Association of fatty acids in serum phospholipids with lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in adults

Background The dietary intake of certain fatty acids might have an impact on inflammatory processes in the lung and therefore contribute to the development of lung diseases like asthma or COPD. Methods In this study data from a population based cross-sectional study on respirator y health including measurement of fatty acids in serum phospholipids of 593 adults between 20 and 64 years of age were analyzed. Results Statistically significant positive associations were found between percentage predicted FEV₁ (P = 0.0085) and FVC (P = 0.0267) and docosahexaenoic acid concentration in serum phospholipids in men. Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid content in serum phospholipids was significantly negatively associated with percentage predicted FEV₁ (P = 0.0003) and FVC (P = 0.0045) and transformed dose-response slopes (P = 0.0488) in men. Palmitoleic acid was negatively associated with percentage predicted FEV₁ (P = 0.0037) and FVC (P = 0.0029) in men. Other fatty acids in serum phospholipids did not consistently affect lung function parameters or bronchial hyperreactivity. Conclusion A high concentration of docosahexaenoic acid in serum phospholipids may have a protective effect on lung function. Because this long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid is almost exclusively derived from marine oils, fish might have a beneficial effect on lung diseases. Authors contribution: Iris Kompauer did the data analysis and wrote the paper. Hans Demmelmair did laboratory work. Berthold Koletzko did interpretation and discussion. Gabriele Bolte did acquisition of funding, interpretation and discussion. Jakob Linseisen did interpretation and discussion. Joachim Heinrich did design, interpretation and discussion.     

脉冲振荡法对气道反应性测定的诊断标准初探

目的 以肺通气功能进行支气管激发试验的方法作为“金标准”，探讨脉冲振荡法肺功能测定（IOS）对气道反应性测定的可行性及诊断标准。方法 对50例门诊哮喘疑诊患者进行组织胺支气管激发试验，于基础状态及每次吸药激发后，先用IOS法测定呼吸道阻力各主要指标：共振频率（Fres）、呼吸总阻抗（Zrs）、呼吸道总黏性阻力（R5）、中心气道黏性阻力（R20）、周边气道黏性阻力（R5-R20）、周边弹性阻力（X5）、中心阻力（Rc）、周边阻力（Rp），然后进行肺通气功能检测，测定第1秒用力呼气量（VEV1）。结果 气道高反应性的阳性率为70％。在激发试验终止时，阴性组IOS各阻力较基础值变化差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），而阳性组IOS各阻力除Rc外均较基础值增加（P〈0．05）。各IOS阻力指标与FEV1均呈显著的直线相关关系（P〈0．05），除X5呈正相关外，余均呈负相关。Fres、Zrs、R5、X5、Rp的增加率与FEV1下降率间存在直线关系（P〈0．05）。激发试验终止时，Fres、Rp增加80％或Zrs、R5增加50％或X5增加1倍，可作为IOS法气道高反应性阳性判断标准。结论 IOS法可作为气道反应性测定另一可选择的肺功能测定方法，Fres是IOS法各参数中用于诊断气道高反应性敏感性及特异性最高的指标。     

吸入布地奈德对哮喘患者气道炎性反应、网状基底膜厚度、气道高反应性的影响

目的 探讨哮喘患者吸入糖皮质激素对气道炎性反应、网状基底膜厚度以及气道高反应性之间关系的影响.方法 28例哮喘患者(哮喘组)吸入布地奈德200 μg,2次/d,持续12个月.治疗前后均行肺功能检查及电子支气管镜检查,取肺泡灌洗液及支气管黏膜行病理检查,并与10例非哮喘患者(对照组)进行比较.结果 哮喘组治疗前肺泡灌洗液中嗜酸性粒细胞、上皮细胞、肥大细胞比例均较对照组明显升高[哮喘组:(1.60±0.11)％、(2.50±0.29)％、(0.1100±0.0100)％,对照组:(0.50±0.02)％、(1.20±0.08)％、(0.0200±0.0001)％,P＜0.01 ],支气管黏膜活检组织示网状基底膜厚度、平滑肌厚度较对照组增厚[哮喘组:(14.25±2.15)、(0.36±0.01)μm,对照组:(4.45±1.22)、(0.20±0.01)μm,P＜0.01].哮喘组治疗后肺泡灌洗液中嗜酸性粒细胞、上皮细胞、肥大细胞比例[(0.80±0.04)％、(1.60±0.07)％、(0.0500±0.0020)％]较治疗前下降(P＜0.01),网状基底膜厚度、平滑肌厚度[(6.18±1.30)、(0.26±0.02)μm]也较治疗前改善(P＜ 0.01).哮喘组治疗后气道高反应性下降(P＜0.01).网状基底膜厚度与支气管激发试验第1秒用力呼气容积下降20％所需乙酰甲胆碱激发剂量呈负相关(r=-0.672,P＜0.01).结论 哮喘患者气道炎性反应、网状基底膜厚度、气道高反应性之间相互关联,吸人糖皮质激素可以改善气道炎性反应,降低网状基底膜厚度,降低气道高反应性.     

综合康复理疗对支气管哮喘患者肺功能和生活质量的影响

目的 探讨综合康复理疗对支气管哮喘患者肺功能和生活质量的影响。方法 随机将116例支气管哮喘患者均分为对照组和观察组。两组患者均给予常规的健康教育和护理及对症处理,在此基础上,观察组患者给予综合康复理疗。干预前后采集日间、夜间症状积分,哮喘控制测试（asthma control test,ACT）,支气管哮喘生命质量调査问卷（bronchial asthma quality of life questionnaire,AQLQ）数据和肺功能指标：一秒钟用力呼气量占预计值百分比（percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second,FEV₁%）,FEV₁/用力肺活量（forced vital capacity,FVC）。结果 干预后两组夜间症状积分和日间症状积分均低于干预前,组内比较干预后ACT积分高于干预前,差异均有统计学意义（均有P<0.05）。干预后观察组AQLQ总分及各维度评分均高于对照组（均有P<0.05）,组内比较各指标干预前后,除对照组的环境刺激得分前后比较差异无统计学意义（t=1.206,P=0.233）,其他各指标差异均有统计学意义（均有P<0.05）。干预后,组间FEV₁/FVC差异有统计学意义（t=2.430,P=0.017）;组内比较：FEV₁/FVC指标,观察组干预前后比较差异有统计学意义（t=2.108,P=0.040）。结论 综合康复理疗有助于改善支气管哮喘患者肺功能和生活质量,提升医疗护理服务质量。     

哮喘缓解期患者中医辨证与肺功能及免疫检测的相关性研究

目的研究哮喘患者缓解期中医辨证与肺功能及免疫检测之间的相关性。方法对哮喘缓解期140例患者肺功能、90例患者免疫指标进行检测,分析其与中医辨证分型之间的相关性。结果哮喘缓解期各证型肺功能、免疫指标分布规律为：脾气虚组FVC、FEV1和PEF明显高于其他各证型;肾虚证组FVC、FEV1和PEF则明显低于其他各证型;肺肾气虚组IgE明显高于肺气虚组,肺气虚组IgE明显高于肺脾气虚组;肺肾气虚组CD3明显高于肺气虚组。结论哮喘患者缓解期各中医证型与肺功能、免疫指标间具有相关性。     

Occupational asthma symptoms and respiratory function among aerial pesticide applicators

BACKGROUND: Pesticide exposure has been suggested as one causal factor for the rise in asthma prevalence. The goal of this investigation was to determine the effect of pesticide exposure on respiratory symptoms and lung function in workers with occupational exposure to pesticides. METHODS: A prospective, case-controlled study was conducted among pesticide aviators (AV) and community controls (Con). In Phase I, subjects completed an asthma survey and baseline spirometry. In Phase II, subjects reported symptoms, lung function monitoring, and pesticide exposure during two, 14-day periods. RESULTS: Phase I-Self-reported asthma and symptoms were similar among AV (n = 135) and Con (n = 118) with 4-6% prevalence reported but with higher rates among smokers. Baseline lung function was similar; although, a higher proportion of AV had forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) <80% predicted (8% vs. 2%, P = 0.02). Phase II-Self-reported symptoms were similar with 80% of AV (n = 50) and 73% of Con (n = 49) reporting no symptoms. Only 4% of AV and 6% of controls reported increased symptoms from baseline to spray season. Serial lung function did not differ between group and mean diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow improved in both groups between sampling times (AV 18% vs. 14%; Con 19% vs. 16%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that among workers with occupational pesticide exposure, asthma symptoms and lung function are similar to those of controls with only community-based exposure.     

FeNO、ECP及IgE联合检测对学龄期支气管哮喘的诊断价值

目的探讨呼出气一氧化氮(FeNO)、免疫球蛋白E(IgE)、嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)联合检测对学龄期支气管哮喘患儿的诊断价值。方法选择2020年1—9月河南省某医院收治的100例学龄期支气管哮喘患儿为观察组,选择同期在该院进行体检的100名健康儿童作为对照组。比较2组研究对象的FeNO、IgE、ECP水平和最大呼气流量占预计值百分比(PEF%)、第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比(FEV1%)。并绘制受试者工作曲线(ROC),分析FeNO、IgE、ECP联合诊断学龄期支气管哮喘的效能。结果观察组研究对象FeNO、IgE、ECP水平高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组研究对象PEF%、FEV1%低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。FeNO、IgE、ECP水平分别与PEF%、FEV1%呈负相关(P<0.05)。FeNO、IgE、ECP联合诊断学龄期支气管哮喘的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.891,特异度、敏感度分别为0.974、0.785,均高于各指标单一检测的数值。结论FeNO、IgE、ECP水平升高与学龄期支气管哮喘的发生密切相关,与患者肺功能相关指标呈负相关,三者联合检测学龄期支气管哮喘具有较高敏感度和特异度,能够提高检出率,值得临床推广。     

甲醛暴露对哮喘大鼠气道反应性及肺组织病理学改变影响

目的 探讨甲醛暴露对哮喘大鼠气道反应性及肺组织病理学改变的影响.方法 选择Wistar雄性大鼠40只,随机分为4组,每组10只.A组为正常对照组,B组为哮喘模型组.C和D组分别为甲醛低、高质量浓度(12.5、25.0mg/m<'3>)哮喘组.每只大鼠染毒结束1周后处死,测量每只大鼠的气道阻力30 min的变化,观察肺组织病理形态学变化,测定血清中白细胞介素(IL)-13和免疫球蛋白(Ig)E的水平.结果 ①B、C、D组大鼠的气道阻力、血清IgE、IL-13水平均明显高于A组(P<0.01),C、D组大鼠的气道阻力、血清IgE、IL-13水平均较B组明显升高(P<0.01);②D组比C组气道阻力,血清IL-13、IgE水平均明显升高(P<0.01);③肺组织病理切片中C、D组管壁周围均出现大量炎性细胞浸润,以中性粒细胞、淋巴细胞为主;可见上皮细胞绒毛倒伏、粘连、脱落;杯状细胞大量增生,基底膜明显增厚等改变.结论 吸入甲醛可加重哮喘大鼠气道阻力和气道炎症反应.     

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a cluster of sawmill workers: a 10-year follow-up of exposure,symptoms, and lung function

Background:

The long-term prognosis of repeated acute episodes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is not well described. We report on a 10-year follow-up of a 10-person cluster from a Norwegian sawmill who had all experienced relapsing episodes of HP.

Objectives:

To evaluate the health symptoms, work-related sick-leave, and lung function of 10 workers exposed to mold in a Norwegian sawmill.

Methods:

Participants were evaluated at baseline and 10 years later at follow-up. A structured interview, measurement of serum IgG antibodies to Rhizopus microsporus (R. microsporus) antigens, lung function tests, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest, and personal measurements of exposure to mold spores and dust were completed for each participant.

Results:

At baseline, nearly all workers reported acute episodes of HP more than twice a month. At follow-up, both the frequency and intensity of symptoms had declined. Sick-leave was reduced and gas diffusing capacity improved – paralleling the gradually reduced air levels of mold spores.

Conclusions:

In spite of an initially high occurrence of symptoms, long-term clinical and physiological outcome was good. With reduced exposure to mold spores, symptoms declined and lung function was restored.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bauxite miners

Objectives: To determine whether cumulative bauxite exposure is associated with respiratory symptoms or changes in lung function in a group of bauxite miners. Methods: Current employees at three bauxite mines in Australia were invited to participate in a survey comprising: questionnaire on demographic details, respiratory symptoms, and work history; skin prick tests for four common aeroallergens; and spirometry. A task exposure matrix was constructed for bauxite exposure in all tasks in all jobs based on monitoring data. Data were examined for associations between cumulative bauxite exposure, and respiratory symptoms and lung function, by regression analyses. Results: The participation rate was 86%. Self-reported work-related respiratory symptoms were reported by relatively few subjects (1.5%–11.8%). After adjustment for age and smoking no significant differences in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms were identified between subjects, in the quartiles of cumulative bauxite exposure distribution. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) of the exposed group was found to be significantly lower than that for the unexposed group. After adjustment for age, height, and smoking there were no statistically significant differences between quartiles in FEV₁, forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV₁/FVC ratio. Conclusions: These data provide little evidence of a serious adverse effect on respiratory health associated with exposure to bauxite in an open-cut bauxite mine in present day conditions. Received: 14 August 2000 / Accepted: 12 April 2001     

Symptoms, airway responsiveness, and exposure to dust in beech and oak wood workers

OBJECTIVES—To investigate the relation between levels of cumulative exposure to wood dust and respiratory symptoms and the occurrence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness among beech and oak workers.
METHODS—114 Male woodworkers from five furniture factories and 13 male unexposed controls were examined. The unexposed control group was supplemented by 200 male historical controls. Statistical analyses were performed excluding and including the historical controls. Dust concentration was measured by personal sampling methods. Cumulative exposure to dust was calculated for each woodworker by multiplying the duration of the work by the intensity of exposure (years.mg/m³). Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was assessed by the methacholine bronchial challenge test. Subjects were labelled methacholine bronchial challenge positive if forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) fell by 20%. The linear dose-response slope was calculated as the last dose divided by the total dose given.
RESULTS—443 Dust samples were collected. The median cumulative exposure to dust was 110 years.mg/m³ with lower and upper quartiles at 70 and 160 years.mg/m³ Overall, no declines in FEV₁ and forced vital capacity (FVC) were found with increasing exposures. A dose-response relation was found between intensity of exposure on the one hand, and sore throat, increased prevalence of positive methacholine bronchial challenge tests, and steeper dose-response slope, on the other.
CONCLUSION—Exposure to oak and beech dust may lead to the development of sore throat and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.


Keywords: bronchial hyperresponsiveness; wood dust; beech; oak     

焦炉逸散物对作业工人肺功能及呼吸系统症状影响的配对研究

目的　探讨焦炉逸散物对作业工人肺功能及呼吸系统症状的影响。方法　按吸烟指数、年龄、身高和体重配对 ,对焦炉工和对照组进行问卷调查、肺功能测定和焦炉逸散物累积接触剂量 (指数 )估算。结果　接触组肺功能FVC、FEV1 0 、MMF、FEF2 5% 、FEF50 % 、FEF75% 和各项肺功能实测值占预计值百分比均明显低于对照组 (P <0 0 5或P<0 0 1)。焦炉工咳嗽、咳痰阳性率随累积接触剂量的增加而升高 (P <0 0 5 ) ;累积接触剂量≥ 60 0 0时 ,各项肺功能指标异常率明显高于对照组 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　焦炉逸散物可引起肺功能的降低和呼吸系统异常症状发生率升高。     

舒利迭联合噻托溴铵对COPD合并支气管哮喘患者肺功能、免疫功能及气道阻力的影响

目的探讨舒利迭联合噻托溴铵对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)合并支气管哮喘患者肺功能、免疫功能及气道阻力的影响。方法选取2017年1月-2018年12月辽宁省某医院收治的102例COPD合并支气管哮喘患者为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为研究组与对照组,每组51例。对照组患者给予噻托溴铵治疗,研究组患者给予舒利迭联合噻托溴铵治疗。比较2组患者治疗前及治疗2周时肺功能[第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV 1)、最大呼气流速(PEF)、肺活量(FVC)]、免疫功能[T淋巴细胞亚群(CD4^+,CD8^+,CD4^+/CD8^+)、自然杀伤细胞(NK细胞)水平]、气道阻力[气道总阻抗(Z5)、气道总黏性阻力(R5)、近端气道黏性阻力(R20)],比较2组患者治疗前及治疗3个月时健康状况调查简表(SF-36)评分。结果治疗前,2组患者FEV 1,PEF,FVC水平比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗2周时,2组患者FEV 1,PEF,FVC水平均高于治疗前,且研究组高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,2组患者CD4^+,CD8^+,CD4^+/CD8^+及NK细胞水平比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗2周时,2组患者CD4^+,CD4^+/CD8^+,NK细胞水平均高于治疗前,且研究组高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗2周时,2组患者CD8^+水平均低于治疗前,且研究组低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,2组患者Z5,R5,R20水平比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗2周时,2组患者Z5,R5,R20水平均低于治疗前,且研究组低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,2组患者SF-36中的MCS及PCS评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗3个月时,2组患者SF-36中的MCS及PCS评分均高于治疗前,且研究组高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论舒利迭联合噻托溴铵治疗COPD合并支气管哮喘效果良好,能够有效改善患者肺功能及免疫功能,降低气道阻力。     

Occupational exposure to diesel and gasoline emissions and lung cancer in Canadian men

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies diesel exhaust as a probable human carcinogen; this decision is based largely from lung cancer evidence. Gasoline exhaust is classified as a possible carcinogen. Epidemiological studies are needed that improve upon some of the limitations of previous research with respect to the characterization of exposure, and the control for the potential confounding influence of smoking and other occupational exposures. Our objective was to investigate associations between occupational exposure to diesel and gasoline engine emissions and lung cancer. We used a case-control study design that involved men 40 years of age and older at the time of interview. Analyses are based on 1681 incident cases of lung cancer and 2053 population controls. A self-reported questionnaire elicited a lifetime occupational history, including general tasks, and information on other potential risk factors. Occupational exposures to diesel and gasoline emissions, crystalline silica, and asbestos were assigned to each job held by study subjects by industrial hygienists who were blind to case-control status. Exposure metrics for diesel and gasoline emissions that were modeled included: ever exposure, cumulative exposure, and concentration of exposure. We found a dose–response relationship between cumulative occupational exposure to diesel engine emissions and lung cancer. This association was more pronounced for the squamous and large cell subtypes with adjusted odds ratios across the three increasing tertiles of cumulative lifetime exposure relative to those with no exposure of 0.99, 1.25, and 1.32 (p=0.04) for squamous cell carcinoma, and 1.06, 1.19, 1.68 (p=0.02) for large cell carcinoma. While the association with cumulative exposure to gasoline was weakly positive, it was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that exposure to diesel engine emissions increases the risk of lung cancer particularly for squamous and large cell carcinoma subtypes.     

布地奈德对哮喘急性发作期患儿血清炎性因子及肺功能的影响

目的探讨布地奈德雾化吸入对哮喘急性发作期患儿血清炎性因子及肺功能的影响。方法将我院收治的317例哮喘急性发作期患儿按照随机分层分组法分为观察组和对照组,对照组给予常规治疗,观察组在对照组基础上给予小剂量布地奈德粉雾化吸入,观察患儿临床症状、血清炎性因子及肺功能改善情况。结果观察组临床症状积分、无症状天数比例及急性发作次数均显著优于对照组（P〈0.05）;观察组血清炎性因子水平及肺功能改善情况均显著优于对照组（P〈0.05）。结论小剂量布地奈德粉雾化吸入能显著改善患儿的临床症状和肺功能,长期使用不会引起下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴功能抑制。     

Adverse effects of asbestos exposure and smoking on lung function

BACKGROUND: Exposure to asbestos is a well-recognized cause of both malignant and nonmalignant diseases of lung parenchyma and pleura. This study was conducted to determine the adverse effects of exposure to asbestos and smoking on pulmonary function. METHODS: Four hundred and sixty-eight workers who were occupationally exposed to asbestos for an average of 13 years were selected from an asbestos-product factory in China. Of them, 85 workers were diagnosed with asbestosis. Additionally, 282 workers who had no experience of exposure to industrial dust were included as a control group. A questionnaire was administered during a face-to-face interview and spirometric maneuvers and single-breath CO diffusing capacity (DL(CO)) were performed. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that exposure to asbestos was more strongly associated with decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) and DL(CO), and asbestosis more strongly associated with decreased FVC, while smoking was a major contributing factor to reduced FEV1/FVC. The results were confirmed by a further analysis where the subjects were grouped exclusively by smoking, asbestos exposure, and chest radiographic changes. No interaction or joint effect was observed between asbestos exposure and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggested that asbestos and smoking might play independent roles, in which asbestos caused mainly a restrictive impairment, and smoking was a major causal factor for airway obstruction in the workers who were intensively exposed to asbestos.     

A survey of respiratory symptoms and lung function in ferrochromium and ferrosilicon workers

Summary Lung function and the prevalence of generalized obstructive lung diseases (GOLD) were studied in three groups of electrofurnace workers in a ferrochromium and ferrosilicon-producing plant. When compared with an internal reference group forced vital capacity was reduced in all groups. Compared with an external reference group the prevalence of GOLD was increased in all three groups. It is known that traces of chromates are present in the working atmosphere at the plant. No connection between the presence of chromates and GOLD could be documented. It is suggested that the documented adverse effects are due to high levels of total dust, possibly with an additional effect due to exposure to amorphus silica dust.     

Pulmonary function abnormalities and airway irritation symptoms of metal fumes exposure on automobile spot welders

BACKGROUND: Spot or resistance welding has been considered less hazardous than other types of welding. Automobile manufacturing is a major industry in Taiwan. Spot and arc welding are common processes in this industry. The respiratory effects on automobile spot welders exposed to metal fumes are investigated. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 41 male auto-body spot welders, 76 male arc welders, 71 male office workers, and 59 assemblers without welding exposure. Inductivity Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) was applied to detect metals' (zinc, copper, nickel) levels in the post-shift urine samples. Demographic data, work history, smoking status, and respiratory tract irritation symptoms were gathered by a standard self-administered questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests were also performed. RESULTS: There were significantly higher values for average urine metals' (zinc, copper, nickel) levels in spot welders and arc welders than in the non-welding controls. There were 4 out of 23 (17.4%) abnormal forced vital capacity (FVC) among the high-exposed spot welders, 2 out of 18 (11.1%) among the low-exposed spot welders, and 6 out of 130 (4.6%) non-welding-exposed workers. There was a significant linear trend between spot welding exposure and the prevalence of restrictive airway abnormalities (P = 0.036) after adjusting for other factors. There were 9 out of 23 (39.1%) abnormal peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among high-exposed spot welders, 5 out of 18 (27.8%) among the low-exposed spot welders, and 28 out of 130 (21.5%) non-welding-exposed workers. There was a borderline significant linear trend between spot welding exposure and the prevalence of obstructive lung function abnormalities (P = 0.084) after adjusting for other factors. There was also a significant dose-response relationship of airway irritation symptoms (cough, phlegm, chronic bronchitis) among the spot welders. Arc welders with high exposure status also had a significant risk of obstructive lung abnormalities (PEFR reduction). There was also a significant dose-response relationship of airway irritation symptoms (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, and chronic bronchitis) among the arc welders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that restrictive and obstructive lung abnormalities, and airway irritation symptoms are associated with spot and arc welding exposures.     

Association between greenhouse working exposure and bronchial asthma: A pilot,cross-sectional survey of 5,420 greenhouse farmers from northeast China

Long-term exposure to greenhouse environments exposes greenhouse workers to inhalation of antigens that can cause respiratory diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and potential risk factors for bronchial asthma among the Chinese greenhouse workers based on questionnaire and spirometry data. This was an observational cross-sectional study, performed via stratified-cluster-random sampling. It was conducted in Liaoning Province from the northeast of People’s Republic of China, using a population-based sample of 5,880 workers at 835 plastic film greenhouses. All subjects were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire and underwent pulmonary function tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess associations between self-reported factors of greenhouse worker exposure and bronchial asthma and to identify potential risk factors for this disease. A total of 5,420 questionnaires were completed. The overall prevalence of asthma in greenhouse workers was 19.2% (1040/5420). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of multiple pesticides (odds ratio [OR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.49), bad odors in the greenhouse (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07–1.49), and report of the onset of cough when entering the greenhouse (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.09–1.44) were associated with the development of asthma. In contrast, a higher body mass index (BMI >18.5?kg/m^2, OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.90–0.95), planting flowers (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87–0.98), open sidewall to outside (natural ventilation) for at least 30?min per event (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.69–0.96), living in greenhouse (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73–0.99), and experiencing cough before 14 years old (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.43–0.84) were protective factors to the presentation of asthma among greenhouse workers. Our results suggest that asthma is a major public health problem among Chinese greenhouse workers and more attention should be devoted to preventive measures and management of this disease.     

铸造工人接尘与肺功能下降之间的剂量效应关系

目的 探讨铸造行业粉尘的暴露与肺功能下降之间的剂量效关系。方法 70名铸造工及90名无职业危害的办公人员进行10年的追踪调查,包括常规体验和肺功能测定。根据历年粉尘浓度监测资料及工种变动记录计算累积粉尘接触量。结果 铸造工肺功能各的指标年下限值明显高于办公人员,且累积粉尘接触量大的工人其肺功能年下降值也较大。多元相关分析显示肺功能的下降与累积粉尘接触量成正相关。结论 铸造粉尘可致工人肺功能明显下降,且存在一定剂量－效应关系。