Prevalence and Tasks Associated with Respiratory Symptoms among Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Handlers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2019

Introduction: The uncontrolled management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (W3E) causes respiratory problems in the handlers of this waste. The objective was to study the stains associated with respiratory symptoms in W3E handlers. Methods: The study was cross-sectional with an analytical focus on W3E handlers in the informal sector in Ouagadougou. A peer-validated questionnaire collected data on a sample of 161 manipulators. Results: the most common W3E processing tasks were the purchase or sale of W3E (67.70%), its repair (39.75%) and its collection (31.06%). The prevalence of cough was 21.74%, that of wheezing 14.91%, phlegm 12.50% and dyspnea at rest 10.56%. In bivariate analysis, there were significant associations at the 5% level between W3E repair and phlegm (p-value = 0.044), between W3E burning and wheezing (p-value = 0.011) and between W3E and cough (p-value = 0.01). The final logistic regression models suggested that the burning of W3E and the melting of lead batteries represented risk factors for the occurrence of cough with respective prevalence ratios of 4.57 and 4.63. Conclusion: raising awareness on the wearing of personal protective equipment, in particular masks adapted by W3E handlers, favoring those who are dedicated to the burning of electronic waste and the melting of lead could make it possible to reduce the risk of occurrence of respiratory symptoms.

Glutamate decarboxylase 1 gene polymorphisms are associated with respiratory symptoms in panic disorder

BACKGROUND Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of panic disorder(PD).However,the effect of genetic variants on PD remains controversial.AIM To evaluate the associations between glutamate decarboxylase 1(GAD1)gene polymorphisms and PD risk and assess the effect of GAD1 gene polymorphisms on the severity of clinical symptoms in PD.METHODS We recruited 230 PD patients and 224 healthy controls in this study.All participants were assessed for anxiety and panic symptom severity using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAM-A)and Panic Disorder Severity Scale(PDSS).GAD1 gene polymorphisms(rs1978340 and rs3749034)were genotyped and assessed for allele frequencies.RESULTS There were no significant differences between cases and controls in the genotype distributions or allele frequencies of GAD1(rs1978340 and rs3749034).In addition,the effect of GAD1(rs1978340 and rs3749034)on PD severity was not significant.However,regarding respiratory symptoms,patients with the GAD1 rs1978340 A/A genotype had significantly higher scores than those with the A/G or G/G genotype.CONCLUSION Here,we showed that the A/A genotype of GAD1 rs1978340 was associated with increased severity of respiratory symptoms in patients with PD.

Hiatal Hernia by Rolling Revealed by Respiratory Symptoms: A Rare Condition and Atypical Presentation

Hiatal hernia by rolling is a rare pathology estimated at 5% of all diaphragmatic hernias. It is usually asymptomatic. Sometimes, it can be accompanied by different symptoms, such as post prandial bloating, dysphagia, regurgitation, retro sternal pain, even respiratory symptoms. The aim of this article is to show that a hiatus hernia by rolling can cause a misleading clinical picture that may be taken wrongly for a heart or respiratory disease. We report the case of an 80-year-old patient whose presentation was suggestive of an acute heart condition, but the scan confirmed a rolling diaphragmatic hernia. Because of the rarity and the atypical presentation of this case, we have found it desirable to bring this new observation.

Radiofrequency treatment on respiratory symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background Diagnosis and treatment for respiratory symptoms （RSs） of gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） is more difficult than that for common esophageal symptoms. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency （RF） treatment on RSs of GERD in a preliminary 12-month follow-up observation.

Effect of laparoscopic fundoplication treatment on gastroesophageal reflux disease-related respiratory symptoms

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)was diagnosed and fundoplication was performed,which relieved the symptoms.This paper explores the effect of fundoplication on GERD-related respiratory symptoms.From January 2007 to October 2008,64 patients with respiratory symptoms related to GERD were consecutively enrolled for laparoscopic fundoplication.Of these,60 patients had respiratory symptoms mainly combined with gastroesophageal reflux,while four had respiratory symptoms only.All patients had GERD confirmed,and medical treatment provided before surgery resulted in an insufficiently favorable effect or even producing further complications.All the patients were requested tofill a questionnaire form regarding the severity of symptoms and their medication so as to make an evaluation score for the follow-up.The outcome of respiratory symptoms after surgery was as follows:excellent in 23 cases(35.9%);good in 28(43.8%);fair in 5(7.8%);poor in 8(12.5%).The mean respiratory symptom score decreased from 6.3�2.65 to 2.33�2.37.Laparoscopic fundoplication can be an effective treatment for the majority of patients with GERD-related respiratory symptoms.

Carbon Monoxide and Respiratory Disorders in Professional Female Fish Smokers at 2 Artisanal Sites in Benin

Introduction: The use of biomass for cooking is a very common practice in Africa and Benin, and is associated with exposure to organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to assess carbon monoxide exposure and respiratory disorders in women at artisanal fish-smoking sites. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of women fish smokers at two artisanal fish-smoking sites in Benin. Recruitment was exhaustive. An interview using a respiratory questionnaire inspired by the Union questionnaire, spirometry and carbon monoxide (CO) measurement were carried out. Descriptive analysis and comparison of means using Student’s t-test with a threshold of p = 0.05 were performed. Results: The median age of the 81 people surveyed was 40, with an interquartile range (IQT) of [25 to 75]. The median duration of daily exposure to smoke was 6 h IQT [4, 7]. Of those surveyed, 64 (79.01%) were illiterate and 39 (48.24%) had been working for 20 years. CO levels at the start of activity varied from 89 to 145 ppm in one case and from 40 to 89 ppm in the other. Respiratory symptoms were present in 19 (23.46%);18 (22.22%) had mild airway impairment on spirometry. There was a statistically significant decrease between the mean values of peak expiratory flow (PEF), mean expiratory volume in seconds (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) before and after exposure to smoke. Conclusion: CO levels are high on fish smoking sites and respiratory problems are common. Improved working conditions are important for these women.

Extraskeletal symptoms and comorbidities of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis(DISH) is a noninflammatory disease characterized by calcification and ossification of soft tissues, mainly enthesis and spinal ligaments. The clinical presentation primarily includes spinal involvement-induced pain and range of motion. Although rare, life-threatening gastrointestinal, respiratory or neurological events or severe morbidity due to bone compression on the adjacent structures may develop. There is a limited amount of data on DISHrelated events in the literature. In recent years, comorbid metabolic disorders are of great interest in patients with DISH. The early diagnosis of these conditions as well as rare entities allows an effective multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of DISH. In this article, we review extraskeletal symptoms and associated comorbidities in patients with DISH.

Results of the Evaluation of the Respiratory Condition of Permanent Workers in an Oil Mill in Benin

Introduction: The process of extracting oil from cotton seeds can create dusty work atmospheres that can cause respiratory problems. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory problems among permanent workers in an oil mill in Benin. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 52 workers in an oil mill took place in January 2017 as part of the annual medical check-ups of workers. A questionnaire was administered and spirometry using Spirobank II and chest radiography were performed. The spirometry results were interpreted by an occupational physician and a pulmonologist. Data were entered and analyzed using Epidata software. Results: The mean age was 42.7 ± 6.4 years, and 43 of the 52 workers were men. Of these, 58% were in technical production positions and 42% in administrative positions. Most of them had more than 10 years of seniority. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among production workers was 4 (13%) versus 2 (9%) among administrative workers. A total of 8 (15.4%) abnormal spirometry was identified with 4 obstructive syndrome, 3 restrictive syndrome, 1 a mixed pattern. There were 5 (16.6%) workers in production versus 3 (13.6%) in administration who had abnormal spirometry. The means 25/75 forced expiratory flow (FEF) value of production workers was significantly lower than that of administration workers. Abnormal chest radiographs were 5 (17%) in production workers compared to 3 (14%) in administration workers. Conclusion: Oil mill workers had few respiratory symptoms. However, production workers had more ventilatory disorders than administrative workers. A spirometric follow-up of this group of workers is therefore necessary.

Respiratory Morbidity Associated with Long-Term Occupational Inhalation Exposure to High Concentrations of Hydrated Calcium Sulfate Dust

Despite wide application of hydrated calcium sulfate, possible respiratory effects of long-term occupational exposure to high concentrations of this chemical have only been investigated in a limited number of epidemiological studies. This study is undertaken to examine this issue, more thoroughly. This cross-sectional study is carried out at a local gypsum plant in Shiraz, capital of Fars province situated in south western Iran. All exposed subjects (20 male workers) and 20 healthy non-exposed male individuals as the referent group are investigated. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the studied subjects is evaluated and they undergo spirometry test (twice for the exposed group and once for the unexposed employees). Moreover, to assess the extent to which workers are exposed to gypsum dust and using standard methods, inhalable and respirable fractions of this compound are measured in different dusty worksites. Average airborne concentration of inhalable dust fraction is estimated to be 24 ± 14.76 mg/m3 which is higher than the recommended threshold limit value (TLV) for this chemical. Respiratory symptoms such as phlegm, wheezing and dyspnea are significantly more prevalent in exposed subjects than in non-exposed employees (p < 0.05). The results of ventilatory function tests (pre- shift) don’t show any significant differences between both groups. However, some post-shift parameters of ventilatory function such as FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio are significantly lower than those of preshift and referent group. Exposure to high atmospheric concentrations of gypsum dust is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms along with acute reversible significant decreases in some parameters of ventilatory function.

The Mild-Moderate Case Presentation of COVID-19 in Adult Male Patient, Al Wakra Study

Background: COVID-19 is currently one of the most infectious diseases worldwide. In this study, we focused on the mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 that can present with mild respiratory symptoms or non-respiratory symptoms. Many of that cases got miss diagnoses. We aim to help emergency physicians in reaching a proper and faster diagnosis of COVID-19 cases. Method: In this retrospective cross-sectional qualitative study, we collected 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 that were presented in April 2020 in Al Wakra Hospital, Qatar. All that cases were mild-moderate cases without severe respiratory symptoms. We reviewed the electronic files on patient presentation, emergency department physician’s note, temperature data, and chest X-ray findings. Result: Our result showed about 49% of the total COVID-19 confirmed cases had respiratory symptoms, while the remaining 51% had no respiratory symptoms. The respiratory symptoms, such as cough and sore throat, and non-respiratory symptoms like headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin rash. Regarding fever presentation, we found that 66% of cases had a fever, while 34% had no fever complaints. The most frequently observed body temperature of patients was 37+ °C, followed by 38+ °C, 36+ °C, and 39+ °C. About 41% of cases had non-significant X-ray findings, and 40% cases had significant X-ray findings. The remaining 19% of cases did not undergo any X-ray examination due to mild and stable presentation. Conclusion: The presentations and symptoms of a mild-moderate case of COVID-19 are not respiratory only, there are extra-pulmonary symptoms and presentations should be considered. The most common presentation for mild-moderate COVID-19 was found to be fever. Chest X-ray may be performed depending on the patient’s condition, red flags, and abnormal findings in clinical examination, and should not be routine in cases with the mild presentation of COVID-19 suspicion in the emergency department.

Relationship between tea dust exposure and lung function: a systemic literature review

Background:During the production of tea,tea dust has been viewed as a risk factor that may cause the suffering of changes of lung function and respiratory symptoms.Objective:To review whether the occupational exposure to tea dust may lead to the changes of lung function and respiratory symptoms.Methods:We searched the literatures in March 2012 in the databases of Medline,EMBase,Web of Science,Wan-Fang Database and CNKI.The search condition is"(herb OR tea)AND(lung function OR ventilatory function OR pulmonary function OR spirometric measurement)".The paper should be pubished in Enghish or Chinese,with internal or external controls.Results:Totally 17 papers were included.Both acute and chronic changes of lung function were referred.In addition,the respiratory symptoms such as cough,tightness and etc.were also reported and discussed.Conclusion:We concluded that the exposure of tea dust may lead to the changes of lung function and respiratory symptoms.

Effectiveness of Liu-zi-jue exercise on coronavirus disease 2019 in the patients: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Liu-zi-jue exercise on the respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and mental health of patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19). METHODS: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted with 104 patients with mild COVID-19. The patients were randomly assigned to the Liu-zi-jue plus conventional therapy group and conventional therapy group. The outcome measures included Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale(MBDS) score, Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9) score, Fatigue Scale-14(FS-14), respiratory symptoms, and vital signs. Data were collected on the first and sixth days of hospitalization and on the discharge day. RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the whole scales all showed a downward trend in the two groups(all P < 0.05). The results of single-group effect suggested that the whole scale score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group at the sixth day of hospitalization. Compared with the control group, only the MBDS, expectoration, and FS-14 scores showed significantly lower scores at the discharge day(P < 0.001, P = 0.011, P = 0.002). Comparison within the group showed that all the variables were significantly different at the three time points with a decreasing trend(P < 0.05), except for the PHQ-9 and expectoration scores(P = 0.331, 0.052). All patients’ vital signs remained within a stable normal range throughout the hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that Liu-zi-jue exercise as a complementary and alternative therapy showed beneficial effects on improving the symptoms(shortness of breath, fatigue, and cough), quality of life, and mental health of patients with mild COVID-19.