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Ellingsen DG, Sikkeland LIB, Lund MB, Skaugset NP, Ulvestad B. A study of inflammatory biomarkers in crystalline silica exposed rock drillers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:587-595. [PMID: 38702427 PMCID: PMC11130035 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02070-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crystalline silica (CS) exposure can cause serious lung disease in humans, but mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity have not been completely elucidated. AIMS To assess pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and biomarkers related to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fibrosis in serum of rock drillers exposed to CS. METHODS Rock drillers (N = 123) exposed to CS and non-specified particulate matter (PM) were compared to 48 referents without current or past exposure to PM in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS The rock drillers had been exposed to CS for 10.7 years on average. Geometric mean (GM) current exposure was estimated to 36 µg/m3. Their GM concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) was significantly higher (16 vs. 13 ng/L; p = 0.04), while interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-8 were significantly lower compared to the referents. Also pentraxin 3 was significantly lower (3558 vs. 4592 ng/L; p = 0.01) in the rock drillers. A dose-response relationship was observed between cumulative exposure to CS and MMP-12, the highest exposed subgroup having significantly higher MMP-12 concentrations than the referents. CONCLUSION Exposure to CS may increase circulating MMP-12 concentrations in a dose-response related fashion. The results may also suggest a down-regulation of pro-inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330, Majorstuen, Oslo, N-0304, Norway.
| | - Liv Ingunn Bjoner Sikkeland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - May Britt Lund
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Petter Skaugset
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330, Majorstuen, Oslo, N-0304, Norway
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330, Majorstuen, Oslo, N-0304, Norway
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Xin L, An TM, Ying L, Rong DW, Lei H. Prevalence and risk factors for obstructive pulmonary dysfunction caused by silica dust exposure: a multicenter cross-sectional study. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:297. [PMID: 38918735 PMCID: PMC11197187 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03106-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the prevalence rate of obstructive pulmonary dysfunction in workers exposed to silica dust and analyze its risk factors, so as to provide reference for the formulation of diagnostic criteria for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational dust. METHODS Data collection and structured questionnaire were used to collect the data of 2064 workers exposed to silica dust who underwent health examination in Hunan Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital and Yuanling Second People's Hospital from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The prevalence rate of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction was analyzed and the risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS The prevalence rate of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction (FEV1/FVC < 70%) was 2.3% in 2064 silica dust exposed workers. The prevalence of restrictive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction (FVC/Pre < 80%) was 8.1%. The prevalence of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in the high level exposure group was higher than that in the low level exposure group, 8.2 vs0.9% (P < 0.05). The rate of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in female group was higher than that in male group (5.3% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.00). Workers with obstructive pulmonary dysfunction were older and worked longer than workers without obstructive pulmonary dysfunction, but there was no statistical difference. Multivariate regression analysis showed that high exposure level was a risk factor for obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in silica dust exposed workers (P < 0.05). Females were the risk factors for obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Silica dust exposure can cause obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction and lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. High level of exposure is a risk factor for obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction. Women exposed to dust are more prone to obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction than men. Early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by silica dust and timely intervention measures are very important to delay the decline of lung function and protect the health of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xin
- Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Tang Mei An
- Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Li Ying
- Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Dai Wei Rong
- Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Huang Lei
- Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, China.
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3
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Chioma OS, Wiggins Z, Rea S, Drake WP. Infectious and non-infectious precipitants of sarcoidosis. J Autoimmun 2024:103239. [PMID: 38821769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any organ in the body. Its exact cause remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some potential causes of sarcoidosis include genetics, environmental triggers, immune system dysfunction, the gut microbiome, sex, and race/ethnicity. Genetic mutations are associated with protection against disease progression or an increased susceptibility to more severe disease, while exposure to certain chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or allergens can trigger the formation of immune cell congregations (granulomas) in different organs. Dysfunction of the immune system, including autoimmune reactions, may also contribute. The gut microbiome and factors such as being female or having African American, Scandinavian, Irish, or Puerto Rican heritage are additional contributors to disease outcome. Recent research has suggested that certain drugs, such as anti-Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) and antibiotics such as tuberculosis (TB) drugs, may raise the risk of developing sarcoidosis. Hormone levels, particularly higher levels of estrogen and progesterone in women, have also been linked to an increased likelihood of sarcoidosis. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis involves a comprehensive assessment that includes medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. While there is no cure for sarcoidosis, the symptoms can often be effectively managed through various treatment options. Treatment may involve the use of medications, surgical interventions, or lifestyle changes. These disparate factors suggests that sarcoidosis has multiple positive and negative exacerbants on disease severity, some of which can be ameliorated and others which cannot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozioma S Chioma
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - ZaDarreyal Wiggins
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samantha Rea
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wonder P Drake
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Bellomo C, Lagostina V, Pavan C, Paganini MC, Turci F. Reaction with Water Vapor Defines Surface Reconstruction and Membranolytic Activity of Quartz Milled in Different Molecular Environments. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308369. [PMID: 38102095 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Industrial processing of quartz (SiO2) and quartz-containing materials produces toxic dust. Fracturing quartz crystals opens the Si‒O bond and produces highly reactive surface species which mainly react with molecules like water and oxygen. This surface-reconstruction process forms silanol (Si‒OH) on the quartz surface, which can damage biological membranes under specific configurations. To comprehend the impact of the quartz surface restructuring on membranolytic activity, the formation and reactivity of quartz radicals produced in four distinct molecular environments with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy are evaluated and their membranolytic activity is measured through in vitro hemolysis test. The four molecular environments are formulated with and without molecular water vapor and oxygen (±H2O/±O2). The absence of water favored the formation of surface radical species. In water-rich environments, diamagnetic species prevailed due to radical recombination. Quartz milled in -H2O/±O2 acquired membranolytic activity when exposed to water vapor, unlike quartz milled in +H2O/±O2. After being stabilized by reaction with water vapor, the membranolytic activity of quartz is maintained over time. It is demonstrated that the type and the reactivity of radical sites on quartz are modulated by the outer molecular environment, ultimately determining the biological activity of milled quartz dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bellomo
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
- "G. Scansetti" Interdepartmental Center for Studies on Asbestos, Other Toxic Particulates, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Valeria Lagostina
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Cristina Pavan
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
- "G. Scansetti" Interdepartmental Center for Studies on Asbestos, Other Toxic Particulates, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
- Louvain Center for Toxicology, Applied Pharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Maria Cristina Paganini
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
- NIS interdepartmental Center for Nanomaterials for Industry and Sustainability, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Francesco Turci
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
- "G. Scansetti" Interdepartmental Center for Studies on Asbestos, Other Toxic Particulates, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 10125, Italy
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Sritharan J, Arrandale VH, Kirkham TL, Dakouo M, MacLeod JS, Demers PA. Risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a large cohort of Ontario, Canada workers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8756. [PMID: 38627517 PMCID: PMC11021393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Although several occupational exposures have been linked to the risk of COPD; limited data exists on sex-specific differences. This study aimed to identify at-risk occupations and sex differences for COPD risk. Cases were identified in a large surveillance system established through the linkage of former compensation claimants' data (non-COPD claims) to physician visits, ambulatory care data, and hospital inpatient data (1983-2020). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for occupation groups (occupation at time of claim), stratified by sex. HRs were indirectly adjusted for cigarette smoking using another population dataset. A total of 29,445 male and 14,693 female incident cases of COPD were identified. Increased risks were observed in both sexes for construction (HRmale 1.15, 95% CI 1.12-1.19; HRfemale 1.54, 95% CI 1.29-1.83) transport/equipment operating (HRmale 1.32, 95% CI 1.28-1.37; HRfemale 1.53, 95% CI 1.40-1.68) farming (HRmale 1.23, 95% CI 1.15-1.32; HRfemale 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.37) and janitors/cleaners (HRmale 1.31, 95% CI 1.24-1.37; HRfemale 1.40, 95% CI 1.31-1.49). Increased risks were observed for females employed as chefs and cooks (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.58), bartenders (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.81), and those working in food/beverage preparation (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.24-1.45) among other occupations. This study demonstrates elevated risk of COPD among both male and female workers potentially exposed to vapours, gases, dusts, and fumes, highlighting the need for occupational surveillance of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeavana Sritharan
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, 525 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Victoria H Arrandale
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, 525 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tracy L Kirkham
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, 525 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mamadou Dakouo
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, 525 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
| | - Jill S MacLeod
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, 525 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
| | - Paul A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, 525 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Abrahamsson C, Rissler J, Kåredal M, Hedmer M, Suchorzewski J, Prieto M, Chaudhari OA, Gudmundsson A, Isaxon C. Characterization of airborne dust emissions from three types of crushed multi-walled carbon nanotube-enhanced concretes. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100500. [PMID: 38382676 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Dispersing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) into concrete at low (<1 wt% in cement) concentrations may improve concrete performance and properties and provide enhanced functionalities. When MWCNT-enhanced concrete is fragmented during remodelling or demolition, the stiff, fibrous and carcinogenic MWCNTs will, however, also be part of the respirable particulate matter released in the process. Consequently, systematic aerosolizing of crushed MWCNT-enhanced concretes in a controlled environment and measuring the properties of this aerosol can give valuable insights into the characteristics of the emissions such as concentrations, size range and morphology. These properties impact to which extent the emissions can be inhaled as well as where they are expected to deposit in the lung, which is critical to assess whether these materials might constitute a future health risk for construction and demolition workers. In this work, the impact from MWCNTs on aerosol characteristics was assessed for samples of three concrete types with various amounts of MWCNT, using a novel methodology based on the continuous drop method. MWCNT-enhanced concretes were crushed, aerosolized and the emitted particles were characterized with online and offline techniques. For light-weight porous concrete, the addition of MWCNT significantly reduced the respirable mass fraction (RESP) and particle number concentrations (PNC) across all size ranges (7 nm - 20 μm), indicating that MWCNTs dampened the fragmentation process by possibly reinforcing the microstructure of brittle concrete. For normal concrete, the opposite could be seen, where MWCNTs resulted in drastic increases in RESP and PNC, suggesting that the MWCNTs may be acting as defects in the concrete matrix, thus enhancing the fragmentation process. For the high strength concrete, the fragmentation decreased at the lowest MWCNT concentration, but increased again for the highest MWCNT concentration. All tested concrete types emitted <100 nm particles, regardless of CNT content. SEM imaging displayed CNTs protruding from concrete fragments, but no free fibres were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Abrahamsson
- Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, Lund 221 00, Sweden.
| | - Jenny Rissler
- Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, Lund 221 00, Sweden; Research Institutes of Sweden, Lund 223 63, Sweden
| | - Monica Kåredal
- NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, Lund 221 00, Sweden; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Skåne, Lund 223 81, Sweden
| | - Maria Hedmer
- NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, Lund 221 00, Sweden; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Skåne, Lund 223 81, Sweden
| | - Jan Suchorzewski
- Research Institutes of Sweden, Infrastructure and Concrete Technology, Material Design, Borås 501 15, Sweden
| | - Miguel Prieto
- Research Institutes of Sweden, Infrastructure and Concrete Technology, Material Design, Borås 501 15, Sweden
| | - Ojas Arun Chaudhari
- Research Institutes of Sweden, Infrastructure and Concrete Technology, Material Design, Borås 501 15, Sweden
| | - Anders Gudmundsson
- Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Christina Isaxon
- Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, Lund 221 00, Sweden
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Mkulisi A, Rathebe PC, Kachingwe E, Bidassey-Manilal S. Prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among cement factory workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2024; 21:202-211. [PMID: 38489160 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2024.2324601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Cement workers are exposed to various kinds of occupational hazards, dust being the most hazardous. Despite certain exposure limits on the emission of air pollutants in place, several people die each year due to complications from respiratory disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among workers exposed to cement dust. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 81 workers from two cement production companies in Gauteng, South Africa in 2018. A self-administered questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and a spirometry test were used as data collection tools. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum, binary logistic regression, Pearson's chi-squared, and Fischer's exact tests. Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, recurring blocked nose, sneezing/stuffy nose, fatigue/tiredness, rapid breathing, soreness/watery eyes, and breathlessness were significantly prevalent among participants from both facilities. Engineering and housekeeping control measures such as the use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums to clean up dust and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where workers are exposed to dust particles should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asanda Mkulisi
- Department of Environmental Health, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Division of National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Phoka C Rathebe
- Department of Environmental Health, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Kachingwe
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shalin Bidassey-Manilal
- Department of Environmental Health, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Neophytou AM, Ferguson JM, Costello S, Picciotto S, Balmes JR, Koutros S, Silverman DT, Eisen EA. Diesel exhaust and respiratory dust exposure in miners and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality in DEMS II. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108528. [PMID: 38422874 PMCID: PMC10961191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diesel exhaust and respirable dust exposures in the mining industry have not been studied in depth with respect to non-malignant respiratory disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with most available evidence coming from other settings. OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between occupational diesel exhaust and respirable dust exposures and COPD mortality, while addressing issues of survivor bias in exposed miners. METHODS The study population consisted of 11,817 male workers from the Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study II, followed from 1947 to 2015, with 279 observed COPD deaths. We fit Cox proportional hazards models for the relationship between respirable elemental carbon (REC) and respirable dust (RD) exposure and COPD mortality. To address healthy worker survivor bias, we leveraged the parametric g-formula to assess effects of hypothetical interventions on both exposures. RESULTS Cox models yielded elevated estimates for the associations between average intensity of REC and RD and COPD mortality, with hazard ratios (HR) corresponding to an interquartile range width increase in exposure of 1.46 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.12, 1.91) and 1.20 (95 % CI: 0.96, 1.49), respectively for each exposure. HRs for cumulative exposures were negative for both REC and RD. Based on results from the parametric g-formula, the risk ratio (RR) for COPD mortality comparing risk under an intervention eliminating REC to the observed risk was 0.85 (95 % CI: 0.55, 1.06), equivalent to an attributable risk of 15 %. The corresponding RR comparing risk under an intervention eliminating RD to the observed risk was 0.93 (95 % CI: 0.56, 1.31). CONCLUSIONS Our findings, based on data from a cohort of nonmetal miners, are suggestive of an increased risk of COPD mortality associated with REC and RD, as well as evidence of survivor bias in this population leading to negative associations between cumulative exposures and COPD mortality in traditional regression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M Neophytou
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Jacqueline M Ferguson
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sadie Costello
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sally Picciotto
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - John R Balmes
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stella Koutros
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Debra T Silverman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ellen A Eisen
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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9
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Kang HYJ, Cao SY, Shao S, Liang LR, Tong ZH. The systemic immune-inflammation index is significantly associated with the severity of silicosis: a 9-year retrospective study in Beijing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1351589. [PMID: 38384409 PMCID: PMC10879356 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1351589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Silicosis shows an increasing trend with the development of new industries. However, the potential biomarkers for predicting the disease severity are lacking. A novel inflammatory marker, the systemic immune-inflammation Index (SII), has not been studied in silicosis. Methods In this retrospective study, we used data from a big database platform of a tertiary general hospital in Beijing, which was established based on the electronic medical records of the hospital. The clinical data of adult patients diagnosed with silicosis at the Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology from 2013 to 2022 were collected. The data extracted from the database were in de-identified form. Only patients with a first diagnosis of silicosis and without conditions that might affect the parameters of routine blood tests were included in the analysis. Analyses were performed to assess the relationship between SII and the advanced stage of silicosis. Results A total of 246 participants were included in the study. Most of the patients were exposed to silica particles during excavation and digging (n = 149, 60.6%). SII level was significantly higher in patients with advanced stages of silicosis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher SII level was associated with the advanced stage of silicosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.002; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000-1.003, p < 0.001] after adjusting for all covariates. The best cutoff value of SII was 444.1. The results of the subgroup analysis also showed a significant correlation between SII level over 444.1 and the advanced stage of silicosis in groups stratified by gender, history of smoking, and duration of silica exposure. Moreover, our results showed a significant but weak negative correlation between the level of SII and some lung function parameters in silicosis. Conclusion Higher SII is associated with the advanced stage of silicosis and impaired lung function. More long-term, large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yu-Jie Kang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Yu Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Rong Liang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Tong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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10
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Chang JHM, Xue Z, Bauer J, Wehle B, Hendrix DA, Catalano T, Hurowitz JA, Nekvasil H, Demple B. Artificial Space Weathering to Mimic Solar Wind Enhances the Toxicity of Lunar Dust Simulants in Human Lung Cells. GEOHEALTH 2024; 8:e2023GH000840. [PMID: 38312735 PMCID: PMC10835080 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
During NASA's Apollo missions, inhalation of dust particles from lunar regolith was identified as a potential occupational hazard for astronauts. These fine particles adhered tightly to spacesuits and were unavoidably brought into the living areas of the spacecraft. Apollo astronauts reported that exposure to the dust caused intense respiratory and ocular irritation. This problem is a potential challenge for the Artemis Program, which aims to return humans to the Moon for extended stays in this decade. Since lunar dust is "weathered" by space radiation, solar wind, and the incessant bombardment of micrometeorites, we investigated whether treatment of lunar regolith simulants to mimic space weathering enhanced their toxicity. Two such simulants were employed in this research, Lunar Mare Simulant-1 (LMS-1), and Lunar Highlands Simulant-1 (LHS-1), which were added to cultures of human lung epithelial cells (A549) to simulate lung exposure to the dusts. In addition to pulverization, previously shown to increase dust toxicity sharply, the simulants were exposed to hydrogen gas at high temperature as a proxy for solar wind exposure. This treatment further increased the toxicity of both simulants, as measured by the disruption of mitochondrial function, and damage to DNA both in mitochondria and in the nucleus. By testing the effects of supplementing the cells with an antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine), we showed that a substantial component of this toxicity arises from free radicals. It remains to be determined to what extent the radicals arise from the dust itself, as opposed to their active generation by inflammatory processes in the treated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H M Chang
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | - Z Xue
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | - J Bauer
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | - B Wehle
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | - D A Hendrix
- Department of Geosciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Florida State University Tallahassee FL USA
| | - T Catalano
- Department of Geosciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | - J A Hurowitz
- Department of Geosciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | - H Nekvasil
- Department of Geosciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | - B Demple
- Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Radiation Oncology Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
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11
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Venetsanopoulou AI, Alamanos Y, Voulgari PV, Drosos AA. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis Development. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2023; 34:404-413. [PMID: 38282942 PMCID: PMC10815538 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.301223.eaf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory arthritis worldwide, significantly impacting patients and population health. The disease affects women primarily, with a female-to-male ratio of three to one. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, including genetic and environmental risk factors. Epidemiological studies highlight the link between the environment and genetic susceptibility to RA. The so-called shared epitope is the most significant risk factor that seems to act synergetic with other environmental factors in the disease occurrence. In addition, recent findings suggest a potential role of new substantial environmental factors, such as the observed pollution of the planet's natural resources, on the susceptibility and progression of the disease. This review summarises the most decisive evidence on epidemiology and genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors for RA. It shows that studying genetic and environmental factors in correlation could lead to prevention strategies that may impact the natural history of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki I. Venetsanopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis Alamanos
- Institute of Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Corfu, Greece
| | - Paraskevi V. Voulgari
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros A. Drosos
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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12
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Lombardi EMS, Mizutani RF, Terra-Filho M, Ubiratan de Paula S. Biomarkers related to silicosis and pulmonary function in individuals exposed to silica. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:984-995. [PMID: 37615855 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of markers that can facilitate the early diagnosis of silicosis has remained challenging. We evaluated the association of inflammatory markers with the presence of silicosis and lung function impairment in individuals exposed to silica. METHODS Individuals exposed and not exposed to silica were assessed by occupational history, clinical findings, lung function, chest imaging findings, and inflammatory markers. RESULTS Among 297 men evaluated, 51 were unexposed controls (G1), 149 were exposed to silica without silicosis (G2), and 97 were exposed to silica with silicosis (G3). Inflammatory marker levels were higher in G3 than in G2 and G1. Platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), soluble tumor necrosis factor II (sTNFRII), and macrophage inflammatory protein-4 (MIP-4) were associated with silicosis, and LDH, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), sTNFRII, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and fibrinogen were negatively associated with lung function. CONCLUSION Blood inflammatory markers are associated with silicosis and impaired lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M S Lombardi
- Divisao de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coraçao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael F Mizutani
- Divisao de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coraçao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Santos Ubiratan de Paula
- Divisao de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coraçao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Wang H, Meng R, Wang X, Si Z, Zhao Z, Lu H, Wang H, Hu J, Zheng Y, Chen J, Zhao Z, Zhu H, Li X, Xue L, Yan S, Sun J, Su Y, Wu J. A nested case-control study of the effects of dust exposure, smoking on COPD in coal workers. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2056. [PMID: 37864177 PMCID: PMC10588135 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16944-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a prevalent ailment, progressively surging within the ranks of coal mine laborers. The current study endeavors to elucidate the effects of dust exposure and smoking on COPD incidence amongst coal mine workers, while concurrently devising preventive strategies for this affliction. METHOD A nested case-control study was conducted encompassing 1,416 participants aged ≥ 18 years, spanning the duration from (2017-2018) until 2020. A meticulous matching process yielded a cohort of 708 COPD patients, each paired with a control subject, forming a harmonious 1:1 ratio. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to scrutinize the associations between smoking, dust exposure with COPD among coal workers. RESULTS The COPD prevalence within the cohort of coal workers under investigation amounted to 22.66%, with an accompanying incidence density of 0.09/person-year. Following meticulous adjustment for confounding variables, it was discerned that cumulative dust exposure within the range of 47.19 ~ (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.44), 101.27 ~ (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.39), as well as smoking indices of 72 ~ (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.88), 145 ~ (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.61), 310 ~ (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.77) engender an escalated vulnerability to COPD among coal workers. Furthermore, interaction analysis discerned an absence of both multiplicative and additive interactions between dust exposure, smoking, and COPD occurrence amidst coal workers. CONCLUSION Dust exposure and smoking were unequivocally identified as precipitating risk factors for COPD incidence within the population of coal workers, albeit devoid of any discernible interaction between these two causal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Meng
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelin Wang
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhikang Si
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zekun Zhao
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Haipeng Lu
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Wang
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Hu
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhan Zheng
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi Zhao
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmin Zhu
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Xue
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengguang Yan
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Su
- Personnel Department, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Jianhui Wu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
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Howlett P, Mousa H, Said B, Mbuya A, Kon OM, Mpagama S, Feary J. Silicosis, tuberculosis and silica exposure among artisanal and small-scale miners: A systematic review and modelling paper. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002085. [PMID: 37733799 PMCID: PMC10513209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
An estimated 44 million artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), largely based in developing economies, face significant occupational risks for respiratory diseases which have not been reviewed. We therefore aimed to review studies that describe silicosis and tuberculosis prevalence and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposures among ASM and use background evidence to better understand the relationship between exposures and disease outcomes. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase for studies published before the 24th March 2023. Our primary outcome of interest was silicosis or tuberculosis among ASM. Secondary outcomes included measurements of respirable dust or silica, spirometry and prevalence of respiratory symptoms. A systematic review and narrative synthesis was performed and risk of bias assessed using the Joanna Briggs Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Logistic and Poisson regression models with predefined parameters were used to estimate silicosis prevalence and tuberculosis incidence at different distributions of cumulative silica exposure. We identified 18 eligible studies that included 29,562 miners from 13 distinct populations in 10 countries. Silicosis prevalence ranged from 11 to 37%, despite four of five studies reporting an average median duration of mining of <6 years. Tuberculosis prevalence was high; microbiologically confirmed disease ranged from 1.8 to 6.1% and clinical disease 3.0 to 17%. Average RCS intensity was very high (range 0.19-89.5 mg/m3) and respiratory symptoms were common. Our modelling demonstrated decreases in cumulative RCS are associated with reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis, with greater reductions at higher mean exposures. Despite potential selection and measurement bias, prevalence of silicosis and tuberculosis were high in the studies identified in this review. Our modelling demonstrated the greatest respiratory health benefits of reducing RCS are in those with highest exposures. ASM face a high occupational respiratory disease burden which can be reduced by low-cost and effective reductions in RCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Howlett
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hader Mousa
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bibie Said
- Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Hospital, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Alexander Mbuya
- Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Hospital, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Onn Min Kon
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stellah Mpagama
- Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Hospital, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Johanna Feary
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Gandhi SA, Heinzerling A, Flattery J, Cummings KJ. Occupational Contributions to Respiratory Health Disparities. Clin Chest Med 2023; 44:635-649. [PMID: 37517841 PMCID: PMC10861114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Occupation is an important contributor to disparities in respiratory disease, affecting financial status, health-care access, and exposure to hazardous substances. Although occupation and associated exposures are included in the socioecological models, work exposures remain persistently absent from research on health inequities and their contribution to health. This article focuses on the occupational contribution to disparities in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, silicosis, coronavirus disease 2019, and lung cancer. Because occupational exposures are largely preventable through proper workplace controls, the recognition of occupational causes of disease can provide an opportunity for interventions to bring about health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheiphali A Gandhi
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 2330 Post St Ste 460, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Amy Heinzerling
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway P-3, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Jennifer Flattery
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway P-3, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Kristin J Cummings
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway P-3, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
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Andersson L, Hedbrant A, Bryngelsson IL, Vihlborg P, Särndahl E, Westberg H. Silica Exposure and Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Respiratory Morbidity in a Cohort of Male Swedish Iron Foundry Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:731-739. [PMID: 37311079 PMCID: PMC10487371 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present quantitative exposure-response data on silica exposure in male Swedish iron foundry workers for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory morbidity. METHODS This research is a cohort study of 2063 male Swedish iron foundry workers. From the Swedish National Patient Registers, data on morbidity incidence were retrieved. A historical measurement database of 1667 respirable silica exposure measurements from 10 Swedish iron foundries was used to calculate the cumulative exposure dose for each worker. RESULTS Increased morbidity risk for the whole group of foundry workers was determined for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and pneumonia. In addition, an increased risk for COPD at cumulative silica exposures ranging from 0.11 to 0.84 mg/m 3 year is presented. CONCLUSIONS The study presents a significantly increased COPD risk at cumulative silica exposures below the Swedish occupational exposure limit.
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Poland CA, Duffin R, Weber K, Dekant W, Borm PJA. Is Pulmonary Inflammation a Valid Predictor of Particle Induced Lung Pathology? The Case of Amorphous and Crystalline silicas. Toxicol Lett 2023:S0378-4274(23)00226-6. [PMID: 37454774 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Although inflammation is a normal and beneficial response, it is also a key event in the pathology of many chronic diseases, including pulmonary and systemic particle-induced disease. In addition, inflammation is now considered as the key response in standard settings for inhaled particles and a critical endpoint in OECD-based sub-acute/ chronic animal inhalation testing protocols. In this paper, we discuss that whilst the role of inflammation in lung disease is undeniable, it is when inflammation deviates from normal parameters that adversity occurs. We introduce the importance of the time course and in particular, the reversibility of inflammation in the progression towards tissue remodelling and neoplastic changes as commonly seen in rat inhalation studies. For this purpose, we used chronic inhalation studies with synthetic amorphous silicas (SAS) and reactive crystalline silica (RCS) as a source of data to describe the time-course of inflammation towards and beyond adversity. Whilst amorphous silicas induce an acute but reversible inflammatory response, only RCS induces a persistent, progressive response after cessation of exposure, resulting in fibrosis and carcinogenicity in rodents and humans. This suggests that the use of inflammation as a fixed endpoint at the cessation of exposure may not be a reliable predictor of particle-induced lung pathology. We therefore suggest extending the current OECD testing guidelines with a recovery period, that allows inflammation to resolve or progress into altered structure and function, such as fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Poland
- Regulatory Compliance Limited, 6 Dryden Road, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9TY, UK; Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Rodger Duffin
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Klaus Weber
- AnaPath Services GmbH, Hammerstrasse 49, 4410 Liestal/Switzerland
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18
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Rous JS, Lees PSJ, Koehler K, Buckley JP, Quirós-Alcalá L, Han MK, Hoffman EA, Labaki W, Barr RG, Peters SP, Paine R, Pirozzi C, Cooper CB, Dransfield MT, Comellas AP, Kanner RE, Drummond MB, Putcha N, Hansel NN, Paulin LM. Association of Occupational Exposures and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Morbidity. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e443-e452. [PMID: 36977360 PMCID: PMC10330008 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to determine whether aggregate measures of occupational exposures are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes in the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD study cohort. METHODS Individuals were assigned to six predetermined exposure hazard categories based on self-reported employment history. Multivariable regression, adjusted for age, sex, race, current smoking status, and smoking pack-years determined the association of such exposures to odds of COPD and morbidity measures. We compared these with the results of a single summary question regarding occupational exposure. RESULTS A total of 2772 individuals were included. Some exposure estimates, including "gases and vapors" and "dust and fumes" exposures resulted in associations with effect estimates over two times the estimated effect size when compared with a single summary question. CONCLUSIONS Use of occupational hazard categories can identify important associations with COPD morbidity while use of single-point measures may underestimate important differences in health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Rous
- From the Region VIII, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor, Denver, Colorado (J.S.R.); Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (J.S.R., P.S.J.L., K.K., J.P.B., L.Q.-A.); Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (M.K.H., W.L.); Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (E.A.H.); Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York (R.G.B.); Department of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (S.P.P.); Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (R.P., C.P., R.E.K.); Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (C.B.C.); Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama (M.T.D..); Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (A.P.C.); Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (M.B.D.); Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (N.P., N.N.H.); and Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire (L.M.P.)
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Milovanović APS, Milovanović A, Srebro D, Pajic J, Stanković S, Petrović T. Serum Concentration of Prostaglandin E2 as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Patients With Silicosis: A Case-Control Study. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:546-552. [PMID: 36977359 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Silicosis is a prevalent incurable pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of silica dust. Study aimed to investigate inflammatory, hematological, and biochemical parameters as additional biomarkers for diagnosing or monitoring silicosis. METHODS Research enrolled 14 workers with silicosis and 7 healthy controls (without exposure and silicosis). The serum level of prostaglandin E2, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, biochemical, and hematological parameters were measured. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine diagnostic sensitivity of each biomarker. RESULTS Patients with silicosis have a significantly higher level of prostaglandin E2, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit than patients without silicosis. Prostaglandin E2, hemoglobin, and the erythrocyte count are significant in separating the silicosis cases from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Prostaglandin E2 might be an adjuvant peripheral diagnostic biomarker for silicosis, while hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit) might be prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar P S Milovanović
- From the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine; Belgrade, Serbia (A.P.S.M., A.M., D.S., T.P.); Serbian Institute of Occupational Health "Dr Dragomir Karajovic," Belgrade, Serbia (A.P.S.M. J.P., T.P.); Clinic for Rehabilitation, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia (A.M.); University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kragujevac, Serbia (S.S.); and Center for Medical Biochemistry, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia (S.S.)
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Yu H, Zahidi I. Environmental hazards posed by mine dust, and monitoring method of mine dust pollution using remote sensing technologies: An overview. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:161135. [PMID: 36566867 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The over-exploitation of mineral resources has led to increasingly serious dust pollution in mines, resulting in a series of negative impacts on the environment, mine workers (occupational health) and nearby residents (public health). For the environment, mine dust pollution is considered a major threat on surface vegetation, landscapes, weather conditions and air quality, leading to serious environmental damage such as vegetation reduction and air pollution; for occupational health, mine dust from the mining process is also regarded as a major threat to mine workers' health, leading to occupational diseases such as pneumoconiosis and silicosis; for public health, the pollutants contained in mine dust may pollute surrounding rivers, farmlands and crops, which poses a serious risk to the domestic water and food security of nearby residents who are also susceptible to respiratory diseases from exposure to mine dust. Therefore, the second section of this paper combines literature research, statistical studies, and meta analysis to introduce the public mainly to the severity of mine dust pollution and its hazards to the environment, mine workers (occupational health), and residents (public health), as well as to present an outlook on the management of mine dust pollution. At the same time, in order to propose a method for monitoring mine dust pollution on a regional scale, based on the Dense Dark Vegetation (DDV) algorithm, the third section of this paper analysed the aerosol optical depth (AOD) change in Dexing City of China using the data of 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2021 from the NASA MCD19A2 Dataset to explore the mine dust pollution situation and the progress of pollution treatment in Dexing City from 2010 to 2021. As a discussion article, this paper aims to review the environmental and health risks caused by mine dust pollution, to remind the public to take mine dust pollution seriously, and to propose the use of remote sensing technologies to monitor mine dust pollution, providing suggestions for local governments as well as mines on mine dust monitoring measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxuan Yu
- Civil Engineering Discipline, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Izni Zahidi
- Civil Engineering Discipline, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia.
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21
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Esfahani M, Rahbar AH, Asl SS, Bashirian S, Mir Moeini ES, Mehri F. The Effects of Resveratrol on Silica-Induced Lung Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rat. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:118-123. [PMID: 36941929 PMCID: PMC10024237 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic exposure to silica is related with the provocation of an inflammatory response and oxidative stress mechanism. Vitamin D has multiple benefits in biological activities particularly respiratory system disease. Method In this research, 20 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (5 rats /group) as follow: Group1 received saline as (negative control) group. The group 2 received a single IT instillation of silica (positive control) group; the group 3 was co-administrated with single IT silica and Vitamin D (20 mg/kg/day) daily for a period of 90 days. The rats of group 4 received Vitamin D daily for a period of 90 days. Results Silica significantly increased serum and lung total Oxidant Status (TOS). Meanwhile, silica reduced serum and lung total antioxidant capacity (TAC), GSH and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-a). Vitamin D treatment meaningfully reversed oxidative stress, antioxidants status and inflammatory response. Also, Vitamin D improved histopathological changes caused by silica. Conclusion These findings indicate that Vitamin D exerts protective effects against silica-induced lung injury. It seems that Vitamin D has potential use as a therapeutic object for silica induced lung injure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Esfahani
- Nutrition Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Rahbar
- Ayatollah Bahari Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sara Soleimani Asl
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Saed Bashirian
- Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Effat Sadat Mir Moeini
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Mehri
- Nutrition Health Research Center, Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Hamadan, Iran
- Corresponding author.
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Silica-associated lung disease in developing countries. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2023; 29:65-75. [PMID: 36695765 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is a considerable burden of silica-associated lung diseases in the developing world. This review summarizes the epidemiology of these diseases, especially silicosis and silico-tuberculosis, mitigative efforts and treatment, especially in the context of developing countries. RECENT FINDINGS In 2017, the highest incidence of silicosis was in China, India and Brazil among the developing countries. The prevalence of silicosis amongst exposed workers may vary from 4 to 55%; there is a risk of underestimation because of the 'healthy worker effect'. The permissible exposure limit for respirable silica adopted by governments in developing countries remains higher than the proposed 0.025 mg/m3. Silica exposure in informal or unorganized industries is challenging, as it falls outside statutory controls. Recent efforts on regulation and compensation by various governments in developing countries are encouraging but need proper implementation on the ground. Biomarkers such as club cell protein 16 and imaging methods such as computed tomography may offer earlier and easier detection of silicosis. Advanced silicosis remains incurable; novel treatments such as antifibrotics agents may be potentially effective. SUMMARY Silica-associated lung diseases are prevalent in developing countries. Efforts directed at preventing or minimizing exposure to respirable crystalline silica are required for mitigation.
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Abbasi R, Shineh G, Mobaraki M, Doughty S, Tayebi L. Structural parameters of nanoparticles affecting their toxicity for biomedical applications: a review. JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY FORUM FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 25:43. [PMID: 36875184 PMCID: PMC9970140 DOI: 10.1007/s11051-023-05690-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Rapidly growing interest in using nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical applications has increased concerns about their safety and toxicity. In comparison with bulk materials, NPs are more chemically active and toxic due to the greater surface area and small size. Understanding the NPs' mechanism of toxicity, together with the factors influencing their behavior in biological environments, can help researchers to design NPs with reduced side effects and improved performance. After overviewing the classification and properties of NPs, this review article discusses their biomedical applications in molecular imaging and cell therapy, gene transfer, tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, cancer treatment, wound healing, and anti-bacterial applications. There are different mechanisms of toxicity of NPs, and their toxicity and behaviors depend on various factors, which are elaborated on in this article. More specifically, the mechanism of toxicity and their interactions with living components are discussed by considering the impact of different physiochemical parameters such as size, shape, structure, agglomeration state, surface charge, wettability, dose, and substance type. The toxicity of polymeric, silica-based, carbon-based, and metallic-based NPs (including plasmonic alloy NPs) have been considered separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Abbasi
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Ghazal Shineh
- Biomaterial Group, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (Center of Excellence), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 15916-34311 Iran
| | - Mohammadmahdi Mobaraki
- Biomaterial Group, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (Center of Excellence), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 15916-34311 Iran
| | - Sarah Doughty
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI USA
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI USA
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Gangwar V, John N, Verma M, John J, Jasrotia RB, Singh A. Evaluation of Lung Functions, Blood Pressure, and Hearing Deterioration in Tile Setters. Cureus 2023; 15:e35250. [PMID: 36968923 PMCID: PMC10034865 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tile setters in construction industries are exposed to a potent risk of silicosis as they are constantly exposed to crystalline silica dust during concrete finishing, cutting and fixing of the ceramic tiles. The noise produced by instruments used in tile settings may lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Noise above the permissible limit of 85 dB may lead to autonomic changes and alteration in blood pressure. These facts gave us an impetus to evaluate the pulmonary functions, blood pressure and hearing deterioration in tile setters and correlate these parameters for their present functional status with duration of exposure to tile cutting profession. METHODS The pulmonary functions were evaluated with spirometer, autonomic status by recording the blood pressure and hearing loss by calculating the Hearing Deterioration Index (HDI) for hearing loss. RESULTS There was significant decline in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume 1 sec (FEV1) and forced expiratory volume 1% (FEV1%) in tile setters. The decline in FVC, FEV1 and FEV1% was significantly higher in subjects with exposure of more than five years. There was increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in those having more than five years of exposure in the tile setting profession as compared to less than five years. There was a positive correlation between years of service in the tile setting profession as well as sound exposure level with HDI and blood pressure in our subjects. CONCLUSION Prolonged exposure to the tile setting profession may lead to compromised lung function, hypertension and hearing deterioration in tile setters.
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Bredeck G, Busch M, Rossi A, Stahlmecke B, Fomba KW, Herrmann H, Schins RPF. Inhalable Saharan dust induces oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and inflammatory cytokine release. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 172:107732. [PMID: 36680803 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Desert dust is increasingly recognized as a major air pollutant affecting respiratory health. Since desert dust exposure cannot be regulated, the hazardousness of its components must be understood to enable health risk mitigation strategies. Saharan dust (SD) comprises about half of the global desert dust and contains quartz, a toxic mineral dust that is known to cause severe lung diseases via oxidative stress and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome-interleukin-1β pathway. We aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of SD responsible for toxic effects. Also, we studied the oxidative and pro-inflammatory potential of SD in alveolar epithelial cells and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophage-like cells in comparison to quartz dusts and synthetic amorphous silica (SAS). Characterization revealed that SD contained Fe, Al, trace metals, sulfate, diatomaceous earth, and endotoxin and had the capacity to generate hydroxyl radicals. We exposed A549 lung epithelial cells and wild-type and NLRP3-/- THP-1 macrophage-like cells to SD, three well-investigated quartz dusts, and SAS. SD induced oxidative stress in A549 cells after 24 h more potently than the quartz dusts. The quartz dusts and SAS upregulated interleukin 8 expression after 4 h and 24 h while SD only caused a transient upregulation. SD, the quartz dusts, and SAS induced interleukin-1β release from wild-type THP-1 cells>20-fold stronger than from NLRP3-/- THP-1 cells. Interleukin-1β release was lower for SD, in which microbial components including endotoxin were heat-destructed. In conclusion, microbial components in SD are pivotal for its toxicity. In the epithelium, the effects of SD contrasted with crystalline and amorphous silica in terms of potency and persistence. In macrophages, the strong involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome emphasizes the acute and chronic health risks associated with desert dust exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Bredeck
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mathias Busch
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Rossi
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Burkhard Stahlmecke
- Institute for Energy and Environmental Technology e.V. (IUTA), Duisburg, Germany
| | - Khanneh Wadinga Fomba
- Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD), Leibniz-Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hartmut Herrmann
- Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD), Leibniz-Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roel P F Schins
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Kleinschmidt SE, Andres KL, Holen BM, Buehrer BD, Durand G, Taiwo O, Olsen GW. Mortality among mine and mill workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274103. [PMID: 36240241 PMCID: PMC9565696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of workers are potentially exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) which has been associated with several diseases. We updated the mortality experience of a cohort of 2,650 mine and mill workers at four manufacturing facilities to assess cause-specific mortality risks associated with estimated cumulative RCS exposure. METHODS Study eligibility was defined as any employee who had ≥1 year of service by 2000, with work history experience available from 1945 through 2004. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained from 1945 through 2015. RCS exposure was estimated across plant-, department-, job-, and time-dependent categories using historic industrial hygiene sampling data and professional judgment. Associations between cumulative RCS (mg/m3-years) and cause-specific mortality were examined using Cox proportional hazard regression models. RESULTS In the exposure-response analysis defined on quartiles of cumulative RCS exposure, no increasing trend (ptrend = 0.37) in lung cancer mortality (n = 116 deaths) was observed (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.00 (referent), 1.20, 1.85, 0.92). Mortality risk for non-malignant respiratory disease was increased across quartiles (HR = 1.00, 1.35, 1.89, 1.70; ptrend = 0.15), based on 83 deaths. Non-malignant renal disease mortality was increased across quartiles (HR = 1.00, 6.64, 3.79, 3.29; ptrend = 0.11), based on 26 deaths. CONCLUSIONS After nearly seven decades of follow-up, the exposure-response analyses showed no evidence of a positive trend for lung cancer, and limited evidence of a trend for non-malignant respiratory disease, and non-malignant renal disease mortality as a result of cumulative RCS exposure in this occupational cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Kleinschmidt
- Corporate Occupational Medicine Department, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kara L. Andres
- Corporate Occupational Medicine Department, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Holen
- Industrial Mineral Products Division, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Betsy D. Buehrer
- Corporate Occupational Medicine Department, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Gerardo Durand
- Corporate Occupational Medicine Department, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Oyebode Taiwo
- Corporate Occupational Medicine Department, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Geary W. Olsen
- Corporate Occupational Medicine Department, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
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Kelly-Reif K, Bertke S, Daniels RD, Richardson DB, Schubauer-Berigan MK. Nonmalignant respiratory disease mortality in male Colorado Plateau uranium miners, 1960-2016. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:773-782. [PMID: 35941829 PMCID: PMC10031748 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate trends of nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD) mortality among US underground uranium miners on the Colorado Plateau, and to estimate the exposure-response association between cumulative radon progeny exposure and NMRD subtype mortality. METHODS Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and excess relative rates per 100 working level months (excess relative rate [ERR]/100 WLM) were estimated in a cohort of 4021 male underground uranium miners who were followed from 1960 through 2016. RESULTS We observed elevated SMRs for all NMRD subtypes. Silicosis had the largest SMR (n = 52, SMR = 41.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.9, 54.3), followed by other pneumoconiosis (n = 49, SMR = 39.6; 95% CI: 29.6, 52.3) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 64, SMR = 4.77; 95% CI 3.67, 6.09). SMRs for silicosis increased with duration of employment; SMRs for IPF increased with duration of employment and calendar period. There was a positive association between cumulative radon exposure and silicosis with evidence of modification by smoking (ERR/100 WLM≥10 pack-years = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.05, 24.6 and ERR/100 WLM<10 pack-years = 0.01; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.52), as well as a small positive association between radon and IPF (ERR/100 WLM = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.24); these associations were driven by workers with prior employment in hard rock mining. CONCLUSIONS Uranium mining workers had excess NMRD mortality compared with the general population; this excess persisted throughout follow-up. Exposure-response analyses indicated a positive association between radon exposure and IPF and silicosis, but these analyses have limitations due to outcome misclassification and missing information on occupational co-exposures such as silica dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Kelly-Reif
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephen Bertke
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Robert D Daniels
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Balde A, Kim SK, Benjakul S, Nazeer RA. Pulmonary drug delivery applications of natural polysaccharide polymer derived nano/micro-carrier systems: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 220:1464-1479. [PMID: 36116588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory distress syndrome and pneumothorax are the foremost causes of death as a result of the changing lifestyle and increasing air pollution. Numerous approaches have been studied for the pulmonary delivery of drugs, proteins as well as peptides using meso/nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and liposomes. These nano/microcarrier systems (NMCs) loaded with drug provide better systemic as well as local action. Furthermore, natural polysaccharide-based polymers such as chitosan (CS), alginate (AG), hyaluronic acid, dextran, and cellulose are highly used for the preparation of nanoparticles and delivery of the drug into the pulmonary tract due to their advantageous properties such as low toxicity, high hydrophobicity, supplementary mucociliary clearance, mucoadhesivity, and biological efficacy. These properties ease the delivery of drugs onto the targeted site. Herein, recent advances in the natural polymer-derived NMCs have been reviewed for their transport and mechanism of action into the bronchiolar region as well as the respiratory region. Various physicochemical properties such as surface charge, size of nanocarrier system, surface modifications, and toxicological effects of these nanocarriers in vitro and in vivo are elucidated as well. Furthermore, challenges faced for the preparation of a model NMCs for pulmonary drug delivery are also discoursed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshad Balde
- Biopharmaceuticals Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Se-Kwon Kim
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do 11558, South Korea
| | - Soottawat Benjakul
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkhla University, 90112 Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Rasool Abdul Nazeer
- Biopharmaceuticals Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, Tamilnadu, India.
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Liu JY, Sayes CM. A toxicological profile of silica nanoparticles. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:565-582. [PMID: 36051665 PMCID: PMC9424711 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are regularly exposed to silica nanoparticles in environmental and occupational contexts, and these exposures have been implicated in the onset of adverse health effects. Existing reviews on silica nanoparticle toxicity are few and not comprehensive. There are natural and synthetic sources by which crystalline and amorphous silica nanoparticles are produced. These processes influence physiochemical properties, which are factors that can dictate toxicological effects. Toxicological assessment includes exposure scenario (e.g. environmental, occupational), route of exposure, toxicokinetics, and toxicodynamics. Broader considerations include pathology, risk assessment, regulation, and treatment after injury. This review aims to consolidate the most relevant and up-to-date research in these areas to provide an exhaustive toxicological profile of silica nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Y Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place # 97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266, United States
| | - Christie M Sayes
- Corresponding author: Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place # 97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266, United States.
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Empirical Analysis of Dust Health Impacts on Construction Workers Considering Work Types. BUILDINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12081137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In the construction industry, workers are exposed to hazardous emissions, such as dust, and various diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affect workers. There is, however, a lack of studies that evaluate the dust that workers are exposed to, taking into account different factors of dust. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the amount of dust construction workers are exposed to by considering different factors of dust emission and to assess the health and economic impact of dust emissions. This study is conducted in three steps: (1) scope definition, (2) definition of worker dust exposure, and (3) health impact assessment. As a result, dust concentrations from the energy used, the atmosphere, and during construction activities were 1.01 × 10−5 µg/m3, 37.50 µg/m3, and 1.33 × 104 µg/m3 respectively. Earthwork had the highest dust concentration of 3.85 × 103 µg/m3. The total added number of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of workers was 0.0542a with an economic cost of $13,691.00. The contributions of this study are the accurate assessment of the amount of dust workers are exposed to and the development of policies to help compensate construction workers suffering from dust emission-related diseases.
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Lenander-Ramirez A, Bryngelsson IL, Vihlborg P, Westberg H, Andersson L. Respirable Dust and Silica: Respiratory Diseases Among Swedish Iron Foundry Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:593-598. [PMID: 35275887 PMCID: PMC9301988 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mortality and morbidity pattern for respiratory diseases was determined in a cohort of 1752 Swedish foundry workers, particularly for respirable silica dust exposure. METHODS The morbidity follow-up in the Swedish National Non-primary Outpatient Register covered 2001 to 2017 (NPR; specialist not in care patients), the mortality from the National Causes of Death Register covered 2001 to 2017. Cumulative exposures to silica and dust were determined. RESULTS The morbidity in COPD showed significantly increased risk for all exposure groups, as did silicosis in the high exposure group, these cases corresponded to silica exposure levels below 0.05 mg/m3. The mortality of all causes and respiratory diseases was significantly increased by cumulative silica exposure in the high exposure group. CONCLUSIONS Significantly increased morbidity for respiratory diseases and COPD was determined at silica exposure levels below the current Swedish OEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lenander-Ramirez
- From the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Lenander-Ramirez, Bryngelsson, Westberg, and Dr Andersson); Geriatic Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro Sweden (Dr Vihlborg); School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Westberg and Dr Andersson)
| | - Ing-Liss Bryngelsson
- From the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Lenander-Ramirez, Bryngelsson, Westberg, and Dr Andersson); Geriatic Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro Sweden (Dr Vihlborg); School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Westberg and Dr Andersson)
| | - Per Vihlborg
- From the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Lenander-Ramirez, Bryngelsson, Westberg, and Dr Andersson); Geriatic Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro Sweden (Dr Vihlborg); School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Westberg and Dr Andersson)
| | - Håkan Westberg
- From the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Lenander-Ramirez, Bryngelsson, Westberg, and Dr Andersson); Geriatic Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro Sweden (Dr Vihlborg); School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Westberg and Dr Andersson)
| | - Lena Andersson
- From the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Lenander-Ramirez, Bryngelsson, Westberg, and Dr Andersson); Geriatic Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro Sweden (Dr Vihlborg); School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Westberg and Dr Andersson)
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Albez FS, Araz Ö, Yılmazel Uçar E, Alper F, Karaman A, Sağlam L, Akgün M. Long-term follow-up of young denim sandblasters in Turkey. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:403-410. [PMID: 35762845 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Denim sandblasting-induced silicosis is a recently identified occupational disease. AIMS In this study, we aimed to evaluate pulmonary and radiological changes in the long-term follow-up of former denim sandblasters. METHODS Ninety former denim sandblasters were followed from 2007 to 2018. Chest X-rays were evaluated according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) classification. Baseline and final data were compared. Silicosis prevalence, radiological progression and pulmonary dysfunction were evaluated. RESULTS All of the sandblasters were men. Their mean age was 34 ± 5 years, mean follow-up time was 9 ± 2 years (mean time since initial exposure: 17 ± 2 years) and mean duration of exposure was 34 ± 25 months. Rates of radiological progression and decline in pulmonary during follow-up were 63% and 39%, respectively. During follow-up, all patients were diagnosed with silicosis. All workers who were ILO category 0 at baseline (n = 26, 29%) progressed to higher categories. The number of patients in Category 2 doubled and the number of patients in Category 3 increased by 2.5-fold. Eleven patients developed new large opacities and the number of patients with category C opacity increased from 4 to 13. Exposure time was an independent determinant of radiological progression (OR: 1.0, P = 0.036) and decline in pulmonary function (OR: 1.3, P = 0.019). CONCLUSION The prevalence of silicosis in denim sandblasters increases steadily even after exposure is discontinued. Radiological progression was observed in a higher proportion of workers than a decline in lung function. Duration of exposure was the major determinant of disease progression in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- F S Albez
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ö Araz
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - E Yılmazel Uçar
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - F Alper
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - A Karaman
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - L Sağlam
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - M Akgün
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
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Rumchev K, Hoang DV, Lee A. Case Report: Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Respiratory Health Among Australian Mine Workers. Front Public Health 2022; 10:798472. [PMID: 35769775 PMCID: PMC9234445 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.798472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is common in a range of industries, including mining, and has been associated with adverse health effects such as silicosis, lung cancer, and non-malignant respiratory diseases. This study used a large population database of 6,563 mine workers from Western Australia who were examined for personal exposure to RCS between 2001 and 2012. A standardized respiratory questionnaire was also administered to collect information related to their respiratory health. Logistic regression analyses were performed to ascertain the association between RCS concentrations and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mine workers. The estimated exposure levels of RCS (geometric mean 0.008mg/m3, GSD 4.151) declined over the study period (p < 0.001) and were below the exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m3. Miners exposed to RCS had a significantly higher prevalence of phlegm (p = 0.017) and any respiratory symptom (p = 0.013), even at concentrations within the exposure limit. Miners are susceptible to adverse respiratory health effects at low levels of RCS exposure. More stringent prevention strategies are therefore recommended to protect mine workers from RCS exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krassi Rumchev
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Krassi Rumchev
| | - Dong Van Hoang
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andy Lee
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Smărăndescu RA, Căluțu IM, Rașcu A, Bușnatu ȘS. Diagnostic challenges of radiological opacities in silicosis - case reports. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:424-427. [PMID: 35665821 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational exposure to crystalline silica dust in the workplace can cause lung damage (silicosis, chronic airflow limitation and lung cancer). Silicosis results from the fibrotic reaction to the deposition of inhaled crystalline silica dust in the lung tissue. Even though many coalmines and foundries have closed, crystalline silica is still widely used, making silicosis a significant public health issue. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica must be considered when diagnosing respiratory symptoms to avoid under- or misdiagnosis. The diagnosis of silicosis relies on acknowledging the causal relationship linked to exposure, the pulmonary radiological changes and the exclusion of other diseases with imaging or clinical characteristics similar to silicosis. The diagnosis is often not straightforward and, in many cases, histopathological examination is necessary for confirmation. In this case report, we present two cases in which an initial misdiagnosis led to inadequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Smărăndescu
- Clinical Department 5, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - I M Căluțu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Rașcu
- Clinical Department 5, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Occupational Medicine Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ș S Bușnatu
- Clinical Department 4, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Murgia N, Gambelunghe A. Occupational COPD-The most under-recognized occupational lung disease? Respirology 2022; 27:399-410. [PMID: 35513770 PMCID: PMC9321745 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by exposure to noxious particles and gases. Smoking is the main risk factor, but other factors are also associated with COPD. Occupational exposure to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes contributes to the development and progression of COPD, accounting for a population attributable fraction of 14%. Workplace pollutants, in particular inorganic dust, can initiate airway damage and inflammation, which are the hallmarks of COPD pathogenesis. Occupational COPD is still underdiagnosed, mainly due to the challenges of assessing the occupational component of the disease in clinical settings, especially if other risk factors are present. There is a need for specific education and training for clinicians, and research with a focus on evaluating the role of occupational exposure in causing COPD. Early diagnosis and identification of occupational causes is very important to prevent further decline in lung function and to reduce the health and socio-economic burden of COPD. Establishing details of the occupational history by general practitioners or respiratory physicians could help to define the occupational burden of COPD for individual patients, providing the first useful interventions (smoking cessation, best therapeutic management, etc.). Once patients are diagnosed with occupational COPD, there is a wide international variation in access to specialist occupational medicine and public health services, along with limitations in workplace and income support. Therefore, a strong collaboration between primary care physicians, respiratory physicians and occupational medicine specialists is desirable to help manage COPD patients' health and social issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Murgia
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and Toxicology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Gambelunghe
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and Toxicology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Small airway dysfunction in pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:167. [PMID: 35484546 PMCID: PMC9052448 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although several histological studies have documented airway inflammation and remodelling in the small airways of dust-exposed workers, little is known regarding the prevalence and risk factors of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in pneumoconiosis. The present study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of spirometry-defined SAD in pneumoconiosis and assessed the risk factors for associated with SAD. Methods A total of 1255 patients with pneumoconiosis were invited to participate, of whom 1115 patients were eligible for final analysis. Spirometry was performed to assess SAD using the following three indicators: maximal mid-expiratory flow and forced expiratory flow 50% and 75%. SAD was defined as at least two of these three indicators being less than 65% of predicted value. Logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the relationships between clinical variables and SAD. Results Overall, 66.3% of patients with pneumoconiosis had SAD, among never-smokers the prevalence of SAD was 66.7%. The proportion of SAD did not differ among the subtypes of pneumoconiosis. In addition, SAD was present across the patients with all stages of pneumoconiosis. Even among those with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ≥ 80% and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio ≥ 70%, 40.8% of patients had SAD. Patients with SAD were older than patients without SAD, more likely to be women and heavy smokers. Importantly, patients with SAD had more severe airflow obstruction, air trapping, and diffusion dysfunction. All patients with both pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had SAD. Based on multivariate analysis, overall, aged 40 years and older, female sex, heavy smoking, body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 and pneumoconiosis stage III were significantly associated with increased risk of SAD. Among the never smokers, risk factors for SAD included female sex, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, pneumoconiosis stage II and stage III Conclusion Spirometry-defined SAD is one of the common functional abnormalities caused by occupational dust exposure and should be taken into account when monitoring respiratory health of workers to guide the early precautions and management in pneumoconiosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-022-01929-9.
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Ellingsen DG, Ulvestad B, Lund MB, Skaugset NP, Sikkeland LIB. A study of pneumoproteins in crystalline silica exposed rock drillers. Inhal Toxicol 2022; 34:99-105. [PMID: 35286186 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2022.2048745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The objective was to assess serum concentrations of club cell protein 16 (CC-16) and the surfactant proteins A (SPs-A) and D (SP-D) in male rock drillers (N = 123) exposed to crystalline silica and in 48 occupationally non-exposed. Methods: The arithmetic mean (AM) duration of exposure was 10.7 years. The geometric mean (GM) crystalline silica exposure was 36 µg/m3 at the time of the study. The GM cumulative exposure was 239 µg/m3. Results: The concentrations of SP-D (GM 12.7 vs. 8.8 µg/L, p < 0.001) and SP-A (AM 1847 vs. 1378 ng/L, p = 0.051) were higher among rock drillers than among occupationally non-exposed. A positive significant association was observed between cumulative crystalline silica exposure and the SP-D concentrations (β = 0.07; p < 0.05). Rock drillers with small airway obstruction with maximal mid-expiratory flow % (MMEF%) <70% (N = 29) had higher SP-D concentrations than rock drillers with MMEF% ≥ 70% (N = 91) (GM 17.3 vs. 11.4 µg/L, p = 0.001). Rock drillers with MMEF% ≥70% (N = 91) had higher concentrations of SP-A (1957 vs. 1287 ng/L, p = 0.01) and SP-D (11.4 vs. 9.0 µg/L, p = 0.007) than non-exposed with MMEF% ≥70% (N = 39). Rock drillers with airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC < 0.70, N = 11) had significantly lower CC-16 concentrations than rock drillers with FEV1/FVC ≥0.70 (N = 109) after adjusting for relevant potential confounders (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The results indicate that pulmonary surfactant is a target for crystalline silica toxicity. The alterations appear to be driven by pulmonary alterations in the small airways and by exposure itself. Further studies on pneumoproteins and pulmonary function in other groups of workers exposed to crystalline silica are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - May Britt Lund
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION New targets are needed to enable more accurate diagnosis, monitoring and effective therapy in uncontrolled asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), two disorders characterized by pathogenic alterations in the innate immune response. Interestingly, the IL-10-related cytokine IL-26 has been found to be abundantly expressed in human airways and alterations in its expression have been linked to reduced lung function and markers of neutrophilic inflammation in patients with uncontrolled asthma or COPD. AREAS COVERED Literature search was conducted on PubMed to identify articles in the field of IL-26 immunology, as well as clinical studies on IL-26 in asthma and COPD, published between 2000 and 2021. We outline the main sources of IL-26 in human airways, as well as the effect of this cytokine on relevant immune and structural cells. Finally, we discuss the potential involvement of IL-26 in the pathophysiology of uncontrolled asthma and COPD. EXPERT OPINION IL-26 constitutes a potential target for diagnostic purposes and therapeutic modulation of the innate immune response in the airways of patients with asthma and COPD. It seems reasonable to expect more conclusive evidence of its clinical utility for personalized medicine within the coming 5-year period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo I Cardenas
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karlhans Fru Che
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jon R Konradsen
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aihua Bao
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Anders Lindén
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Severe COPD Center, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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OUP accepted manuscript. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:394-402. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Zhang J, Xu Q, Sun W, Zhou X, Fu D, Mao L. New Insights into the Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Pathogenesis and Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:4155-4168. [PMID: 34471373 PMCID: PMC8405160 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s324323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease characterized by chronic airway obstruction and emphysema. Accumulating studies have shown that the onset and development of COPD are related to an aberrant immune response induced by the dysregulation of a number of genetic and environmental factors, while the exact pathogenesis of this disease is not well defined. Emerging studies based on tests on samples from COPD patients, animal models, pharmacological and genetic data suggest that the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation is required in the lung inflammatory responses in the development of COPD. Although the available clinical studies targeting the inflammasome effector cytokine, IL-1β, or IL-1 signaling do not show positive outcomes for COPD treatment, many alternative strategies have been proposed by recent emerging studies. Here, we highlight the recent progress in our understanding of the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in COPD and propose possible future studies that may further elucidate the roles of the inflammasome in the pathogenesis or the intervention of this inflammatory lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, People's Republic of China.,Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyun Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Weichen Sun
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Fu
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Mao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, People's Republic of China.,Basic Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, People's Republic of China
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Go LHT, Cohen RA. Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis and Other Mining-Related Lung Disease: New Manifestations of Illness in an Age-Old Occupation. Clin Chest Med 2021; 41:687-696. [PMID: 33153687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and other mining-related lung diseases are entirely preventable, yet continue to occur. While greater attention has been given to CWP and silicosis, mining exposures cause a broad spectrum of respiratory disease, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis. Physicians must obtain a detailed occupational and exposure history from miners in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the risk of disease progression. Mining-related lung diseases are incurable and difficult to treat. Therefore, primary prevention by limiting dust exposure and secondary prevention through chest imaging and physiologic screening should be the primary focus of disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard H T Go
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, 1603 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Robert A Cohen
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, 1603 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abstract
This overview provides an update on silicosis epidemiology with review of exposures and emerging trends in acute and accelerated silicosis in the twenty-first century. The silicosis epidemics in mining, denim sandblasting, and engineering stone industries are highlighted. Clinical presentations of silicosis and silica-related conditions such as autoimmune, kidney, and mycobacterial disease, as well as lung cancer, are discussed. Important aspects of the new OSHA 2017 Silica Standard are presented. This review also includes practical guidance for clinicians to address questions that may arise when evaluating silica-exposed patients and to the public health responses needed following a diagnosis of silica-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silpa Krefft
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Jenna Wolff
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Cecile Rose
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
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Karataş M, Büyükşekerci M, Gündüzöz M, Özakıncı G, Öziş TN, Gök G, Neşelioğlu S, Erel Ö. Alteration of thiol disulfide homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin levels as indicators of oxidative status in patients with silicosis. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 37:38-46. [PMID: 33305688 DOI: 10.1177/0748233720977987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in patients with silicosis by detecting dynamic thiol disulfide homeostasis (TDH), ischemia-modified albumin level (IMA) catalase (CAT) activity, and the correlation of these markers with pulmonary function tests. Male ceramic workers with silicosis (n = 91) and healthy individuals (n = 47) were recruited for the study. Radiographic abnormalities of pneumoconiosis were classified into three profusion categories (categories 1, 2, and 3), and patients with silicosis, those with category 1, were defined as group 1 and those with category 2 or 3 were defined as group 2. Plasma levels of native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), disulfide (Ds), IMA, and CAT activities were determined. Pulmonary function tests of groups were compared. NT, TT, and NT/TT ratios were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than the control group (p < 0.05). These did not differ between patients with silicosis (groups 1 and 2) and control group (p = 0.421). Ds/NT and Ds/TT ratios were significantly higher in group 2 than the control group (p < 0.05). NT, TT, and Ds did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2. The oxidant biomarker IMA was higher (p < 0.001), and the antioxidant parameters albumin and CAT were lower in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001) compared with the control group. The mean FEV1act, FVCact, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (%), and value of 25-75 percent maximum expiratory flow were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than control group. We have used a novel colorimetric method to assess TDH in patients with silicosis. Alteration of plasma thiol/disulfide homeostasis and IMA levels might be novel indicators of oxidative stress in silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mevlüt Karataş
- Department of Chest Diseases, Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Büyükşekerci
- Department of Pharmacology, Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meşide Gündüzöz
- Department of Family Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Özakıncı
- Department of Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Türkan Nadir Öziş
- Department of Chest Diseases, Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Biochemistry, 442146Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gamze Gök
- Department of Biochemistry, 442146Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Salim Neşelioğlu
- Department of Biochemistry, 442146Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özcan Erel
- Department of Biochemistry, 442146Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
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Alberts A, Klingberg A, Hoffmeister L, Wessig AK, Brand K, Pich A, Neumann K. Binding of Macrophage Receptor MARCO, LDL, and LDLR to Disease-Associated Crystalline Structures. Front Immunol 2020; 11:596103. [PMID: 33363539 PMCID: PMC7753766 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.596103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenous crystalline structures are involved in various pathologies and diseases in humans by inducing sterile inflammation, mechanical stress, or obstruction of excretory organs. The best studied of these diseases is gout, in which crystallization of uric acid in the form of monosodium urate (MSU) mainly in synovial fluid of the joints leads to sterile inflammation. Though some of these diseases have been described for centuries, little is known about if and how the immune system recognizes the associated crystals. Thus, in this study we aimed at identifying possible recognition molecules of MSU using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of MSU-binding serum proteins. Among the strongest binding proteins, we unexpectedly found two transmembrane receptors, namely macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR). We show that recombinant versions of both human and mouse MARCO directly bind to unopsonized MSU and several other disease-associated crystals. Recombinant LDLR binds many types of crystals mainly when opsonized with serum proteins. We show that this interaction is predominantly mediated by LDL, which we found to bind to all crystalline structures tested except for cholesterol crystals. However, murine macrophages lacking LDLR expression do neither show altered phagocytosis nor interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production in response to opsonized crystals. Binding of LDL to MSU has previously been shown to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by human neutrophils. We extend these findings and show that LDL inhibits neutrophil ROS production in response to most crystals tested, even cholesterol crystals. The inhibition of neutrophil ROS production only partly correlated with the inhibition of IL-1β production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs): LDL inhibited IL-1β production in response to large MSU crystals, but not small MSU or silica crystals. This may suggest distinct upstream signals for IL-1β production depending on the size or the shape of the crystals. Together, we identify MARCO and LDLR as potential crystal recognition receptors, and show that LDL binding to diverse disease-associated crystalline structures has variable effects on crystal-induced innate immune cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Alberts
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Annika Klingberg
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Leonie Hoffmeister
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Korbinian Brand
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Pich
- Research Core Unit Proteomics & Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Konstantin Neumann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Ahadzi DF, Afitiri A, Ekumah B, Kanatey V, Afedzi A. Self-reported disease symptoms of stone quarry workers exposed to silica dust in Ghana. Health Sci Rep 2020; 3:e189. [PMID: 33033750 PMCID: PMC7534518 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Understanding the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and the influence of work-post (working distance to main dust source-crusher) in stone quarries is vital for designing tailored interventions in minimizing workers' exposure to silica dust. Nonetheless, studies on silica dust and disease symptoms in Ghana are nascent. This study assessed how work-post and use of required PPE jointly influence exposure to silica dust and disease symptoms in Ghana. METHODS Generalized linear models (complementary log-log regression) were fitted to cross-sectional survey data of 524 stone quarry workers in Ghana to assess the joint effect of work-post and PPE usage on self-reported disease symptoms while controlling for relevant compositional and contextual factors. RESULTS Stone quarry workers who work between 1-100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 90% and 87% respectively less likely to report eye irritation compared with their counterparts who work between 1 and 100 m from the crusher without the required PPE. Individuals who work between 1-100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 94% and 95% respectively less likely to report breathing difficulty compared with the reference group. Workers who work between 1-100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 97% and 99% respectively less likely to report coughing compared with the reference group. Workers who work between 1-100 m and beyond 100 m from the crusher with the required PPE were 93% and 97% respectively less likely to report common cold compared with their counterparts who work between 1 and 100 m from the crusher without the required PPE. CONCLUSION There are adverse health implications for people who work in silica dust polluted environments, suggesting the need for a national safety and health policy to target them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzifa Francis Ahadzi
- Center for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH)Health and Safety Group Africa (HESAG Africa)Cape CoastGhana
| | - Abdul‐Rahaman Afitiri
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological SciencesCollege of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape CoastCape CoastGhana
| | - Bernard Ekumah
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological SciencesCollege of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape CoastCape CoastGhana
| | - Verona Kanatey
- Center for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH)Health and Safety Group Africa (HESAG Africa)Cape CoastGhana
| | - Abdullah Afedzi
- Center for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH)Health and Safety Group Africa (HESAG Africa)Cape CoastGhana
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Gentile DA, Morphew T, Elliott J, Presto AA, Skoner DP. Asthma prevalence and control among schoolchildren residing near outdoor air pollution sites. J Asthma 2020; 59:12-22. [PMID: 33104451 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1840584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Outdoor air pollution (OAP) contributes to poor asthma outcomes and remains a public health concern in Pittsburgh. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood asthma and its rate of control among Pittsburgh schoolchildren residing near OAP sites. METHODS Participants were recruited from schools near OAP sites. Asthma prevalence and control were assessed using a validated survey. Demographics and socioeconomic status were collected by survey, BMI was calculated, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure was assessed by salivary cotinine levels, and OAP was assessed by mobile platform monitoring. Multivariate analysis adjusted for confounders. RESULTS In 1202 Pittsburgh elementary school students surveyed, 50.9% were female, average age was 8.5 years (SD = 1.9), 52.2% were African American and 60.6% had public health insurance. SHS exposure was relatively high at 33.9%, 17.1% of students were obese, and 70% had exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) greater than the World Health Organization standard of 10 μg/m3. Overall prevalence of asthma was 22.5% with PM2.5, nitric oxide (NOx), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) significantly related to odds of asthma. Among the 270 children previously diagnosed with asthma, 59.3% were not well controlled with PM2.5, black carbon, and silicon (Si) significantly related to odds of uncontrolled asthma. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that asthma prevalence and poor disease control are significantly elevated in Pittsburgh schoolchildren exposed to high levels of OAP. Future efforts need to focus on primary prevention of asthma by reducing exposure to OAP in at risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Gentile
- Division of Clinical Research, Allergy and Asthma Wellness Centers, Butler, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Albert A Presto
- Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David P Skoner
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Sivrikaya O, Uysal F, Yorulmaz A, Aydin K. The Efficiency of Waste Marble Powder in the Stabilization of Fine-Grained Soils in Terms of Volume Changes. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-020-04768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fan Y, Xu W, Wang Y, Wang Y, Yu S, Ye Q. Association of occupational dust exposure with combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038874. [PMID: 32907907 PMCID: PMC7482476 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational dust exposure may induce various lung diseases, including pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The features of combined COPD and pneumoconiosis have not been well described, and this may hamper the management. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics as well as the risk factors of the combined diseases. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 758 patients with pneumoconiosis were recruited at a single-medical centre. Of these, 675 patients with pneumoconiosis, including asbestosis, silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis and other pneumoconiosis, was eligible for analysis. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES COPD was diagnosed based on clinical features and/or history of exposure to risk factors and post bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.7. Clinical data were collected from predesigned medical reports. The patients underwent both chest radiograph and high-resolution CT scans. Risk factors for combined COPD and pneumoconiosis were analysed using regression analysis. RESULTS COPD prevalence overall was 32.7% (221/675) and was the highest in silicosis (84/221) and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (100/221). COPD prevalence increased with smoking pack-years, dust exposure duration and pneumoconiosis stage. Patients with combined diseases had lower body mass index, higher smoking index and worse pulmonary function. Risk factors for combined diseases included heavy smoking, silica or coal exposure and advanced pneumoconiosis. The interaction between dust exposure and smoking in COPD was also identified. The risk of combined COPD significantly increased with heavy smoking and silica or coal exposure (OR 5.49, 95% CI 3.04 to 9.93, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS COPD is highly prevalent in patients with pneumoconiosis, especially patients with silicosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Occupational dust exposure as well as heavy smoking is associated with an increased risk of combined COPD and pneumoconiosis, which demands an effective preventive intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Fan
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanying Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwen Yu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao Ye
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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49
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Guo X, Wang C, Xu T, Yang L, Liu C, Qi X. SiO 2 prompts host defense against Acinetobacter baumannii infection by mTORC1 activation. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:982-990. [PMID: 32880864 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1781-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Host-pathogen interactions in the setting of chronic pulmonary inflammation remain unclear, and the occurrence of pneumonia is increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who use immunosuppressive drugs. We performed Acinetobacter baumannii infection in mice with chronic pulmonary inflammation after intranasal administration of SiO2 and found SiO2 treatment increased host defense against A. baumannii infection. Innate immune responses initiated by NF-κB, type 1 interferon, NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes were dispensable for SiO2-mediated host defense. SiO2 treatment activated the mTORC1 signaling, and mTORC1 was crucial for host defense against A. baumannii infection. Our study highlights the protective role of mTORC1 signaling in host defense against bacterial infection, offers novel insights into understanding the mechanisms of immunosuppressive drug-related pneumonia, and provides potential host-directed therapeutics to treat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chaoming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaopeng Qi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China. .,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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50
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León-Jiménez A, Hidalgo-Molina A, Conde-Sánchez MÁ, Pérez-Alonso A, Morales-Morales JM, García-Gámez EM, Córdoba-Doña JA. Artificial Stone Silicosis. Chest 2020; 158:1060-1068. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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