Sensitization to green coffee beans and work-related allergic symptoms in coffee workers

Background Occupational respiratory allergy to green coffee beans (GCB) and to castor beans (CB) was studied in 112 workers in a modern coffee manufacturing plant of Trieste (Italy), where the process is completely automatic, the environmental conditions are good and where exposure to CB can be considered absent because since 1970, only new sacks have been used for coffee transportation. Methods All subjects were interviewed by a trained doctor using a questionnaire to investigate allergic symptoms and predisposing factors. Sensitization to GCB and to common allergens (pollens, molds, house dust mites) were evaluated by the skin-prick test. The serum of subjects with a positive skin-prick test to CGB or who had symptoms at work was tested for specific IgE (RAST) for GCB and CB. Lung function was evaluated by a Ponigraph spirometer. Results Sensitization to GCB was found in 25.8% of green coffee workers (31 cases), in 2.7% of roasted coffee workers (37 cases) and in 4.5% of the clerks (44 cases), p < 0.01. The evaluation of IgE specific for CB gave positive results only in 3 of 10 subjects sensitized to GCB. A total of 20% of GCB workers (6 cases) complained of work-related respiratory symptoms (asthma and/or rhinitis) compared with only one subject in the roasted coffee group and one in the control group (p < 0.01). Asthma was reported by 2/31 of the green coffee workers and by 1/44 of roasted coffee workers. Conclusions There was a significant correlation between sensitization to GCB and work related symptoms (p < 0.01), common allergic symptoms (p < 0.05) and atopy by prick test (<0.01). These results point to the need to evaluate atopic status in workers and identify the most susceptible subjects, with the aim of informing them of their at-risk status and monitoring their progress. This makes it possible to diagnose sooner those symptoms possibly indicative of a work-related disease, because even in presence of good environmental conditions and even when symptoms are mild, it is almost always the atopic subjects who are affected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:623–627, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Agrochemicals pose health risks to coffee factory workers in Githuguri (Kenya)

In this century, the use of pesticides and fertilizers (agrochemicals) is indispensable because they are seen as a panacea for protecting crops from insects and diseases. However, the manner in which these agrochemicals are handled poses significant health risks to manufacturers, transporters, vendors and farmers. In Kenya, for example, coffee factory workers (specifically storekeepers) apportion the agrochemicals and sell them to the coffee farmers. The process of apportioning and other factors expose these workers to health risks. In order to evaluate the extent of the problem, a pilot study was undertaken in the Githuguri location. The results showed that lack of use of protective clothing, poor handling of agrochemicals and poorly designed storage facilities were very common. As a result, 95% of the workers interviewed reported a variety of agrochemical health related problems. In conclusion, the government and the public role regarding possible preventive measures were proposed.     

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Investigating the inhibitory activity of green coffee and cacao bean extracts on pancreatic lipase

The present study investigated the effects of green coffee bean extract and Theobroma cacao bean extract on pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. Green coffee bean extract produced a J‐shaped dose‐dependent inhibition of pancreatic lipase with the percentage inhibition of pancreatic lipase ranging from 11.8% to 61.5%. Similar concentrations of Theobroma cacao failed to produce any effect on pancreatic lipase. Non‐linear regression analysis revealed that the concentration of green coffee bean extract required to elicit a 50% inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity (IC50) was approximately 43 µM. In conclusion, extracts of green coffee beans but not Theobroma cacao possess potent inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase.     

Occupational exposure to Aspergillus and aflatoxins among food-grain workers in India

Background:

Aflatoxins are a metabolite of Aspergillus molds and are widespread in the natural environment. Workers who handle food grains are at increased risk of exposure to aflatoxins and subsequently certain respiratory conditions. In India, more than half of the employed population is engaged in some type of agricultural work, yet little known about the respiratory problems as a result of exposure to aflatoxins among workers who handle food grains in India.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the risk of occupational exposure to aflatoxins in food-grain workers compared to workers who are not occupationally exposed to food grains.

Methods:

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and serum samples from 46 food-grain workers and 44 non-food-grain workers were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins. Microscopy and culture of BAL samples were performed to detect Aspergillus species.

Results:

Aflatoxins were detected in 32.6% of the food-grain workers and 9.1% of non food grain workers (P<0.01). A significant difference was also found in BAL culture for Aspergillus (P<0.01) between the two groups. About 47.8% of the food-grain workers and 11.4% of non-food-grain workers had chronic respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion:

Occupational exposure to aflatoxins in food-grain workers was found to be associated with the increased presence of respiratory symptoms.     

Sensitization to king scallop (Pectin maximus) and queen scallop (Chlamys opercularis) proteins

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of occupational asthma and urticaria due to the queen scallop (Chlamys opercularis) and king scallop (Pectin maximus). BACKGROUND: A 40-year-old female worked in a shellfish-processing plant, handling king and queen scallops for 5 years. At the time of investigation, she described a 2-year history of work-related respiratory symptoms. METHODS: Serial peak expiratory flow rate readings were recorded and an OASYS study completed. A workplace visit was undertaken and specific immunoglobulin (IgE) radioallergosorbent (RAST) testing of scallop extracts was performed. RESULTS: The OASYS study was consistent with occupational asthma. RAST testing demonstrated evidence of specific sensitization (IgE) to queen and king scallop. There was also some cross-reactivity observed with other shellfish (prawns and crabs). CONCLUSION: Workers exposed to aerosols from scallop species are at risk of occupational asthma and require effective respiratory health surveillance.     

对苯二甲酸和乙二醇及联苯-联苯醚对职业人群肝肾损伤的研究

目的　研究对苯二甲酸 (TPA)、乙二醇 (EG)、联苯 -联苯醚 (DOW )对职业人群肝肾损伤的影响 ,寻找作业工人健康监护的早期指标。方法　采用职业流行病学的方法 ,在对某化纤公司进行劳动卫生学调查的基础上 ,分析TPA、EG、DOW接触工人肝肾功能的变化。结果　TPA +EG +DOW接触组男工的血清γ 谷氨酰转肽酶 (GGT)活力和总胆汁酸 (TBA)的含量分别为 (35 .45±16 .0 9)U/L、(10 .2 9± 6 .76 ) μmol/L ,女工的血清丙氨酸转氨酶 (ALT)活力和TBA含量分别为(30 .6 8± 8.5 8)U/L、(9.5 3± 6 .6 3) μmol/L ,均不同程度地高于对照组、TPA接触组和DOW接触组 ,且差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5、P <0 .0 1) ;TPA +EG +DOW接触组尿N 乙酰 β D 氨基葡萄糖苷酶 (NAG)活力和 β2 微球蛋白 (β2 MG)含量与对照组、TPA接触组和DOW接触组相比 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5、P<0 .0 1) ,男工为 (5 .6 8± 4.0 1)U/mmolCr与 (2 3.49± 13.44 )mg/molCr;女工为 (6 .6 8± 4.6 8)U/mmolCr与 (2 2 .80± 13.0 0 )mg/molCr。经多元回归分析 ,控制了性别、吸烟、饮酒等混杂因素 ,接触不同的毒物与作业工人肝肾损伤的关系有显著性 (P <0 .0 0 1)。结论　TPA、EG、DOW对职业人群的肝肾损伤存在联合作用 ,建议血清ALT、GGT、TBA、尿NAG和     

Mortality among 24,865 workers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in three electrical capacitor manufacturing plants: A ten-year update

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate mortality among a cohort of 24,865 capacitor-manufacturing workers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at plants in Indiana, Massachusetts, and New York and followed for mortality through 2008. Cumulative PCB exposure was estimated using plant-specific job-exposure matrices. External comparisons to US and state-specific populations used standardized mortality ratios, adjusted for gender, race, age and calendar year. Among long-term workers employed 3 months or longer, within-cohort comparisons used standardized rate ratios and multivariable Poisson regression modeling. Through 2008, more than one million person-years at risk and 8749 deaths were accrued. Among long-term employees, all-cause and all-cancer mortality were not elevated; of the a priori outcomes assessed only melanoma mortality was elevated. Mortality was elevated for some outcomes of a priori interest among subgroups of long-term workers: all cancer, intestinal cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (women); melanoma (men); melanoma and brain and nervous system cancer (Indiana plant); and melanoma and multiple myeloma (New York plant). Standardized rates of stomach and uterine cancer and multiple myeloma mortality increased with estimated cumulative PCB exposure. Poisson regression modeling showed significant associations with estimated cumulative PCB exposure for prostate and stomach cancer mortality. For other outcomes of a priori interest – rectal, liver, ovarian, breast, and thyroid cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease – neither elevated mortality nor positive associations with PCB exposure were observed. Associations between estimated cumulative PCB exposure and stomach, uterine, and prostate cancer and myeloma mortality confirmed our previous positive findings.     

From questionnaire to database: field work experience in the 'Immigration, work and health survey' (ITSAL Project)

Objective

Despite the need for information in the area of migration and health, the available data are sparse. We describe the field work in a cross-sectional study on the health of immigrant workers in Spain.

Method

A convenience sample of workers from Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco and Rumania in four cities was targeted, using a block-walking approach. The outcome rates of the American Association of Public Opinion Research were estimated.

Results

Of 6,504 persons approached, 71.4% were eligible contacts. Of these contacts, only 57.8% completed interviews. Response and cooperation rates were above 50%.

Conclusions

Block-walking enabled surveyors to access difficult-to-reach groups. The use of specifically trained surveyors with a background similar to that of the target population increased the effectiveness of our methods.     

2009-2010 seasonal and pandemic A (H1N1) influenza vaccination among healthcare workers

Influenza vaccination recommendations are traditionally met with low compliance by healthcare workers (HCWs). The aim of this study is to analyze influenza vaccination among HCWs following a vaccination strategy characterized by an increased effort to maximize the hospital vaccination rate. For this, 2009-2010 seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccination rates among 2739 HCWs at a tertiary university hospital were evaluated. The seasonal influenza vaccination rate was 26.7% (48.3% increase vs. 2008-2009, p = 0.0000), and 14.8% in the case of pandemic influenza. HCWs with direct patient contact showed similar seasonal (25.7%) and pandemic (15.4%) influenza vaccination rates compared to the overall rates. Physician vaccination displayed the highest rate, showing significant differences vs. total rate (38.3%, p = 0.0007 for seasonal, and 32.2%, p = 0.0000 for pandemic influenza). The areas in which the vaccination strategy was most active reflected a significant increase (32.6%, p = 0.0056 for seasonal, and 25.2%, p = 0.0000 for pandemic influenza). It therefore appears that more active campaigns might increase influenza vaccination among HCWs.     

Chronic exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides and neuropsychological functioning in farm workers: a review

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that acute poisoning from exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides in agricultural workers causes adverse health effects. However, neuropsychological and cognitive effects of chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides remain controversial.

Objective: To identify, evaluate, and systematize existing evidence regarding chronic exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects in farmworkers.

Methods: Using the PubMed search engine, a systematic review process was implemented and replicated according to the PRISMA statement. Eligibility criteria included workers over 18 years of age exposed to OP pesticides as well as assessment of neuropsychological and cognitive functioning. Search terms were in English and Spanish languages and included organophosphate and workers.

Results: Of the search results, 33 of 1,256 articles meet eligibility criteria. Twenty-four studies found an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and low neuropsychological performance in workers. We classified nine of the studies to have study design limitations. Studies indicated occupational exposure to OP pesticides is linked to difficulties in executive functions, psychomotor speed, verbal, memory, attention, processing speed, visual–spatial functioning, and coordination. Nine studies find no relationship between OP pesticides exposure and neuropsychological performance.

Conclusions: Overall, evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects. However, there is no consensus about the specific cognitive skills affected.     

Hypersensitivity linked to exposure of broad bean protein(s) in allergic patients and BALB/c mice

ObjectiveBroad bean (Vicia faba L.), a common vegetable, belongs to the family Fabaceae and is consumed worldwide. Limited studies have been done on allergenicity of broad beans. The aim of this study was to determine if broad bean proteins have the ability to elicit allergic responses due to the presence of clinically relevant allergenic proteins.MethodsSimulated gastric fluid (SGF) assay and immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblotting were carried out to identify pepsin-resistant and IgE-binding proteins. The allergenicity of broad beans was assessed in allergic patients, BALB/c mice, splenocytes, and RBL-2H3 cells.ResultsEight broad bean proteins of approximate molecular weight 70, 60, 48, 32, 23, 19, 15, and 10 kDa that remained undigested in SGF, showed IgE-binding capacity as well. Of 127 allergic patients studied, broad bean allergy was evident in 16 (12%). Mice sensitized with broad bean showed increased levels of histamine, total and specific IgE, and severe signs of systemic anaphylaxis compared with controls. Enhanced levels of histamine, prostaglandin D₂, cysteinyl leukotriene, and β-hexosaminidase release were observed in the primed RBL-2H3 cells following broad bean exposure. The levels of interleukin IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted were found enhanced in broad bean-treated splenocytes culture supernatant compared with controls.ConclusionThis study inferred that broad bean proteins have the ability to elicit allergic responses due to the presence of clinically relevant allergenic proteins.     

Influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare workers and residents in public health care facilities in Ireland over nine influenza seasons (2011–2012 to 2019–2020)

The influenza vaccine is free to all healthcare workers (HCWs) working in hospitals and long-term/residential health care facilities in Ireland. To evaluate influenza vaccine uptake, the Health Service Executive-Health Protection Surveillance Centre surveyed HCWs each season between 2011–2012 and 2019–2020. The national HCW uptake target was 40% for the first six seasons and was increased to 75% for the 2019–2020 season. Data on seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among HCWs employed in these healthcare settings were obtained using web-based surveys sent to occupational or management contact points. Data on numbers of staff vaccinated by Health Service Executive (HSE) professional staff grade and numbers eligible for vaccination in each grade were provided. Since the 2017–2018 season, a point prevalence survey for residents to assess influenza vaccine uptake has also been undertaken in long-term/residential care facilities (LTCFs) and aggregate data submitted, initially using a desktop spreadsheet survey tool, but later using web-based survey tools; these surveys were undertaken to investigate how uptake differed between HCWs and residents, both long-term and short-term.Participation by healthcare facilities and influenza vaccine uptake by both HCWs and LTCF-residents in these surveys increased over the nine seasons. Uptake among HCWs employed in publicly-funded hospitals increased from 18.1% (2011–2012) to 58.9% (2019–2020). Uptake in publicly-funded LTCFs increased from 17.8% (2011–2012) to 45.5% (2019–2020). Overall, uptake among hospital nursing staff was lowest among all staff categories for most seasons, but increased from 12.4% in 2011–2012 to 58.1% in 2019–2020. In all seasons since 2011–2012, medical/dental, management/administrative or health and social care professional staff reported the highest uptake values in public LTCFs. Of the three annual point prevalence surveys between 2017–2018 and 2019–2020, all showed high overall uptake among long-term residents (between 88.9% and 89.4%), and a lower and wider uptake range among respite residents (between 57.5% and 66.5%).     

Coverage and side effects of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine among primary health care workers

In June 2009, WHO declared the maximum phase alert against H1N1 pandemic flu. Health care workers (HCWs) are considered a strategic target for prevention of the occurrence of H1N1 influenza since they had the greatest risk of acquiring infection. The objectives of our study were (1) identifying the uptake of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine by primary health care workers in the southern part of Cordoba, and (2) reporting of the adverse events occurred after vaccination. We followed 240 HCWs in 12 primary health care centres at southern part of Cordoba for vaccine uptake and the occurrence of adverse events. The coverage rate with H1N1 vaccine was 20.5% which was lower compared to seasonal influenza vaccination rate 44.2% in 2009. Males had higher H1N1 vaccination rate compared to females with no significant difference. Senior HCWs complied more with seasonal influenza vaccine while this finding was not consistent with H1N1 vaccination. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent variable that affected H1N1 vaccine was the compliance to the seasonal flu vaccine in the past three years with OR 5.1 and 95% CI (2.4-10.8). Adverse events occurred among 26.5% of those who complied with H1N1 vaccination. Those were local pain, irritation and induration at site of injection (38.5%), fever (15.4%), fever cough and rhinorrhea (15.4%) generalized pain and lumber pains (23.1%). The low vaccination rate in this study is consistent with previous studies done in many parts of the world and in Spain. Further studies should be done to explore the factors that hindered the uptake and resistance of HCWs to vaccination to H1N1 vaccine.     

Social and behavioral factors associated with condom use among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) in tarlac, the Philippines

This study examines social and behavioral factors associated with condom use among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Tarlac, the Philippines. One hundred and twenty-one CSWs who visited a social hygiene clinic for regular check-ups were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire with thirty-one items. More than 80% of the respondents had experience of using condoms with clients. However, only 48% of them used consistently. Six factors, level of education, knowledge of condom application, knowledge of condom effectiveness for preventing AIDS, knowledge of AIDS, use of other contraceptives, and sex premise managers’ advice about using condoms, were significantly associated with their condom use by bivariate analyses. Following a logistic regression analysis, three variables, education, knowledge of condom effectiveness, and sex premise managers’ advice, were revealed to be independently associated with consistent condom use. We recommend that managers of sex premises take an active role in advocating condom use, and that the effectiveness of condoms as an AIDS preventative be emphasized in future educational and interventional programs.     

Exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides and health conditions in agricultural and non-agricultural workers from Maule,Chile

The objective was to evaluate the characteristics of exposure to OP pesticides and health status in Chilean farm workers from the Maule Region. An occupational health questionnaire was administered in 207 agricultural and non-agricultural workers. For the group of agricultural workers, we asked about specific occupational exposure history and symptoms of OP pesticide poisoning. The main health problem of the exposed group was previous OP pesticide poisoning (p < 0.001). Fifty-six percent of agricultural workers reported symptoms consistent with acute OP pesticide poisoning. The use of respiratory personal protective equipment and younger age were protective against these symptoms, and number of years of OP pesticide exposure was positively associated with reporting symptoms of poisoning. Of the pesticide applicators 47 % reported using chlorpyrifos. The regulations regarding use and application of pesticides should be strengthened, as should training and intervention with workers to improve the use of personal protective equipment.     

Short-term mortality and cancer incidence in capacitor manufacturing workers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

A cohort study of 142 male Swedish capacitor manufacturing workers was performed. PCB had been used as a dielectricum in power capacitors between 1960 and 1978. Mortality was investigated for the period 1965 to 1982 and cancer incidence from 1965 to 1980. Twenty-one deaths and seven cancers were observed, which was in agreement with the anticipated numbers calculated from national statistics. One person had developed two rare tumors, a slow growing mesenchymal tumor (desmoid) and a malignant lymphoma. The results cannot rule out the possibility of a carcinogenic risk from PCB exposure because of the small size of the cohort and relatively brief follow-up period, but they do not indicate any excess mortality or cancer incidence in this factory so far.     

Residential proximity to green spaces and breast cancer risk: The multicase-control study in Spain (MCC-Spain)

Background

Breast cancer is the main cause of cancer mortality among women. Green spaces have been recently associated with reduced cancer mortality among women. Mechanisms explaining the beneficial effect of green spaces include increased levels of physical activity and reduced exposure to air pollution, which have been both associated with cancer development.

Seasonal and Pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccination coverage and attitudes among health-care workers in a Spanish University Hospital

Influenza vaccination coverage among health-care workers (HCWs) remains the lowest compared with other priority groups for immunization. Little is known about the acceptability and compliance with the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine among HCWs during the current campaign. Between 23 December 2009 and 13 January 2010, once the workplace vaccination program was over, we conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey at the University Hospital 12 de Octubre (Madrid, Spain). Five hundred twenty-seven HCWs were asked about their influenza immunization history during the 2009–2010 season, as well as the reasons for accepting or declining either the seasonal or pandemic vaccines. Multiple logistic-regression analysis was preformed to identify variables associated with immunization acceptance. A total of 262 HCWs (49.7%) reported having received the seasonal vaccine, while only 87 (16.5%) affirmed having received the pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 vaccine. “Self-protection” and “protection of the patient” were the most frequently adduced reasons for acceptance of the pandemic vaccination, whereas the existence of “doubts about vaccine efficacy” and “fear of adverse reactions” were the main arguments for refusal. Simultaneous receipt of the seasonal vaccine (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.14–0.52) and being a staff (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.04–0.19) or a resident physician (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05–0.50) emerged as independent predictors for pandemic vaccine acceptance, whereas self-reported membership of a priority group was associated with refusal (OR: 5.98; 95% CI: 1.35–26.5). The pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccination coverage among the HCWs in our institution was very low (16.5%), suggesting the role of specific attitudinal barriers and misconceptions about immunization in a global pandemic scenario.     

Persistence and avidity maturation of antibodies to A(H1N1)pdm09 in healthcare workers following repeated annual vaccinations

Healthcare workers are at increased risk of influenza infection through direct patient care, particularly during the early stages of a pandemic. Although influenza vaccination is widely recommended in Healthcare workers, data on long-term immunogenicity of vaccination in healthcare workers are lacking.The present study was designed to assess the persistence of the humoral response after pandemic vaccination as well as the impact of repeated annual vaccination in healthcare workers (n = 24).Pandemic influenza vaccination resulted in a significant increase in haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers with 93–100% of subjects achieving protective titers 21-days post each of the three annual vaccinations. Seroprotective antibodies measured by HI, microneutralization and single radial hemolysis assays were present in 77–94% of healthcare workers 6 months post-vaccination. Repeated vaccination resulted in an increased duration of seroprotective antibodies with seroprotective titers increasing from 35–62% 12 months after 2009 pandemic vaccination to 50–75% 12 months after 2010 vaccination. Furthermore, repeated annual vaccination augmented the avidity of influenza-specific IgG antibodies.In conclusion, we have shown that A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination induces high seroprotective titers that persist for at least 6 months. We demonstrate that repeated vaccination is beneficial to healthcare workers and results in further avidity maturation of vaccine-induced antibodies.