A cohort study using pulmonary function tests and x-ray examination in toner-handling workers

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Kitamura ◽  
N Terunuma ◽  
S Kurosaki ◽  
K Hata ◽  
M Masuda ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study uses pulmonary function tests and chest x-ray examinations to examine the relationship between toner-handling work and its health effects. Methods: The subjects were 1504 male workers in a Japanese toner and photocopier manufacturing company, in the age range from 19 to 50 years in 2003. Personal exposure measurements, pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray examinations, biomarker measurements, and a questionnaire about respiratory symptoms were conducted. The present study reports the results of pulmonary function tests and chest x-ray examinations conducted in the subjects, which includes a cross-sectional study on the toner handling and non-handling workers and a longitudinal study from 2003 to 2008. Results: Few significant findings were suspected to be caused by toner exposure found in pulmonary function indices in both the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Any obvious fibrotic findings in chest x-ray findings related to the toner exposure could not be found out. Conclusion: No evidence of adverse effects on pulmonary function indices and chest x-rays was present in the toner-handling workers as compared to the nonspecifically exposed workers. Although the toner exposure concentration is quite low in the current well-controlled working environment, even among the toner-handling workers, we would like to continue this study in the future to verify the toner exposure health effects.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroko Kitamura ◽  
Niina Terunuma ◽  
Shizuka Kurosaki ◽  
Koichi Hata ◽  
Masashi Masuda ◽  
...  

This study examines the relationship between toner-handling work and its health effects on self-reported respiratory symptoms. The subjects were 1,504 male workers in a Japanese toner and photocopier manufacturing company. Personal exposure measurement, pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray examination, measurement of biomarkers, and a questionnaire about self-reported respiratory symptoms were performed annually. This study discusses the questionnaire results. We found that the toner-handling group showed significantly higher prevalence of breathlessness than the never-toner-handling group. The significant reduction of pulmonary function and fibrosis change in the chest X-ray examination associated with breathlessness were not observed. However the morbidity of asthma was higher compared to the Japanese population in both of the toner-handling group and the never-toner handling group, the effect of toner exposure was not clarified. Nevertheless, while the toner exposure levels in the current well-controlled working environment may be sufficiently low to prevent adverse health effects, further studies are needed to assess the more long-term latent health effects of toner exposure.


2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Kitamura ◽  
N Terunuma ◽  
S Kurosaki ◽  
K Hata ◽  
M Masuda ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between toner exposure and its health effects in terms of biomarkers which are known to assess the damages to humans caused by toxic material exposure. Methods: The subjects were 1504 male workers aged below 50 in 2003 in a Japanese toner and photocopier manufacturing company. Personal exposure measurements, pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray examinations, biomarker measurement, and a questionnaire about respiratory symptoms were conducted. We will report about biomarker measurement in this study. Cross-sectional survey studies and a longitudinal study from 2003 to 2008 were conducted. Results: Few significant findings were associated with the toner exposure in both the cross-sectional and the longitudinal studies. The higher toner exposure concentrations did not induce effects on increasing biomarkers. Conclusion: There was no evidence of excessive inflammatory, allergic, or oxidative stress reaction in toner-handling workers as compared to non-handling workers, despite some sporadically significant findings. There are no other reports of a longitudinal epidemiological study with regard to toner exposure; this report significantly contributes to toner exposure literature. Although in the current well-controlled working environment, the toner exposure concentrations are quite low; further studies are needed to completely understand the health effects toner may have, however small they may be.


2005 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 256-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoko TONORI ◽  
Masato NIITSUYA ◽  
Toshihiko SATO ◽  
Yumiko SUGIURA ◽  
Hitoshi MIYAKE ◽  
...  

1969 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 529-532
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD ISHTIAQ ◽  
NOOR JEHAN ◽  
ZARKA AHMAD ◽  
IMRANULLAH ◽  
KASHIF UR REHMAN KHALIL ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The coal mining is one of the neglected sector and thus the coal miners work underhazardous conditions; and thus coal miners showed an increased prevalence of occupational healthproblems.OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the prevalence of respiratory health problems among cherat coalminers district Nowshera Pakistan, as the occupational protective measures were not according to theinternational standards as defined by WHO/ ILO.METHODOLOGY: A total of 400 coal miners were selected from the four study areas of Cherat, andthen interviewed/ examined for respiratory health problems along with Pulmonary Function Tests(PFTs) and Chest X-rays (CXR).RESULTS: The results showed that 52% of coal miners suffered from signs & symptoms of respiratoryhealth problems; and on Pulmonary Function Tests and Chest X-Ray showed 88% and 75.2%respectively.CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the prevalence of respiratory health problems were high amongthe coal miners thus immediate remedial measures were needed in time from the concerned authoritiesfor improving working conditions, conduct regular medical check-ups, provision of protectiveequipments, and dust control measures etc to reduce the burden of respiratory health problems amongcoal miners.KEY WORDS: Prevalence, Respiratory Health Problems, Pulmonary Function Tests, Chest X-rays,Coal Miners.


1969 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 356-358
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD ISHTIAQ ◽  
TAJ MUHAMMAD KHAN ◽  
SARDAR KHAN ◽  
ZIA UR REHMAN ◽  
RABNAWAZ ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Coal mining is considered as one of the dangerous occupation though out the world, andposes many work related health problems to coal miners. It is reported that overall situation of occupationalsafety and health is not encouraging and thus coal miners' work under hazardous conditions, resulting inunnecessary morbidity and mortality. The occupational problems are on rise and cause hazardous impactson coal miners as well as affect the economic status of the country. The objective of this study was to assessthe prevalence of occupational obstructive diseases among coal miners.MATERIAL & METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Cherat; among 400 coal miners,from January 2013 to July 2013. To estimate the prevalence of occupational obstructive diseases; coalminers of more than six months were included and pulmonary function tests& CXR were conducted.RESULTS: The coal miners showed an increased prevalence of occupational obstructive diseases. Themedical examinations of coal miner's revealed that approximately 17% i.e. 15.75% on PFTs and 18% onCXR had findings of occupational obstructive diseases.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the occupational obstructive diseases was high among the Cherat coalminers.KEY WORDS: Prevalence, Occupational Obstructive Diseases, Pulmonary Function Tests, Chest X-rays,Coal Miners.


2013 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Ors ◽  
Seyfettin Gumus ◽  
Mehmet Aydogan ◽  
Sebahattin Sari ◽  
Samet Verim ◽  
...  

Background: Chest-X-ray has several limitations in detecting the extent of pulmonary disease in sarcoidosis. It might not reflect the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with sarcoidosis when compared to computed tomography of the thorax. We aimed to investigate the HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis and to find out the existence of possible relations between HRCT findings and PFTs. In addition, we aimed to investigate the accordance between HRCT findings and conventional chest-X-ray staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Method: 45 patients with sarcoidosis with a mean age 29.7+/− 8.4 years were evaluated. Six of them were female and 39 were male. The type, distribution and extent of the parameters on HRCT/CTs were evaluated and scored. Chest-X-rays were evaluated for the stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Correlations were investigated between HRCT/ CT parameter scores, Chest X-Ray stages and pulmonary function parameters. Results: Nodule, micronodule, ground glass opacity and consolidation were the most common HRCT findings. There were significant correlations between pulmonary function parameters, HRCT pattern scores, and chest-X-ray stages. A significant correlation between chest-x-ray score and total HRCT score was found. Conclusions: Pulmonary sarcoidosis patients might have various pulmonary parenchymal changes on HRCT. Thorax HRCT was superior to chest-X-ray in detecting pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities. The degree of pulmonary involvement might be closely related to the loss of pulmonary function measured by PFTs. Chest-X-ray is considered to have a role in the evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis.


Lupus ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 096120332110103
Author(s):  
Alfonso Ragnar Torres Jimenez ◽  
Nayma Ruiz Vela ◽  
Adriana Ivonne Cespedes Cruz ◽  
Alejandra Velazquez Cruz ◽  
Alma Karina Bernardino Gonzalez

Shrinking Lung Syndrome (SLS) is a rare and little known complication associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), characterized by progressive and unexplainable dyspnea, pleuritic pain, small pulmonary volumes and elevation of the diaphragm on chest X-rays as well as restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests. Objective To describe clinical, radiological and treatment characteristics in pediatric patients with SLS. Material and methods This is a descriptive and retrospective study in patients under 16 years old with the diagnosis of SLE complicated by SLS at the General Hospital. National Medical Center La Raza. Clinical, radiological and treatment variables were analyzed. Results are shown in frequencies and percentages. Results Data from 11 patients, 9 females and 2 males were collected. Mean age at diagnosis of SLS was 12.2 years. Age at diagnosis of SLE was 11.1 years. SLEDAI 17.3. Renal desease 72%, hematological 91%, lymphopenia 63%, mucocutaneous 72%, neurological 9%, arthritis 54%, serositis 91%, fever 81%, secondary antiphospholipid syndrome, low C3 72%, low C4 81%, positive ANA 91%, positive anti-DNA 91%. Regarding clinical manifestations of SLE: cough 81%, dyspnea 91%, hipoxemia 81%, pleuritic pain 71%, average oxygen saturation 83%. Chest X-rays findings: right hemidiaphragm affection 18%, left 63%, bilateral 18%. Elevated hemidiaphragm 91%, atelectasis 18%, pleural effusion 91%, over one third of the cardiac silhouette under the diphragm 36%, bulging diaphragm 45%, 5th. anterior rib that crosses over the diaphragm 91%. M-mode ultrasound: diaphragmatic hypomotility 100%, pleural effusion 63%. Pulmonary function tests: restrictive pattern in 45% of the cases. Treatment was with supplementary oxygen 100%, intubation 18%, antibiotics 100%, steroids 100%, intravenous immunoglobulin 54%, plasmapheresis 18%, cyclophosphamide 54% and rituximab 18%. The clinical course was favorable in 81%. Conclusions SLS should be suspected in patients with SLE and active disease who present hipoxemia, pleuritic pain, cough, dyspnea, pleural effusion and signs of restriction on chest X-rays. Therefore, a diaphragmatic M-mode ultrasound should be performed in order to establish the diagnosis.


Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000011458
Author(s):  
Kimberly Amburgey ◽  
Meryl Acker ◽  
Samia Saeed ◽  
Reshma Amin ◽  
Alan H. Beggs ◽  
...  

Objective:Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a rare neuromuscular condition with clinical and genetic heterogeneity. To establish disease natural history, we performed a cross-sectional study of NM, complemented by longitudinal assessment and exploration of pilot outcome measures.Methods:Fifty-seven individuals with NM were recruited at two family workshops, including 16 examined at both time points. Subjects were evaluated by clinical history and physical examination. Functional outcome measures included the Motor Function Measure (MFM), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), myometry, goniometry, and bulbar assessments.Results:The most common clinical classification was “typical congenital” (54%), whereas 42% had more severe presentations. 58% of individuals needed mechanical support, with 26% requiring wheelchair, tracheostomy, and feeding tube. The MFM scale was performed in 44/57 participants and showed reduced scores in most with little floor/ceiling effect. Of the 27 individuals completing PFTs, abnormal values were observed in 65%. Lastly, bulbar function was abnormal in all patients examined, as determined using a novel outcome measure. Genotypes included mutations in ACTA1 (18), NEB (20), and TPM2 (2). Seventeen individuals were genetically unresolved. Patients with pathogenic ACTA1 and NEB variants were largely similar in clinical phenotype. Patients without genetic resolution had more severe disease.Conclusion:In all, we present a comprehensive cross-sectional study of NM. Our data identify significant disabilities and support a relatively stable disease course. We identify a need for further diagnostic investigation for the genetically unresolved group. Lastly, MFM, pulmonary function tests, and the slurp test were identified as promising outcome measures for future clinical trials.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
N B Mahotra ◽  
T M Amatya ◽  
B SJB Rana ◽  
D Banstola

<p> Due to regular exercises, athletes tend to have an increase in pulmonary functions when compared to non exercising individuals, especially when the exercise is strenuous. Intensity and severity of sports engaged in by the athletes determines the extent of strengthening of the inspiratory muscles with a resultant increase in the lung volumes and capacities. Pulmonary parameters like tidal volume and forced vital capacity are significantly higher in athletes than in non athletes. A cross sectional comparative study was carried out in national sports council, Tribhuvan army club and institute of medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. The athletes were footballers from Tribhuvan army club and sprinters from national sports council. The non-athletes were medical students from the institute of medicine, Kathmandu. Data were collected after performing spirometry and mean values were compared between athletes and non-athletes. Pulmonary functions were assessed based on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) expressed as percent predicted for the age, sex, height, weight and race. Spirometry was performed in 169 subjects, out of which 84 were athletes and 85 were non-athletes. Athletes had a significantly superior FVC (P =0.00) compared to non-athletes. FEV1 was also recorded significantly higher in athletes than in non-athletes (P=0.023). Athletes have better pulmonary function tests than non-athletes because exercise in athletes strengthens the muscles of respiration. </p>


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