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Hoyle-Gardner J, Badisa VLD, Sher S, Runwei L, Mwashote B, Ibeanusi V. Bacillus sp. strain MRS-1: A potential candidate for uranyl biosorption from uranyl polluted sites. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103873. [PMID: 38073661 PMCID: PMC10709514 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The uranyl tolerance of a metal-resistant Bacillus sp. strain MRS-1, was determined in this current study. This was done due to a rise in anthropogenic activities, such as the production of uranium-based nuclear energy, which contributes to environmental degradation and poses risks to ecosystems and human health. The purpose of the research was to find effective strategies for uranium removal to minimize the contamination. In this paper, the biosorption of uranyl was investigated by batch tests. Bacteria could continue to multiply up to 350 ppm uranyl concentrations, however this growth was suppressed at 400 ppm, that generally accepted as the minimum concentration for bacterial growth inhibition. The optimal conditions for uranyl biosorption were pH 7, 20 °C, and a contact duration of 30 min with living bacteria. According to the findings of an investigation that used isotherm and kinetics models (Langmuir, Freundlich and pseudo second order), Bacillus sp. strain MRS-1 biosorption seemed to be dependent on monolayer adsorption as well as certain functional groups that had a strong affinity for uranyl confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The shifts/sharping of peaks (1081-3304 cm-1) were prominent in treated samples compared to control one. These functional groups could be hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl. Our findings showed that Bacillus sp. strain MRS-1 has an elevated uranyl biosorption ability, with 24.5 mg/g being achieved. This indicates its potential as a powerful biosorbent for dealing with uranium contamination in drinking water sources and represents a breakthrough in the cleanup of contaminated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jada Hoyle-Gardner
- Core Laboratory, School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Shahid Sher
- Williams Lab, School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Li Runwei
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Benjamin Mwashote
- Core Laboratory, School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Victor Ibeanusi
- Core Laboratory, School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Peng KK, Renouf EM, Dean CB, Hu XJ, Delatolla R, Manuel DG. An exploration of the relationship between wastewater viral signals and COVID-19 hospitalizations in Ottawa, Canada. Infect Dis Model 2023; 8:617-631. [PMID: 37342365 PMCID: PMC10245285 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring of viral signal in wastewater is considered a useful tool for monitoring the burden of COVID-19, especially during times of limited availability in testing. Studies have shown that COVID-19 hospitalizations are highly correlated with wastewater viral signals and the increases in wastewater viral signals can provide an early warning for increasing hospital admissions. The association is likely nonlinear and time-varying. This project employs a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) (Gasparrini et al., 2010) to study the nonlinear exposure-response delayed association of the COVID-19 hospitalizations and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater viral signals using relevant data from Ottawa, Canada. We consider up to a 15-day time lag from the average of SARS-CoV N1 and N2 gene concentrations to COVID-19 hospitalizations. The expected reduction in hospitalization is adjusted for vaccination efforts. A correlation analysis of the data verifies that COVID-19 hospitalizations are highly correlated with wastewater viral signals with a time-varying relationship. Our DLNM based analysis yields a reasonable estimate of COVID-19 hospitalizations and enhances our understanding of the association of COVID-19 hospitalizations with wastewater viral signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Ken Peng
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M. Renouf
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Charmaine B. Dean
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - X. Joan Hu
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada
| | - Robert Delatolla
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas G. Manuel
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, K1Y 4E9, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, ON, Canada
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Lepinteur A. The asymmetric experience of gains and losses in job security on health. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2021; 30:2217-2229. [PMID: 34142395 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4369] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Is workers' health more sensitive to losses than gains in job security? I address this question using the 1999 rise in the French Delalande tax as a quasi-natural experiment. The tax design allows to separately identify the causal impact of exogenous gains and losses in job security on workers' health. Difference-in-differences estimation results show that a greater job insecurity reduces significantly self-reported health. At the same time, more job security does not translate into a higher level of self-reported health.
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Working time mismatches and self-assessed health of married couples: Evidence from Germany. Soc Sci Med 2019; 235:112410. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Douglas GL, Voorhies AA. Evidence based selection of probiotic strains to promote astronaut health or alleviate symptoms of illness on long duration spaceflight missions. Benef Microbes 2017; 8:727-737. [PMID: 28760005 DOI: 10.3920/bm2017.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Spaceflight impacts multiple aspects of human physiology, which will require non-invasive countermeasures as mission length and distance from Earth increases and the capability for external medical intervention decreases. Studies on Earth have shown that probiotics have the potential to improve some of the conditions that have manifested during spaceflight, such as gastrointestinal distress, dermatitis, and respiratory infections. The constraints and risks of spaceflight make it imperative that probiotics are carefully selected based on their strain-specific benefits, doses, delivery mechanisms, and relevance to likely crew conditions prior to evaluation in astronauts. This review focuses on probiotics that have been incorporated into healthy human gastrointestinal microbiomes and associated clinically with improvements in inflammatory state or alleviation of symptoms of crew-relevant illness. These studies provide an evidence base for probiotic selection with the greatest potential to support crew health and well-being in spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- G L Douglas
- 1 Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - A A Voorhies
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, 9714 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20876, USA
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A global, cross cultural study examining the relationship between employee health risk status and work performance metrics. Ann Occup Environ Med 2017; 29:17. [PMID: 28616243 PMCID: PMC5469053 DOI: 10.1186/s40557-017-0172-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health risk assessments (HRA) are used by many organisations as a basis for developing relevant and targeted employee health and well-being interventions. However, many HRA’s have a western-centric focus and therefore it is unclear whether the results can be directly extrapolated to those from non-western countries. More information regarding the differences in the associations between country status and health risks is needed along with a more global perspective of employee health risk factors and well-being overall. Therefore we aimed to i) quantify and compare associations for a number of health risk factors based on country status, and then ii) explore which characteristics can aid better prediction of well-being levels and in turn workplace productivity globally. Methods Online employee HRA data collected from 254 multi-national companies, for the years 2013 through 2016 was analysed (n = 117,274). Multiple linear regression models were fitted, adjusting for age and gender, to quantify associations between country status and health risk factors. Separate regression models were used to assess the prediction of well-being measures related to productivity. Results On average, the developing countries were comprised of younger individuals with lower obesity rates and markedly higher job satisfaction compared to their developed country counterparts. However, they also reported higher levels of anxiety and depression, a greater number of health risks and lower job effectiveness. Assessment of key factors related to productivity found that region of residency was the biggest predictor of presenteeism and poor pain management was the biggest predictor of absenteeism. Conclusions Clear differences in health risks exist between employees from developed and developing countries and these should be considered when addressing well-being and productivity in the global workforce. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40557-017-0172-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Mills PR, Kessler RC, Cooper J, Sullivan S. Impact of a Health Promotion Program on Employee Health Risks and Work Productivity. Am J Health Promot 2016; 22:45-53. [PMID: 17894263 DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-22.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Purpose. Evaluate the impact of a multicomponent workplace health promotion program on employee health risks and work productivity. Design. Quasi-experimental 12-month before-after intervention-control study. Setting. A multinational corporation headquartered in the United Kingdom. Subjects. Of 618 employees offered the program, 266 (43%) completed questionnaires before and after the program. A total of 1242 of 2500 (49.7%) of a control population also completed questionnaires 12 months apart. Intervention. A multicomponent health promotion program incorporating a health risk appraisal questionnaire, access to a tailored health improvement web portal, wellness literature, and seminars and workshops focused upon identified wellness issues. Measures. Outcomes were (1) cumulative count of health risk factors and the World Health Organization health and work performance questionnaire measures of (2) workplace absenteeism and (3) work performance. Results. After adjusting for baseline differences, improvements in all three outcomes were significantly greater in the intervention group compared with the control group. Mean excess reductions of 0.45 health risk factors and 0.36 monthly absenteeism days and a mean increase of 0.79 on the work performance scale were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group. The intervention yielded a positive return on investment, even using conservative assumptions about effect size estimation. Conclusion. The results suggest that a well-implemented multicomponent workplace health promotion program can produce sizeable changes in health risks and productivity.
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Linton MJ, Dieppe P, Medina-Lara A. Review of 99 self-report measures for assessing well-being in adults: exploring dimensions of well-being and developments over time. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010641. [PMID: 27388349 PMCID: PMC4947747 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigators within many disciplines are using measures of well-being, but it is not always clear what they are measuring, or which instruments may best meet their objectives. The aims of this review were to: systematically identify well-being instruments, explore the variety of well-being dimensions within instruments and describe how the production of instruments has developed over time. DESIGN Systematic searches, thematic analysis and narrative synthesis were undertaken. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, EconLit, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL from 1993 to 2014 complemented by web searches and expert consultations through 2015. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Instruments were selected for review if they were designed for adults (≥18 years old), generic (ie, non-disease or context specific) and available in an English version. RESULTS A total of 99 measures of well-being were included, and 196 dimensions of well-being were identified within them. Dimensions clustered around 6 key thematic domains: mental well-being, social well-being, physical well-being, spiritual well-being, activities and functioning, and personal circumstances. Authors were rarely explicit about how existing theories had influenced the design of their tools; however, the 2 most referenced theories were Diener's model of subjective well-being and the WHO definition of health. The period between 1990 and 1999 produced the greatest number of newly developed well-being instruments (n=27). An illustration of the dimensions identified and the instruments that measure them is provided within a thematic framework of well-being. CONCLUSIONS This review provides researchers with an organised toolkit of instruments, dimensions and an accompanying glossary. The striking variability between instruments supports the need to pay close attention to what is being assessed under the umbrella of 'well-being' measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Dieppe
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Comparing the contributions of well-being and disease status to employee productivity. J Occup Environ Med 2014; 56:252-7. [PMID: 24603200 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare employee overall well-being to chronic disease status, which has a long-established relationship to productivity, as relative contributors to on-the-job productivity. METHODS Data from two annual surveys of three companies were used in longitudinal analyses of well-being as a predictor of productivity level and productivity change among 2629 employees with diabetes or without any chronic conditions. RESULTS Well-being was the most significant predictor of productivity cross-sectionally in a model that included disease status and demographic characteristics. Longitudinally, changes in well-being contributed to changes in productivity above and beyond what could be explained by the presence of chronic disease or other fixed characteristics. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the use of well-being as the broader framework for understanding, explaining, and improving employee productivity in both the healthy and those with disease.
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Pan WC, Lin CH, Dai SA. High-performance segmented polyurea by transesterification of diphenyl carbonates with aliphatic diamines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/pola.27302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Chen Pan
- Department of Chemical Engineering; National Chung Hsing University; 250 Guoguang Road Taichung 402 Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering; National Chung Hsing University; 250 Guoguang Road Taichung 402 Taiwan
| | - Shenghong A. Dai
- Department of Chemical Engineering; National Chung Hsing University; 250 Guoguang Road Taichung 402 Taiwan
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Addley K, Boyd S, Kerr R, McQuillan P, Houdmont J, McCrory M. The impact of two workplace-based health risk appraisal interventions on employee lifestyle parameters, mental health and work ability: results of a randomized controlled trial. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2014; 29:247-258. [PMID: 24399261 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyt113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Health risk appraisals (HRA) are a common type of workplace health promotion programme offered by American employers. In the United Kingdom, evidence of their effectiveness for promoting health behaviour change remains inconclusive. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of two HRA interventions on lifestyle parameters, mental health and work ability in a UK context. A total of 180 employees were randomized into one of three groups: Group A (HRA augmented with health promotion and education activities), Group B (HRA only) and Group C (control, no intervention). After 12 months, changes in mean scoring in 10 lifestyle, mental health and work ability indices were compared, Groups A and B demonstrated non-significant improvements in 70% and 80%, respectively, compared with controls (40%). Odds ratios revealed that, compared with the control group, Group A was 29.2 (95% CI: 9.22-92.27) times more likely to report a perceived change in lifestyle behaviour; Group B 4.4 times (95% CI: 1.65-11.44). In conclusion, participation in the HRA was associated with a higher likelihood of perceived lifestyle behaviour change which was further increased in the augmented HRA group, thereby providing preliminary evidence that HRA and augmented HRA in particular may help UK employees make positive healthy lifestyle changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Addley
- NICS Occupational Health Service, Lincoln Building, 27-45 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7SH, Northern Ireland, Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland and Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Road, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK
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Moreira MAC, Barbosa MA, Jardim JR, Queiroz MCC, Inácio LU. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in women exposed to wood stove smoke. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2013; 59:607-13. [PMID: 24211014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ramb.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify respiratory symptoms and COPD (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second ratio < 0.70 and below the lower limit of normal) in non-smoking women with history of exposure to wood smoke of at least 80 hours-years. METHODS One hundred sixty nonsmoking women were included. Demographic data and information about symptoms and other environmental exposures were collected. All women underwent spirometry and those with COPD also had their lung volumes measured. RESULTS The COPD group had greater exposure in years to wood smoke (p = 0.043), greater length of rural residence (p = 0.042) and the same length of passive smoking (p = 0.297) and farm work (p = 0.985). Cough (69.8%), sputum (55.8%) and wheezing (67.4%) predominated in the COPD group (p < 0.001) compared to those without COPD (40.2%, 27.4%, 33, 3%, respectively). The COPD patients had mild to moderate obstructive disturbance and normal lung volumes, except that the residual volume and total lung capacity ratio (RV/TLC) > 0.40 in 45%, which correlated negatively with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/vital forced capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC). CONCLUSION Women with prolonged exposure to wood smoke had predominantly mild to moderate COPD. Those without COPD had a high prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, justifying clinical and spirometric monitoring.
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Hunter J, Leeder S. Patient questionnaires for use in the integrative medicine primary care setting—A systematic literature review. Eur J Integr Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Establishing Links Between Health and Productivity in the New Zealand Workforce. J Occup Environ Med 2012; 54:545-50. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31824fe0c8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Cecinato A, Balducci C, Guerriero E, Sprovieri F, Cofone F. Possible social relevance of illicit psychotropic substances present in the atmosphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 412-413:87-92. [PMID: 22078369 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.04.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Revised: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although the worldwide presence of illicit psychotropic compounds in the environment is well known, the social impact of drug abuse on the community has yet to be determined. Besides, the possibility of deriving indicators of the prevalence of drug abuse from the content of illicit substances in the air remains unexplored. In this study, the atmospheric concentrations of psychotropic compounds recorded in Italy were plotted vs. a series of criminal statistics. Meaningful links were found between atmospheric cocaine and the amount of drugs seized, the number of drug related crimes and the demand for clinical treatment recorded in the Italian regions. Atmospheric cocaine and cannabinoids also seemed to be correlated with tumour insurgence and mental disease frequency, respectively. However, further investigations are necessary to elucidate/explain/clarify if the behaviours observed for cocaine vs. the parameters usually adopted to estimate drug abuse prevalence (correspond to an effective relationships)/are directly linked, and to understand why the same approach failed when applied to cannabinoids. Moreover, according to our study illicit drugs are suspected to promote long-term ill health effects even when present at low concentrations the air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Cecinato
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research (CNR-IIA), Via Salaria km 29.3, Post office box 10, 00015 Monterotondo Stazione RM, Italy.
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Kaufman HW, Williams FR, Odeh MA. Value of laboratory tests in employer-sponsored health risk assessments for newly identifying health conditions: analysis of 52,270 participants. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28201. [PMID: 22163283 PMCID: PMC3233567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Employer-sponsored health risk assessments (HRA) may include laboratory tests to provide evidence of disease and disease risks for common medical conditions. We evaluated the ability of HRA-laboratory testing to provide new disease-risk information to participants. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of HRA-laboratory results for participating adult employees and their eligible spouses or their domestic partners, focusing on three common health conditions: hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. HRA with laboratory results of 52,270 first-time participants were analyzed. Nearly all participants had access to health insurance coverage. Twenty-four percent (12,392) self-reported one or more of these medical conditions: 21.1% (11,017) self-identified as having hyperlipidemia, 4.7% (2,479) self-identified as having diabetes, and 0.7% (352) self-identified as having chronic kidney disease. Overall, 36% (n = 18,540) of participants had laboratory evidence of at least one medical condition newly identified: 30.7% (16,032) had laboratory evidence of hyperlipidemia identified, 1.9% (984) had laboratory evidence of diabetes identified, and 5.5% (2,866) had laboratory evidence of chronic kidney disease identified. Of all participants with evidence of hyperlipidemia 59% (16,030 of 27,047), were newly identified through the HRA. Among those with evidence of diabetes 28% (984 of 3,463) were newly identified. The highest rate of newly identified disease risk was for chronic kidney disease: 89% (2,866 of 3,218) of participants with evidence of this condition had not self-reported it. Men (39%) were more likely than women (33%) to have at least one newly identified condition (p<0.0001). Among men, lower levels of educational achievement were associated with modestly higher rates of newly identified disease risk (p<0.0001); the association with educational achievement among women was unclear. Even among the youngest age range (20 to 29 year olds), nearly 1 in 4 participants (24%) had a newly identified risk for disease. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results support the important role of employer-sponsored laboratory testing as an integral element of HRA for identifying evidence of previously undiagnosed common medical conditions in individuals of all working age ranges, regardless of educational level and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey W Kaufman
- Quest Diagnostics, Madison, New Jersey, United States of America.
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Mills PR, Masloski WS, Bashaw CM, Butler JR, Hillstrom ME, Zimmerman EM. Design, development and validation of the RedBrick Health Assessment: a questionnaire-based study. JRSM SHORT REPORTS 2011; 2:71. [PMID: 21969882 PMCID: PMC3184010 DOI: 10.1258/shorts.2011.011015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health risk assessment (HRA) questionnaires have become a popular tool to help quantify health issues within populations. Over the last decade HRAs have increasingly been delivered in the online environment. The objective of this study was to create and validate an HRA that is optimized for delivery via the Internet. DESIGN After an iterative process of user testing and interface design the RedBrick Health Assessment (RBHA) was validated against known domain specific questionnaires with 464 working Americans, and with medical claims data from over 25,000 employees. SETTING All consumer testing, data capture and analysis occurred at the offices of RedBrick Health Corporation, Minneapolis, USA and via a secure online portal. PARTICIPANTS Individuals in full-time employment in the USA, who were between 18 and 65 years of age at the time inquiry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Correlation of the included RBHA domains with the output from known gold standard health question sets for each assessed health domain. RESULTS The iterative development process employed in creating the RBHA produced a tool that had a high degree of user acceptability. The domains demonstrated good correlations with relevant gold standard questionnaire measures, good internal consistency, and acceptable sensitivity and specificity when compared to gold standard risk stratification and high-risk classification (specificity of domains ranged from 76-94%). A test-retest correlation co-efficient of 0.7, or greater, was achieved 8 weeks after initial completion. CONCLUSIONS The RBHA is a new breed of HRA that has been specifically developed for capturing health status information in an online environment. At its heart is user centricity and this focus has enabled the creation of a tool that is not only highly engaging but also captures accurate and robust health status information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Mills
- RedBrick Health Corporation , Minneapolis, Minnesota , USA
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Pelliciotti JDSS, Kimura M. Medications errors and health-related quality of life of nursing professionals in intensive care units. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2011; 18:1062-9. [PMID: 21340269 DOI: 10.1590/s0104-11692010000600004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study identifies the prevalence of medication errors in ICUs reported by nursing professionals, compares the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health status changes of those professionals both involved and not involved with medication errors in ICUs. A total of 94 nursing professionals in three ICUs of a private hospital were studied: 39 (41.5%) nurses and 55 (58.5%) nursing technicians. HRQoL was assessed through the Portuguese version of the SF-36 instrument. Eighteen professionals (19.1%) reported medication errors during the month prior to data collection. The errors were reported in 61.1% of the cases and the most frequent ones were those in the administration phase (67.8%). The professionals who reported medication errors displayed worse health conditions than those who did not report errors.
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Berset JD, Brenneisen R, Mathieu C. Analysis of llicit and illicit drugs in waste, surface and lake water samples using large volume direct injection high performance liquid chromatography--electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 81:859-866. [PMID: 20801487 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Llicit and illicit drugs represent a recent group of emerging contaminants and have been found in the aquatic environment. A HPLC-MS/MS method was developed using direct injection (DI) of larger volumes and a polar endcapped reversed-phase (RP) column to measure drug components in water samples belonging to the cocaine group, opiates, amphetamine-like stimulants and metabolites thereof. After validation, including sensitivity, linearity, recovery, precision and matrix effect studies, most drugs could be detected with limits of quantitation (LOQ) of 20 ng L(-1) in wastewater (WW) and 0.2 ng L(-1) in surface water. The major substances found in influents and effluents were cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE), morphine (MO), methadone (MD) and its main metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) with concentrations up to 2 μg L(-1), followed by codeine (COD) and the amphetamines which ranged between 20 and 400 ng L(-1). Except for MO, COD and EDDP levels were generally lower in the effluents. River and lake water contained trace amounts of mainly BE, MD and EDDP from the high pg L(-1) to the low ng L(-1) level. Monitoring COC and BE levels over 11 consecutive days in influents and effluents suggests a consumption preference on week-end days. Finally, measuring an influent after a major music event revealed that sewage treatment plants (STPs) are exposed, for a limited period of time, to high concentration peaks of COC and BE as well as amphetamine-like stimulants such as ecstasy (MDMA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Daniel Berset
- Water and Soil Protection Laboratory (WSPL), Environmental Organic Chemistry Group (EOCG), Office of Water and Waste (OWW), Schermenweg 11, 3014 Bern, Switzerland.
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Postigo C, de Alda ML, Barceló D. Illicit Drugs Along the Ebro River Basin: Occurrence in Surface and Wastewater and Derived Consumption Estimations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2010_79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare factor analysis (FA) with an alternative approach known as impact analysis (IA) in determining items for a questionnaire to measure employee wellbeing.Design/methodology/approachFA and IA were conducted on a raw data set drawn from an earlier study to develop an assessment that measures the impact of work on employee wellbeing. IA is an accepted clinical methodology used to verify items in the development of health‐related quality of life instruments that evaluate patient wellbeing in clinical trials.FindingsFA and IA gave rise to considerably different assessments. IA resulted in a 51‐item scale spread across ten different domains. FA generated an eight‐factor scale with 46 items. In total, 31 variables were common to each version. The additional 20 items using IA included a number of variables that were identified by employees as being important to their wellbeing. The 15 extra items yielded by FA included six variables that were perceived by staff to be relatively unimportant. Five factors were fairly consistent with five of the domains. Both scales showed adequate internal consistency reliability.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study suggests an alternative methodology for measuring employee wellbeing. The small number of subjects who participated in the earlier research is a limitation.Originality/valueThe study offers exploratory research into an alternative way to measure wellbeing in the workplace that draws on an accepted clinical methodology already used to assess and evaluate patient wellbeing.
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Wang RY, Jain RB, Wolkin AF, Rubin CH, Needham LL. Serum concentrations of selected persistent organic pollutants in a sample of pregnant females and changes in their concentrations during gestation. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1244-9. [PMID: 19672404 PMCID: PMC2721868 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0800105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2008] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study we evaluated the concentrations of selected persistent organic pollutants in a sample of first-time pregnant females residing in the United States and assessed differences in these concentrations in all pregnant females during gestation. METHODS We reviewed demographic and laboratory data for pregnant females participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including concentrations of 25 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 6 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 9 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and 9 organochlorine pesticides. We report serum concentrations for first-time pregnant females (2001-2002; n = 49) and evaluate these concentrations in all pregnant females by trimester (1999-2002; n = 203) using a cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS The chemicals with >or= 60% detection included PCBs (congeners 126, 138/158, 153, 180), PCDDs/PCDFs [1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1234678HpCDD), 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (123678HxCDD), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzofuran (1234678HpCDF), 1,1'-(2,2-dichloroethenylidene)-bis(4-chlorobenzene) (p,p'-DDE)], and trans-nonachlor. The geometric mean concentration (95% confidence intervals) for 1234678HpCDD was 15.9 pg/g lipid (5.0-50.6 pg/g); for 123678HxCDD, 9.7 pg/g (5.5-17.1 pg/g); and for 1234678HpCDF, 5.4 pg/g (3.3-8.7 pg/g). The differences in concentrations of these chemicals by trimester were better accounted for with the use of lipid-adjusted units than with whole-weight units; however, the increase in the third-trimester concentration was greater for PCDDs/PCDFs (123678HxCDD, 1234678HpCDF) than for the highest concentration of indicator PCBs (138/158, 153, 180), even after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION The concentrations of these persistent organic pollutants in a sample of first-time pregnant females living in the United States suggest a decline in exposures to these chemicals since their ban or restricted use and emission. The redistribution of body burden for these and other persistent organic pollutants during pregnancy needs to be more carefully defined to improve the assessment of fetal exposure to them based on maternal serum concentrations. Additional studies are needed to further the understanding of the potential health consequences to the fetus from persistent organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Y Wang
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
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Kolbe-Alexander TL, Buckmaster C, Nossel C, Dreyer L, Bull F, Noakes TD, Lambert EV. Chronic disease risk factors, healthy days and medical claims in South African employees presenting for health risk screening. BMC Public Health 2008; 8:228. [PMID: 18601718 PMCID: PMC2475536 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2007] [Accepted: 07/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-communicable diseases (NCD) accounts for more than a third (37%) of all deaths in South Africa. However, this burden of disease can be reduced by addressing risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the health and risk profile of South African employees presenting for health risk assessments and to measure their readiness to change and improve lifestyle behaviour. Methods Employees (n = 1954) from 18 companies were invited to take part in a wellness day, which included a health-risk assessment. Self-reported health behaviour and health status was recorded. Clinical measures included cholesterol finger-prick test, blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI). Health-related age was calculated using an algorithm incorporating the relative risk for all case mortality associated with smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, BMI and cholesterol. Medical claims data were obtained from the health insurer. Results The mean percentage of participation was 26% (n = 1954) and ranged from 4% in transport to 81% in the consulting sector. Health-related age (38.5 ± 12.9 years) was significantly higher than chronological age (34.9 ± 10.3 yrs) (p < 0.001). Both chronological and risk-related age were significantly different between the sectors (P < 0.001), with the manufacturing sector being the oldest and finance having the youngest employees. Health-related age was significantly associated with number of days adversely affected by mental and physical health, days away from work and total annual medical costs (p < 0.001). Employees had higher rates of overweight, smoking among men, and physical inactivity (total sample) when compared the general SA population. Increased health-related expenditure was associated with increased number of risk factors, absenteeism and reduced physical activity. Conclusion SA employees' health and lifestyle habits are placing them at increased risk for NCD's, suggesting that they may develop NCD's earlier than expected. Inter-sectoral differences for health-related age might provide insight into those companies which have the greatest need for interventions, and may also assist in predicting future medical expenditure. This study underscores the importance of determining the health and risk status of employees which could assist in identifying the appropriate interventions to reduce the risk of NCD's among employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Kolbe-Alexander
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, UCT School of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Petrovic M, Radjenovic J, Postigo C, Kuster M, Farre M, de Alda ML, Barceló D. Emerging Contaminants in Waste Waters: Sources and Occurrence. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-74795-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Bernaards CM, Proper KI, Hildebrandt VH. Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Body Mass Index in Relationship to Work Productivity and Sickness Absence in Computer Workers With Preexisting Neck and Upper Limb Symptoms. J Occup Environ Med 2007; 49:633-40. [PMID: 17563606 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e318058202c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate associations among three modifiable risk factors (ie, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body mass index), work productivity, and sickness absence in computer workers. METHODS All participants were computer workers with neck and upper limb symptoms in the preceding 6 months, the last 2 weeks, or both. Productivity and sickness absence were assessed with the Health and Performance Questionnaire (HPQ). RESULTS Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were not associated with work productivity or sickness absence. Obese male workers reported lower absolute productivity than lean workers. Lean and overweight workers reported similar productivity levels. Body mass index was not associated with sickness absence. CONCLUSIONS In a population of white-collar workers with neck and upper limb symptoms, obese male workers showed significantly lower productivity than did lean or overweight workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Bernaards
- Body@Work Research Centre for Physical Activity, Work and Health TNO-VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Duffy VB, Lanier SA, Hutchins HL, Pescatello LS, Johnson MK, Bartoshuk LM. Food preference questionnaire as a screening tool for assessing dietary risk of cardiovascular disease within health risk appraisals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 107:237-45. [PMID: 17258960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2006.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nutrition components of health risk appraisals (HRAs) aim to rapidly and accurately assess dietary behaviors that increase disease risk. Because cognitive research suggests that recalling food likes/dislikes may be simpler and more accurate than recalling intake, we tested whether a preference measure was predictive of cardiovascular disease risk factors within an HRA. METHODS HRA participants (422 primarily non-Hispanic white men, mean age 46+/-10 years) from a manufacturing company completed surveys to assess fat and sweet food/beverage preference; frequency of consuming fat and sweet foods/beverages, alcoholic beverages, fiber-rich foods (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables); and physical activity. Per measured risk factors, 34% had central obesity (waist circumference>or=102 cm), 32% had hypertension (>or=140 and/or>or=90 mm Hg), 52% had prehypertension (>or=120 to 139 and/or>or=80 to 89 mm Hg), and 52% had an elevated total cholesterol level (>or=200 mg/dL [5.2 mmol/L]). STATISTICAL ANALYSES Multiple linear regression models explaining variability in waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum lipids were tested. RESULTS Although preference and intake pairs for fat and sweets were significantly correlated, intake of fat and sweets failed to associate significantly with any risk factor. Significant variance in waist circumference was explained by age, fat preference, fiber intake, and physical activity. Those with greater circumferences liked fat more, consumed less fiber, and exercised less. Waist circumference in turn contributed significantly to models predicting serum lipid levels and blood pressure. Alcohol intake explained variability in serum lipid levels-higher intakes were associated with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The models predicting risk were generally more explanatory in younger (<50 years) than in older men. CONCLUSIONS Including a preference measure within an HRA appears to enhance cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment. Fat preference, intake of fiber-rich foods, and alcohol proved the best dietary determinants of cardiovascular disease risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie B Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Allied Health, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-2101, USA.
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Gerbase MW, Schindler C, Zellweger JP, Künzli N, Downs SH, Brändli O, Schwartz J, Frey M, Burdet L, Rochat T, Ackermann-Liebrich U, Leuenberger P. Respiratory effects of environmental tobacco exposure are enhanced by bronchial hyperreactivity. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2006; 174:1125-31. [PMID: 16931633 PMCID: PMC2648112 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200512-1890oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with increased reports of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, but the long-term effects of ETS are unclear, notably in healthy individuals with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). OBJECTIVE To assess the longitudinal effects of ETS exposure on the development of respiratory symptoms and spirometry in subjects with BHR. METHODS The study population included 1,661 never-smokers from the SAPALDIA (Swiss Study on Air Pollution and Lung Diseases in Adults) cohort, assessed in 1991 (baseline) and 11 yr later, who were symptom-free at baseline. Incident reports of respiratory symptoms and results of spirometry were assessed at the follow-up survey. MAIN RESULTS Exposure to ETS reported in the two surveys was strongly associated with the development of cough (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.7; p = 0.01). In subjects with BHR exposed to ETS at both surveys, a trend for strong associations were observed for wheeze, cough, dyspnea, and chronic bronchitis; however, the association reached statistical significance only for the symptom of dyspnea (p < 0.01). Lower FEV1/FVC (mean +/- SD, 72.9 +/- 7.7 vs. 76.8 +/- 6.1%; p < 0.01) and FEF(25-75) (forced expiratory flow, midexpiratory phase)/FVC (mean +/- SD, 56.1 +/- 22.5 vs. 68.1 +/- 21.6%; p < 0.01) were observed in subjects with BHR exposed to ETS compared with nonexposed subjects without BHR. Lower values were found in subjects continuing exposure by the follow-up survey. CONCLUSION Exposure to ETS was strongly associated with the development of respiratory symptoms in previously asymptomatic subjects with BHR within 11 yr. Furthermore, subjects with underlying BHR had reduced lung function at follow-up, thus suggesting a higher risk for the development of chronic respiratory disease in this subset of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret W Gerbase
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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Sleeman R, Carter JF, Ebejer KA. Comments on “Validated, non-destructive and environmentally friendly determination of cocaine in euro bank notes” by F.A. Esteve-Turrillas, S. Armenta, J. Moros, S. Garrigues, A. Pastor and M. de la Guardia. J Chromatogr A 2006; 1108:285-6; author reply 287-8. [PMID: 16384572 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.11.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 11/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Sleeman
- Mass Spec Analytical Ltd., Building 20F, Golf Course Lane, Filton, Bristol BS99 7AR, UK.
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