scholarly journals A cross-sectional analysis of respiratory ill-health among charcoal workers and its implications for strengthening occupational health services in southern Nigeria

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e022361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irikefe Paul Obiebi ◽  
Patrick Gold Oyibo
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Chest Tightness ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hazard Control ◽  
Exposure Levels

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the concentration of air pollutants at charcoal sites, the dose-response relationship between site-based exposure levels to air pollutants and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers, and the measures these workers employ to safeguard their health.DesignCross-sectional but comparative designSettingCharcoal production kiln sites in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria.ParticipantsOverall 296 charcoal workers and age-matched, sex-matched and height-matched non-exposed traders (comparison group).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers while secondary outcomes included lung function indices as well as hazard control practices among charcoal workers.ResultsMajority (83.3%) of the sites had PM10and PM2.5values five times higher than the WHO standard. Charcoal workers were more likely to have respiratory symptoms; wheeze was statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, (OR 4.22; CI 1.37 to 12.99). The dose-response relationship between site-based exposure levels to air pollutants and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers was statistically significant for all symptoms except chest tightness (p=0.167). Mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were considerably lower among workers with differences of −0.22 (−0.42 to −0.05) L and −0.52 (-0.76 to −0.29) L, respectively, whereas FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow rate were higher among workers with mean differences of 5.68 (3.59–8.82)% and 0.31 (-23.70 to 24.43) L/min, respectively; but the mean difference was significant only for the FEV1/FVC ratio. Charcoal workers had poor hazard control practices; only 3.4% reportedly used personal protective equipment.ConclusionAir pollutants at kiln sites were higher than WHO standards. Despite the significantly higher prevalence of wheeze, chest tightness and chronic cough among charcoal workers, their hazard control practices were inadequate. Charcoal workers should adopt appropriate hazard control practices, and use improved devices which emit minimal pollutants.

scholarly journals Setting-Specific and Symptom-Specific Association between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Depressive Symptoms

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1249
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Ye ◽  
Jingya Huang ◽  
Liang Xia ◽  
Xiaojun Xu ◽  
Xiao Gong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Secondhand Smoke ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Shs Exposure ◽  
The Impact

Few studies have focused on the potential relationship between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and depressive symptoms. This study aimed to explore the potential association between SHS exposure and depressive symptoms and differentiate this association in setting-specific exposure and symptom-specific outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangdong province of China from September to December 2010 using a multistage sampling method to randomly sample adults aged 18 years and older. SHS exposure was defined as inhalation by non-smokers of the smoke exhaled from smokers for at least 1 day a week in the past 30 days. Depressive symptoms were measured using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. The zero-inflate negative binomial regression models were used to explore the associations between SHS exposure and depressive symptoms. A total of 2771 non-smokers were included in this study, with mean age of 49.6 ± 14.0 years and 70.3% of females. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher in participants with SHS exposure than in those without exposure (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.51), and there were similar positive associations for SHS exposure in medical facilities (IRR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.17–1.61) and in schools (IRR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.20–1.77). Notably, there was a monotonically increasing dose-response relationship between frequency of SHS exposure and depressive symptoms. When differentiating this relationship by the dimensions of depressive symptoms, there were similar dose-response relationships for cognitive-affective and somatic symptoms. When differentiating this relationship by sex, only females showed a significant dose-response relationship. Our findings suggest dose-response relationships between SHS exposure and depressive symptoms in sex-specific and symptom-specific manners. Future longitudinal studies are needed to establish the biological mechanisms of the impact of SHS exposure.

scholarly journals The level of bilirubin and the risk of ischemic stroke: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of real-world studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Yang Zhou ◽  
Xiaofei Ye ◽  
Fangchen Liu ◽  
Xi Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Serum Total Bilirubin ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: Bilirubin, a marker of hepatic and hematological diseases in clinical practice, is not only a waste end-product but also an antioxidant that may protect against diseases associated with oxidative stress. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between the serum total bilirubin (TBIL) level and the risk of ischemic stroke (IS). However, markedly elevated TBIL levels may exert neurotoxic effects. Based on this, we conducted a dose-response meta-analysis to quantify the relationship between blood TBIL and IS as well as between TBIL and all types of stroke (AS) in the physiological range of bilirubin.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central databases were searched up to March 2019. Additional studies were identified by reviewing references and contacting authors. Categorical and dose-response meta-analyses were performed to quantify the relationship between TBIL and IS. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke, and the secondary outcome was all types of stroke.Results: Nine observational studies (seven publications) involving 110,032 participants and 3710 stroke cases were included for analysis. The average OR of IS for every 1 µmol/L increment in TBIL level was 0.978 (95% CI: 0.957–0.999). The summary OR of AS for every 1 µmol/L increment in TBIL level was 0.974 (95% CI: 0.956–0.992). Subgroup analysis based on gender showed a negative dose-response relationship between the circulating TBIL level and IS or AS in males, but not in females.Conclusions: The present study found a negative dose-response relationship between the circulating TBIL level and the risk of IS or AS within physiologic range of serum TBIL in males. Moderately elevated blood TBIL levels might be associated with a diminished prevalence of IS. Every 1 µmol/L increment in serum TBIL level was associated with a 2.2% decrease in the risk of IS and a 2.6% decrease in the risk of AS. However, due to the limitations in the number of included studies and their quality, large-scaled prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the conclusion of the current analysis.Trial registration: This study was registered at PROSPERO (https://www.crd. york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/[CRD42017075988]).

scholarly journals Dose-response relationship between very vigorous physical activity and cardiovascular health assessed by heart rate variability in adults: Cross-sectional results from the EPIMOV study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. e0210216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Luís Wanderley de Sousa ◽  
Thatiane Lopes Valentim di Paschoale Ostoli ◽  
Evandro Fornias Sperandio ◽  
Rodolfo Leite Arantes ◽  
Antônio Ricardo de Toledo Gagliardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Dose–Response Relationship of Outdoor Exposure and Myopia Indicators: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Various Research Methods

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciao-Lin Ho ◽  
Wei-Fong Wu ◽  
Yiing Mei Liou
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Outdoor Exposure ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Prevalence Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Axial Elongation

Myopia in children has dramatically increased worldwide. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of outdoor light exposure on myopia. According to research data from 13 studies of 15,081 children aged 4–14 at baseline, outdoor light exposure significantly reduced myopia incidence/prevalence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–0.91, p < 0.00001; I2 = 90%), spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) by 0.15 D/year (0.09–0.27, p < 0.0001), and axial elongation by 0.08 mm/year (−0.14 to −0.02, p = 0.02). The benefits of outdoor light exposure intervention, according to pooled overall results, included decreases in three myopia indicators: 50% in myopia incidence, 32.9% in SER, and 24.9% in axial elongation for individuals in Asia. Daily outdoor light exposure of more than 120 min was the most effective intervention, and weekly intervention time exhibited a dose–response relationship with all three indicators. Subgroup comparisons revealed that interventional studies report greater benefits from outdoor light exposure compared with cohort and cross-sectional studies, and individuals with myopia in intervention studies experienced slightly greater benefits than individuals without, in terms of SER and axial elongation. Therefore, this study suggests 120 min/day of outdoor light exposure at school.

scholarly journals Dose-Response Relationship Between Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Muscle Function in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (9) ◽  
pp. 1167-1176
Author(s):  
Gustavo J Almeida ◽  
Samannaaz S Khoja ◽  
Sara R Piva
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Training Intensity ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction

Abstract Background Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a viable intervention for improving impaired muscle function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is limited evidence about the dose-response relationship between NMES and muscle function in these individuals. Objective The objectives of this study were to investigate the dose-response relationship between NMES and muscle function in individuals with RA and to establish the minimal NMES training intensity for promoting improvements. Design This study was a secondary analysis of data obtained before and after an NMES intervention in a randomized study. Methods The study took place at a research clinic. Only adults diagnosed with RA were included. The intervention consisted of 36 NMES treatment sessions for the quadriceps muscles over 16 weeks. Muscle function was measured before and after the intervention; quadriceps cross-sectional area and muscle quality were assessed using computed tomography, and strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. NMES training intensity was calculated as a percentage by dividing NMES-elicited quadriceps muscle torque by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Improvements in muscle function were calculated using paired-sample t tests. The dose-response relationship was determined using curve estimation regression statistics. The minimum NMES training intensity was defined as that sufficient to significantly improve all muscle function measures. Results Twenty-four people (48 legs) participated (75% women; mean [SD] age = 58 [8] years; mean body mass index = 32 [7] kg/m2). Quadriceps cross-sectional area, muscle quality, and strength improved after the intervention. Associations between NMES training intensity and muscle quality (r2 = 0.20) and strength (r2 = 0.23) were statistically significant, but that between NMES training intensity and muscle cross-sectional area was not (r2 = 0.02). The minimum NMES training intensity necessary to improve all measures of muscle function ranged from 11% to 20% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Limitations The relatively small sample size was a limitation. Conclusions The minimum NMES training intensity for significant gains in muscle function was ∼15%. Higher NMES intensities may promote better muscle quality and strength in individuals with RA.

scholarly journals Association between fish consumption and risk of dementia: a new study from China and a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 1921-1932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aishat T Bakre ◽  
Ruoling Chen ◽  
Ranjit Khutan ◽  
Li Wei ◽  
Tina Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association of fish consumption with risk of dementia and its dose–response relationship, and investigate variations in the association among low-, middle- and high-income countries.DesignA new community-based cross-sectional study and a systematic literature review.SettingsUrban and rural communities in China; population-based studies systematically searched from worldwide literature.SubjectsChinese adults aged ≥60 years in six provinces (n 6981) took part in a household health survey of dementia prevalence and risk factors. In addition, 33 964 participants from eleven published and eligible studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.ResultsIn the new study in China, 326 participants were diagnosed with dementia (4·7 %); those who consumed any amount of fish in the past two years v. those who consumed no fish had reduced risk of dementia (adjusted OR=0·73, 95 % CI 0·64, 0·99), but the dose–response relationship was not statistically significant. The meta-analysis of available data from the literature and the new study showed relative risk (RR) of dementia of 0·80 (95 % CI 0·74, 0·87) for people with fish consumption; the impact was similar among countries with different levels of income. Pooled dose–response data revealed RR (95 % CI) of 0·84 (0·72, 0·98), 0·78 (0·68, 0·90) and 0·77 (0·61, 0·98) in people with low, middle and high consumption of fish, respectively. Corresponding figures for Alzheimer’s disease were 0·88 (0·74, 1·04), 0·79 (0·65, 0·96) and 0·67 (0·58, 0·78), respectively.ConclusionsGreater consumption of fish is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Increasing fish consumption may help prevent dementia worldwide regardless of income level.

scholarly journals Enamel remineralization by fluoride-releasing materials: proposal of a pH-cycling model

2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana Rodrigues ◽  
Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem ◽  
Denise Pedrini ◽  
Luciana Cavassan
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Surface Microhardness ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Microhardness Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ph Cycling ◽  
And Control

This study proposes a pH-cycling model for verifying the dose-response relationship in fluoride-releasing materials on remineralization in vitro. Sixty bovine enamel blocks were selected for the surface microhardness test (SMH1). Artificial caries lesions were induced and surface microhardness test (SMH2) was performed. Forty-eight specimens were prepared with Z 100, Fluroshield, Vitremer and Vitremer ¼ diluted - powder/liquid, and subjected to a pH-cycling model to promote remineralization. After pH-cycling, final surface microhardness (SMH3) was assessed to calculate percent recovery of surface microhardness (%SMHR). Fluoride present in enamel (μg F/mm3) and in the pH-cycling solutions (μg F) was measured. Cross-sectional microhardness was used to calculate mineral content (∆Z). There was no significant difference between Z 100 and control groups on analysis performed on - %SMHR, ∆Z, μg F and mg F/mm3 (p>0.05). Results showed a positive correlation between %SMHR and μg F/mm3 (r=0.9770; p=0.004), %SMHR and μg F (r=0.9939; p=0.0000001), ∆ and μg F/mm3 (r=0.9853; p=0.0002), ∆ and μg F (r=0.9975; p=0.0000001) and between μg F/mm3 and μg F (r=0.9819; p=0.001). The pH-cycling model proposed was able to verify in vitro dose-response relationship of fluoride-releasing materials on remineralization.

scholarly journals The level of Bilirubin and the risk of ischemic stroke: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of real-world studies

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Yang Zhou ◽  
Xiaofei Ye ◽  
Fangchen Liu ◽  
Xi Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Serum Total Bilirubin ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: Bilirubin, a marker of hepatic and hematological diseases in clinical practice, is not only a waste end-product but also an antioxidant that may protect against diseases associated with oxidative stress. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between the serum total bilirubin (TB) level and the risk of ischemic stroke (IS). However, markedly elevated TB levels may exert neurotoxic effects. Based on this, we conducted a dose-response meta-analysis to quantify the relationship between blood TB and IS as well as between TB and all types of stroke (AS) in the physiological range of bilirubin.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central databases were searched up to March 2019. Additional studies were identified by reviewing references and contacting authors. Categorical and dose-response meta-analyses were performed to quantify the relationship between TB and IS. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke, and the secondary outcome was all types of stroke.Results: Nine observational studies (seven publications) involving 110,032 participants and 3710 stroke cases were included for analysis. The average OR of IS for every 1 µmol/L increment in TB level was 0.978 (95%CI: 0.957–0.999). The summary OR of AS for every 1 µmol/L increment in TB level was 0.974 (95%CI: 0.956–0.992). Subgroup analysis based on gender showed a negative dose-response relationship between the circulating TB level and IS or AS in males, but not in females.Conclusions: The present study indicates a negative dose-response relationship between the circulating TB level and the risk of IS or AS within physiologic range of serum TB in males. Moderately elevated blood TB levels were associated with a diminished prevalence of IS. Every 1 µmol/L increment in serum TB level was associated with a 2.2% decrease in the risk of IS and a 2.6% decrease in the risk of AS. Large-scaled prospective studies are needed to confirm the conclusion of the current analysis.Trial registration: This study was registered at PROSPERO(https://www.crd. york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/[CRD42017075988]).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document