Male Painters Research Articles

Synthetic and Natural Vitamin C Modulation of Leaded Paint-Induced Nephrotoxicity of Automobile Painters in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Introduction: Lead (Pb) occupational exposure in painters has been documented to be contacted via additives in paints due to its many important properties and vitamin C has been the most widely studied when it comes to Pb- induced oxidative stress.  Aim: This study aimed at the use of freshly squeezed orange-juice due to its accessibility in investigating the modulating role of synthetic and natural vitamin-C on leaded paint-induced nephrotoxicity of automobile painters.  Study Design and Methods: Sixty (60) male automobile painters were consecutively selected and divided equally into 2 groups. Vitamin-C and orange juice were administered daily to painters for 4 weeks at dosage levels of 200 and 184 mg/day respectively. Thirty (30) male non-painters constituted the control group. Orange juice vitamin-C content was assessed by titrimetric method and synthetic vitamin-C served as the standard drug. Renal biomarkers and reduced glutathione (GSH) were done by Colorimetry. Urine aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and Pb were assessed by ELISA technique and atomic absorption spectrophotometry respectively. Phytochemical screenings (quantitative/qualitative) and proximate analysis were done using standard methods. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test for pairwise comparison. Statistical significance was p< 0.05.  Results: Baseline results at 0-week of orange juice administered group showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher serum Pb, urea and creatinine compared to non- painters. Also, their urine baseline results at 0-week showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of ALA and GSH compared to non-painters. Orange juice administration at 4 weeks showed significant (P<0.05) reductions in concentrations of lead, urea, and creatinine in serum, decreased concentrations of GSH and ALA in urine but increased urine Pb compared to baseline. However, compared with baseline, after 4 weeks of vitamin-C supplementation, serum Pb, urine GSH, and urine ALA were significantly (P<0.05) reduced and urine Pb significantly (P<0.05) increased. A positive correlation was observed at 2-weeks of taking orange- juice between serum lead and urine ALA (r= 0.703) and GSH (r= 0.913) but 4-week positive correlation between urea and urine GSH (r= 1.000). A negative correlation was observed at 2-week of taking vitamin-C between serum creatinine and urine lead (r= -0.857) while 4-week a negative correlation was observed between urine GSH and urine lead (r= -0.743). Presence of tannin, phenol, saponin, alkaloid, and flavonoid was detected in orange juice.  Conclusion: Orange juice administration conferred significant amelioration to renal and lead toxicity biomarkers by 4 weeks. The presence of phytochemicals suggests why orange juice may be a viable alternative in amelioration of toxic effects of leaded paint among automobile painters.

Effect of Volatile Organic Compounds on Pulmonary Functions Among Paint Industry Workers of Unorganized Sectors.

Background Paint industry workers are constantly exposed to paints and organic solvents that contain a substantial quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to VOC emissions could result in pulmonary, neurobehavioral, and hematological consequences. Limited studies have been undertaken in India to assess the health consequences of VOCs among paint industry workers in unorganized sectors. Aim To assess the effects of VOCs on pulmonary function in paint industry workers of unorganized sectors. Methodology A hundred and twenty full-time male construction painters and small-scale paint manufacturing workers aged 25-60 were assessed for respiratory symptoms using a questionnaire, and pulmonary functions using Wright's Peak Expiratory Flow Meter (PEFR). Participants were randomly selected forVOC assessment andthe cumulative solvent exposure index was calculated. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed on a subset of construction painters (n=30) using a Koko spirometer. Results The concentration of VOCs such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene (BETX) and dichloromethane levels exceeded American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)threshold limit values (TLVs) among the paint manufacturing workers. About 52% of paint workers reported respiratory symptoms. Around 22% of the participants showedreduced pulmonary function (PEFR<400 L/min). There was a significant weaknegativecorrelationbetween PEFR andwork experience (r = -0.2, p=0.03). PFT parameters among a subset of construction painters revealed a significant moderate negative correlation with work experience [forced expiratory volume at the onset of the first second (FEV1) (r = -0.6, p=0.001) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.53, p=0.005)] and cumulative VOC exposure index [FEV1 (r = -0.53, p = 0.004) and FVC (r = -0.5, p = 0.008)]. Conclusion The concentration of VOCs was higher among paint industry workers of unorganized sectors and they reported respiratory symptoms and diminished pulmonary function. To reduce morbidity, it is critical to enhance awareness about occupational safety and services in these unorganized sectors.

Effect of Volatile Organic Compounds on the Neurobehavioral Functions of Painters in Chennai, Tamilnadu: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Paints are a major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among painters. Limited information is available on neurobehavioral effect of long-term exposure to VOCs among painters working in unorganised industrial sectors such as construction site. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the neurobehavioral impact of long-term exposure to VOCs among construction painters. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among male painters in Chennai. VOC exposure index was calculated using questionnaire as well as personal exposure monitors. Neurobehavioral tests including hand dexterity, auditory (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) were used to assess motor coordination, fine motor activity, focused attention, and psychomotor speed. Results: Prevalence of prolonged ART and VRT in painters was 69% and 73%, respectively and 65% exhibited reduced hand dexterity. Hand dexterity had mild negative correlation (r = -0.3, p = 0.01) with VOC exposure index and work experience (r = -0.3, p = 0.02), whereas VRT had mild positive correlation (r = 0.3, p = 0.01) with VOC exposure index. Independent t-test showed a significant decrease in motor coordination with higher VOC exposure index (≤ 18.5*103 ppm-hrs = 60.1 ±10.1, &gt;18.5*103 ppm-hrs = 53.3 ±12.3, p=0.03) and increase in work experience (≤ 10 years = 58.8 ±11.6, &gt;10years = 52.5 ±11.5, p=0.05). Conclusion: Neurobehavioral functions gradually decline with VOC exposure in painters working in unorganized sectors indicating a need to create awareness among the public and workers in unorganized sectors about the organic solvent-induced neurobehavioral changes.

Present Pasts of Colonial Modernity: Embroideries by Lucie Kamuswekera

Present Pasts of Colonial Modernity: Embroideries by Lucie Kamuswekera

Semiotics of Gender Roles and Honour Killing in Pakistani Paintings

The study examines how gender is represented through visual signs in the paintings on honour killing, how social structures gain meaning on getting painted, how power dynamics work in the so-called traditional or patriarchal societies, and if and how these semiotic constructions represent, underrepresent, or misrepresent Pakistani context. The grammar of the visual design of 40 paintings on honour killing, painted by male and female Pakistani painters belonging to different areas of Pakistan, have been qualitatively studied in the light of the theoretical understanding of ideational, interpersonal, and textual metafunctions suggested by Kress and van Leeuwen (2006). The visual grammar of the paintings suggests that the women have been represented as helpless, outcaste, oppressed, and marginalized, while men have, indirectly through visual signs, been depicted as oppressors and perpetrators. On the ideational level, society has also been highlighted as extremely oppressive and debilitating. Interpersonal metafunction reveals social negligence towards honour killing and female victimhood, while the textual orientation of the paintings not only suggests social control over the female body and choices as the core issue, but also highlights the strict condemnation of female oppression and honour killing by the painters.

Crayon, Looking: Washington Irving and the Queer Sublime

This article explores the gender and sexual politics of the picturesque and the sublime, two aesthetic categories that predominate Washington Irving's writing. I focus on three of Irving's "sketch books" written under the pseudonym of Geoffrey Crayon: The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (1819–20), Bracebridge Hall; or The Humourists, A Medley (1822), and Tales of a Traveller by Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (1824). Whereas the picturesque envisions a form of personhood rooted in aristocratic wealth and biological reproduction (from which, as a bachelor, Crayon is excluded), the domain I designate as the "queer sublime" locates, in the emotions associated with the sublime—terror, thrill, astonishment, fear, and the pleasure of annihilation—the very contours of Crayon's and Irving's male painters' visceral response to other men. As depicted in a sequence of tales from Tales of a Traveller, the queer sublime identifies a form of desire that disrupts the psychic boundaries between self and other and temporarily coheres via aesthetic philosophy. The article contributes to the literary history of sexuality by arguing that aesthetics helped organize nascent forms of queer desire and attachments prior to the so-called "invention of the homosexual" dated to the 1870s–90s.

Review: A Revolution in Movement: Dancers, Painters, and the Image of Modern Mexico, by K. Mitchell Snow

Review: A Revolution in Movement: Dancers, Painters, and the Image of Modern Mexico, by K. Mitchell Snow

Evaluation of blood lead among painters of buildings and cars.

Exposure to lead-based paints is a major threat to the health of painters. This study aimed to evaluate the blood concentration of lead (Pb) in painters of buildings and cars. The present study was a cross-sectional study in which a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic information. Lead concentration in blood samples was determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. A total of 32 male painters were selected based on inclusion criteria. The mean blood lead level (BLL) in the painters was 8.1 ± 4.93μg/dL. Pb levels in car and building painters were 9.42 ± 5.5μg/dL and 6.7 ± 1.85μg/dL, respectively. Pb concentration in none of the blood samples was more than 30μg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥ 5μg/dL and BLL ≥ 10μg/dL was 97% and 19%, respectively. According to the findings, the rate of BLL among car painters was higher than building painters. Considering the presence of Pb in all blood samples, it seems necessary to increase the awareness of painters about the adverse effects of lead exposure even in low concentrations. However, the sample size in this study was small and more investigations are required in this regard.

Occupational contact dermatitis in painters and varnishers: Data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2000 to 2019.

Painters and varnishers ("painters") are exposed to various contact allergens and skin irritants, and therefore, are at risk for developing occupational dermatitis (OD). To describe the spectrum of occupational sensitizations in painters and revise the corresponding current patch test recommendations. Retrospective analysis of Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) data from 2000 to 2019 with focus on male painters with OD, ages 20-59 years (n=557) in comparison to age-matched male painters without OD (n=422) and male OD patients who have had never worked as painters (n=13 862). Male painters with OD have a significantly higher rate of allergic contact dermatitis and face dermatitis than male patients with OD who work in other professions. Positive patch tests to epoxy resin, methylisothiazolinone (MI), and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/MI were significantly more frequent in painters with OD than in the other groups. Epoxy resin sensitization was significantly associated with face dermatitis. Epoxy resin, MI, and MCI/MI represent the most important occupational sensitizers in painters. In addition to baseline, resins and glues, and industrial biocides series, the patients' own workplace materials should be tested in painters with suspected OD.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors among building painters in South India

The main objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and risks among building painters in South India. Cross-sectional data were collected from 120 male building painters in South India using a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) survey. The question includes demographic information, psychological factors, medical history, work-related information, MSDs symptoms and severity of MSDs. The statistical analyses reported the highest prevalence of MSDs among building painters was reported as 70.8%. The highest prevalence rate has been found in the shoulder region (69.5%) and neck region (65.4%). It is also evident that the chief painters experienced the highest discomfort (72.0%) than assistant painters (68.4%). The repetitive task, awkward postures, forceful exertions and work height above shoulder level were reported as highly contributing factors of MSDs among building painters. The building painters who participated in this research were found to exhibit both MSDs and ergonomic hazards. Results suggest that further studies are needed to establish different preventive measures and ergonomics interventions to reduce the risks of MSDs among building painters.

An Analysis of the Cultivating and Development Environment of Chinese and Foreign Female Painters

In the field of art, whether in China or western countries, most outstanding figures are males, while few females. In order to explore the root causes of this phenomenon, starting from the life of well-known Chinese and foreign female painters, and from their growth environment, education level, social and cultural background, this paper discusses the reasons why Chinese and foreign female painters are less than male painters, and analyzes the training environment and influencing factors of Chinese and foreign female painters in detail. The author hopes to analyze the key factors of cultivating female artists, and then put forward effective ways to cultivate female artists.

Postural Discomfort and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Painters - An Analytical Study

Aim: The current investigation was to examine the intensity of body discomfort and various musculoskeletal disorders experienced by painter community due to their occupational habitat. Methods: A questionnaire was developed systematically with high competence with the current standard, which includes general profile sheet, occupational profile sheet and a modified Kromers body discomfort scale (Kroemer et al., 1987). These tools were used to gather information from the respondents. A sample of fifty two male painters aged between 19-75 years were interviewed randomly and mined various socio-demographic, socio-economic and health information. Data on occupational history, accidents, and leisure time activities were also collected. This paper focused on the intensity of pain due to prolonged standing and other postures during painting activities. Result: The prevalence of occupational health hazards has been reported to be high among painter community in India. The study revealed that the painters were engaged in rigorous hand-intensive jobs for many years, this subsistence activity led to rigorous and permanent discomforts in different parts of their body as an occupational health hazards. Conclusion: From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that painters faced many occupational health hazards. The current study focused on musculoskeletal disorder and uncertainties due to the nature of high risk associated painting jobs. The study revealed that the painter’s communities were highly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders, especially severe leg pain. Most of the interviewed painters were highly concerned about high risk areas (activities on scaffoldings). So for safeguarding the painter communities from high potential professional, physical and physiological health risk, the government must entrust contractors for providing standard and modernized safe working environment, safeguarding tools and risk incentives.

Electrolyte Concentrations and Liver Enzymes in Car Spray Painters Exposed to Car Spray Paints within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the effect of car spray paint on electrolyte concentrations (sodium, potassium, bicarbonate and chloride), Anion gap, Total Protein, Albumin, liver enzymes (Alanine amino transferase and Aspartate amino transferase) of car spray painters.&#x0D; Place of Study: The study was conducted within Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty (20) male car spray painters age range between 25 and 61 years with 7- 28 years work experience in car spray painting (test subjects) and twenty (20) apparently healthy male individuals aged between 25 and 61 years who work within an office setting far away from car spray painting garage (non-exposed individuals) were used as control for the study. Plasma electrolyte concentrations were estimated using Ion selective electrode method while Liver Enzymes Alanine amino transferase and Aspartate amino transferase were estimated using spectrophotometric method. Results obtained from the experiment were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation. P &lt; .05 were considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonate and Chloride concentrations in plasma of car spray painters when compared to non-car spray painters did not showed any significant difference (P&gt; .05). However, Anion gap was significantly increased (P&lt;.05) in plasma of car spray painters when compared to non-car spray painters. Alanine amino transferase activity were significantly higher in plasma of Car spray painters (P &lt; .05) when compared to non-car spray painters while Aspartate amino transferase activity, Total protein and Albumin concentrations remained relatively unchanged when compared between the studied groups. However, Aspartate amino transferase and Alanine amino transferase activities were affected by years of exposure to car paints.&#x0D; Conclusions: This study suggest that car spray paint affects Anion gap and Alanine amino transferase activity in car spray painters hence safety apparatus should be worn while working. However further test on other liver enzymes should be done to validate the effect of spray paint on the liver.

Dynamic thiol disulfide homeostasis in painters as indices of oxidative stress

ABSTRACT This study was designed to determine thiol-disulfide homeostasis as indices of oxidative stress in painters by using a novel and automated colorimetric measurement method. Male painters (n = 117) were separated into three groups according to duration of work; group 1 (<5 years), group 2 (5–14 years) and group 3 (≥15 years). Hippuric acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol in urine was determined. Catalase activity and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels were also assessed. Disulfide/Native Thiol and Disulfide/Total Thiol of group 2 and group 3 were significantly higher than those of group 1 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between urinary phenol and disulfide/native thiol (r = 0.214, p = 0.035), IMA (r = 0.305, p = 0.002), disulfide (r = 0.209, p = 0.040), and duration of work (r = 0.341, p < 0.001). The newly developed automated colorimetric method used in our study proposes a promising, practical and daily applicable test for evaluating oxidative status of painters.

Gender-based Socio-semiotic Analysis of Honour Killing in Pakistani Paintings

Episodes of ideological concern related to honour norms and construction of social meanings depicted through paintings are pertinent in foregrounding the social realities of Pakistan. This paper analyzes the grammar of paintings from the perspective of gender roles assumed in the context of honour. The grammar of the visual design of five paintings painted by male and female Pakistani painters belonging to different areas of Pakistan have been qualitatively studied in the light of the social semiotic framework suggested by Kress and Leeuwen (2006). The results show that women are represented as helpless, outcast and oppressed beings; while men have been depicted, indirectly through signs, as oppressors. Paucity of research in this area and implications of the analysis for gender studies, anthropological linguistics, violence studies and visual literacy, make it a significant contribution to the existing literature.

Increased blood lead level induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant status of spray painters.

Background The aim of this study was to know the present scenario of blood lead level and its effect on serum lipid peroxide and antioxidant parameters of spray painters. Methods We included 42 male spray painters and 50 control subjects with an age range of 20-45 years. Blood lead level, serum lipid peroxide and antioxidant parameters, i.e. erythrocyte catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), plasma ceruloplasmin, nitric oxide, uric acid and bilirubin, were quantified by standard methods. Results We observed the significant elevated blood lead (p < 0.001, 458%), lipid peroxide (p < 0.001, 170%), uric acid (p < 0.001, 25.6%) and bilirubin (p < 0.01, 24.5%) and the significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes like SOD (p < 0.001, -50.4%), catalase (p < 0.001, -34.33%), ceruloplasmin (p < 0.001, -32.7%) and nitric oxide (p < 0.001, -39.58%) in the study group as compared to control. A significant positive correlation coefficient (r) of blood lead level with lipid peroxide (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), uric acid (r = 0.33 p < 0.05) and bilirubin (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with SOD (r = -0.32, p < 0.05), catalase (r = -0.33, p < 0.05), ceruloplasmin (r = -0.27, p < 0.05) and nitric oxide (r = 0.30, p < 0.05) were observed. Conclusions Elevated blood lead level induces serum lipid peroxide and alters the antioxidant enzymes of spray painters. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the blood lead level by taking proper precautions while spraying the paints, and additional antioxidant supplementation like vitamin C, multivitamin and multiminerals will be useful in reducing oxidative stress.

A New Objectivity: Fashionable Surfaces in Lotte Laserstein’s New Woman Pictures

Throughout the Weimar Republic, the modern realist painters associated with the New Objectivity explored the effects of surface materiality and psychological detachment as they depicted the popular social type of the New Woman looking sachlich—sober, sporty, practical, and functionally dressed. The fashionable surfaces of Lotte Laserstein’s New Woman pictures provide an opportunity to reevaluate Neue Sachlichkeit painting, which has historically centered on the male painters Otto Dix, Christian Schad, George Grosz, and Anton Räderscheidt. Laserstein emphasizes the sensuousness of clothing and corporeality to portray the New Woman as an embodied subject who negotiated the conditions of Weimar modernity.

Les femmes peintres dans les romans et les nouvelles zoliennes : artisanes ou artistes ?

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Assessment of Hematotoxicity and Genotoxicity among paint Workers in Assiut Governorate: a case control study

BackgroundOccupational exposures to hazardous chemicals in paints cause serious health hazards in painters. The present study was designed to evaluate the possibility of hematotoxic and genotoxic effects of paint chemicals among painters in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. In addition the role of oxidative stress and apoptosis in mechanism of such toxic effects were studied.MethodsA case control study was performed on 50 male painters and 50 non-exposed healthy subjects, who were included as a control group after informed consent. Venous blood samples were obtained and analyzed for determination of total and differential blood count as hematotoxic markers as well as serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidant stress markers and total antioxidant enzymes. In addition, human B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3 and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were assayed as markers of apoptosis and genotoxicity.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between paint workers and controls as regard total and differential blood count, serum MDA and total anti-oxidant levels. Also, statistical significant differences in caspase-3, Bcl-2 levels and 8-OHdG were observed.ConclusionsChronic occupational exposure to paints increased the risk of hematotoxicity and genotoxicity in painters. Oxidative stress and apoptosis play a major role in such mechanism. Periodic medical examination and application of protective devices is necessary.

Study of respiratory status in young male automobile painters: A cross sectional study

Background: Painters are exposed to solvent fumes and aerosols containing various concentrations of pigments, binders, fillers (talc), and chemically reactive monomers. Specific components in paint, such as isocyanates and dimethyl ethanolamine, are capable of inducing acute and chronic forms of airflow obstruction. Our study aims to establish the hypothesis that even young male painters may be at an increased risk of developing respiratory impairment. We studied the respiratory status of young male painters exposed to paints for more than 5 years and compared their pulmonary functions to a group of age- and sex-matched controls. Aims: To compare various parameters of lung functions in young male automobile spray painters with age- and sex-matched controls. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of physiology and medicine. Fifty-eight young male spray painters who attended the medical outpatient department of our college were selected. Fifty-two age- and sex-matched controls were also selected from subjects who attended the medical outpatient department for routine medical checkup for recruitment in the same automobile company. After history and routine examinations, the patients were subjected to pulmonary function tests. Schiller's spirovit SP-1 was used. The data were analysed using Student's t test. Results: Significantly reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/slow vital capacity (SVC) (P Conclusions: Potential respiratory health hazard exists in automobile painters and exposure to organic solvents should be prevented in order to improve their health status.