Effects of mop handle height on shoulder muscle activity and perceived exertion during floor mopping using a figure eight method

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of mop handle height on electromyographic (EMG) activities of the shoulder muscles and perceived exertion for the shoulder area during floor mopping using a figure eight method. An experimental study with 13 cleaners was conducted using surface EMG and category ratio (CR-10) scale. EMG activity was recorded unilaterally from the upper trapezius, infraspinatus, anterior and middle deltoid muscles. Each subject performed four trials of mopping and each trial consisted of using a different mop handle height (mop adjustment at the level of shoulder, chin, nose and eye) in randomized order. EMG data were normalized to a percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC). The muscle activities were assessed by estimating the 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles of the amplitude probability distribution function (APDF) of the EMG signals and analysed by linear mixed model analysis. Results showed that shoulder muscle activity was significantly lower when the mop handle height was adjusted to shoulder level or chin level as compared to eye level. These findings were supported by subjective ratings of exertion. It seems that mop handle height adjustment between shoulder and chin level may be recommended as a basis for figure eight mopping.     

Heat Wave–Associated Vibriosis,Sweden and Finland, 2014

During summer 2014, a total of 89 Vibrio infections were reported in Sweden and Finland, substantially more yearly infections than previously have been reported in northern Europe. Infections were spread across most coastal counties of Sweden and Finland, but unusually, numerous infections were reported in subarctic regions; cases were reported as far north as 65°N, ≈100 miles (160 km) from the Arctic Circle. Most infections were caused by non-O1/O139 V. cholerae (70 cases, corresponding to 77% of the total, all strains were negative for the cholera toxin gene). An extreme heat wave in northern Scandinavia during summer 2014 led to unprecedented high sea surface temperatures, which appear to have been responsible for the emergence of Vibrio bacteria at these latitudes. The emergence of vibriosis in high-latitude regions requires improved diagnostic detection and clinical awareness of these emerging pathogens.     

Effects of histamine H3 receptor ligands on the rewarding, stimulant and motor-impairing effects of ethanol in DBA/2J mice

Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists are currently being investigated for the possible therapeutic use in various cognitive deficits such as those in schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Our previous studies suggest a role for H3Rs in ethanol-related behaviors in rat and mice. Here we have examined the role of different H3R ligands on the effects of ethanol in conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, stimulation of locomotor activity and motor impairment in rotarod and balance beam in male DBA/2J mice. We found that H3R antagonists ciproxifan and JNJ-10181457 inhibited the ethanol-evoked CPP whereas H3R agonist immepip did not alter ethanol-induced place preference. Acute stimulatory response by ethanol was also modulated by H3R ligands. Ciproxifan increased ethanol activation when ethanol was given 1g/kg but not at 1.5g/kg dose. Immepip pretreatment diminished ethanol stimulation and increased motor-impairing effects of ethanol on the balance beam. In conclusion, these findings give further evidence of the involvement of H3R in the regulation of the effects of ethanol. The inhibition of ethanol reward by H3R antagonism implies that H3R might be a possible target to suppress compulsory ethanol seeking. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.     

“Under My Umbrella”: The housing experiences of HIV positive parents who live with and care for their children in Ontario

Positive Spaces, Healthy Places (PSHP) is the first longitudinal community-based research (CBR) initiative in Canada to examine housing stability and its relationship to health related quality of life (HRQOL) for people living with of HIV/AIDS (PHAs). As part of our mixed method data collection strategy in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 PHAs across Ontario to provide a deeper understanding of the impact that housing instability has on their mental and physical health. Emerging from the qualitative interviews were the unique issues and concerns that were reported by parents who live with and care for their children. These parents face dire housing, economic and social challenges that are associated with significant risks for poor health outcomes. Poor housing conditions, unsafe neighborhoods, barriers to supports for themselves and their children, HIV related stigma, discrimination, racism, and poverty have been identified by these families as being among their most pressing concerns. This results in increased stress and anxiety that has a negative impact on the mental health of HIV positive parents. In order to more effectively support HIV positive parents and their children, health and social service practices and policies must respond to the unique challenges that face these families.     

“Why are you pregnant? What were you thinking?”: How women navigate experiences of HIV-related stigma in medical settings during pregnancy and birth

Having children is a growing reality for women living with HIV in Canada. It is imperative to understand and respond to women’s unique experiences and psychosocial challenges during pregnancy and as mothers including HIV-related stigma. This qualitative study used a narrative methodological approach to understand women’s experiences of HIV-related stigma as they navigate health services in pregnancy (n = 66) and early postpartum (n = 64). Narratives of women living with HIV expose the spaces where stigmatizing practices emerge as women seek perinatal care and support, as well as highlight the relationship between HIV-related stigma and disclosure, and the impact this has on women’s pregnancy and birthing experiences.