonoscopy are associated with the greatest risk and to evaluate an intervention to reduce risks. METHODS Twelve endoscopists performed 2 to 4 colonoscopies while thumb pinch force and forearm muscle loads of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscles were collected. Peak exertion values were analyzed using amplitude probability distribution functions. An endoscope support device was evaluated during simulated colonoscopy (n = 8). RESULTS Mean endoscopist age was 42.3 years; 67% were men. Peak thumb pinch force exceeded risk thresholds for pinch force (10 N) and percent of time spent in forceful pinch for all colonoscopy subtasks. Peak ECR and FDS muscle activity exceeded the action limit (10% maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]) in both forearms. Peak left FDS, left ECR, and right ECR activity exceeded the threshold limit value (>30% MVC). Peak left FDS and ECR activity were significantly greater during insertion than during withdrawal (P < .05). Peak right FDS and ECR activity were significantly greater during right colon insertion compared with withdrawal (P < .05). The endoscope support device reduced left ECR muscle activity (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Thumb pinch forces and time spent in forceful pinch indicate high-risk exposures during colonoscopy. Left wrist extensor muscle activity exceeded established thresholds with the greatest risk occurring during insertion. An endoscope support device reduced loads to the left wrist extensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep K Shergill
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Francisco VA Health Care Center, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David Rempel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Alan Barr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - David Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anna Pereira
- Human Factors, Microsoft, Redmond, Washington, USA
| | - Chih Ming Hsieh
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kenneth McQuaid
- Department of Gastroenterology, San Francisco VA Health Care Center, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carisa Harris-Adamson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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16
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van der Molen HF, Visser S, Alfonso JH, Curti S, Mattioli S, Rempel D, Roquelaure Y, Kuijer PPFM, Tamminga SJ. Diagnostic criteria for musculoskeletal disorders for use in occupational healthcare or research: a scoping review of consensus- and synthesised-based case definitions. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:169. [PMID: 33573616 PMCID: PMC7879660 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to identify case definitions of diagnostic criteria for specific musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for use in occupational healthcare, surveillance or research. Methods A scoping review was performed in Medline and Web of Science from 2000 to 2020 by an international team of researchers and clinicians, using the Arksey and O’Malley framework to identify case definitions based on expert consensus or a synthesis of the literature. Seven MSDs were considered: non-specific low back pain (LBP), lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS), subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lateral or medial elbow tendinopathy, and knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). Case definitions for occupational healthcare or research were charted according to symptoms, signs and instrumental assessment of signs, and if reported, on work-related exposure criteria. Results In total, 2404 studies were identified of which 39 were included. Fifteen studies (38%) reported on non-specific LBP, followed by knee OA (n = 8;21%) and CTS (n = 8;21%). For non-specific LBP, studies agreed in general on which symptoms (i.e., pain in lower back) and signs (i.e., absence of red flags) constituted a case definition while for the other MSDs considerable heterogeneity was found. Only two studies (5%), describing case definitions for LBP, CTS, and SAPS and lateral and medial elbow tendinopathy respectively, included work-related exposure criteria in their clinical assessment. Conclusion We found that studies on non-specific LBP agreed in general on which symptoms and signs constitute a case definition, while considerable heterogeneity was found for the other MSDs. For prevention of work-related MSDs, these MSD case definitions should preferably include work-related exposure criteria. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04031-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk F van der Molen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Steven Visser
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jose Hernán Alfonso
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefania Curti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Mattioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Yves Roquelaure
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - P Paul F M Kuijer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sietske J Tamminga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Abstract
Many academics and researchers have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by forming on-line national and international collaborative groups to rapidly investigate issues of prevention and treatment. This commentary describes the spontaneous formation of an international team of 115 researchers who summarized the literature on safe methods for decontaminating N95 filtering facepiece respirators in response to the supply crisis. The summary reports and fact sheets on the (www.n95decon.org) website have had more than 200 000 unique visits and the organization's webinars have reached health care professionals from more than 50 countries. The team is extending its mission to cover other personal protective equipment. The success of these collaborations may alter how scientific questions are tackled in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 2330 Post St suite 460, San Francisco, CA, USA
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18
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Lee SJ, Rempel D. Comparison of lift use, perceptions, and musculoskeletal symptoms between ceiling lifts and floor-based lifts in patient handling. Appl Ergon 2020; 82:102954. [PMID: 31546092 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lifting equipment can reduce the risk of injury from patient handling, but limited availability and adoption have been a persistent problem. Data from statewide surveys of California nurses (N = 389) in 2013 and 2016 were analyzed to evaluate lift use, perceptions about lifts and injury risk, and musculoskeletal symptoms by type of available lifts. Nurses with ceiling lifts (23%) were significantly more likely to use lifts and had more positive perceptions about lifts, regarding worker safety, patient safety and comfort, ease of use, access, and storing, than nurses with only floor lifts (77%). Nurses with ceiling lifts reported less low back pain and shoulder pain. Our study findings suggest that providing ceiling lifts can result in superior outcomes to floor-based lifts in multiple aspects, including better acceptance and use by nurses for patient handling, as well as being associated with reduced work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in the low back and shoulders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jeong Lee
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - David Rempel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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19
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Yung M, Dale AM, Kapellusch J, Bao S, Harris-Adamson C, Meyers AR, Hegmann KT, Rempel D, Evanoff BA. Modeling the Effect of the 2018 Revised ACGIH ® Hand Activity Threshold Limit Value ® (TLV) at Reducing Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Occup Environ Hyg 2019; 16:628-633. [PMID: 31361578 PMCID: PMC7663429 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2019.1640366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the 2001 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) Threshold Limit Value (TLV®) for Hand Activity was not sufficiently protective for workers at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These studies led to a revision of the TLV and Action Limit. This study compares the effect of applying the 2018 TLV vs. the 2001 TLV to predict incident CTS within a large occupational pooled cohort study (n = 4,321 workers). Time from study enrollment to first occurrence of CTS was modeled using Cox proportional hazard regression. Adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios for incident CTS were calculated using three exposure categories: below the Action Limit, between the Action Limit and TLV, and above the TLV. Workers exposed above the 2001 Action Limit demonstrated significant excess risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, while the 2018 TLV demonstrated significant excess risk only above the TLV. Of 186 total cases of CTS, 52 cases occurred among workers exposed above the 2001 TLV vs. 100 among those exposed above the 2018 value. Eliminating exposures above the 2001 TLV might have prevented 11.2% of all cases of CTS seen in our pooled cohort, vs. 25.1% of cases potentially prevented by keeping exposures below the 2018 value. The 2018 revision of the TLV better protects workers from CTS, a recognized occupational health indicator important to public health. A significant number of workers are currently exposed to forceful repetitive hand activity above these guidelines. Public health professionals should promulgate these new guidelines and encourage employers to reduce hand intensive exposures to prevent CTS and other musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Yung
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ann Marie Dale
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jay Kapellusch
- Department of Occupational Science and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stephen Bao
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Carisa Harris-Adamson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alysha R Meyers
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - David Rempel
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Bradley A. Evanoff
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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20
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Van Engelhoven L, Poon N, Kazerooni H, Rempel D, Barr A, Harris-Adamson C. Experimental Evaluation of a Shoulder-Support Exoskeleton for Overhead Work: Influences of Peak Torque Amplitude, Task, and Tool Mass. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2019.1637799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Logan Van Engelhoven
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Nathan Poon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Homayoon Kazerooni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - David Rempel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alan Barr
- UC Ergonomics Research & Graduate Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carisa Harris-Adamson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- UC Ergonomics Research & Graduate Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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21
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Rempel D, Barr A, Cooper MR. Effect of hollow bit local exhaust ventilation on respirable quartz dust concentrations during concrete drilling. J Occup Environ Hyg 2019; 16:336-340. [PMID: 31013200 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2019.1587171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Drilling large holes (e.g., 10-20 mm diameter) into concrete for structural upgrades to buildings, highways, bridges, and airport runways can produce concentrations of respirable silica dust well above the ACGIH® Threshold Limit Value (TLV® = 0.025 mg/m3). The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method of local exhaust ventilation, hollow bit dust extraction, and compare it to a standard shroud local exhaust ventilation and to no local exhaust ventilation. A test bench system was used to drill 19 mm diameter x 100 mm depth holes every minute for one hour under three test conditions: no local exhaust ventilation, shroud local exhaust ventilation, and hollow bit local exhaust ventilation. There were two trials for each condition. Respirable dust sampling equipment was placed on a "sampling" mannequin fixed behind the drill and analysis followed ISO and NIOSH methods. Without local exhaust ventilation, mean respirable dust concentration was 3.32 (± 0.65) mg/m3 with a quartz concentration of 16.8% by weight and respirable quartz dust concentration was 0.55 (± 0.05) mg/m3; 22 times the ACGIH TLV. For both LEV conditions, respirable dust concentrations were below the limits of detection. Applying the 16.8% quartz value, respirable quartz concentrations for both local exhaust ventilation conditions were below 0.007 mg/m3. There was no difference in respirable quartz dust concentrations between the hollow bit and the shroud local exhaust ventilation systems; both were below the limits of detection and well below the ACGIH TLV. Contractors should consider using either local exhaust ventilation method for controlling respirable silica dust while drilling into concrete.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- a Department of Bioengineering , University of California , Berkeley , California
| | - Alan Barr
- a Department of Bioengineering , University of California , Berkeley , California
| | - Michael R Cooper
- a Department of Bioengineering , University of California , Berkeley , California
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22
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Rempel D, Antonucci A, Barr A, Cooper MR, Martin B, Neitzel RL. Pneumatic rock drill vs. electric rotary hammer drill: Productivity, vibration, dust, and noise when drilling into concrete. Appl Ergon 2019; 74:31-36. [PMID: 30487106 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Both pneumatic rock drills and electric rotary hammer drills are used for drilling large holes (e.g., 10-20 mm diameter) into concrete for structural upgrades to buildings, highways, bridges, and airport tarmacs. However, little is known about the differences in productivity, and exposures to noise, handle vibration, and dust between the two types of drills. The aim of this study was to compare these outcomes with similar mass electric rotary and pneumatic rock drills drilling into concrete block on a test bench system. METHOD Three experiments were conducted on a test bench system to compare an electric (8.3 kg) and pneumatic drill (8.6 kg) on (1) noise and handle vibration, (2) respirable silica dust, and (3) drilling productivity. The test bench system repeatedly drilled 19 mm diameter x 100 mm depth holes into cured concrete block while the respective exposure levels were measured following ISO standards. RESULTS Productivity levels were similar between the electric and the pneumatic drill (9.09 mm/s vs. 8.69 mm/s ROP; p = 0.15). However, peak noise (LPeak: 117.7 vs. 139.4 dBC; p = 0.001), weighted total handle vibration (ahw: 7.15 vs. 39.14 m/s2; p = 0.002), and respirable silica dust levels (0.55 vs. 22.23 mg/m3; p = 0.003) were significantly lower for the electric than the pneumatic drill. DISCUSSION While there were no differences in drilling productivity between an electric and pneumatic drill of similar mass, there were substantial differences in exposure levels of noise, handle vibration, and respirable silica dust. Structural contractors should switch from pneumatic rock drills to electric rotary hammer drills for structural drilling into concrete in order to reduce worker exposures to the hazards of noise, hand vibration, and silica dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Andrea Antonucci
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alan Barr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Cooper
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Bernard Martin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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23
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Van Engelhoven L, Poon N, Kazerooni H, Barr A, Rempel D, Harris-Adamson C. Evaluation of an adjustable support shoulder exoskeleton on static and dynamic overhead tasks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1541931218621184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Overhead tasks increase the risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders to industrial workers. A shoulder supporting exoskeleton with adjustable and angle dependent torque (referred to as shoulderX in this paper for brevity) was designed and built at the University of California Berkeley Human Engineering and Robotics Laboratory for workers performing overhead tasks. shoulderX was designed specifically to reduce the exposure to large muscle exertion forces on the shoulder complex from overhead work. Methods: We evaluated shoulderX by measuring the muscle activation of the upper trapezius (UT), anterior deltoid (AD), triceps long head (TR), and infraspinatus (IF) during static and dynamic overhead tasks. Thirteen male subjects with experience in the construction or manufacturing industries were recruited to perform overhead tasks using light (.45 kg) and heavy (2.25 kg) weight tools with four exoskeleton support levels (0, 8.5, 13.0, 20.0 Nm peak torque). Results: During all conditions, the wearer’s shoulder flexor muscle activity of UT, AD were reduced with increasing strength of shoulderX by up to 80%. Subjects unanimously preferred the use of shoulderX over the unassisted condition for all task types (static and dynamic overhead tasks) and tool weights (.45 kg and 2.25 kg). Conclusion: shoulderX reduces the wearer’s primary muscle activity in overhead static and dynamic work and results in a more desirable and balanced pattern of shoulder complex activation. This investigation indicates that shoulderX reduces the risk of work related shoulder injuries during overhead tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan Poon
- University of California Berkeley Human Engineering and Robotics Lab
| | | | - Alan Barr
- University of California Berkeley/San Francisco Ergonomics Graduate Research Training Program
| | - David Rempel
- University of California Berkeley/San Francisco Ergonomics Graduate Research Training Program
| | - Carisa Harris-Adamson
- University of California Berkeley/San Francisco Ergonomics Graduate Research Training Program
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24
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Armstrong TJ, Burdorf A, Descatha A, Farioli A, Graf M, Horie S, Marras WS, Potvin JR, Rempel D, Spatari G, Takala EP, Verbeek J, Violante FS. Authors' response: Letter to the Editor concerning OCRA as preferred method in ISO standards on
biomechanical risk factors. Scand J Work Environ Health 2018; 44:439-440. [DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Dale AM, Ekenga CC, Buckner-Petty S, Merlino L, Thiese MS, Bao S, Meyers AR, Harris-Adamson C, Kapellusch J, Eisen EA, Gerr F, Hegmann KT, Silverstein B, Garg A, Rempel D, Zeringue A, Evanoff BA. Incident CTS in a large pooled cohort study: associations obtained by a Job Exposure Matrix versus associations obtained from observed exposures. Occup Environ Med 2018; 75:501-506. [PMID: 29599164 PMCID: PMC6035491 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background There is growing use of a job exposure matrix (JEM) to provide exposure estimates in studies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders; few studies have examined the validity of such estimates, nor did compare associations obtained with a JEM with those obtained using other exposures. Objective This study estimated upper extremity exposures using a JEM derived from a publicly available data set (Occupational Network, O*NET), and compared exposure-disease associations for incident carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with those obtained using observed physical exposure measures in a large prospective study. Methods 2393 workers from several industries were followed for up to 2.8 years (5.5 person-years). Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes were assigned to the job at enrolment. SOC codes linked to physical exposures for forceful hand exertion and repetitive activities were extracted from O*NET. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to describe exposure-disease associations for incident CTS for individually observed physical exposures and JEM exposures from O*NET. Results Both exposure methods found associations between incident CTS and exposures of force and repetition, with evidence of dose–response. Observed associations were similar across the two methods, with somewhat wider CIs for HRs calculated using the JEM method. Conclusion Exposures estimated using a JEM provided similar exposure-disease associations for CTS when compared with associations obtained using the ‘gold standard’ method of individual observation. While JEMs have a number of limitations, in some studies they can provide useful exposure estimates in the absence of individual-level observed exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Marie Dale
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christine C Ekenga
- George Warren Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Skye Buckner-Petty
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Linda Merlino
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Matthew S Thiese
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Stephen Bao
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Alysha Rose Meyers
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Carisa Harris-Adamson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jay Kapellusch
- Department of Occupational Science and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ellen A Eisen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Fred Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Barbara Silverstein
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Arun Garg
- Department of Occupational Science and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | - Bradley A Evanoff
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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Armstrong TJ, Burdorf A, Descatha A, Farioli A, Graf M, Horie S, Marras WS, Potvin JR, Rempel D, Spatari G, Takala EP, Verbeek J, Violante FS. Scientific basis of ISO standards on biomechanical risk factors. Scand J Work Environ Health 2018; 44:323-329. [DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Abstract
Workers' can be exposed to high levels of hand vibration when drilling into concrete or rock using hammer drills; exposures that can cause hand arm vibration syndrome. Exposure levels may be reduced by different drill and bit designs and drilling methods, but these interventions have not been systematically evaluated. The purpose of this project was to develop a robotic test bench system for measuring handle vibration on drills in order to compare differences in drill designs, power sources, bit designs and drilling methods. The test bench is a departure from the ISO method for measuring drill handle vibration (ISO 28927-10), which requires drilling by humans. The test bench system was designed to repeatedly drill into concrete blocks under force control while productivity and handle vibration were measured. Handle vibration levels with different drills and bit sizes were similar to those collected following ISO methods. A new robotic test bench system for measuring handle vibration is presented and validated against ISO methods and demonstrates dynamic properties similar to human drilling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alan Barr
- Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Antonucci
- Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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van der Beek AJ, Dennerlein JT, Huysmans MA, Mathiassen SE, Burdorf A, van Mechelen W, van Dieën JH, Frings-Dresen MH, Holtermann A, Janwantanakul P, van der Molen HF, Rempel D, Straker L, Walker-Bone K, Coenen P. A research framework for the development and implementation of interventions preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health 2017; 43:526-539. [PMID: 28945263 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are highly prevalent and put a large burden on (working) society. Primary prevention of work-related MSD focuses often on physical risk factors (such as manual lifting and awkward postures) but has not been too successful in reducing the MSD burden. This may partly be caused by insufficient knowledge of etiological mechanisms and/or a lack of adequately feasible interventions (theory failure and program failure, respectively), possibly due to limited integration of research disciplines. A research framework could link research disciplines thereby strengthening the development and implementation of preventive interventions. Our objective was to define and describe such a framework for multi-disciplinary research on work-related MSD prevention. Methods We described a framework for MSD prevention research, partly based on frameworks from other research fields (ie, sports injury prevention and public health). Results The framework is composed of a repeated sequence of six steps comprising the assessment of (i) incidence and severity of MSD, (ii) risk factors for MSD, and (iii) underlying mechanisms; and the (iv) development, (v) evaluation, and (vi) implementation of preventive intervention(s). Conclusions In the present framework for optimal work-related MSD prevention, research disciplines are linked. This framework can thereby help to improve theories and strengthen the development and implementation of prevention strategies for work-related MSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allard J van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational Health - VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7 NL-1081 BT Amsterdam - the Netherlands.
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Abstract
The use of large electric hammer drills exposes construction workers to high levels of hand vibration that may lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this laboratory study was to investigate the effect of bit wear on drill handle vibration and drilling productivity (e.g., drilling time per hole). A laboratory test bench system was used with an 8.3 kg electric hammer drill and 1.9 cm concrete bit (a typical drill and bit used in commercial construction). The system automatically advanced the active drill into aged concrete block under feed force control to a depth of 7.6 cm while handle vibration was measured according to ISO standards (ISO 5349 and 28927). Bits were worn to 4 levels by consecutive hole drilling to 4 cumulative drilling depths: 0, 1,900, 5,700, and 7,600 cm. Z-axis handle vibration increased significantly (p<0.05) from 4.8 to 5.1 m/s2 (ISO weighted) and from 42.7-47.6 m/s2 (unweighted) when comparing a new bit to a bit worn to 1,900 cm of cumulative drilling depth. Handle vibration did not increase further with bits worn more than 1900 cm of cumulative drilling depth. Neither x- nor y-axis handle vibration was effected by bit wear. The time to drill a hole increased by 58% for the bit with 5,700 cm of cumulative drilling depth compared to a new bit. Bit wear led to a small but significant increase in both ISO weighted and unweighted z-axis handle vibration. Perhaps more important, bit wear had a large effect on productivity. The effect on productivity will influence a worker's allowable daily drilling time if exposure to drill handle vibration is near the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value. [1] Construction contractors should implement a bit replacement program based on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antonucci
- a Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering , University of California , Berkeley , California
| | - Alan Barr
- a Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering , University of California , Berkeley , California
| | - Bernard Martin
- a Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering , University of California , Berkeley , California
| | - David Rempel
- a Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering , University of California , Berkeley , California
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Carty P, Cooper MR, Barr A, Neitzel RL, Balmes J, Rempel D. The Effects of Bit Wear on Respirable Silica Dust, Noise and Productivity: A Hammer Drill Bench Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:700-710. [PMID: 28595322 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Hammer drills are used extensively in commercial construction for drilling into concrete for tasks including rebar installation for structural upgrades and anchor bolt installation. This drilling task can expose workers to respirable silica dust and noise. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of bit wear on respirable silica dust, noise, and drilling productivity. Method Test bits were worn to three states by drilling consecutive holes to different cumulative drilling depths: 0, 780, and 1560 cm. Each state of bit wear was evaluated by three trials (nine trials total). For each trial, an automated laboratory test bench system drilled 41 holes 1.3 cm diameter, and 10 cm deep into concrete block at a rate of one hole per minute using a commercially available hammer drill and masonry bits. During each trial, dust was continuously captured by two respirable and one inhalable sampling trains and noise was sampled with a noise dosimeter. The room was thoroughly cleaned between trials. Results When comparing results for the sharp (0 cm) versus dull bit (1560 cm), the mean respirable silica increased from 0.41 to 0.74 mg m-3 in sampler 1 (P = 0.012) and from 0.41 to 0.89 mg m-3 in sampler 2 (P = 0.024); levels above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.05 mg m-3. Likewise, mean noise levels increased from 112.8 to 114.4 dBA (P < 0.00001). Drilling productivity declined with increasing wear from 10.16 to 7.76 mm s-1 (P < 0.00001). Discussion Increasing bit wear was associated with increasing respirable silica dust and noise and reduced drilling productivity. The levels of dust and noise produced by these experimental conditions would require dust capture, hearing protection, and possibly respiratory protection. The findings support the adoption of a bit replacement program by construction contractors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Carty
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Cooper
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alan Barr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John Balmes
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Rempel
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Abstract
The occupational use of video display terminals (VDTs) has been associated with the increasing incidence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, often called cumulative trauma disorders. To guide clinical and policy decisions about the prevention and treatment of these VDT related disorders, valid and economic measures of total daily VDT use and VDT related job tasks such as data entry or editing will be important. In this study of newspaper reporters and copy editors (n=83), VDT use was measured with employee self reports and by sampling the work behaviors of a subsample of employees. Behavioral sampling estimated VDT use as a characteristic of the job as opposed to a characteristic of individual employee performance. Overall, the two techniques of measuring occupational VDT use compared favorably, with the exception that self reported hours of VDT use tended to exceed the hours of use estimated by behavioral observation for employees who were younger and those who reported greater job demands. The findings suggest that behavioral sampling is a valid technique for estimating VDT use as a job characteristic.
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Janowitz I, Stern A, Morelli D, Vollowitz E, Hudes M, Rempel D. Validation and Field Testing of an Ergonomic Computer Use Checklist and Guidebook. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/154193120204601301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The authors developed a validated office ergonomics checklist that focused on outcomes instead of workstation features. The workstation is evaluated primarily through observed working postures and movement patterns while the subject performs their usual tasks. A guidebook for the improvement of computer workstations is keyed to the checklist, to lead the user in reducing risk factors and improving workstation ergonomics. The checklist was first validated in a field test with three expert evaluators. The checklist and guidebook were later tested with a large employer and used as a self-evaluation instrument, by a co-worker, and by an Ergonomics Coordinator with training and experience. Workstations were evaluated by an independent ergonomist before and after interventions were made. Results indicated that the checklist and guidebook were effective in making significant improvements in workstation conditions when administered by an Ergonomics Coordinator, but not when used as a self-assessment or by an untrained co-worker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira Janowitz
- University of California San Francisco/Berkeley Ergonomics Program
| | - Arlie Stern
- University of California San Francisco/Berkeley Ergonomics Program
| | - Don Morelli
- University of California San Francisco/Berkeley Ergonomics Program
| | - Eileen Vollowitz
- University of California San Francisco/Berkeley Ergonomics Program
| | - Mark Hudes
- University of California San Francisco/Berkeley Ergonomics Program
| | - David Rempel
- University of California San Francisco/Berkeley Ergonomics Program
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Jacobson M, Rempel D, Martin B, Keir P, Dennerlein J. Comparison of Surface to Indwelling Extrinsic Finger Muscle EMG during use of Computer Pointing Devices. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/154193129804200604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Differences between indwelling and surface electromyography (EMG) were quantified by simultaneously recording extrinsic muscle activity of the index finger (flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), extensor indicis proprius (EIP), and extensor digitorum communis (EDC)) in a laboratory-based study. Eleven subjects performed computer-related pointing and dragging tasks using a mouse, pen and tablet, touchpad, and trackball. Surface electrodes poorly estimated FDP activity as demonstrated by low and variable cross-correlation values (0.47–0.64) and variable, high estimated error (RMS difference=11–46%MVC). Surface electrodes estimated FDS activity well (cross-correlation=0.79; RMS difference=11%MVC) when hand and forearm posture changes were minimized. Differences in forearm supination and pronation reduced the quality of FDS muscle activity estimation. Surface electrodes estimated EIP and EDC activity well with high cross-correlation values (0.77–0.84) and low RMS differences (8–12%MVC). Surface EMG can be used to assess EIP and EDC activity, and FDS activity when posture changes are minimized, during pointing device tasks. Surface EMG does not accurately assess FDP activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Jacobson
- University of California - San Francisco and Berkeley, Ergonomics Laboratory
| | - David Rempel
- University of California - San Francisco and Berkeley, Ergonomics Laboratory
| | | | - Peter Keir
- University of California - San Francisco and Berkeley, Ergonomics Laboratory
| | - Jack Dennerlein
- University of California - San Francisco and Berkeley, Ergonomics Laboratory
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Abstract
Fifty experienced typists participated in a laboratory based repeated measures study with two factors: keyboard height (three) and keyboard configuration (three). The work surface heights tested were 63, 67 and 71 cm. The three keyboard configurations tested were: standard (Apple Extended™), alternative keyboard A (Microsoft Natural Keyboard) and alternative keyboard B (equivalent to Natural Keyboard with Leveler™ extended). Wrist and forearm posture data was acquired using electronic goniometers during 10 minutes of typing at each keyboard/height level. Across all heights tested, wrist extension, wrist ulnar deviation, and forearm pronation were statistically significantly closer to neutral when using alternative keyboard B than when using the standard keyboard.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Honan
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
| | - E Serina
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
| | - R Tal
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
| | - D Rempel
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
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Abstract
Twenty experienced typists participated in a laboratory based study to determine whether wrist and forearm postures changed over a 4 hour period of intensive keyboard use. Subjects were randomly assigned to use a conventional keyboard or a fixed split keyboard. Posture data was acquired using electrogoniometers after a 10 warm-up period and at the end of each hour. Wrist and forearm postures did not change significantly over the four hour period among subjects using the split geometry keyboard. On the conventional keyboard, all joint postures were stable except right wrist extension and left forearm pronation. The right wrist extension increased by 5° over the four hour period (p=.002) and left pronation decreased by approximately 9° (p=.001). Wrist postures among typists exposed for the first time to a split keyboard remained constant throughout a four hour period of intensive typing. On the conventional keyboard, some postures drifted over the four hour period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Honan
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
| | - M Jacobson
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
| | - R Tal
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
| | - D Rempel
- Ergonomics Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley
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Graham B, Peljovich AE, Afra R, Cho MS, Gray R, Stephenson J, Gurman A, MacDermid J, Mlady G, Patel AT, Rempel D, Rozental TD, Salajegheh MK, Keith MW, Jevsevar DS, Shea KG, Bozic KJ, Adams J, Evans JM, Lubahn J, Ray WZ, Spinner R, Thomson G, Shaffer WO, Cummins DS, Murray JN, Mohiuddin M, Mullen K, Shores P, Woznica A, Linskey E, Martinez Y, Sevarino K. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline on: Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2016; 98:1750-1754. [PMID: 27869627 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.16.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Abstract
The relationship of chronic musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendinitis, to prolonged alphanumeric keyboard use is controversial. Known risk-factors for these disorders, such as repetition of task, forceful exertions, awkward joint postures, direct mechanical pressure, and prolonged constrained posture, may be applicable to keyboard use. In this study fingertip forces were measured for 10 typists using three alphanumeric keyboards that differed only in their key force and displacement characteristics. While subjects typed, peak fingertip force was collected for each keystroke using strain gauge load cells. The mean peak fingertip forces applied by all subjects for all keys for the three keyboards were 193 gm, 182 gm and 220 gm; significantly different means. The 18% reduction in fingertip force in the second keyboard compared with the third is attributed to a higher minimum force of activation and a higher force at total key travel in the third keyboard. This study indicates that keyboard key force-displacement characteristics can be altered to reduce the fingertip forces applied by typists and theoretically this may reduce the risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- Ergonomics Lab, University of California, San Francisco, California Thomas Armstrong, Jim Foulke, and Bernard Martin University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jack Gerson
- Ergonomics Lab, University of California, San Francisco, California Thomas Armstrong, Jim Foulke, and Bernard Martin University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Harris-Adamson C, Eisen EA, Neophytou A, Kapellusch J, Garg A, Hegmann KT, Thiese MS, Dale AM, Evanoff B, Bao S, Silverstein B, Gerr F, Burt S, Rempel D. Biomechanical and psychosocial exposures are independent risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome: assessment of confounding using causal diagrams. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:727-734. [PMID: 27466616 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 2001 and 2010, six research groups conducted coordinated prospective studies of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) incidence among US workers from various industries to estimate exposure-response relationships. OBJECTIVE This analysis examined the presence and magnitude of confounding between biomechanical and workplace psychosocial factors and incidence of dominant-hand CTS. METHODS 1605 participants, without CTS at enrolment, were followed for up to 3.5 years (2471 person-years). Demographic information, medical history and workplace psychosocial stress measures were collected at baseline. Individual workplace biomechanical exposures were collected for each task and combined across the workweek using time-weighted averaging (TWA). CTS case criteria were based on symptoms and results of electrophysiological testing. HRs were estimated with Cox proportional hazard models. Confounding was assessed using causal diagrams and an empirical criterion of 10% or greater change in effect estimate magnitude. RESULTS There were 109 incident CTS cases (IR=4.41/100 person-years; 6.7% cumulative incidence). The relationships between CTS and forceful repetition rate, % time forceful hand exertion and the Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level (TLV-HAL) were slightly confounded by decision latitude with effect estimates being attenuated towards the null (10-14% change) after adjustment. The risk of CTS among participants reporting high job strain was attenuated towards the null by 14% after adjusting for the HAL Scale or the % time forceful hand exertions. CONCLUSIONS Although attenuation of the relationships between CTS and some biomechanical and work psychosocial exposures was observed after adjusting for confounding, the magnitudes were small and confirmed biomechanical and work psychosocial exposures as independent risk factors for incident CTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carisa Harris-Adamson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Ellen A Eisen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Andreas Neophytou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jay Kapellusch
- Center for Ergonomics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Arun Garg
- Center for Ergonomics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Matthew S Thiese
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ann Marie Dale
- Division of General Medical Science, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Bradley Evanoff
- Division of General Medical Science, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephen Bao
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Barbara Silverstein
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Fred Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Susan Burt
- formerly with National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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Valic MS, Leong WL, Done SJ, Wilson BC, Kulkarni S, McCready DR, Niu CJ, Atachia Y, Munro EA, Rempel D. Abstract P4-03-05: Wide-field optical coherence tomography (WF-OCT) for near real-time, point-of-care assessment of margin status in breast-conserving surgery specimens: Results of a feasibility study at a high-volume single-centre. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs15-p4-03-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Wide-Field Optical Coherence Tomography (WF-OCT) is a non-destructive, non-contact light imaging modality capable of label-free visualization of the internal microscopic architecture of breast tissue specimens. Its unique combination of high-resolution imaging in near real-time with tissue penetration depths approaching 2-mm makes it a promising imaging modality for obtaining detailed surgical margin status in breast-conserving surgery (BCS) specimens. A prototype WF-OCT imaging platform developed by Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc. (Toronto, Canada) has permitted fully-automated, dynamically-focused visualization of margin widths around the intact surfaces of freshly excised BCS specimens. Herein are reported the results of a feasibility study at a high-volume single-centre evaluating the routine use of WF-OCT for sampling of surgical margin status in BCS specimens at the point-of-care.
Methods: Women with biopsy confirmed breast cancer and scheduled for primary BCS were recruited at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Canada). Standard medical care was not altered. Freshly excised BCS specimens including all lumpectomy samples were imaged by WF-OCT immediately prior to standard histological processing. The system acquired dynamically-focused, hemispherical coverage over two contra-lateral surfaces of the intact BCS specimen within the time constraints of the cold ischemic time window. High-resolution (10 μm) images of the tissue surface down to a 1 to 2-mm depth were obtained. Blinded assessments were performed on image data sets by two clinical readers (surgeon and radiologist) trained on a validated and unrelated data set correlating OCT images with histology slides. The readers were first asked to independently assess margin status using only blinded pre- and intra-operative knowledge (without OCT). Upon completion, the readers were provided OCT images of all scanned surface and similarly asked to assess the margin status with the additional OCT information. These assessments were subsequently evaluated by a breast pathologist comparing the OCT images and corresponding histopathology sections. The added utility of WF-OCT imaging information for margin prediction was studied.
Results: [Pending study completion in August 2015]. Through accurate correlation with the histopathologic gold standard, OCT demonstrated capability to differentiate tissue microstructures, including: distinctive patterns for adipose tissue, fibrous stroma, breast lobules and ducts, cysts and microcysts, as well as in-situ and invasive carcinomas.
Implications: The fully-automated WF-OCT imaging platform can integrate conveniently into standard pathological processing workflows to provide comprehensive sampling of surgical margin status in BCS specimens at the point-of-care. Clinical readers from surgical and radiological backgrounds can be trained to competently interpret WF-OCT images of BCS specimens for accurate prediction margin status. The implementation of WF-OCT at the point-of-care for routine surgical margin assessments will be further explored in future clinical trials.
Citation Format: Valic MS, Leong WL, Done SJ, Wilson BC, Kulkarni S, McCready DR, Niu CJ, Atachia Y, Munro EA, Rempel D. Wide-field optical coherence tomography (WF-OCT) for near real-time, point-of-care assessment of margin status in breast-conserving surgery specimens: Results of a feasibility study at a high-volume single-centre. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-03-05.
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Affiliation(s)
- MS Valic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - WL Leong
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - SJ Done
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - BC Wilson
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - S Kulkarni
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - DR McCready
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - CJ Niu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Y Atachia
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - EA Munro
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - D Rempel
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Perimeter Medical Imaging, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Van Eerd D, Munhall C, Irvin E, Rempel D, Brewer S, van der Beek AJ, Dennerlein JT, Tullar J, Skivington K, Pinion C, Amick B. Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: an update of the evidence. Occup Environ Med 2015; 73:62-70. [PMID: 26552695 PMCID: PMC4717459 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-102992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The burden of disabling musculoskeletal pain and injuries (musculoskeletal disorders, MSDs) arising from work-related causes in many workplaces remains substantial. There is little consensus on the most appropriate interventions for MSDs. Our objective was to update a systematic review of workplace-based interventions for preventing and managing upper extremity MSD (UEMSD). We followed a systematic review process developed by the Institute for Work & Health and an adapted best evidence synthesis. 6 electronic databases were searched (January 2008 until April 2013 inclusive) yielding 9909 non-duplicate references. 26 high-quality and medium-quality studies relevant to our research question were combined with 35 from the original review to synthesise the evidence on 30 different intervention categories. There was strong evidence for one intervention category, resistance training, leading to the recommendation: Implementing a workplace-based resistance training exercise programme can help prevent and manage UEMSD and symptoms. The synthesis also revealed moderate evidence for stretching programmes, mouse use feedback and forearm supports in preventing UEMSD or symptoms. There was also moderate evidence for no benefit for EMG biofeedback, job stress management training, and office workstation adjustment for UEMSD and symptoms. Messages are proposed for both these and other intervention categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Van Eerd
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Munhall
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - E Irvin
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Richmond, California, USA
| | - S Brewer
- CB&I, Inc, The Woodlands, Texas, USA
| | - A J van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J T Dennerlein
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Tullar
- School of Public Health, Institute for Health Policy, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - K Skivington
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - C Pinion
- CB&I, Inc, The Woodlands, Texas, USA
| | - B Amick
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, Florida, USA
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Madison H, Pereira A, Korshøj M, Taylor L, Barr A, Rempel D. Mind the Gap: The Effect of Keyboard Key Gap and Pitch on Typing Speed, Accuracy, and Usability, Part 3. Hum Factors 2015; 57:1188-1194. [PMID: 26002872 DOI: 10.1177/0018720815587423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of key gap (distance between edges of keys) on computer keyboards on typing speed, percentage error, preference, and usability. BACKGROUND In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, a small key pitch (center-to-center distance between keys) was found to reduce productivity and usability, but the findings were confounded by gap. In this study, key gap was varied while holding key pitch constant. METHOD Participants (N = 25) typed on six keyboards, which differed in gap between keys (1, 3, or 5 mm) and pitch (16 or 17 mm; distance between centers of keys), while typing speed, accuracy, usability, and preference were measured. RESULTS There was no statistical interaction between gap and pitch. Accuracy was better for keyboards with a gap of 5 mm compared to a 1-mm gap (p = .04). Net typing speed (p = .02), accuracy (p = .002), and most usability measures were better for keyboards with a pitch of 17 mm compared to a 16-mm pitch. CONCLUSIONS The study findings support keyboard designs with a gap between keys of 5 mm over 1 mm and a key pitch of 17 mm over 16 mm. APPLICATIONS These findings may influence keyboard standards and design, especially the design of small keyboards used with portable devices, such as tablets and laptops.
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Abstract
Drilling holes into concrete with heavy hammer and rock drills is one of the most physically demanding tasks performed in commercial construction and poses risks for musculoskeletal disorders, noise induced hearing loss, hand arm vibration syndrome and silicosis. The aim of this study was to (1) use a participatory process to develop a rig to support pneumatic rock drills or large electric hammer drills in order to reduce the health risks and (2) evaluate the usability of the rig. Seven prototype rigs for supporting large hammer drills were developed and modified with feedback from commercial contractors and construction workers. The final design was evaluated by laborers and electricians (N=29) who performed their usual concrete drilling with the usual method and the new rig. Subjective regional fatigue was significantly less in the neck, shoulders, hands and arms, and lower back) when using the universal rig compared to the usual manual method. Usability ratings for the rig were significantly better than the usual method on stability, control, drilling, accuracy, and vibration. Drilling time was reduced by approximately 50% with the rig. Commercial construction contractors, laborers and electricians who use large hammer drills for drilling many holes should consider using such a rig to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Alan Barr
- Ergonomics Program, Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley
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Rempel D, Camilleri MJ, Lee DL. The Design of Hand Gestures for Human-Computer Interaction: Lessons from Sign Language Interpreters. Int J Hum Comput Stud 2015; 72:728-735. [PMID: 26028955 PMCID: PMC4447613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The design and selection of 3D modeled hand gestures for human-computer interaction should follow principles of natural language combined with the need to optimize gesture contrast and recognition. The selection should also consider the discomfort and fatigue associated with distinct hand postures and motions, especially for common commands. Sign language interpreters have extensive and unique experience forming hand gestures and many suffer from hand pain while gesturing. Professional sign language interpreters (N=24) rated discomfort for hand gestures associated with 47 characters and words and 33 hand postures. Clear associations of discomfort with hand postures were identified. In a nominal logistic regression model, high discomfort was associated with gestures requiring a flexed wrist, discordant adjacent fingers, or extended fingers. These and other findings should be considered in the design of hand gestures to optimize the relationship between human cognitive and physical processes and computer gesture recognition systems for human-computer input.
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Edsfeldt S, Rempel D, Kursa K, Diao E, Lattanza L. In vivo flexor tendon forces generated during different rehabilitation exercises. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2015; 40:705-10. [PMID: 26115682 DOI: 10.1177/1753193415591491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We measured in vivo forces in the flexor digitorum profundus and the flexor digitorum superficialis tendons during commonly used rehabilitation manoeuvres after flexor tendon repair by placing a buckle force transducer on the tendons of the index finger in the carpal canal during open carpal tunnel release of 12 patients. We compared peak forces for each manoeuvre with the reported strength of a flexor tendon repair. Median flexor digitorum profundus force (24 N) during isolated flexor digitorum profundus flexion and median flexor digitorum superficialis force (13 N) during isolated flexor digitorum superficialis flexion were significantly higher than during the other manoeuvres. Significantly higher median forces were observed in the flexor digitorum superficialis with the wrist at 30° flexion (6 N) compared with the neutral wrist position (5 N). Median flexor digitorum profundus forces were significantly higher during active finger flexion (6 N) compared with place and hold (3 N). Place and hold and active finger flexion with the wrist in the neutral position or tenodesis generated the lowest forces; isolated flexion of these tendons generated higher forces along the flexor tendons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III (controlled trial without randomization).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Edsfeldt
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - D Rempel
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - K Kursa
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - E Diao
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - L Lattanza
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
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Pereira A, Wachs JP, Park K, Rempel D. A User-Developed 3-D Hand Gesture Set for Human-Computer Interaction. Hum Factors 2015; 57:607-621. [PMID: 25977321 DOI: 10.1177/0018720814559307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to develop a lexicon for 3-D hand gestures for common human-computer interaction (HCI) tasks by considering usability and effort ratings. BACKGROUND Recent technologies create an opportunity for developing a free-form 3-D hand gesture lexicon for HCI. METHOD Subjects (N = 30) with prior experience using 2-D gestures on touch screens performed 3-D gestures of their choice for 34 common HCI tasks and rated their gestures on preference, match, ease, and effort. Videos of the 1,300 generated gestures were analyzed for gesture popularity, order, and response times. Gesture hand postures were rated by the authors on biomechanical risk and fatigue. RESULTS A final task gesture set is proposed based primarily on subjective ratings and hand posture risk. The different dimensions used for evaluating task gestures were not highly correlated and, therefore, measured different properties of the task-gesture match. APPLICATION A method is proposed for generating a user-developed 3-D gesture lexicon for common HCIs that involves subjective ratings and a posture risk rating for minimizing arm and hand fatigue.
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Fan ZJ, Harris-Adamson C, Gerr F, Eisen EA, Hegmann KT, Bao S, Silverstein B, Evanoff B, Dale AM, Thiese MS, Garg A, Kapellusch J, Burt S, Merlino L, Rempel D. Associations between workplace factors and carpal tunnel syndrome: A multi-site cross sectional study. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:509-18. [PMID: 25778111 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few large epidemiologic studies have used rigorous case criteria, individual-level exposure measurements, and appropriate control for confounders to examine associations between workplace psychosocial and biomechanical factors and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS Pooling data from five independent research studies, we assessed associations between prevalent CTS and personal, work psychosocial, and biomechanical factors while adjusting for confounders using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Prevalent CTS was associated with personal factors of older age, obesity, female sex, medical conditions, previous distal upper extremity disorders, workplace measures of peak forceful hand activity, a composite measure of force and repetition (ACGIH Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level), and hand vibration. CONCLUSIONS In this cross-sectional analysis of production and service workers, CTS prevalence was associated with workplace and biomechanical factors. The findings were similar to those from a prospective analysis of the same cohort with differences that may be due to recall bias and other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. Joyce Fan
- Washington Traffic Safety Commission; Olympia Washington
| | - Carisa Harris-Adamson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; University of California Berkeley; Berkeley California
- Department of Physical Therapy; Samuel Merritt University; Oakland California
| | - Fred Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health; College of Public Health; University of Iowa; Iowa City Iowa
| | - Ellen A. Eisen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; University of California Berkeley; Berkeley California
| | - Kurt T. Hegmann
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH); University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah
| | - Stephen Bao
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program; Washington State Department of Labor and Industries; Olympia Washington
| | - Barbara Silverstein
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program; Washington State Department of Labor and Industries; Olympia Washington
| | - Bradley Evanoff
- Division of General Medical Science; Washington University School of Medicine; Saint Louis Missouri
| | - Ann Marie Dale
- Division of General Medical Science; Washington University School of Medicine; Saint Louis Missouri
| | - Matthew S. Thiese
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH); University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah
| | - Arun Garg
- Center for Ergonomics; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Jay Kapellusch
- Center for Ergonomics; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Susan Burt
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Linda Merlino
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health; College of Public Health; University of Iowa; Iowa City Iowa
| | - David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco California
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Dale AM, Zeringue A, Harris-Adamson C, Rempel D, Bao S, Thiese MS, Merlino L, Burt S, Kapellusch J, Garg A, Gerr F, Hegmann KT, Eisen EA, Evanoff B. General population job exposure matrix applied to a pooled study of prevalent carpal tunnel syndrome. Am J Epidemiol 2015; 181:431-9. [PMID: 25700886 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwu286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A job exposure matrix may be useful for the study of biomechanical workplace risk factors when individual-level exposure data are unavailable. We used job title-based exposure data from a public data source to construct a job exposure matrix and test exposure-response relationships with prevalent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Exposures of repetitive motion and force from the Occupational Information Network were assigned to 3,452 active workers from several industries, enrolled between 2001 and 2008 from 6 studies. Repetitive motion and force exposures were combined into high/high, high/low, and low/low exposure groupings in each of 4 multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for personal factors. Although force measures alone were not independent predictors of CTS in these data, strong associations between combined physical exposures of force and repetition and CTS were observed in all models. Consistent with previous literature, this report shows that workers with high force/high repetition jobs had the highest prevalence of CTS (odds ratio = 2.14-2.95) followed by intermediate values (odds ratio = 1.09-2.27) in mixed exposed jobs relative to the lowest exposed workers. This study supports the use of a general population job exposure matrix to estimate workplace physical exposures in epidemiologic studies of musculoskeletal disorders when measures of individual exposures are unavailable.
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Abstract
A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for Government Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value®(TLV®) was based on exertion frequency (F) and percentage duty cycle (D). The TLV® includes a table for estimating HAL from F and D originating from data in Latko et al. (Latko WA, Armstrong TJ, Foulke JA, Herrin GD, Rabourn RA, Ulin SS, Development and evaluation of an observational method for assessing repetition in hand tasks. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 58(4):278-285, 1997) and post hoc adjustments that include extrapolations outside of the data range. Multimedia video task analysis determined D for two additional jobs from Latko's study not in the original data-set, and a new nonlinear regression equation was developed to better fit the data and create a more accurate table. The equation, HAL = 6:56 ln D[F(1:31) /1+3:18 F(1:31), generally matches the TLV® HAL lookup table, and is a substantial improvement over the linear model, particularly for F>1.25 Hz and D>60% jobs. The equation more closely fits the data and applies the TLV® using a continuous function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Radwin
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Corresponding Author University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1608,
| | - David P. Azari
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Mary J. Lindstrom
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Sheryl S. Ulin
- Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan
| | | | - David Rempel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Akkas O, Azari DP, Chen CHE, Hu YH, Ulin SS, Armstrong TJ, Rempel D, Radwin RG. A hand speed-duty cycle equation for estimating the ACGIH hand activity level rating. Ergonomics 2015; 58:184-94. [PMID: 25343278 PMCID: PMC4664886 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.966155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
An equation was developed for estimating hand activity level (HAL) directly from tracked root mean square (RMS) hand speed (S) and duty cycle (D). Table lookup, equation or marker-less video tracking can estimate HAL from motion/exertion frequency (F) and D. Since automatically estimating F is sometimes complex, HAL may be more readily assessed using S. Hands from 33 videos originally used for the HAL rating were tracked to estimate S, scaled relative to hand breadth (HB), and single-frame analysis was used to measure D. Since HBs were unknown, a Monte Carlo method was employed for iteratively estimating the regression coefficients from US Army anthropometry survey data. The equation: HAL = 10[e(-15:87+0:02D+2:25 ln S)/(1+e(-15:87+0:02D+2:25 ln S)], R(2) = 0.97, had a residual range ± 0.5 HAL. The S equation superiorly fits the Latko et al. ( 1997 ) data and predicted independently observed HAL values (Harris 2011) better (MSE = 0.16) than the F equation (MSE = 1.28).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oguz Akkas
- a Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
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Rempel D, Gerr F, Harris-Adamson C, Hegmann KT, Thiese MS, Kapellusch J, Garg A, Burt S, Bao S, Silverstein B, Merlino L, Dale AM, Evanoff B. Personal and workplace factors and median nerve function in a pooled study of 2396 US workers. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57:98-104. [PMID: 25563546 PMCID: PMC4440794 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate associations between personal and workplace factors and median nerve conduction latency at the wrist. METHODS Baseline data on workplace psychosocial and physical exposures were pooled from four prospective studies of production and service workers (N = 2396). During the follow-up period, electrophysiologic measures of median nerve function were collected at regular intervals. RESULTS Significant adjusted associations were observed between age, body mass index, sex, peak hand force, duration of forceful hand exertions, Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Limit, forceful repetition rate, wrist extension, and decision latitude on median nerve latencies. CONCLUSIONS Occupational and nonoccupational factors have adverse effects on median nerve function. Measuring median nerve function eliminates possible reporting bias that may affect symptom-based carpal tunnel syndrome case definitions. These results suggest that previously observed associations between carpal tunnel syndrome and occupational factors are not the result of such reporting bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rempel
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Drs Rempel and Harris-Adamson), University of California at San Francisco; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (Dr Gerr and Ms Merlino), College of Public Health, University of Iowa; the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (Drs Hegmann and Thiese), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; Department of Occupational Science and Technology (Drs Kapellusch and Garg), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Dr Burt), Cincinnati, Ohio; the Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention Program (Drs Bao and Silverstein), Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia; and the Division of General Medical Science (Drs Dale and Evanoff), Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis
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