Respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among cement factory workers

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed chronic respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among workers exposed to cement dust at a Tanzanian cement factory. METHODS: A total of 120 exposed workers and 107 controls participated in this cross-sectional investigation. Information on demographics, occupational history, chronic respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and use of respiratory protection equipment was collected by questionnaire. Ventilatory function testing and measurement of personal total dust exposure were also carried out. COPD was diagnosed for workers with chronic bronchitis who also had spirometric airflow obstruction. Chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD were correlated with cumulative total dust exposure and adjusted for age, pack-years, and education. RESULTS: The exposed workers had more chronic cough [odds ratio (OR) 4.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.9-10.4], chronic sputum production (OR 10.8, 95% CI 4.4-26.4.), dyspnea (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.9-15.2), work-related shortness of breath (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.6-14.2), and chronic bronchitis (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.0-15.3) than the controls. Chronic cough, chronic sputum production, dyspnea, work-related shortness of breath, and chronic bronchitis were significantly related to cumulative dust exposure of 20.0-99.9 and > or = 100.0 versus <20.0 mg/m3-years. The prevalence of COPD was higher for the exposed group (18.8%) than for the controls (4.8%). The odds ratio for COPD was significantly increased for cumulative dust exposure, > or = 100.0 versus <20.0 mg/m3-years (OR 11.2, 95% CI 2.2-56.0). CONCLUSIONS: Cement workers seem to be at high risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD, probably caused by cumulative total dust exposure independent of smoking habits.     

Prevalence and characteristics of functional dyspepsia among workers exposed to cement dust

OBJECTIVES: No data are currently available on the prevalence and characteristics of functional dyspepsia among cement workers. Given the potential impact of dyspepsia on work performance, whether its prevalence is increased among workers exposed to cement dust was evaluated. METHODS: Altogether 420 cement workers were enrolled in the study. According to the individual exposure levels to cement dust, the following three groups were established: no exposure (128 workers), low exposure (1 mg/m3, 176 workers). Dyspepsia was evaluated by means of validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyspepsia was increased in both the low and high exposure groups in comparison with the unexposed workers (51.7% and 59.1%, respectively, versus 34.4%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.21, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.25-3.92, and aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.31-4.25, respectively). A stepwise regression analysis showed a progressive increase in the odds ratio for dyspepsia for the low- and high-exposure groups with the no-exposure group as reference (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.15-3.27, and OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.62-4.20, respectively). Ulcer-like dyspepsia was especially associated with the degree of exposure to cement dust, 11.71% for the no-exposure group versus 17.24% for the low-exposure group versus 29.54% for the high-exposure group (aOR 3.49, 95% CI 1.60-7.63), when the high-exposure group was compared with the no-exposure group. Similar findings were obtained for reflux-like dyspepsia. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational cement-dust exposure is associated with dyspepsia, and the association is particularly strong for ulcer-like and reflux-like dyspepsia.     

中国职业性汞暴露对女工生殖功能影响的Meta分析

目的 综合分析职业性汞暴露对女工生殖功能的影响,筛选汞暴露的敏感生殖效应指标.方法 运用计算机和手工检索收集1989-2006年间国内发表的关于职业性汞暴露与女工生殖功能关系的文献,经严格筛选后,应用Rev Man软件对入选文献的研究结果进行一致性检验并采用相应的数学模型进行数据合并,采用Meta分析合并RR值作为各项目的 总效应指标.结果 纳入14篇文献(暴露组2148人,对照组2044人),与对照组比较,职业性汞暴露与女性月经经期(RR=1.82,95% CI:1.45～2.30)、月经周期(RR=2.03,95% CI:1.74～2.37)、月经量的改变(RR=2.06,95% CI:1.47～2.09)、痛经(RR=2.14,95% CI:1.54～2.99)、妊娠高血压(RR=2.17,95% CI:1.32～3.57)、死产死胎(RR=2.54,95% CI:1.41～4.56)及女工子代低体重出生(RR=3.39,95% CI:1.38～8.33)和出生缺陷(RR=2.67,95% CI:1.55～4.60)等的正相关有显著的统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 职业性汞暴露可以引起女工月经经期、周期和经量改变,增加痛经,同时还会影响妊娠及其子代发育,表现为增加妊娠高血压和死产死胎的发生,并导致其子代低体重和发生出生缺陷.     

Electrocardiographic abnormality for workers exposed to carbon disulfide at a viscose rayon plant

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated electrocardiography (ECG) manifestations for male workers with carbon disulfide exposure at rayon manufacturing plants. METHODS: A total of 251 men in the exposure group and 226 administrative clerks in the reference group received physical examinations and completed questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of ECG abnormalities was much higher in the carbon disulfide exposure group (25.9%, n = 65) than in the reference group (2.7%, n = 6), with an odds ratio (OR) of 12.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.4-30.2). The foremen were at the highest risk of abnormal ECG (OR = 20.6, 95% CI = 6.5-65.2), followed by filament-spinning workers (OR = 14.2, 95% CI = 5.7-35.3), viscose-manufacturing workers (OR = 11.3, 95% CI = 4.3-30.1), and carbon disulfide-manufacturing workers (OR = 8.1, 95% CI = 2.7-25.6). The multivariate logistic regression analysis based on cumulative exposure index also showed a dose-response relationship with the exposure, and the risk of ECG abnormality could be initiated at the exposure history of 31 to 57 year-ppm with an OR of 7.2 (95% CI = 1.5-36.7). CONCLUSIONS: In general, the ECG abnormalities observed in workers at the permissible exposure level of carbon disulfide implicate the importance of environmental control of the chemical and of workers' education in exposure prevention at work.     

Epidemiological evidence for vaccinating wastewater treatment plant workers against hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus

Exposed to sewage workers of a wastewater treatment plant and a control group in Thessaloniki, Greece, were examined for antibodies against hepatitis A (anti-HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection markers. The main objective of this study was to investigate for epidemiological evidence so as to recommend vaccination of the occupationally exposed workers against these viral infections. Antibodies against hepatitis A virus were detected in 65.7% of the wastewater treatment plant workers and in 32.6% of the control group. The prevalence of anti-HAV was significantly higher in less educated persons and was increasing with age (p < 0.001), whereas in logistic regression analysis the adjusted seroprevalence of wastewater treatment plant workers was 3.5 times higher (p < 0.01) than the control population. Serologic evidence of past HBV infection was observed in 32.4% of the exposed to sewage population and in 5.8% of the controls. Multivariate analysis showed that variables significantly and independently related to previous HBV infection was occupational exposure to sewage (OR: 5.81; 95% CI: 2.07-16.29) and age over 40 years old (OR: 4.49; 95% CI: 1.51-13.33). These results support the vaccination policy of young and sensitive to hepatitis A and B virus wastewater treatment plant workers in our region.     

Cold exposure and low back pain in store workers in Israel

BACKGROUND: In recent years the demand for frozen food in the Western world has been growing, and the number of cold storeroom has increased proportionately. There are very few studies documenting cold exposure as a risk factor for musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). This study describes the prevalence of MSS, in particular low back pain (LBP) among cold storeroom workers in Israel and explores the connection between exposure to cold at work and MSS. METHODS: A cross-section survey included 122 males between the ages of 20-45 who had been employed for at least 1 year in three food stores in Israel. The subjects were classified as an exposed group working at temperatures of -20 degrees C and a control group working at room temperatures (20 degrees C to 25 degrees C). The prevalence rate of MSS, in particular LBP, was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. RESULTS: Cold storeroom workers had increased odds of reporting back symptoms in the previous 12 months (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.3-6.7) and during work (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.8-13.0) compared with their colleagues working in storerooms at regular temperatures. Among workers who described themselves as satisfied at work, the cold storeroom workers had increased odds of reporting back symptoms in the last 12 months and during work (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.5-10.6, OR = 9.4, 95% CI = 2.0-44.6, respectively) while there was no association between store type and LBP among dissatisfied workers. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study strengthen the hypothesis that workers in cold environments are at a greater risk of LBP.     

低浓度芳香烃溶剂暴露对自然流产影响的基因多态性研究

目的 探讨女工芳香烃溶剂暴露和细胞色素P450氧化酶MSP1基因和谷胱甘肽S转移酶GSTM1基因的多态性对自然流产的影响。方法 采用回顾性流行病学调查方法。使用统一调查表，由经过培训的调查员在北京燕山地区调查了276个女工，其中有自然流产史者58人，无自然流产史者218人。结果 单因素分析发现；GSTM1缺失基因型可致女工自然流产的危险度显著增加[OR=2.07(95%CI:1.15-3.71)]，但未观察到MSP1基因及芳香烃溶剂暴露对女工自然流产的影响，采用多元Logistic回归模型。经文化程度，年龄，倒班，体重指数，被动吸烟，职业紧张混杂因素调整后，可见GSTM1缺失基因型能显著致女工自然流产危险度增加[OR=2.15(95%CI;1.17-3.98)]。以GSTM1存在基因型和MSP1野生基因型为参照组。采用多元Logistic回归模型。并将文化程度，年龄，倒班，体重指数，被动吸烟，职业紧张混杂因素放入回归模型进行调整，在调整混杂因素前后，与参照组比较，均可见MSP1杂合子/突变基因型合并GSTM1缺失基因型使女工自然流失基因型与MSP1突变纯合子/杂合子基因型之间对自然流产的影响存在相加的联合作用。     

Farm work, dust exposure and respiratory symptoms among farmers

OBJECTIVE: Environmental working conditions in rural areas, notably exposure to organic and mineral dusts, have been associated with increases in respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among farmers and the associations of these with occupational risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in 1996 with 1,379 farmers from Southern Brazil. Sociodemographic and farming-production parameters were collected, as were levels of exposure to organic and mineral dusts. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by a modified version of American Thoracic Society-Division of Lung Disease questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used in analyses, controlling for confounding factors. RESULTS: The majority (52%) of interviewees worked in activities with intense exposure to dust. Workers on farms with better economic indicators had a lower prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Poultry workers showed more symptoms of chronic respiratory disease (OR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.05-2.42). Farmers exposed to high concentrations of dust had more than 70% higher risk of asthma symptoms (OR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.10-2.67) and chronic respiratory disease symptoms (OR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.25-2.50). CONCLUSIONS: The rural workers studied herein were exposed to high levels of organic and mineral dusts. Those exposed to higher dust concentrations, such as poultry workers, showed an increased risk of work-related respiratory symptoms. The implementation of respiratory protection programs is recommended, emphasizing workers involved with poultry production.     

Potential association between male infertility and occupational psychological stress

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of working conditions, occupational exposures to potential reproductive toxic agents, and psychological stress on male fertility. The study population consisted of 202 consecutive male patients attending a fertility clinic. Of those, 106 patients had attended the clinic because of a male infertility problem (case group), 66 patients had attended the clinic because of a female infertility problem (control group), and 30 patients had a combined infertility problem (male and female). Male infertility was associated with working in industry and construction as compared with other occupations (78.6% vs 58.3%, P = 0.044). Industry and construction workers were of lower educational level than the other workers (mean: 12.1 vs 13.4 years, P = 0.021). These patients also tended to smoke more than the other workers (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.08 to 5.98), more often worked in shifts (OR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.19 to 8.13), reported physical exertion in work (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.44 to 7.80), and were more exposed to noise and welding (OR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.63 to 9.14, OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.76, respectively). Male infertility (case group) was found to be statistically related to higher marks in all four measures of burnout as compared with the controls. The largest difference was obtained in the measure of cognitive weariness (mean: 2.9 vs 2.1, P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, industry and construction jobs (adjusted OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.7) and cognitive weariness (adjusted OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.03 to 4.6) were found to be independent risk factors for male infertility problems. Male infertility was independently associated with industry and construction jobs as well as job burnout.     

Working in temporary employment and exposure to musculoskeletal constraints

Background In recent years, temporary work (TW) has increased in European countries due to the greater uncertainty in the economy. Aims To compare the prevalence of non-specific musculoskeletal symptoms of the upper extremities (UEMSDs) and their main risk factors in blue-collar workers employed through temporary agencies (TW) and in those in permanent employment (PE). Methods UEMSDs occurring during the preceding 7 days were assessed using a Nordic questionnaire completed by 1493 blue-collar workers randomly included in a surveillance programme for UEMSDs (171 in TW and 1322 in PE) in a large French region. Personal factors and work-related risk factors for UEMSDs were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Results The prevalence of UEMSDs during the preceding 7 days did not significantly differ between workers in TW or PE. However, after adjustment for age and gender, TW had a higher risk of symptoms of the wrist/hand region (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.04-2.6). TW was characterized by higher exposure to paced work (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-3.0), repetitive work (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.4), awkward postures of the wrist (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.4) and intensive use of vibrating hand tools (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.3). Workers in TW suffered from a lack of autonomy (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.7-3.6) and skill discretion at work (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.1) more frequently, but there was no difference in relation to psychological demands of the task or social support. Conclusions Temporary workers were more frequently exposed to working time constraints, repetitive work and biomechanical constraints of the wrist/hand region when compared to permanent workers and may represent a subpopulation at particularly high risk of UEMSDs.     

Prevalence of asthma by industry in the US population: a study of 2001 NHIS data

BACKGROUND: The estimated number of US workers potentially exposed to asthmagens ranges from 8 to 20 million. This study was undertaken to estimate the US prevalence of asthma in adults by industry of employment and to identify industries with elevated risk of asthma. METHODS: Prevalence analysis was performed on 20,991 adults, 18 years of age and older who participated in the 2001 National Health Interview survey. We used SUDAAN software to estimate the prevalence of self-reported physician diagnosed asthma by industry, and odds ratios (ORs) for asthma and industry adjusted for age, sex, race, and smoking status. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of physician diagnosed asthma was 6.5% (95% CI 6.1-6.9); 4.7% (95% CI 4.1-5.3) for males and 8.5% (95% CI 7.9-9.1) for females. In whites, the prevalence and ORs were significantly elevated for printing, publishing, and allied industries (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-5.0) and health care (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.7). In blacks, ORs were elevated for furniture, lumber, and wood (OR = 5.9, 95% CI 1.4-25.4) and entertainment and recreation industries (OR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-15.9). Other industries with elevated ORs included automobile dealers and gasoline station; durable goods; elementary, secondary schools, and colleges; other personal services; eating and drinking places; entertainment and recreation services; and utility and sanitary. CONCLUSIONS: Industries with elevated prevalence of asthma are identified. This information helps to target workplaces where detailed investigations for prevention and control may be appropriate.     

Body mass index and factors related to overweight among women workers in electronic factories in Peninsular Malaysia

Factors related to overweight were examined in a cross-sectional survey that included 1612 women workers from 10 large electronics assembly factories in Peninsular Malaysia. Respondents were Malaysian citizens, direct production workers below the supervisory level, and had worked at least a year in the factory where they were presently employed. Heights and weights were taken to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Weights and BMI increased with increasing age. After adjusting for age, odds ratios for overweight were significantly raised for married women in relation to not married women (OR 1.5, 95% CI=1.15-2.02), lower secondary education in relation to higher than upper secondary education (OR 1.8, 95% CI=1.06-3.14), monthly income RM800-999 (OR 1.7, 95% CI=1.21-2.45) and >/=RM1,000 (OR 1.8, 95% CI=1.23-2.72) in relation to 相似文献   

Sex trade involvement and rates of human immunodeficiency virus positivity among young gay and bisexual men

BACKGROUND: Susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is of particular concern for marginalized populations. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated with sex trade work among young gay and bisexual men. Further, we aimed to compare HIV prevalence and incidence among men involved and not involved in sex trade work. METHODS: The study is based upon data obtained from a prospective cohort study of young gay and bisexual men. Participants had completed a baseline questionnaire which elicited information on demographic information, sexual behaviours, and substance use. Sex trade involvement was defined as the exchange of money, drugs, goods, clothing, shelter or protection for sex within the one year prior to enrollment. Contingency table and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with involvement in the sex trade. RESULTS: Of the 761 eligible participants, 126 (16%) reported involvement in sex trade work. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed regular alcohol use (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.6, 95% CI : 1.8-7.2), aboriginal ethnicity (OR = 3.7, 95% CI : 1.6-8.7), unemployment (OR = 3.9, 95% CI : 2.1-7.3), history of residence in a psychiatric ward (OR = 4.2, 95% CI : 1.8-9.8), bisexual activity (OR = 7.0, 95% CI : 3.5-14.1) and the use of crack (OR = 7.4, 95% CI : 3.0-18.7) to be independently associated with sex trade work. Sex trade workers had a significantly higher HIV prevalence at baseline compared with non-sex trade workers (7.3% versus 1.1%, P < 0.001). As well, HIV incidence was found to be significantly higher for sex trade workers compared with non-sex trade workers (4.7% versus 0.9%, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that for male sex trade workers in this setting increased vulnerability to HIV infection is related to unfavourable living conditions, substance use and sexual risk behaviour.     

云南省某市锡矿工人性病与艾滋病的流行病学调查

目的 估计云南省某市矿区锡矿工人性病、艾滋病感染状况及相关知识,并分析可能的危险因素。方法 2006年3-6月在云南省某市的5个矿区开展以矿区为基础的横断面研究,共纳入1796名矿工。采用标准化问卷匿名收集研究对象的性病与艾滋病知识、性行为等信息,并采集7ml静脉血和15ml尿检测4种性病和艾滋病感染情况。结果 调查矿工中共检出12例人类免疫缺陷病毒（human immunodeficiency virus,HIV）抗体阳性者,阳性率为0．7％（12／1760）,其他性病阳性率分别为梅毒1．8％（31／1760）,2型单纯疱疹（herpes simplex virustype-2,HSV-2）9．6％（169／1760）,淋球菌0．8％（14／1773）,沙眼衣原体4．8％（85／1773）,除HIV外的其他性病总患病率为14．9％（264／1776）。HIV感染和吸毒（调整OR=17．8;95％CI：4．0—78．8）、12个月内嫖娼次数（调整OR=8．7,95％CI：1．9—39．0）、文身（调整OR=6．6;95％CI：1．8—24．0）、手术（调整OR：6．0;95％CI：1．6—22．5）、共用牙刷（调整OR=5．6;95％CI：1．0—31．3）等因素的联系有统计学意义。性病感染和民族（调整OR=2．0;95％CI：1．5—2．7）、年龄（调整OR=1．7;95％CI．1．0—2．9）、吸毒（调整OR=2．3;95％CI：1．0～5．2）、和配偶住一起（调整OR=1．4;95％CI：1．1—1．9）及嫖娼（调整OR=1．9;95％CI：1．4—2．6）等因素的联系有统计学意义。艾滋病相关知识全部回答正确率为4．1％（49／1201）,有性经历的矿工中自我报告嫖娼的比例为21．6％（339／1569）。结论 该地区矿工性病、艾滋病感染率较高,性病、艾滋病知识匮乏,不安全性行为比较普遍,安全套使用率低,自我保护意识差,存在多种性病、艾滋病的传播途径,应加强该人群教育干预工作。     

Risk of shoulder tendinitis in relation to shoulder loads in monotonous repetitive work.

BACKGROUND: Few studies relate the occurrence of shoulder disorders to quantified ergonomic exposures. This study evaluates the hypothesis that shoulder loads in repetitive work might contribute to the occurrence of shoulder tendinitis. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 1961 workers in repetitive work and 782 referents. Shoulder loads were quantified at task level and measures of exposures were assigned based on task distribution. Symptoms in combination with clinical criteria defined shoulder tendinitis. RESULTS: The prevalence of shoulder tendinitis was higher among exposed workers (adjusted OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-3). Neither frequency of movements (ranging 1-36/min) nor lack of micro-pauses in shoulder flexion (ranging 0-100% of cyclus time) was related to disease prevalence. Increasing force requirements (categorized as light = 1, somewhat hard = 2, hard = 3 or very hard = 4) increased risk slightly (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6 per unit). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that workers with repetitive tasks have increased risk of shoulder tendinitis, which partially can be attributed to force requirements.     

不孕不育特征与夫妻双方高血压患病风险的关联研究

目的 了解不孕不育夫妇高血压患病现况,探讨不孕不育特征与两性高血压患病风险的关联。方法 本研究依托不孕不育队列开展。不孕不育特征包括是否患不孕不育、不孕不育类型、原因及年限。采用多因素logistic回归模型,分性别分析不孕不育特征与高血压的关联。结果 1 312对不孕不育夫妇中,不孕症女性和不育症男性高血压患病率均显著高于同性别对照组（女:18.6% vs. 13.2%;男:21.5% vs. 14.3%）。女性不孕（OR＝1.64,95％CI:1.13～2.38）、双方共同原因不孕症（OR＝2.15,95％CI:1.11～4.15）、继发性不孕（OR＝1.58,95％CI:1.17～2.13）和不孕年限≥3年（OR＝1.96,95％CI:1.29～2.97）会显著增加女方高血压患病风险;男性不育（OR＝1.79,95％CI:1.29～2.48）、双方共同原因不育症（OR＝1.69,95％CI:1.12～2.56）、继发性不育（OR＝1.52,95％CI:1.00～2.39）和不育年限≥3年（OR＝1.97,95％CI:1.23～3.14）会显著增加男方高血压患病风险。结论 确诊不孕不育、继发性不孕不育、双方共同原因不孕不育及长不孕不育年限是不孕不育夫妇患高血压的风险因素。     

某轮胎制造厂噪声作业人员高频听力损失分析

[目的]了解某轮胎制造厂953名噪声作业人员的高频听力损失状况,并分析其影响因素。[方法]采用logistic回归分析,对2017年天津市某轮胎制造厂953名噪声作业人员的职业健康检查结果及该企业工作场所噪声检测数据进行分析。[结果]该轮胎制造厂噪声声级82.0~91.2 d B(A)。作业人员高频听力损失检出率10.49%。logistic回归结果表明,相比男性、噪声低暴露程度员工,女性、高暴露程度员工发生高频听力损失的OR估计值分别为0.304(95%CI:0.108~0.854)、2.175(95%CI:1.220~3.878),年龄、接噪工龄每增加一个等级,发生高频听力损失的OR估计值分别为1.963(95%CI:1.388~2.775)、1.549(95%CI:1.043~2.300)。[结论]该厂噪声危害较严重。噪声暴露是接触噪声作业人员高频听力损失的主要影响因素,应当引起重视;应采取综合预防措施,预防职业病的发生。     

Respiratory impairment in Brazilian foundry workers exposed to sand

OBJECTIVE: Foundries date back to the 16th century in Brazil and still constitute a strong economic activity today. Workers are at risk of respiratory diseases due to various exposures such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pyrolysis degradation products, mineral dust, organic dust, resin, and isocyanates. We evaluate respiratory morbidity among workers in foundries using sand. METHODS: Six foundries with sand molding operations were selected. Length of exposure in years was utilized as a surrogate for exposure. The medical evaluation consisted of a respiratory symptoms questionnaire, occupational history, spirometry, and chest X-rays. Additionally, workers exposed to resins and a control group underwent bronchial provocation tests. RESULTS: A sample of 598 male workers with a mean age of 36.5 years (SD = 10.0) was analyzed. The mean length of exposure was 10.1 years (SD = 7.4). The overall prevalence of pneumoconiosis was 4.5%. Chronic bronchitis (CB) and X-ray profusion were significantly related to the quartiles of length of exposure (trend tests: P = 0.0055 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant risk of having an abnormal FVC and FEV(1) with the presence of pneumoconiosis (OR = 4.63 CI 1.40-13-23, OR 3.34 CI 1.03-9.26, respectively). Workers exposed to resins compared with controls showed no differences in relation to spirometry, respiratory symptoms and bronchial reactivity. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant associations between length of exposure CB and prevalence of profusion 1/0 or above. There was also a significant association for pneumoconiosis versus and abnormal FVC and FEV(1). Foundry workers currently exposed to resins did not show an excess of respiratory symptoms, abnormal spirometry or increased bronchial reactivity.     

Influence of GSTT1 null genotype on the offspring sex ratio of gasoline filling station workers

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the occupational exposure to gasoline of men employed at filling stations affects the sex of their children. Altogether 115 offspring (47 males, 68 females) were identified within families of 49 men working in filling stations in Shiraz (Fars province, south of Iran) and 345 offspring (178 males, 167 females) from 147 families of unexposed persons from the general population of Shiraz, which were matched by age of fathers (+/-2 years) and number of children as a control group. The offspring sex ratio at birth (male proportion) in the filling station workers was significantly lower than the ratio in control group (OR = 0.65; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.42 to 0.99). Genotypes of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) were investigated on extracted genomic DNA of 37 exposed workers using the polymerase chain reaction based method. In exposed group with active GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, offspring sex ratio was the same as the ratio in the control group (OR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.34 to 1.28). However, in the exposed group with active GSTM1 and null genotype of GSTT1, the offspring sex ratio statistically decreased (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.96). It seems that the GSTT1 null genotype has an effect on offspring sex ratio in the filling station workers.     

华东沿海地区成年女性人工流产与糖尿病的相关性分析

目的 探讨华东沿海地区成年女性人工流产与糖尿病之间的关系。方法 研究对象来自于2017年2~8月在山东省荣成地区进行的流行病学调查，通过问卷调查和体格检查等方式收集受试者的相关信息。采用多元Logistic回归分析来估计人工流产与糖尿病的关联。结果 44 806名成年女性受试者纳入最终分析，其中无人工流产、1次人工流产、2次人工流产、3次人工流产、4次及以上次数人工流产人群对应的糖尿病患病率分别为16.3%、17.2%、18.3%、18.8%和20.2%。与无人工流产的人群比较，2次人工流产（OR=1.11，95%CI:1.02~1.21，P=0.021），3次人工流产（OR=1.17，95%CI:1.02~1.34，P=0.027）和4次及以上次数人工流产（OR=1.24，95%CI:1.03~1.50，P=0.026）人群患糖尿病风险增加。结论 华东沿海地区成年女性人群人工流产与糖尿病之间存在关联，且人工流产次数越多糖尿病患病率越高。