scholarly journals Alterations in immune and renal biomarkers among workers occupationally exposed to low levels of trichloroethylene below current regulatory standards

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 376-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung-Mu Lee ◽  
Luoping Zhang ◽  
Roel Vermeulen ◽  
Wei Hu ◽  
Bryan A Bassig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Effector Memory ◽  
Kidney Toxicity ◽  
Renal Biomarkers ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Low Levels

ObjectivesThe occupational exposure limit for trichloroethylene (TCE) in different countries varies from 1 to 100 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Many countries currently use 10 ppm as the regulatory standard for occupational exposures, but the biological effects in humans at this level of exposure remain unclear. The objective of our study was to evaluate alterations in immune and renal biomarkers among workers occupationally exposed to low levels of TCE below current regulatory standards.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional molecular epidemiology study of 80 healthy workers exposed to a wide range of TCE (ie, 0.4–229 ppm) and 96 comparable unexposed controls in China, and previously reported that TCE exposure was associated with multiple candidate biological markers related to immune function and kidney toxicity. Here, we conducted further analyses of all of the 31 biomarkers that we have measured to determine the magnitude and statistical significance of changes in the subgroup of workers (n=35) exposed to <10 ppm TCE compared with controls.ResultsSix immune biomarkers (ie, CD4+ effector memory T cells, sCD27, sCD30, interleukin-10, IgG and IgM) were significantly decreased (% difference ranged from −16.0% to −72.1%) and one kidney toxicity marker (kidney injury molecule-1, KIM-1) was significantly increased (% difference: +52.5%) among workers exposed to <10 ppm compared with the control group. These associations remained noteworthy after taking into account multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate (ie, <0.20).ConclusionOur results suggest that occupational exposure to TCE below 10 ppm as an 8-hour TWA may alter levels of key markers of immune function and kidney toxicity.

Exposure to crystalline silica in Canadian workplaces and the risk of kidney cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 668-671
Author(s):  
Cheryl E Peters ◽  
Laura Bogaert ◽  
Lidija Latifovic ◽  
Linda Kachuri ◽  
Shelley A Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Kidney Cancer ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Canadian Provinces

ObjectivesThe causes of kidney cancer are not well understood though occupational exposures are thought to play a role. Crystalline silica is a known human carcinogen, and despite previous links with kidney disease, there have been few studies investigating its association with kidney cancer. We addressed this research gap using a population-based case-control study of Canadian men.MethodsQuestionnaire data were obtained from individuals with histologically confirmed kidney cancer, and population-based controls recruited from eight Canadian provinces (1994–1997). An industrial hygienist characterised participants’ lifetime occupational exposure, and their confidence in the assessment (possibly, probably or definitely exposed) to silica on three dimensions (intensity, frequency and duration), and cumulative exposure was estimated. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsNearly half of the 689 kidney cancer cases (49%) and 2369 controls (44%) had ever been occupationally exposed to crystalline silica. In a fully adjusted model, workers ever-exposed to silica had a slightly increased risk of kidney cancer relative to those who were unexposed (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.32). Odds were modestly (and generally not statistically significantly) increased for models with duration of exposure and cumulative exposure, though exposure-response relationships were not evident.ConclusionsOur findings do not provide evidence that occupational exposure to crystalline silica increases risk of kidney cancer in men.

scholarly journals Prevalence of occupational hazards in patients with different types of epithelial sinonasal cancers

2013 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
M. Bonzini ◽  
P. Battaglia ◽  
D. Parassoni ◽  
M. Casa ◽  
N. Facchinetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Wood Dust ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Sinonasal Cancer ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Occupational exposure to carcinogens contributes greatly to the etiology of sinonasal cancer (SNC), but the role of different risk factors in determining different histological subtypes is disputed. Methodology: All consecutive surgical epithelial SNC cases (case-series study) underwent a systematic occupational medicine examination to determine previous exposure to a wide range of work-related chemical hazards. Results: We investigated 65 SNC cases including intestinal-type adenocarcinoma [ITAC] squamous-cell carcinoma [SCC], and others. Occupational exposure was recognized for 39 cases. Occupational exposures were sensibly more frequent among ITAC than among SCC or other histotypes. Occupational exposure in ITAC cases was to leather or wood dust only, while among non-ITAC cases, we recognised exposure to formaldehyde, solvents and metal fumes. A high proportion of SNC with occupational exposure originated in the ethmoidal epithelium. Conclusion: In our case-series of SNC, a very high frequency of previous occupational exposure to carcinogens was detected, suggesting that occupational hazards may be associated to the aetiopathogenesis, primarily for ITAC, but also for other histotypes. Besides leather or wood, other chemical agents must be recognized as occupational risk factors.

scholarly journals Copd and occupation: a retrospective cohort study of industrial workers

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nailya N. Mazitova ◽  
Anatoly A. Saveliev ◽  
Zuhra M. Berheeva ◽  
Nail Kh. Amirov
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Dose Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
Copd Patients ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
The Russian Federation

The aim of this paper was to ascertain chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence among industrial workers in the Russian Federation and determine relative contribution of smoking and occupational factors to COPD. We recruited 1,375 workers aged 30 or over. Six hundred and twenty-four of them were occupationally exposed to vapours, gases, dust, and fumes (VGDF). Physical examination and baseline spirometry were performed for all the participants of the study. Those with airfl ow limitation of FEV1/FVC<0.70 were considered having COPD and those with presence of cough and sputum production for at least three months in each of two consecutive years were considered having chronic bronchitis (CB), with no overlapping between these 2 groups. Data on occupational history and VGDF levels in the working area were collected from all participants. In total, 105 cases of COPD and 170 cases of CB were diagnosed in the cohort of examined workers. Occupational exposure to VGDF was twice as often present among COPD patients than among both patients with CB and the control group of healthy workers (p<0.05). More than 40 % of COPD patients were occupationally exposed to VGDF above the value of 3.0 of the occupational exposure limit (OEL) and more than 20 % to 6.0 OEL and higher. Overall odds ratio for COPD development due to occupational VGDF exposure was 5.9 (95 % CI=3.6 to 9.8, p=0.0001). Both smoking and VGDF seem to be important for the development of COPD. Analysis of the combined effect of tobacco smoking and occupational noxious particles and gases on COPD development has shown the following order of risk factors based on the strength of their infl uence: VGDF levels, smoking index, age, and heating microclimate. There is a statistically signifi cant level of relationship and “dose-effect” dependence between occupational exposures to VGDF and the development of COPD. The effect of VGDF composition on the probability of COPD development was not found in the study. Results of this study were used to substantiate the inclusion of COPD into the National List of Occupational Diseases of the Russian Federation.

scholarly journals Effect of Resveratrol Dry Suspension on Immune Function of Piglets

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuting Fu ◽  
Qiankun Cui ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Xinghong Zhao ◽  
Xu Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Foot And Mouth Disease ◽  
Classical Swine Fever ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Humoral And Cellular Immunity ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Humoral Immune Responses ◽  
Mouth Disease Virus ◽  
Wide Range

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic plant antitoxin, has a wide range of pharmacological activities. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of resveratrol dry suspension (RDS) on immune function in piglets that were treated with different doses of RDS for 2 weeks. The results showed that the RDS has significant effects on the development, maturation, proliferation, and transformation of T lymphocytes. RDS could regulate humoral immune responses by upregulating the release of IFN-γ and downregulating the release of TNF-α. After piglets were vaccinated against classical swine fever virus and foot-and-mouth disease virus, the antibody titers were significantly increased. RDS treatment showed an excellent resistance to enhance T-SOD activity. Values of blood routine and blood biochemistry showed no toxicity. These results suggested that RDS could be considered as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses to vaccines, as well as dietary additives for animals to enhance humoral and cellular immunity.

Do regulations protect workers from occupational exposures to carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) agents in France?

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 389-397
Author(s):  
Nathalie Havet ◽  
Alexis Penot ◽  
Morgane Plantier ◽  
Barbara Charbotel ◽  
Magali Morelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
International Agency ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveThis article explores the impact of regulations on the implementation of collective protections in France to occupational exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) agents.MethodsIndividual data from the French national cross-sectional survey of occupational hazards conducted in 2010 were analysed. We investigated whether stricter regulations and longer exposures were associated with higher level of collective protection using multivariate logistic regressions.ResultsGeneral ventilation, for which effect is limited as collective protection for CMR products, was present in 19% of situations involving CMR agents while isolation chambers, the most effective form of protection, were only very rarely implemented. Multilevel logistic regressions show that exposure situations to products classified as category 1 or 2 by the European Union do not have a higher probability of benefiting from a collective protection measures. Exposures to products with a Binding Occupational Exposure Limit Value selectively benefited from a better level of protection. Exposures to agents entered on the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) list of proven or probable carcinogens benefited more from effective collective protections than products suspected to be carcinogens but not yet classified by IARC.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the dissemination of evaluations of carcinogens by the IARC translate into improved protective measures even though the IARC classification has no mandatory impact on regulations.

scholarly journals RINNO: Towards an Open Renovation Platform for Integrated Design and Delivery of Deep Renovation Projects

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6018
Author(s):  
Theo Lynn ◽  
Pierangelo Rosati ◽  
Antonia Egli ◽  
Stelios Krinidis ◽  
Komninos Angelakoglou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Existing Building ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Automation Systems ◽  
Wide Range

The building stock accounts for a significant portion of worldwide energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. While the majority of the existing building stock has poor energy performance, deep renovation efforts are stymied by a wide range of human, technological, organisational and external environment factors across the value chain. A key challenge is integrating appropriate human resources, materials, fabrication, information and automation systems and knowledge management in a proper manner to achieve the required outcomes and meet the relevant regulatory standards, while satisfying a wide range of stakeholders with differing, often conflicting, motivations. RINNO is a Horizon 2020 project that aims to deliver a set of processes that, when working together, provide a system, repository, marketplace and enabling workflow process for managing deep renovation projects from inception to implementation. This paper presents a roadmap for an open renovation platform for managing and delivering deep renovation projects for residential buildings based on seven design principles. We illustrate a preliminary stepwise framework for applying the platform across the full-lifecycle of a deep renovation project. Based on this work, RINNO will develop a new open renovation software platform that will be implemented and evaluated at four pilot sites with varying construction, regulatory, market and climate contexts.

scholarly journals Acceptance threshold theory can explain occurrence of homosexual behaviour

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 20140603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina C. Engel ◽  
Lisa Männer ◽  
Manfred Ayasse ◽  
Sandra Steiger
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Search Time ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Burying Beetles ◽  
Acceptance Threshold ◽  
Threshold Theory ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Perceived Costs

Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) has been documented in a wide range of animals, but its evolutionary causes are not well understood. Here, we investigated SSB in the light of Reeve's acceptance threshold theory. When recognition is not error-proof, the acceptance threshold used by males to recognize potential mating partners should be flexibly adjusted to maximize the fitness pay-off between the costs of erroneously accepting males and the benefits of accepting females. By manipulating male burying beetles' search time for females and their reproductive potential, we influenced their perceived costs of making an acceptance or rejection error. As predicted, when the costs of rejecting females increased, males exhibited more permissive discrimination decisions and showed high levels of SSB; when the costs of accepting males increased, males were more restrictive and showed low levels of SSB. Our results support the idea that in animal species, in which the recognition cues of females and males overlap to a certain degree, SSB is a consequence of an adaptive discrimination strategy to avoid the costs of making rejection errors.

scholarly journals Occupational Exposure to Varicella Zoster in a Tertiary-Care Healthcare Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s333-s334
Author(s):  
Zachary Yetmar ◽  
Debra Apenhorst ◽  
Priya Sampathkumar ◽  
Elena Beam
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Delayed Initiation ◽  
Immunosuppressed Patients

Background: Disseminated varicella zoster virus (dVZV) infection is a feared complication of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in immunocompromised patients. The CDC recommends contact and airborne precautions for localized VZV in immunocompromised patients until dissemination has been ruled out. Pre-emptive isolation can be problematic for medical centers without access to negative-pressure rooms. When we identify a case of dVZV at our facility, we perform an investigation to identify occupational exposures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive review of occupational exposure investigations related to dVZV from January 2016 to December 2018. We collected baseline characteristics of the dVZV patient, and we evaluated whether the exposure occurred due to a delay in diagnosis or a progression from “localized” to disseminated VZV disease. Results: We identified 21 immunosuppressed patients with dVZV whose infection resulted in an occupational exposure during the specified study period. Average age was 58.6 years, with 10 males and 12 females. The immunocompromised patients included 11 with hematologic malignancy, 5 with solid-organ malignancy, 3 with rheumatologic disease on immunosuppressive therapy, and 2 with a solid-organ transplant. Most of the exposures (72.7%) occurred in an inpatient setting. The exposures resulted from either delayed recognition of dVZV or delayed initiation of appropriate precautions for all of the immunosuppressed patients. Two additional exposures occurred as a result of a change from “localized” to “disseminated” VZV. These patients whose diagnosis changed from localized to dVZV were considered previously immunocompetent, and dissemination took place 2 days after seeking healthcare evaluation. Conclusions: Most occupational exposures to varicella zoster are the result of delayed initiation of appropriate isolation precautions due to delayed diagnosis of dVZV infection or failure to recognize the need for instituting precautions in disseminated disease. Instituting preemptive airborne precautions for immunocompromised patients with localized varicella zoster would be unlikely to reduce occupational exposures.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Consulting fee- Merck Priya Sampathkumar

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