Important Occupational Health Hazards Research Articles

LncRNA MRAK052509 competitively adsorbs miR-204-3p to regulate silica dust-induced EMT process.

Silicosis is a systemic disease caused by long-term inhalation of free SiO2 and retention in the lungs. At present, it is still the most important occupational health hazard disease in the world. Existing studies have shown that non-coding RNA can also participate in complex fibrosis regulatory networks. However, its role in regulating silicotic fibrosis is still unclear. In this study, we constructed a NR8383/RLE-6TN co-culture system to simulate the pathogenesis of silicosis in vitro. Design of miR-204-3p mimics and inhibitors to overexpress or downregulate miR-204-3p in RLE-6TN cells. Design of short hairpin RNA (sh-RNA) to downregulate MRAK052509 in RLE-6TN cells. The regulatory mechanism of miR-204-3p and LncRNA MRAK052509 on EMT process was studied by Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, Immunofluorescence and Cell scratch test. The results revealed that miR-204-3p affects the occurrence of silica dust-induced cellular EMT process mainly through regulating TGF-βRΙ, a key molecule of TGF-β signaling pathway. In contrast, Lnc MRAK052509 promotes the EMT process in epithelial cells by competitively adsorbing miR-204-3p and reducing its inhibitory effect on the target gene TGF-βRΙ, which may influence the development of silicosis fibrosis. This study perfects the targeted regulation relationship between LncRNA MRAK052509, miR-204-3p and TGF-βRΙ, and may provide a new strategy for the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of silicosis.

Colonoscopy-related injury among colonoscopists: an international survey.

Background and study aims Colonoscopy is physically demanding for endoscopists and patients. Repetitive movements during colonoscopy can lead to overuse injuries. We aimed to explore the prevalence and range of colonoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries (CRIs) in endoscopists. Methods A cross-sectional electronic survey of 1825 endoscopists was performed. The sample was composed of members of the British Society of Gastroenterology, European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and National Nurse Endoscopy Group (UK). The survey comprised 20 questions. These included: endoscopists’ workload, level of experience, and their perceived CRIs. All endoscopists who perform colonoscopy independently were included in the analysis. Results A total of 368 questionnaires were completed of 1825 surveyed (20.16 %). Of those, 319 participants (17.48 %) were fully independent in colonoscopy. Of 319 endoscopists, 254 (79.6 %) have experienced musculoskeletal injuries. These were reported as either possibly (n = 143, 56.3 %) or definitely (n = 90, 35.4 %) related to colonoscopy. Commonly injured areas were the lower back (n = 85, 36.5 %), neck (n = 82, 35.2 %) and left thumb (n = 79, 33.9 %). Of the injured endoscopists, 98 (30.7 %) made some modification to their practice, such as stretching exercises and ergonomic changes. Of the endoscopists, 134 (42.0 %) thought that repetitive limb strain was a likely causative mechanism. Around 40 % believed that torquing the scope and challenging body position were precipitating CRIs. Several treatment modalities were used to treat CRIs. These included; physiotherapy (n = 109), medications (n = 70), rest (n = 43), splinting (n = 31), steroid injections (n = 26) and surgery (n = 11). Conclusions A significant proportion of colonoscopists experience CRIs. The majority of the suggested modifications to practice can be adopted by any endoscopist. These results highlight the need to recognise CRI as an important occupational health hazard and to adopt preventative strategies routinely in the future.

Notch polymorphisms associated with sensitivity of noise induced hearing loss among Chinese textile factory workers

BackgroundNoise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a polygenic disease involving both genetic and environmental factors, and is one of the most important occupational health hazards worldwide. To date, the influence of Notch1 variants on the risk to develop NIHL has not been illuminated. This study was conducted to explore the effects of Notch1 polymorphisms on individual susceptibility to NIHL.MethodsA total of 2689 industrial workers from one textile factory in east China were recruited to participate in the current study. Venous blood was collected, basic clinical data was obtained by questionnaires and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) tests were conducted by specialist physicians. Next we performed genotyping of three selected SNPs (rs3124594, rs3124599 and rs3124603) in the Notch1 gene in 535 NIHL patients and 535 controls. Subsequently, the main effects of the genotypes and their interactions were evaluated.ResultsOur results revealed that individuals with a GG of rs3124594, TT of rs3124603 (OR = 4.70 and 1.59 respectively) and the haplotype AAC (rs3124594-rs3124599-rs3124603) (OR = 14.95) were associated with an increased risk of NIHL in our study cohort. Stratified analysis showed that an increased NIHL risk was found in individuals exposed to work related noise for ≤16 years that also had the rs3124594 GG or rs3124603 CT/TT genotype with an OR of 4.20 and 1.73 respectively. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis indicated that rs3124594, rs3124599 and rs3124603 interacted with each other and were related to an increased risk to develop NIHL (OR = 3.60).ConclusionsThe genetic polymorphisms rs3124594 and rs3124603 within the Notch1 gene are associated with an increased risk of NIHL in a Chinese population and could potentially be used as biomarkers for NIHL in noise exposed workers.

Association of genetic variations in FOXO3 gene with susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss in a Chinese population.

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), a multifactorial disease involving both genetic and environmental factors, is one of the most important occupational health hazards. Nonetheless, the influence of FOXO3 variants on NIHL risk have not been illuminated. This research was conducted to explore the effects of FOXO3 polymorphisms on individual susceptibility to NIHL. A total of 2689 industrial workers from one textile factory of east China were recruited to participate in the current research. Venous blood was collected, questionnaire and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was conducted by specialist physicians. Then, we performed genotyping of three selected SNPs (rs2802292, rs10457180, and rs12206094) in FOXO3 gene in 566 NIHL patients and 566 controls. Subsequently, the main effects of genotype and its interactions were evaluated. Our results revealed that individuals with the G allele of rs2802292, G allele of rs10457180, T allele of rs12206094 (OR = 1.43, 1.43, and 1.31 respectively) and the haplotype GAC and others (TGT/GGT/GGC/GAT) (rs2802292-rs10457180-rs12206094) (OR = 1.49 and 2.09 respectively) are associated with an increased risk of NIHL in a Chinese population. Stratified analysis showed that an increased NIHL risk was found in the subjects who exposed to noise >16 years with rs2802292 GG/GT and rs10457180 AG/GG genotype with an OR of 1.62 and 1.66 respectively. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis indicated that rs10457180, rs2802292, and rs12206094 have interactions and are related to increased NIHL risk (OR = 1.53). The genetic polymorphism rs2802292, rs10457180, and rs12206094 within FOXO3 gene are associated with an increased risk of NIHL in a Chinese population and have potential to be biomarkers for noise exposed workers.

Mitochondrial DNA common deletion increases susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in a mimetic aging rat model

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an important occupational health hazard. However, susceptibility to NIHL remains poorly understood. The present study was designed to investigate whether mitochondrial DNA common deletion (CD) increases the susceptibility of individuals to NIHL. A mimetic aging rat model harboring increased CD in the inner ear was established by chronic d-galactose administration, and the synergic effect of CD and noise on hearing sensitivity was assessed. We determined that although developed the same magnitude of temporary threshold shifts and hair cell loss, the d-galactose treated rats with increased CD in the inner ear exhibited a longer hearing recovery process and experienced higher permanent hearing threshold shifts at high frequencies than the saline-treated control rats. Greater supporting cell damage and stria vascularis ultrastructural changes were observed in d-galactose treated rats three weeks after recovery. The results suggested that the elevated CD in the inner ear could increase an individual’s susceptibility to NIHL, which likely through a reduction in the self-repairing capability within the cochlea after acoustic injury.

Toluene-induced acute lung injury

Toluene inhalation is an important occupational health hazard in persons working in factories manufacturing paint, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and rubber. The present report describes an unusual case of toluene-induced acute lung injury threatening life.

Prevalence of needle stick injuries among nurses in a tertiary care hospital and their immediate response

Context: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are wounds caused by needles in health care setup that accidentally puncture the skin and may result in exposure to blood or other body fluids. NSI is a major occupational health and safety issue faced by health care professionals globally. Nurses have the highest rate of needle stick injury among health care workers. Aims: To determine the prevalence of needle stick injuries (NSIs) among the nurses, to determine the association between NSI and selected variables like age, marital status, years in service, educational qualification and to assess the measures undertaken by the respondents after the NSI. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Imphal among nurses from October to November 2011. Self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used. Chi square test was used to see the association and a P-value of Results: The prevalence of NSI within the last one year was found to be 28.1% (N=86). Of them 49(46.5%) had two or more NSIs in the last one year. More than half of the NSIs occurred during intravenous (IV) injection, 16.3% during intramuscular (IM) injection and only 1.6% during recapping of the needle. Eighty three (96%) of them did not were gloves during NSI. Forty (46.5%) of them washed the injured part with water and soap as immediate measure. Thirty seven (43%) did not report it. Though 251(82%) knew about the free availability of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the hospital, only 5(5.7%) took PEP. Conclusion: Needle stick injury is an important occupational health hazard among the nurses. Reporting to the concerned authorities, screening after NSI and promotion of safety measures should be greatly encouraged.

Genetic Studies on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Review

Millions of people are exposed daily to harmful levels of noise in their work environment. This renders noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) one of the most important occupational health hazards. Beside age-related hearing loss, NIHL is the second most frequent form of hearing loss. It is a complex condition that is influenced by both environmental factors and genetic factors. Association studies have identified the first genetic factors that may influence one's susceptibility to NIHL. In this review, we discuss the general properties of NIHL and mainly focus on the results of these first genetic association studies for NIHL.

Candidate Gene Association Study for Noise‐induced Hearing Loss in Two Independent Noise‐exposed Populations

Millions of people are daily exposed to high levels of noise. Consequently, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most important occupational health hazards worldwide. In this study, we performed an association study for NIHL based on a candidate gene approach. 644 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in 53 candidate genes were analyzed in two independent NIHL sample sets, a Swedish set and part of a Polish set. Eight SNPs with promising results were selected and analysed in the remaining part of the Polish samples. One SNP in PCDH15 (rs7095441), resulted in significant associations in both sample sets while two SNPs in MYH14 (rs667907 and rs588035), resulted in significant associations in the Polish sample set and significant interactions with noise exposure level in the Swedish sample set. Calculation of odds ratios revealed a significant association of rs588035 with NIHL in the Swedish high noise exposure level group. Our studies suggest that PCDH15 and MYH14 may be NIHL susceptibility genes, but further replication in independent sample sets is mandatory.

Variations in HSP70 genes associated with noise-induced hearing loss in two independent populations

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most important occupational health hazards. Millions of people worldwide are exposed daily to harmful levels of noise. NIHL is a complex disease resulting from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Although the environmental risk factors have been studied extensively, little is known about the genetic factors. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are induced after exposure to severe noise. When first induced by exposure to moderate sound levels, they can protect the ear from damage from excessive noise exposure. This protection is highly variable between individuals. An association of HSP70 genes with NIHL has been described by Yang et al (2006) in a Chinese sample set of noise-exposed workers. In this study, three polymorphisms (rs1043618, rs1061581 and rs2227956) in HSP70-1, HSP70-2 and HSP70-hom, respectively, were genotyped in 206 Swedish and 238 Polish DNA samples of noise-exposed subjects and analyzed. One SNP, rs2227956 in HSP70-hom, resulted in a significant association with NIHL in both sample sets. In addition, rs1043618 and rs1061581 were significant in the Swedish sample set. Analysis of the haplotypes composed of the three SNPs revealed significant associations between NIHL and haplotype GAC in both sample sets and with haplotype CGT in the Swedish sample set. In conclusion, this study replicated the association of HSP70 genes with NIHL in a second and third independent noise-exposed sample set, hereby adding to the evidence that HSP70 genes may be NIHL susceptibility genes.

Pesticide Poisoning among Farmers in a Rural Province of Korea

Pesticide Poisoning among Farmers in a Rural Province of Korea: Seok‐Joon Sohn, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and The Research Institute of Medical Science, Chonnam National University—Pesticide poisoning is one of the most important occupational health hazards for farmers, but the exact prevalence or incidence of the poisoning has not been fully investigated in Korea. The present study assessed the pesticide poisoning in a rural province of Korea based on episodes reported by farmers. The total number of interviewees in this survey was 8,831. Of these, only 8,420 farmers who worked longer than one hour every day during the past one year were included in the analysis. Questionnaires collected from 8,420 persons were analyzed by means of a SAS statistical package. The average days spent for pesticide spraying was 6.8; the farmers at work experienced pesticide‐related symptoms during the last one‐year period at the rate of 7.0%; the average length of a hospital stay was 4.4 d: and the period of clinic visit averaged 1.7 d. Pesticide poisoning was statistically related with age, sex, region of residence and degree of pesticide use. Among the complaints in the farmers' syndrome, pesticide poisoning was significantly related with shoulder stiffness, sleeplessness, dizziness and a feeling of abdominal fullness, but not with lumbago, limb paresthesia, nocturnal frequency or dyspnea. The present data offer the baseline for the health resources planning and rural health program.

Missing the Point: A Review of Needlestick Injury and Occupational Risks from Bloodborne Viruses

Hundreds of thousands of occupational exposures to the blood and body fluids of patients can occur each year in healthcare settings. Accidental needlestick or “sharps” injuries caused by hollow-bore needles, scalpels or other sharp objects constitute an important occupational health hazard for healthcare professionals and provide the most important route of infection of healthcare workers by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Both anecdotal and survey data suggest that healthcare students and professional staff receive variable and often inadequate education and training in infection control. The purpose of this article is to present an update about occupational infection risks, with details of a new interactive CD-ROM which provides key infection control training materials on bloodborne viruses, for students and staff.

Reduction of airborne allergenic urinary proteins from laboratory rats.

Allergy and asthma caused by proteins of laboratory animals, particularly rats and mice, are the most important occupational health hazards for the scientists and technicians who work with such animals. The influence of different cage litters, cage design, and stock density on measured rat urinary aeroallergen (RUA) concentrations has been examined in a room housing male rats, to determine practical means to reduce allergen concentration in animal laboratories. Eight hour static air samples were taken at 2 1/min and the RUA concentrations measured by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition. High RUA concentrations occurred when the animals were housed on wood based, contact litter (geometric mean (GM) sawdust 7.79 micrograms/m3; woodchip 6.16 micrograms/m3). The use of noncontact absorbent pads was associated with a significant decrease in RUA concentrations (GM 2.47 micrograms/m3; p less than 0.0001). Rat urinary aeroallergen concentrations fell more than fourfold when the animals were housed on woodbased, contact litter in filter top cages rather than conventional open top cages (GM filter top 0.33 micrograms/m3; open top 1.43 micrograms/m3; p less than 0.0001). The number of rats (stock density) strongly influenced the RUA concentration and a linear relation was found between the log(e) allergen concentration and stock density under these study conditions. The measurement of airborne particle size on cleaning out days showed that all litter types generated similar sized particles: more than 80% of the RUA was carried on particles larger than 8 microns in diameter for all litter types. The findings suggest that the exposure of animal husbandry personnel to RUA may be substantially reduced by the avoidance of contact litter, the use of filter top cages (where suitable), and by keeping stock density to a minimum.