Eye Irritation Symptoms Research Articles

Burden of headaches, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms among females stacking LPG with polluting cooking fuels: Modelling from peri-urban Cameroon, Ghana & Kenya

IntroductionLiquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a clean cooking fuel that emits less household air pollution (HAP) than polluting cooking fuels (e.g. charcoal, wood). While switching from polluting fuels to LPG can reduce HAP and improve health, the impact of ‘stacking’ (concurrent use of polluting fuels and LPG) on adverse health symptoms (e.g. headaches, eye irritation, cough) among female cooks is uncertain. MethodsSurvey data from the CLEAN-Air(Africa) study was collected on cooking patterns and health symptoms over the last 12 months (cough, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, eye irritation, headaches) from approximately 400 female primary cooks in each of three peri‑urban communities in sub-Saharan Africa: Mbalmayo, Cameroon; Obuasi, Ghana; and Eldoret, Kenya. Random effects Poisson regression, adjusted for socioeconomic and health-related covariates, assessed the relationship between primary and secondary cooking fuel type and self-reported health symptoms. ResultsAmong 1,147 participants, 10 % (n = 118) exclusively cooked with LPG, 45 % (n = 509) stacked LPG and polluting fuels and 45 % (n = 520) exclusively cooked with polluting fuels. Female cooks stacking LPG and polluting fuels had significantly higher odds of shortness of breath (OR 2.16, 95 %CI:1.04–4.48) compared with those exclusively using LPG. In two communities, headache prevalence was 30 % higher among women stacking LPG with polluting fuels (Mbalmayo:82 %; Eldoret:65 %) compared with those exclusively using LPG (Mbalmayo:53 %; Eldoret:33 %). Women stacking LPG and polluting fuels (OR 2.45, 95 %CI:1.29–4.67) had significantly higher odds of eye irritation than women cooking exclusively with LPG. Second-hand smoke exposure was significantly associated with higher odds of chest tightness (OR 1.92, 95 % CI:1.19–3.11), wheezing (OR 1.76, 95 % CI:1.06–2.91) and cough (OR 1.78, 95 %CI:1.13–2.80). ConclusionsIn peri‑urban sub-Saharan Africa, women exclusively cooking with LPG had lower odds of several health symptoms than those stacking LPG and polluting fuels. Promoting a complete transition to LPG in these communities may likely generate short-term health benefits for primary cooks.

Knowledge, practices, and self-reported health outcomes related to chemical use and safety among beauty salons and parlor workers in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.

daily, workers in beauty salons and parlors use different cosmetic products made of various chemicals. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, practices, and self-reported health outcomes related to chemical use and safety among workers in beauty salons and parlors. a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 145 participants, randomly selected using a simple random sampling design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the Knowledge, practices, and self-reported health outcomes related to chemical safety. Pearson´s correlation was used to assess the correlation between perception, awareness, and other study determinants. fifty-seven percent of participants had been working with chemicals for more than two years, and only 5% were smokers. There was a positive relationship between age and years of experience in the beauty and salon industry (r= 0.385; p < 0.001), while significant positive correlations between knowledge score with educational levels (r=0.444; p= <0.001) and formal training as a salon and beauty parlor worker (r=0.504; p= <0.001) were also found. Participants also reported symptoms such as headache (43%), nausea (23%), skin irritation (48%), eye irritation (39%), and respiratory illness-related symptoms (62%). there is a need for health and safety training in beauty salons and parlors, with emphasis on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The findings of this study may serve as the baseline for the development of safety policies for all beauty salons and parlors in South Africa.

A study on health issues of leather industry workers

Leather manufacturing company workers faced so many health issues. This study explores to investigate the health issues faced by workers in a leather manufacturing company located in Vaniyambadi District. Through a comprehensive assessment of the workers' health, including surveys, interviews, and analysis of medical records, the study identifies the prevalent health concerns and explores potential contributing factors. The findings reveal that workers in the leather manufacturing company experience a range of health issues, with body ache, joint pain, and headache being the most common problems reported. Other health issues identified include teeth problems, irritation in feet, urinary tract discomfort, giddiness, eye irritation, chest irritation, stomach discomfort, and various other symptoms. The study assesses the work environment and job tasks to identify potential occupational health risks that may contribute to the observed health issues. Factors such as long working hours, exposure to hazardous substances, ergonomic challenges, and inadequate safety measures are examined. Based on the study findings, recommendations are provided to address the identified health issues. These include implementing ergonomic improvements, enhancing health and safety training programs, providing personal protective equipment, and fostering a culture of health and well-being within the organization. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of health issues among workers in the leather manufacturing industry, providing valuable insights for the company and relevant stakeholders to enhance occupational health and improve worker well-being.

Prevalence of ocular symptoms in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis in an Indian suburb: A cross-sectional study

Allergic rhinitis (AR) also presents with multiple ocular symptoms such as itching, lacrimation, and bloodshot eyes which has an impact on patients’ life in areas of sleep, learning ability and job. Evaluation of prevalence of ocular symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in a health centre in India's suburban area. Between August 2022 and July 2023, 140 patients with AR were recruited in a systematic manner. During registration, medical history and information about concomitant disease, such as allergic diseases, medication, AR duration, and the presence of ocular symptoms, was gathered through interviews and physical tests. A total of 140 patients were included in the study who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The average age was 27.3 years (+13.6 years), with men accounting for 63.7% (n=89). Comorbidities were seen in ten (7.14%) of the patients. Eye irritation, lacrimation, red eyes, and swollen eyelids were reported in 71 (50.70%), 37 (26.40%), 24 (17.14%), and 8 (5.71%) individuals, respectively (). Symptoms of eye irritation, lacrimation, red eyes and swollen eyelids were reported in 71 (50.70%), 37 (26.40%), 24 (17.14%), and 8 (5.71%) individuals, respectively. The ocular symptoms in patients with AR might have a major impact on their quality of life.

Ocular Surface Changes among Smokers

Background: The ocular surface has been defined as the parts of the eye that are exposed 40directly to the external environment (conjunctiva, cornea, limbus, and the overlying tear fil m). The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the ocular surface among smokers.&#x0D; Methods: This study included 100 subjects from both sexes, age ≥ 18 years, current smoker (a person who has smoked more than 100 cigarettes in his lifetime and continues to do so) and all types of smoking. patients were classified into two groups: smokers (current smokers) (55 cases) and non-smokers (45 cases) who have never smoked and did not have smokers in their first-degree relatives to rule out the effect of passive smoking. All patients were subjected to, acuity of vision measurement, investigation with a slit lamp and special tests (schirmer 2 test, time required for tear breakup, lower tear meniscus height measurement and staining of the ocular surface). &#x0D; Results: (Ocular Surface Disease Index) OSDI score was significantly different between non-smokers and smokers with P value 0.01. Schirmer 2 test values were significantly decreased in smokers more than non-smokers with P value &lt;0.001. TBUT was significantly lower in smokers more than non-smokers with P value &lt;0.001. T.M height was significantly lower in smokers more than non-smokers. Conjunctival staining was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers with P value &lt;0.001 and there was significant increase in punctate corneal staining in smokers than in non-smokers with P value &lt;0.001. `1234567890-.&#x0D; Conclusions: Smoking influences the secretion and the tear film's stability; corneal and conjunctival staining was shown to be more prevalent in smokers. Also smoking generates symptoms of eye irritation, smokers are more prone to have dry eyes, and the degree of dry eye is greater in smokers than in non-smokers. Additionally, the severity of symptoms of dry eyes increased with increasing the amount of smoking.

Risk factors, clinical features and indications for treatment of dry eye disease at a young age

To study risk factors, prevalence and clinical manifestations of DED in young people, to determine indications and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with artificial tears. The study included 91 patients aged 21 to 39 years (mean age 22.4±0.35 years), 63 (69.2%) women and 28 men (30.8%). All patients had tear film breakup time (TBUT) measured and underwent Schirmer I test, LIPCOF, ocular surface staining with vital dyes, lacrimal OCT-meniscometry and filled a questionnaire. To determine the effectiveness of the tear replacement therapy, 45 people prescribed sodium hyaluronate solution were randomly selected. The time that study subjects spend using devices ranged from 6 to 18 hours per day, amounting to 11.5±0.35 hours on average. According to the results of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, 92.9% of study participants were revealed to have subjective symptoms of eye irritation. A decrease in TBUT was recorded in 30.8% of cases, the results of the Schirmer I test were decreased in 82.4% of the subjects. Significant changes in OSDI, Schirmer test and TBUT were obtained as the result of treatment. Changes in the indicators of staining and OCT meniscometry were not reliable. The most significant risk factor of developing DED at a young age is regular, prolonged visual work with digital screens. The main symptoms are subjective manifestations and TBUT.

Prevalence of sick building syndrome symptoms and subjective–objective indoor air quality of stores in underground shopping districts of Korea

Most sick building syndrome (SBS) studies have been conducted on workers in office buildings, whereas those assessing store workers in underground shopping districts (USDs) are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between SBS symptoms of USD store workers and subjective–objective indoor air quality (IAQ). In 2020, 128 stores across 10 USDs in Korea were assessed. One worker in each store was asked about 16 SBS symptoms and seven subjective IAQ perceptions (categorized into two levels [Yes or No]) via questionnaire. Objectively, indoor concentrations of aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in each store. The prevalence of SBS symptoms within the previous month was 16.4%, 39.1%, 28.9%, and 43.8% for skin, eye irritation, respiratory, and general symptoms, respectively. IAQ perceptions were correlated with the concentrations of several aldehyde compounds and VOCs. After adjusting for demographic (e.g., sex, age, or education) and job-related variables (e.g., working hours), logistic regression models showed all SBS symptom groups (except skin) were significantly associated with IAQ perception. Environmentally, eye irritation symptoms were associated with n-butanol, n-heptane, and xylene; respiratory symptoms with n-heptane; and general symptoms with benzene, n-heptane, and decanal concentrations. The association of SBS symptoms with aldehyde compounds and VOCs suggests that the chemical levels in USD stores may require further control to reduce these symptoms in workers. As controlling the products sold or cooking activities within USDs is difficult, increasing ventilation rates or using low-VOC-emission building materials may be more practical.

Respiratory Tract and Eye Symptoms in Wildland Firefighters in Two Canadian Provinces: Impact of Discretionary Use of an N95 Mask during Successive Rotations.

We examined whether discretionary use of an N95 mask reduced symptom reporting in wildland firefighters. The study collected data from two Canadian provinces during the 2021 fire season, with each firefighter followed for up to 4 rotations. Participants completed questionnaires on symptoms at the start and end of each rotation, when they reported also on mask use (if any) and completed a task checklist. Eighty firefighters contributed data. Nineteen firefighters were successfully fit-tested for N95 masks to wear whenever they felt conditions justified. Start-of-rotation symptoms reflected total hours firefighting in 2021. Symptoms of eye, nose and throat irritation and cough were more bothersome at the end of rotation. Cough, throat and nose (but not eye) symptoms were reported as significantly less bothersome at the end of rotation by those allocated masks, having allowed for crew type and start-of-rotation symptoms. Among those allocated a mask, use was most frequent during initial attack and least during driving and patrol. Reasons for not wearing included high work difficulty and low comfort. It is concluded that symptoms in wildland firefighters increased with hours of exposure. While provision of an N95 mask reduced symptoms, work is needed to overcome barriers to respiratory protection

Lung function and self-rated symptoms in healthy volunteers after exposure to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) exhaust with and without particles

BackgroundDiesel engine exhaust causes adverse health effects. Meanwhile, the impact of renewable diesel exhaust, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), on human health is less known. Nineteen healthy volunteers were exposed to HVO exhaust for 3 h in a chamber with a double-blind, randomized setup. Exposure scenarios comprised of HVO exhaust from two modern non-road vehicles with 1) no aftertreatment system (‘HVOPM+NOx’ PM1: 93 µg m−3, EC: 54 µg m−3, NO: 3.4 ppm, NO2: 0.6 ppm), 2) an aftertreatment system containing a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter (‘HVONOx’ PM1: ~ 1 µg m−3, NO: 2.0 ppm, NO2: 0.7 ppm) and 3) filtered air (FA) as control. The exposure concentrations were in line with current EU occupational exposure limits (OELs) of NO, NO2, formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the future OEL (2023) of elemental carbon (EC). The effect on nasal patency, pulmonary function, and self-rated symptoms were assessed. Calculated predicted lung deposition of HVO exhaust particles was compared to data from an earlier diesel exhaust study.ResultsThe average total respiratory tract deposition of PM1 during HVOPM+NOx was 27 µg h−1. The estimated deposition fraction of HVO PM1 was 40–50% higher compared to diesel exhaust PM1 from an older vehicle (earlier study), due to smaller particle sizes of the HVOPM+NOx exhaust. Compared to FA, exposure to HVOPM+NOx and HVONOx caused higher incidence of self-reported symptoms (78%, 63%, respectively, vs. 28% for FA, p < 0.03). Especially, exposure to HVOPM+NOx showed 40–50% higher eye and throat irritation symptoms. Compared to FA, a decrement in nasal patency was found for the HVONOx exposures (− 18.1, 95% CI: − 27.3 to − 8.8 L min−1, p < 0.001), and for the HVOPM+NOx (− 7.4 (− 15.6 to 0.8) L min−1, p = 0.08). Overall, no clinically significant change was indicated in the pulmonary function tests (spirometry, peak expiratory flow, forced oscillation technique).ConclusionShort-term exposure to HVO exhaust concentrations corresponding to EU OELs for one workday did not cause adverse pulmonary function changes in healthy subjects. However, an increase in self-rated mild irritation symptoms, and mild decrease in nasal patency after both HVO exposures, may indicate irritative effects from exposure to HVO exhaust from modern non-road vehicles, with and without aftertreatment systems.

Prevalence and risk factors of dry eye disease among University Students in Bangkok, Thailand.

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) and its associated risk factors among Thai university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an electronic survey was conducted in two Rajabhat universities in Bangkok, Thailand. The woman’s health study questionnaire was used to determine students with DED. The prevalence of DED along with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Logistic regression model was used to identify the associated risk factors.ResultsA total of 4,111 university students joined and completed the survey questionnaires. Mean age was 18.8 ± 1.1 years with female predominance (2874 students, 69.91%). Clinically diagnosed DED was reported in 136 students (3.31%), while severe symptoms of eye dryness and irritation were reported in 227 students (5.52%). The prevalence of DED among Thai university students was 8.15% (95% CI 7.33% to 9.02%). History of contact lens use and high screen time (> 8 hours per day) were reported in 868 students (21.11%) and 2101 students (51.11%), respectively. Male gender, contact lens use and high screen time were significantly associated with higher risk of DED with the adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.39 (1.09, 1.77), 2.49 (1.96, 3.17), and 1.43 (1.14, 1.80), respectively.ConclusionsDED is not rare among Thai university students. Contact lens use and high screen time are two significant modifiable risk factors of DED in our students. These findings can raise awareness of DED in youth population and provide valuable information for public health promotion in university students.

The Occupational Health Effects of Responding to a Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion Among Emergency First Responders - Lincoln County, Kentucky, 2019.

The aim of the study was to assess occupational health effects 1 month after responding to a natural gas pipeline explosion. First responders to a pipeline explosion in Kentucky were interviewed about pre- and post-response health symptoms, post-response health care, and physical exertion and personal protective equipment (PPE) use during the response. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between several risk factors and development of post-response symptoms. Among 173 first responders involved, 105 (firefighters [58%], emergency medical services [19%], law enforcement [10%], and others [12%]) were interviewed. Half (53%) reported at least 1 new or worsening symptom, including upper respiratory symptoms (39%), headache (18%), eye irritation (17%), and lower respiratory symptoms (16%). The majority (79%) of symptomatic responders did not seek post-response care. Compared with light-exertion responders, hard-exertion responders (48%) had significantly greater odds of upper respiratory symptoms (aOR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.25-7.50). Forty-four percent of responders and 77% of non-firefighter responders reported not using any PPE. Upper respiratory symptoms were common among first responders of a natural gas pipeline explosion and associated with hard-exertion activity. Emergency managers should ensure responders are trained in, equipped with, and properly use PPE during these incidents and encourage responders to seek post-response health care when needed.

The Incidence of Sick Building Syndrome and Its Causes on Employees at the Governor’s Office of West Sulawesi Province

Introduction: Indoor air quality greatly affects human health because almost 90% of human life is indoors. Some symptoms that are often felt by employees in a building with Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) are fatigue; headaches; symptoms of eye, nose and throat irritation; skin irritation; dry cough, increased irritability and difficulty in concentration; nausea; drowsiness; and hypersensitivity to odor. This research aims to determine the relationship of air quality in space to the incidence of Sick Building Syndrome. Methods: This research was an analytic survey research with cross sectional approach. The samples in this study were employees who were in the Building D of the Provincial Governor's Office, West Sulawesi totalling 82 people. This research was carried out by measuring indoor air quality and giving questionnaires to find out the SBS events. Results: The results of room temperature measurements ranged from 26.14 - 41.46°C, humidity measurement was ≥ 60%, light intensity was ≤ 100 lux, the chemical quality of CO in the air was ≤ 29 mg/m3, CO2 levelin the air was ≤ 1000 ppm, and dust level was ≥ 0.15 mg/m3. Besides, there was a significant relationship between air temperature and dust levels on the incidence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), with p value of 0.006. Conclusion: It can be concluded that factors that influenced the occurrence of SBS were air temperature and dust concentration in the room.Keywords: indoor air quality, office, sick building syndrome

Modern approaches to the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction

The eyelids are a delicate and complex dynamic structure with primary function to protect the eye surface. The term «meibomian gland dysfunction» (MGD) first appeared in the mid-1980s. This lesion is known to result in a disturbance of the tear film, eye irritation symptoms, clinically significant inflammation and diseases of the eye surface. The progression of MGD leads to hyperosmolarity of the tear film, its instability, an increase in the bacterial load of the eyelid margin, blepharitis and generalized inflammation of the ocular surface. For patients who require surgical treatment, a healthy eyelid is very important. Despite postoperative functional recovery, most of these patients experience dry eye syndrome (DES), which can lead to symptoms of eye irritation and deterioration of visual acuity due to instability of the tear film. In the early stages of MGD, it is advisable to begin treatment with a conversation about correct frequent blinking, rest during visual activity, adequate water intake, and a specific diet. Later, patients are advised to use an ultrasonic air humidifier, warm dry compresses, practice proper eyelid hygiene and perform massages, apply preservative-free lubricants, azithromycin, omega-3 preparations, and undergo local anti-inflammatory therapy. In case of a tick-borne infestation, the International Expert Group recommends the use of scrubs with 50% tea tree oil for treating the eyelids. In order to achieve a long-term effect or permanent remission, it is necessary to practice daily eyelid hygiene with the help of gels, special napkins and shampoos over a long period of time. Correctly selected medical treatment in accordance with the stage of the disease supplemented with massages and warm dry compresses lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients with MGD and DES. The simplicity of eyelid hygiene is currently ensured by the availability of tools specially designed for the safe treatment of its edges, which have a complex histological and anatomical structure.

Clinical Presentations and Outcomes of Industrial Chlorine Gas Exposure Incidence in Oman.

The main objective was to study different clinical presentations and outcomes of patients after acute industrial chlorine gas exposure in Oman with evaluation of overall incident management to help develop a chemical exposure incident protocol. This was a retrospective observational study of 15 patients exposed to chlorine gas after an accidental chlorine gas leak in a metal melting factory in Oman. Six (40%) patients were admitted and nine (60%) patients were discharged from the emergency department (ED) after initial management. The important post-chlorine gas exposure clinical symptoms were eye irritation (66.6%), cough (73.3%), shortness of breath (40.0%), chest discomfort (66.6%), rhinorrhea (66.6%), dizziness (40.0%), vomiting (46.6%), sore throat (13.3%), and stridor (53.3%). Important signs included tachycardia (40.0%), tachypnea (40.0%), wheeze (20.0%), and use of accessory muscles for breathing (20.0%). Signs and symptoms of eye irritation, rhinorrhea, tachycardia, tachypnea, wheeze, and use of accessory muscles for breathing have shown significant correlation with outcome (admission) having P value of <.05. In the presented acute chlorine gas exposure incidence, 15 exposed persons were brought to the ED, out of which six were admitted and nine were discharged after symptomatic treatment. Signs and symptoms of eye irritation, rhinorrhea, tachycardia, tachypnea, wheeze, and use of accessory muscles of breathing show significant relation with the outcome of admission.

Patient-Reported Experiences during and Following Treatment with Belantamab Mafodotin (Belamaf) for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) in the DREAMM-2 Study

Introduction: Patients refractory to an immunomodulatory agent and a proteasome inhibitor, and relapsed/refractory to an anti-CD38 antibody, are a population with a high unmet need given the poor prognosis in this setting. Single-agent belamaf (GSK2857916), a B-cell maturation antigen-binding antibody-drug conjugate, has demonstrated deep and durable responses with a manageable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM. We used qualitative interviews to understand the patient perspective on clinical benefits and tolerability of belamaf. Methods: Patients enrolled in the DREAMM-2 study (NCT03525678) received single-agent belamaf 2.5 or 3.4 mg/kg once every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All were invited to participate in interviews at Cycle 4 (C4) and end of treatment (EOT). If the patient discontinued treatment before C4, only one interview was conducted. Interview questions covered the patient symptom experience, treatment-related burden, and adverse events. Disease and treatment-related symptom severity and overall treatment satisfaction were rated 0-10 (0=not severe to 10=most severe/0=not at all satisfied to 10=extremely satisfied). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted with interview results and select variables from the clinical trial dataset. Results: A total of 104 patients (across both doses) participated in interviews before or at C4, with 56% (n=58) identified as responders to treatment (≥partial response by International Myeloma Working Group criteria). Among the 104, the most commonly reported disease symptoms were fatigue (reported by 68% of patients), neuropathy (43%), and bone pain (37%). Responders reported a decrease in severity of these symptoms from the start of the study to the time of interview, with ratings changing from 6.9 to 3.6 (bone pain), 4.6 to 3.4 (fatigue), and 4.5 to 3.7 (neuropathy). The severity ratings for nonresponders increased slightly for fatigue (4.4 to 4.5) and decreased for bone pain (4.9 to 4.4) and neuropathy (3.9 to 2.8). Fifty-nine (57%) patients interviewed at or before C4 reported visual impairments, including poor vision, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, while 42 (40%) reported symptoms of eye irritation, including irritated eyes, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and the feeling of something in the eye. Twelve (12%) patients reported eye pain, including sore eyes and burning at or before C4. Responders interviewed before or at C4 reported a mean treatment satisfaction of 8.5, while nonresponders reported their satisfaction at 5.1. A total of 26 patients were interviewed at EOT after C4, 22 (85%) of whom were responders to treatment. Patients interviewed at EOT reported decreased severity in their ocular symptoms between the time when the symptoms were at their worst and the 2-week period prior to their interview. Between worst symptoms and interview, participant severity ratings showed a decrease from 8.0 to 0.0 (for eye pain; n=4), 7.2 to 1.8 (for eye irritation; n=11), and 8.1 to 2.9 (for visual impairment; n=17). All 26 patients interviewed at EOT indicated they expected the ocular side effects they experienced. Six patients considered stopping treatment due to their ocular symptoms, two of whom reported their doctor discontinued treatment for this reason. At EOT, these 26 patients reported high treatment satisfaction, with responders rating their satisfaction higher than nonresponders (8.1 and 6.7, respectively). Conclusions: Trial-embedded interviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience with their disease, the course of treatment-related side effects, and their overall impact on patient satisfaction with treatment. Overall, responders to treatment with single-agent belamaf reported more improvement than nonresponders in key disease symptoms, including bone pain and fatigue. Many patients reported some type of ocular symptom, but these were shown to improve or resolve by EOT. Despite ocular symptoms, overall, patients reported high satisfaction while on treatment and a desire to remain on treatment, particularly in responders. These qualitative interviews, in addition to the efficacy data, support the use of belamaf in patients with RRMM. Funding: GSK 205678; drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; mAb produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Disclosures Eliason: GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Correll:Evidera: Current Employment. Martin:Evidera: Current Employment. Cardellino:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Opalinska:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Piontek:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gorsh:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Sapra:GSK: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Popat:AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company).

Association of subjective health symptoms with indoor air quality in European office buildings: The OFFICAIR project.

The aim of this study was to explore the association between the building-related occupants' reported health symptoms and the indoor pollutant concentrations in a sample of 148 office rooms, within the framework of the European OFFICAIR research project. A large field campaign was performed in 37 office buildings among eight countries, which included (a) 5-day air sampling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, ozone, and NO2 (b) collection of information from 1299 participants regarding their personal characteristics and health perception at workplace using online questionnaires. Stepwise and multilevel logistic regressions were applied to investigate associations between health symptoms and pollutant concentrations considering personal characteristics as confounders. Occupants of offices with higher pollutant concentrations were more likely to report health symptoms. Among the studied VOCs, xylenes were associated with general (such as headache and tiredness) and skin symptoms, ethylbenzene with eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, a-pinene with respiratory and heart symptoms, d-limonene with general symptoms, and styrene with skin symptoms. Among aldehydes, formaldehyde was associated with respiratory and general symptoms, acrolein with respiratory symptoms, propionaldehyde with respiratory, general, and heart symptoms, and hexanal with general SBS. Ozone was associated with almost all symptom groups.

Effect of Fireworks Pollution on Human Health During Diwali Festival: A Study of Ahmedabad, India

Context: India has a long tradition of celebrating diwali festival by burning firecrackers. The fireworks release a large amount of air pollutants which have a detrimental effect on human health. Very few studies have done to examine the detrimental effect of fireworks pollution on human health and no scientific study has done in Ahmedabad. Aims: The aim of the study is to examine the effect of fireworks pollution on human health. Method: Four residential areas were included in Ahmedabad city. Total 252 people were participated in the study. The structured questionnaire was used to inquire about symptoms like breathlessness, cough, wheeze, runny nose, eye irritation, allergy, itchy skin. Statistical Analysis Used: Microsoft excel 2010 software was used for analysis. Results: We found that 48% of subjects complained of cough, 38% of subjects complained runny nose and eye irritation, 27% subjects complained breathlessness, 5% subjects complained allergy and itchy skin and 2% subjects complained wheeze. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is harmful effect of fireworks pollution on human health and the symptoms of cough, runny nose and eye irritation were most common.

Ocular surface and tear film changes in workers exposed to organic solvents used in the dry-cleaning industry.

Workers in the dry-cleaning industry are exposed to organic solvents that may cause eye irritation and tear film changes. Objective To quantify changes in the ocular surface and tear film in dry cleaners exposed to organic solvents and associate these changes with ocular irritation as reported in a symptom questionnaire for dry eye diagnosis. Methods This was a case and control study in which the characteristics and eye-irritation symptoms were compared between two groups of 62 participants that were either exposed or not exposed to organic solvents. A general optometric examination and the following test were performed: lipid interferometry, Lissamine Green Stain, tear breakup time, Schirmer I, conjunctival impression cytology and the Donate dry eye symptoms questionnaire. Results Sixty-five percent of exposed workers obtained a higher score than 13 on the Donate dry eye symptoms questionnaire which indicated the presence of more irritation symptoms than those in the non- exposed group. A Chi-square analysis indicated the exposed group reported significantly higher incidences (P <0.005) for eye irritation symptoms of sandy sensation; tearing eyes sensation; foreign body sensation; tearing; dry eye; dryness; eyestrain and heavy eyelids. A Mann Whitney-U indicated greater severity only for symptoms relating to dry eye; sandy sensation; foreign body sensation, tearing; tearing eyes and dryness. There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.05) for Schirmer I; tear break up time; and the ocular surface assessed with Lissamine green staining and conjunctival impression cytology between groups. A reduction in the thickness of the lipid layer in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group was observed. Surprisingly, clinical test outcomes were not significantly correlated with dry eye symptoms nor years of exposure. Conclusion Workers in the dry-cleaning industry exposed to organic solvents are associated with changes in ocular surface and tear film generating irritation symptoms commonly present in evaporative dry eye.

The role of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) may result in alteration of the tear film, symptoms of eye irritation, and evaporative dry eye disease (DED). Recent studies suggest that intense-pulsed light (IPL) treatments reduce ocular signs and symptoms, through direct/indirect actions on meibomian glands. The aim of this study is to analyse and measure efficacy and safety of IPL treatment in patients affected by MGD. Between September 2016 and January 2017, eleven patients were enrolled in this univariate study based on a single variable. All patients have undergone two IPL sections with Synchro FT- DEKA MELA, once a month. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), breakup time (BUT), and Schirmer Test Type I have been evaluated preop, 10 days after every treatment and followed up to 1 year. All patients referred to a relevant improvement of symptoms with two treatments. A reduction of epithelial damage and a modification of glandular function confirmed a statistically significant difference. IPL could be considered as an adjunctive tool in patients suffering from MGD. The high versatility of IPL device allows customized treatment with minimum discomfort and high tolerability. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Perception of indoor air quality (IAQ) by workers in underground shopping centers in relation to sick-building syndrome (SBS) and store type: a cross-sectional study in Korea

BackgroundWe examined the indoor air quality (IAQ) perceptions of workers and their relationships with the symptoms of sick-building syndrome (SBS) and store types in underground shopping centers.MethodsIn 2017, 314 store workers in nine underground shopping centers in Seoul, Korea, were assessed. The all participants’ stores were partially opened onto a passage. Using questionnaires, they were asked about their demographics, job characteristics, 16 SBS symptoms, and seven IAQ perceptions. The SBS symptoms were categorized as skin, eye irritation, respiratory, or general. An IAQ perception score was calculated by adding the number of positive responses to each type of IAQ and categorized into three levels.ResultsThe prevalence of SBS symptom groups in the previous month was 43.6% for skin symptoms, 62.4% for eye irritation symptoms, 65.6% for respiratory symptoms, and 64.7% for general symptoms. Participants who perceived IAQ were more likely to have SBS symptoms (odds ratio: 1.81–7.84). The type of store employing the workers was associated with several IAQ perceptions. Subjects who worked in clothing and fashion-accessory stores were more likely to have high IAQ perception scores than those who worked in food services.ConclusionsAbout half of the store workers in underground shopping centers had experienced SBS symptom groups in the previous month. The SBS symptom groups were associated with almost all IAQ perceptions. Because IAQ perception was associated with store type, studies of IAQ in working areas might need to improve store workers’ health in underground shopping centers.