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International Archives of Occupational... Jul 2024Occupational asthma is commonly observed in bakers and confectioners. Endogenous and exogenous risk factors contribute to bakers' asthma. A heightened awareness of this...
The impact of years of training and possible technical, procedural, and individual risk factors for the development of atopic symptoms among bakery and confectionery trainees.
PURPOSE
Occupational asthma is commonly observed in bakers and confectioners. Endogenous and exogenous risk factors contribute to bakers' asthma. A heightened awareness of this and early diagnosis can be helpful in terms of prevention. The aim of the study was to identify a temporal relationship between the years of training, as well as possible technical, procedural, and individual risk factors for the development of flour-exposure related atopic symptoms such as rhinitis, cough, and rash in young professionals.
METHODS
127 bakers and confectioner trainees were observed over a one-year period. Two questionnaires served as test instruments. It was investigated whether the rates of atopic symptoms change over the course of a school year and which conditions in the workplace could be responsible for this. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions concerning flour exposure and symptom rates. The Pearson-Chi-Square test was used for testing statistical differences between different groups (e.g. year of training, working conditions).
RESULTS
An increase in rates of self-reported rhinitis, coughing, and rashes throughout the duration of traineeship was shown (e.g. rhinitis of bakers at work: 0% in the first year of training, 20% in the second and 33% in the third year of training). The installation of vapour extraction systems and low-dust transfer of baking agents led to fewer symptoms in the workplace (30% of participants with rhinitis symptoms worked with no installed vapour extraction systems). A medical history of atopy was positively correlated with the occurrence of symptoms.
CONCLUSION
To prevent the development of asthma in bakers, methods to improve occupational health and safety should be developed. Creating low dust working conditions e.g., due to the use of vapour extraction systems should be considered.
PubMed: 38951216
DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02079-7 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024The formation of planets in our solar system encompassed various stages of accretion of planetesimals that formed in the protoplanetary disk within the first few million...
The formation of planets in our solar system encompassed various stages of accretion of planetesimals that formed in the protoplanetary disk within the first few million years at different distances to the sun. Their chemical diversity is reflected by compositionally variable meteorite groups from different parent bodies. There is general consensus that their formation location is roughly constrained by a dichotomy of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies, relating carbonaceous (C) meteorite parent bodies to the outer protoplanetary disk and the non-carbonaceous (NC) parent bodies to an origin closer to the sun. It is a common idea, that in these inner parts of the protoplanetary disks, planetesimal accretion processes were faster. Testing such scenarios requires constraining formation ages of meteorite parent bodies. Although isotopic age dating can yield precise formation ages of individual mineral constituents of meteorites, such ages frequently represent mineral cooling ages that can postdate planetesimal formation by millions or tens of millions of years, depending on the cooling history of individual planetesimals at different depths. Nevertheless, such cooling ages provide a detailed thermal history which can be fitted by thermal evolution models that constrain the formation age of individual parent bodies. Here we apply state-of-the-art thermal evolution models to constrain planetesimal formation times particular in the outer solar system formation region of C meteorites. We infer a temporally distributed accretion of various parent bodies from Ma to Ma after solar system formation, with 3.7 Ma and Ma for the parent bodies of CR1-3 chondrites and the Flensburg carbonaceous chondrite, and and Ma for the parent bodies of differentiated achondrites NWA 6704 and NWA 011, respectively. This implies that accretion processes in the C reservoir started as early as in the NC reservoir and were operating throughout typical protoplanetary disk lifetimes, thereby producing differentiated parent bodies with carbonaceous compositions in addition to undifferentiated C chondrite parent bodies. The accretion times correlate inversely with the degree of the meteorites' alteration, metamorphism, or differentiation. The accretion times for the CM, CI, Ryugu, and Tafassite parent bodies of 3.8 Ma, 3.8 Ma, Ma, and 1.1 Ma, respectively, fit well into this correlation in agreement with the thermal and alteration conditions suggested by these meteorites. Our results indicate that individual planetesimals formed rapidly (i.e., within Ma), however, distinct planetesimals formed recurrently throughout the total lifetime of the protoplanetary disk. Rapid individual formation is consistent with streaming instabilities assisted by gravitational collapse. However, obviously not the total dust inventory was consumed at early disk evolution stages, so there must have been some delay mechanisms, e.g. collisional destruction of precursor aggregates due to high impact velocities induced by radial drift phenomena. This counterbalance enabled late ( Ma) accretion of C planetesimals beyond the snow line which escaped severe planetesimal heating and volatile loss, hence, preserving their volatiles, especially water. Only this delayed formation of water-rich planetesimals allowed Earth to accrete sufficient water to become a habitable planet, preventing it from being a bone dry planet.
PubMed: 38951135
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63768-4 -
Thorax Jun 2024
PubMed: 38950924
DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2024-221864 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 20246PPD-Q (6PPD-Quinone) is an ozone-induced byproduct derived from the degradation of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), commonly found in road...
6PPD-Q (6PPD-Quinone) is an ozone-induced byproduct derived from the degradation of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), commonly found in road dust resulting from tire wear. However, the extent of 6PPD-Q pollution in urban soil remains unclear. This study investigates the spatial and temporal accumulation patterns of 6PPD-Q in greenbelt soils in Ningbo, and explores the correlation between 6PPD-Q accumulation and soil microbial community composition and functions. Our findings indicate that 6PPD-Q is present (ranging from 0.85 to 12.58 μg/kg) in soil samples collected from both sides of urban traffic arteries. Soil fungi exhibit higher sensitivity to 6PPD-Q accumulation compared to bacteria, and associated fungi (Basidiomycota) may be potential biomarkers for environmental 6PPD-Q contamination. Co-occurrence network analysis reveals that the bacterial microbial network in summer exhibits greater stability and resilience in response to 6PPD-Q inputs than in winter. However, 6PPD-Q accumulation disrupts the network structure of fungal communities to some extent, leading to reduced diversity in fungal microbial communities. Long-term accumulation of 6PPD-Q weakens the nitrogen and phosphorus cycling potential within urban soil, while the enhancement of carbon cycling may further promote 6PPD-Q degradation in urban soil. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the ecological risks of 6PPD-Q in urban soils.
PubMed: 38950845
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124477 -
Journal of Asthma and Allergy 2024To investigate the patterns of allergens in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and the association with allergic comorbidity.
PURPOSE
To investigate the patterns of allergens in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and the association with allergic comorbidity.
METHODS
This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 2972 children with AC. Clinical data, including sex, age, allergic comorbidities (allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis), and serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), were collected from the electronic medical record (EMR). The categorical variables were compared with the chi-square test. The characteristics of allergens in children of different ages and comorbidities were analyzed by trend chi-square. The sensitivity level of HDM associated with AC and comorbidities was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals of logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 2972 children (2015 boys and 957 girls) with AC were included in the study. The mean age was 3.78 (0.5~12) years. The most common allergen was house dust mite(HDM) (43.41%). With age, the positive rate for inhaled allergens gradually increased, and the positive rate for ingested allergens decreased. With the number of comorbidities increasing, the positive rates of sensitization were 38.33%, 74.51%, 80.72%, and 89.05%, and the incidence of polysensitization was 44.66%, 56.48%, 59.54%, and 74.59%, respectively. With the increase of HDM-sIgE level, the number of comorbidities and the risk increased gradually.
CONCLUSION
HDM is the most common allergen in AC children of different ages. High levels of HDM-sIgE may be a predictor for allergic comorbidities. Children with polysensitization and high levels of HDM sIgE will be an important target population for future intervention in other allergy-related disease prevention.
PubMed: 38947955
DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S467671 -
Progress in Community Health... 2024Soil constitutes a major source of childhood lead exposure, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Mulching offers a low-cost interim control.
BACKGROUND
Soil constitutes a major source of childhood lead exposure, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Mulching offers a low-cost interim control.
OBJECTIVES
A community-academic partnership was established for lead poisoning prevention, with a three-fold aim: (1) control soil lead hazards by applying mulch, (2) identify home lead hazards with screening kits, and (3) connect residents to resources to address lead hazards.
METHODS
Student volunteers canvassed neighborhoods one month prior to the annual event. They requested consent for mulching, distributed lead screening kits, and screened residents for grant eligibility. Soil samples were collected from each home before mulching. According to principles of community-based participatory research, materials and plans were iterative, guided and adjusted by neighborhood association feedback, and detailed reports about home lead results were shared with each participating resident. Composite neighborhood data and survey results were shared with volunteers and community partners.
RESULTS
The project was evaluated in the third (41 homes) and fourth (48 homes) years of implementation. Before mulching, the median soil lead level was over 400 ppm, and after mulching, it was less than 20 ppm. Lead screening kits identified widespread lead hazards in paint, soil, and dust, but not water. Challenges remain in (a) increasing child blood lead testing and (b) increasing submissions for city grant funding for lead abatement. Evaluation surveys indicate a sense of ownership in the project among community partners and high levels of engagement among students.
CONCLUSIONS
Community-academic partnerships are an effective tool for lead poisoning prevention, generating evidence for public health action.
Topics: Humans; Lead Poisoning; Community-Based Participatory Research; Community-Institutional Relations; Lead; Universities; Environmental Exposure; Child
PubMed: 38946561
DOI: No ID Found -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Mosques are important places for Muslims where they perform their prayers. The congregators are exposed to hazardous pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons...
Mosques are important places for Muslims where they perform their prayers. The congregators are exposed to hazardous pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with dust. However, studies on PAHs exposure in religious places are scarce. Air-condition filter (ACF) dust can correspond to air quality to a certain extent, since dust particles derived from indoor and outdoor places stick to it. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the 16 EPA PAHs in ACF dust from mosques to determine their levels, profiles, sources and risks. Average Σ16 PAHs concentrations were 1039, 1527, 2284 and 5208 ng/g in AC filter dust from mosques in residential (RM), suburban (SM), urban (UM) and car repair workshop (CRWM), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Based on the molecular diagnostic PAH ratios, PAHs in mosques dust is emitted from local incomplete fuel combustion, as well as complete fossil fuels combustion sources (pyrogenic), petroleum spills, crude and fuel oil, traffic emissions, and other possible sources of industrial emissions in different functional areas. The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) values for children and adults across the different types of mosques follow the order: CRWM > UM > SM > RM. ILCRs values for both children and adults were found in order: dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The cancer risk levels via ingestion for children were relatively higher than the adults. The values of cancer risk for children and adults via dermal contact and ingestion (except in RM) were categorized in the 'potentially high risk' category (> 10). The mean values of total cancer risks (CR) for children (5.74 × 10) and adults (5.07 × 10) in mosques also exceeded the accepted threat value (>10). Finally, it is recommended that regular and frequent monitoring of PAHs should be carried out in mosques to improve the quality and maintain the health of congregators around the globe.
PubMed: 38945247
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174331 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Climate change is affecting both the frequency and scale of wildfires, as well as the increase in the number of days with Saharan dust intrusions. Traditionally, studies...
Short-term effects of fine particulate matter from biomass combustion and Saharan dust intrusions on emergency hospital admissions due to mental and behavioural disorders, anxiety and depression in Spain.
Climate change is affecting both the frequency and scale of wildfires, as well as the increase in the number of days with Saharan dust intrusions. Traditionally, studies have focused on the extent to which the increase in fine particulate matter (PM) has had an impact on cardio-respiratory diseases, but (apart from PM) not on how the meteorological and pollution conditions in these situations affect other diseases, such as those linked to mental health. This study therefore sought to ascertain how daily mean PM, PM , NO, O concentrations and daily maximum temperature in heat waves influence daily emergency hospital admissions in Spain caused by mental and behavioural disorders, depression and anxiety on days with PM from biomass combustion and/or Saharan dust intrusions, as compared to days without such conditions, across the period 2009-2018. Our results indicate that on days on which there is biomass combustion, PM concentrations have a statistically significant effect on emergency admissions due to mental disorders, probably related with the toxicity of these particles. Yet on days with intrusions of Saharan dust rather than PM, it is the other variables considered in the analysis that are most closely linked to these types of admissions. The results of this study thus point to the need to implement public health prevention plans which take into account the joint effect of various environmental risk factors that act synergistically in given situations.
PubMed: 38945243
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174316 -
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. A Jun 2024An extensive, high-level theoretical study on tetra-atomic germanium carbide/silicide clusters is presented. Accurate harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies and...
An extensive, high-level theoretical study on tetra-atomic germanium carbide/silicide clusters is presented. Accurate harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies and rotational constants are calculated at the CCSD(T)-F12a(b)/cc-pVT(Q)Z-F12 levels of theory. With growing capabilities to discern more of the chemical composition of the interstellar medium (ISM), an accurate database of reference material is required. The presence of carbon is ubiquitous in the ISM, and silicon is known to be present in interstellar dust grains; however, germanium-containing molecules remain elusive. To begin understanding the presence and role of germanium in the ISM, we present this study of the vibrational and rotational spectroscopic properties of various germanium-containing molecules to aid in their potential identification in the ISM with modern observational tools such as the James Webb Space Telescope. Structures studied herein include rhomboidal (r-), diamond (d-), and trapezoidal (t-) tetra-atomic molecules of the form GeC and GeSi, where = 0-4. The most promising structure for detection is r-GeC via the ν mode with a frequency of 802.7 cm (12.5 μm) and an intensity of 307.2 km mol. Other molecules that are potentially detectable, i.e., through vibrational modes or rotational transitions, include r-GeC, r-GeSi, d-GeC, r-GeC, and t-GeC.
PubMed: 38942734
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.4c02081 -
International Immunopharmacology Jun 2024Airway epithelial barrier dysfunction has been proved to contribute to the development of type 2 inflammation of asthma. Interleukin (IL)-37 is a negative regulator of...
BACKGROUND
Airway epithelial barrier dysfunction has been proved to contribute to the development of type 2 inflammation of asthma. Interleukin (IL)-37 is a negative regulator of immune responses and allergic airway inflammation. However, whether IL-37 has any effect on airway epithelial barrier has been unknown.
METHODS
We evaluated the role of IL-37 in both mouse model and cultured 16HBE cells. Histology and ELISA assays were used to evaluate airway inflammation. FITC-dextran permeability assay was used to evaluate the airway epithelial barrier function. Immunofluorescence, western blot and quantitative Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to evaluate the distribution and expression of tight junction proteins. RT-PCR and Ca fluorescence measurement were used to evaluate the mRNA expression and activity of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE).
RESULTS
IL-37 inhibited house dust mite (HDM)-induced airway inflammation and decreased the levels of IgE in serum and type 2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared to asthmatic mice. IL-37 protected against HDM-induced airway epithelial barrier dysfunction, including reduced leakage of FITC-dextran, enhanced expression of TJ proteins, and restored the membrane distribution of TJ proteins. Moreover, IL-37 decreased the level of IL-33 in the BALF of asthmatic mice and the supernatants of HDM-treated 16HBE cells. IL-37 decreased the peak level of Ca fluorescence induced by thapsigargin and HDM, and inhibited the mRNA expression of Orai1, suggesting an inhibiting effect of IL-37 on SOCE in airway epithelial cells.
CONCLUSION
IL-37 plays a protective role in airway inflammation and HDM-induced airway epithelial barrier dysfunction by inhibiting SOCE.
PubMed: 38941668
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112525