Javier Jiménez-Martín

Monash University

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i-10 index

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Maylin Wong-Guerra

Universidad de Santiago de Chile

Christina Dimitriadis

Monash University

Fiona Hore‐Lacy

Monash University

Yanier Núñez-Figueredo

Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear

Karen Walker‐Bone

Monash University

Deborah C. Glass

Monash University

Malcolm Sim

Monash University

Adriano Martimbianco de Assis

Universidade Católica de Pelotas

Ryan Hoy

Monash University

Stella May Gwini

Monash University

Cooperative Institutions

Universidade Católica de Pelotas

Monash University

Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear

Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo de medicamentos

International Center of Neurologic Restoration

The Alfred Hospital

University of Queensland

Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo

Centre d'Innovació i Desenvolupament Empresarial

Centro de Información y Desarrollo de la Mujer

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i-10 index

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Psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) in silica-exposed workers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

BMC Psychiatry (2024)

Fiona Hore‐Lacy Stella May Gwini Deborah C. Glass Christina Dimitriadis Javier Jiménez-Martín

Abstract Background The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) has been used in a range of occupational cohorts, but only recently in stone benchtop workers undergoing screening for silicosis. The aim of this study was to compare psychometric properties of the PSS-10 in stone benchtop workers amongst those born overseas or who used an interpreter. Methods Stone benchtop workers in Melbourne, Australia completed the PSS-10 as part of their occupational screening for silicosis. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s α for the total score and the positive and negative subscales. Validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Analysis was performed for the total group and for subgroups according to sex, interpreter use, overseas-born, and language spoken at home. Results The results of 682 workers with complete PSS-10 scores were included in analysis. Most participants were male (93%), with mean age 36.9 years (SD 11.4), with just over half (51.6%) born in Australia, 10.1% using an interpreter, and 17.5% using a language other than English at home. Cronbach’s α for the overall group (α = 0.878) suggested good internal consistency. Discussion CFA analysis for validity testing suggested PSS-10 performance was good for both sexes, moderate for country of birth and language spoken at home categories, but poorer for those who used an interpreter. Whilst professional interpreters provide a range of benefits in the clinical setting, the use of translated and validated instruments are important, particularly in cohorts with large numbers of migrant workers. Conclusion This study describes the psychometric properties of the PSS-10 in a population of stone benchtop workers, with good internal consistency, and mixed performance from validity testing across various subgroups.

10.1186/s12888-024-05613-6

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Citations (2)

Motor dysfunction and alterations in glutathione concentration, cholinesterase activity, and BDNF expression in substantia nigra pars compacta in rats with pedunculopontine lesion

Neuroscience (2017)

Lisette Blanco-Lezcano Javier Jiménez-Martín Mei-Li Díaz-Hung Esteban Alberti‐Amador Maylin Wong-Guerra

Pars compacta

Pedunculopontine nucleus

Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus

10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.02.008

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Citations (9)

Screening Workers for Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica: Development and Usability of an Electronic Data Capture Tool

JMIR Human Factors (2025)

Fiona Hore‐Lacy Christina Dimitriadis Ryan Hoy Javier Jiménez-Martín Malcolm Sim

Abstract Background Cases of the occupational lung disease silicosis have been identified in workers processing artificial stone in the stone benchtop industry (SBI). In the Australian state of Victoria, the Regulator commissioned a screening program for all workers in this industry. Objective To facilitate systematic data collection, including high-quality exposure assessment, an electronic data capture tool (EDCT) was developed. Methods A multidisciplinary team developed an EDCT using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap; Vanderbilt University). The needs of the EDCT were (1) data entry by multiple clinicians and the workers attending for screening and (2) systematic collection of data for clinical and research purposes. The comprehensibility and utility of the tool were investigated with a sample of workers, and the EDCT was subsequently refined. Results The EDCT was used in clinical practice, with capacity for data extraction for research. Testing of comprehension and utility was undertaken with 15 workers, and the refined version of the Occupational Silica Exposure Assessment Tool (OSEAT) was subsequently developed. Conclusions The refined OSEAT has been determined to be comprehensible to workers and capable of collecting exposure data suitable for assessment of risk of silicosis. It was developed for workers in the SBI in Australia and is adaptable, including translation into other languages. It can also be modified for SBI workers in other countries and for use by workers from other industries (mining, construction) at risk of silica exposure, including in lower-income settings.

Electronic data capture

Silicosis

Data extraction

Electronic data

10.2196/64111

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Corrigendum to “JM-20 treatment prevents neuronal damage and memory impairment induced by aluminum chloride in rats” [Neurotoxicology 87 (2021) 70–85]

NeuroToxicology (2023)

Maylin Wong-Guerra Yanay Montano-Peguero Jeney Ramírez-Sánchez Javier Jiménez-Martín Luis Arturo Fonseca-Fonseca

Memory Impairment

Neuronal damage

10.1016/j.neuro.2023.09.003

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Cholinergic modulation of sensory processing in awake mouse cortex

Scientific Reports (2021)

Javier Jiménez-Martín Д. О. Потапов Kay Potapov Thomas Knöpfel Ruth M. Empson

Abstract Cholinergic modulation of brain activity is fundamental for awareness and conscious sensorimotor behaviours, but deciphering the timing and significance of acetylcholine actions for these behaviours is challenging. The widespread nature of cholinergic projections to the cortex means that new insights require access to specific neuronal populations, and on a time-scale that matches behaviourally relevant cholinergic actions. Here, we use fast, voltage imaging of L2/3 cortical pyramidal neurons exclusively expressing the genetically-encoded voltage indicator Butterfly 1.2, in awake, head-fixed mice, receiving sensory stimulation, whilst manipulating the cholinergic system. Altering muscarinic acetylcholine function re-shaped sensory-evoked fast depolarisation and subsequent slow hyperpolarisation of L2/3 pyramidal neurons. A consequence of this re-shaping was disrupted adaptation of the sensory-evoked responses, suggesting a critical role for acetylcholine during sensory discrimination behaviour. Our findings provide new insights into how the cortex processes sensory information and how loss of acetylcholine, for example in Alzheimer’s Disease, disrupts sensory behaviours.

Sensory Processing

Sensory cortex

Sensory stimulation therapy

10.1038/s41598-021-96696-8

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Citations (9)

Stimulation of the muscarinic receptor M4 regulates neural precursor cell proliferation and promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis

Development (2023)

Lidia Madrid San Martin Katelyn Hafey Saurabh Bandhavkar Gabriela O. Bodea Javier Jiménez-Martín

Cholinergic signaling plays a crucial role in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis; however, the mechanisms by which acetylcholine mediates neurogenic effects are not completely understood. Here, we report the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype M4 (M4 mAChR) on a subpopulation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the adult mouse hippocampus, and demonstrate that its pharmacological stimulation promotes their proliferation, thereby enhancing the production of new neurons in vivo. Using a targeted ablation approach, we also show that medial septum (MS) and the diagonal band of Broca (DBB) cholinergic neurons support both the survival and morphological maturation of adult-born neurons in the mouse hippocampus. Although the systemic administration of an M4-selective allosteric potentiator fails to fully rescue the MS/DBB cholinergic lesion-induced decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis, it further exacerbates the impairment in the morphological maturation of adult-born neurons. Collectively, these findings reveal stage-specific roles of M4 mAChRs in regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis, uncoupling their positive role in enhancing the production of new neurons from the M4-induced inhibition of their morphological maturation, at least in the context of cholinergic signaling dysfunction.

10.1242/dev.201835

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O-214 Silicosis in artificial stone benchtop workers: a warning from Australia

Abstracts (2023)

Doctor Ryan Hoy Deborah C. Glass Christina Dimitriadis Stella May Gwini Fiona Hore‐Lacy

Introduction

The stone benchtop industry is a multi-billion dollar sector worldwide. High-silica content artificial stone has rapidly become a very popular material used to produce benchtops in many countries, including Australia. The Victorian Silica-associated Disease Registry was developed to record incident cases of silicosis occurring in Victoria, Australia.

Material and Methods

Since mid-2019 cases of silicosis have been voluntarily reported by respiratory physicians to the Registry. During the same period a protocolised, government funded screening programme for stone benchtop workers has been in operation. The screening protocol includes high resolution CT chest imaging, respiratory function tests and a panel of blood tests for at risk workers.

Results

Two hundred and two stone benchtop industry workers with silicosis were reported over a 30 month period. Twenty three percent had complicated silicosis. Seventy percent were identified through participation in the government screening programme. All cases were male with a median age of 42 years (interquartile range 35 – 50), and 46% were born overseas in an Asian country. The median duration of work in the benchtop industry was 13 years for those with simple silicosis and 15 years for complicated silicosis. Ninety-six percent primarily worked with artificial stone, and 99% had been exposed to dry processing of stone. Eighty-two percent worked mostly in a factory environment and 18% were installers of benchtops. Respiratory function test parameters were significantly lower and median serum angiotensin converting enzyme level higher for complicated compared to simple silicosis. Anti-nuclear antibodies were detectable (titre ≥ 1:80) for 32% with silicosis.

Conclusions

There has been a major outbreak of silicosis in the stone benchtop industry in Victoria, Australia. Considering the rapid increase in the use of high silica content artificial stone internationally, urgent action is required to ensure the occupational health and safety of workers in this industry.

Silicosis

10.1136/oem-2023-epicoh.51

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Measuring improvements in occupational health and safety in the artificial stone benchtop industry

Annals of Work Exposures and Health (2024)

Fiona Hore‐Lacy Stella May Gwini Christina Dimitriadis Javier Jiménez-Martín Ryan Hoy

Abstract Objectives Workers in the stone benchtop industry in Australia are at high risk of silicosis due to exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) from the dry processing of artificial stone. In Victoria, Australia, a multifaceted response including education, regulatory changes, inspection site visits, and occupational health screening programme began in 2019. We aimed to review the success of this approach to safety practices in the industry. Methods Data were available from 2 sources: first, responses provided by workers during their occupational health screening (2019 to 2024), which included a systematic occupational history. Jobs examined included roles in the stone benchtop industry with RCS exposure and were analysed in relation to reported safety practices pre and postregulatory changes in August 2019, which prohibited unrestricted dry cutting. Second, data were obtained from the Regulator describing the numbers of visits to industry worksites and the numbers and types of compliance notices issued between 2018 and 2024. Results In total, 1921 jobs from 1007 workers were eligible for analysis, of which 869 were prior to the 2019 regulatory change and 557 commenced after. The proportion of workers reporting “never” dry cutting rose from 17.3% to 67.2% (P < 0.001), use of recommended ventilation and respirator increased from 26.0% to 36.5% (P < 0.001), and 44.9% to 86.5% (P < 0.001), respectively. Of the 543 worksites visited (2757 site visits in total), 352 (64.8%) received at least one compliance notice and the types of notices varied over time. Administrative controls/housekeeping and health monitoring notices were the most common in 2019 to 2021 but tools/equipment notices increased substantially in 2022 onwards. Discussion Prior to the changes, a large proportion of jobs involved unrestricted dry processing of artificial stone with inadequate protection. After the changes, practices improved although some jobs continued to involve dry processing without adequate control of dust. Conclusions This multifaceted approach vastly improved safety practices in the stone benchtop industry over 5 years. These data are relevant to occupational health and safety professionals and regulators in countries where artificial stone is used and potentially for implementation of new measures in response to a new workplace hazard in future.

Occupational hygiene

Respirator

10.1093/annweh/wxae084

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JM-20 protects memory acquisition and consolidation on scopolamine model of cognitive impairment

Neurological Research (2019)

Maylin Wong-Guerra Javier Jiménez-Martín Luis Arturo Fonseca-Fonseca Jeney Ramírez-Sánchez Yanay Montano-Peguero

JM-20, a novel hybrid synthetic molecule, has been reported to have antioxidant, mitoprotective, anti-excitotoxic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the neuroprotective effect of JM-20 against memory impairment in preclinical AD-like models has not been analyzed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential neuroprotection of JM-20 that preserves essential memory process from cholinergic dysfunction and other molecular damages.The effects of JM-20 on scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced cognitive disorders were studied. Male Wistar rats (220-230 g) were treated with JM-20 and/or scopolamine, and behavioral tasks were performed. The AChE activity, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, MDA and T-SH level on brain tissue were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Mitochondrial functionality parameters were measured after behavioral tests. Histological analyses on hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were processed with hematoxylin and eosin, and neuronal and axonal damage were determined.The behavioral, biochemical and histopathological studies revealed that oral pre-treatment with JM-20 (8 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the scopolamine-induced memory deficits, mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, and prevented AChE hyperactivity probably due to specific inhibition of AChE enzyme. It was also observed marked histological protection on hippocampal and prefrontal-cortex regions.The multimodal action of this molecule could mediate the memory protection here observed and suggest that it may modulate different pathological aspects of memory deﬁcits associated with AD in humans.

Memory Impairment

10.1080/01616412.2019.1573285

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Citations (23)

Tyrosine Hydroxylase, Vesicular Monoamine Transporter and Dopamine Transporter mRNA Expression in Nigrostriatal Tissue of Rats with Pedunculopontine Neurotoxic Lesion

Behavioral Sciences (2018)

Lisette Blanco-Lezcano Esteban Alberti‐Amador Mei-Li Díaz-Hung M E González-Fraguela Bárbara Estupiñán-Díaz

The degeneration of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) precedes the degeneration of the nigral cells in the pre-symptomatic stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the literature recognizes that a lesion of the PPN increases the vulnerability of dopaminergic cells, it is unknown if this risk is associated with the loss of capability of handling the dopaminergic function.In this paper, the effects of a unilateral neurotoxic lesion of the PPN in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and dopamine transporter (DAT) mRNA expression in nigrostriatal tissue were evaluated. Three experimental groups were organized: non-treated rats, NMDA-lesioned rats and Sham-operated rats.Seven days after the PPN lesion, in nigral tissue, TH mRNA expression was higher in comparison with control groups (p < 0.05); in contrast, VMAT2 mRNA expression showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01). DAT mRNA expression showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the striatal tissue. Comparing nigral neuronal density of injured and control rats revealed no significant difference seven days post-PPN injury.Findings suggest that the PPN lesion modifies the mRNA expression of the proteins associated with dopaminergic homeostasis at nigrostriatal level. It could represent vulnerability signals for nigral dopaminergic cells and further increase the risk of degeneration of these cells.

Vesicular monoamine transporter

10.3390/bs8020020

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Citations (9)