Respiratory Flow Rates of Metal Welders Compared to a Population Not Exposed to Metal Welding Dust

Background: The welding trade includes many industrial activities in both the formal and informal sectors. Workers in this professional environment do not have access to individual and collective means of protection adapted to the activity, which exposes them to the dust emitted during their activity and therefore contributes to increasing the risk of developing respiratory disorders in this population. Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the ventilatory function of metal welders in the city of Dakar. Method: This was a comparative study based on the analysis of the spirometric parameters of metal welders working in the city of Dakar (Senegal) with those of a control group of the same kind, selected from the general population. Measurements of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF) were measured. Results: A total of 75 men between the ages of 19 and 61 were recruited and divided into two groups (43 controls and 32 welders). The welding population had more frequent distal and central obstructions and pulmonary restriction compared to the control group. The metals most commonly used by welders were aluminum for welders who had an obstruction, while for those who had a restriction, iron was the most used metal. Signs of metal fever were frequently found in welders, especially those with ventilatory disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory disorders observed is close to that observed in industrial environments, where exposure levels are the highest. The lack of personal protective equipment could also be a significant risk factor in the development of these disorders.

Analysis of the Effect of Psychological Nursing Combined with Breathing Exercises in Improving Lung Function in Patients with Pneumoconiosis

Objective: To analyze the effect of psychological nursing combined with breathing exercises on lung function of patients with pneumoconiosis, and to analyze the methods. A total of 64 cases of pneumoconiosis admitted from January 2020 to December 2022 were divided into the reference group and the experimental group by random numerical table. On the basis of symptomatic treatment, the control group was combined with conventional nursing measures and breathing exercises, while the experimental group was treated with psychological nursing on the basis of the control group, and the pulmonary function indexes and adverse mood of the two groups before and after nursing were compared. Results: There was no difference in SAS score, SDS score and pulmonary function indexes between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05), and the SAS score in the experimental group was the SDS score was lower than that of the control group, and FEV1, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC were higher than those of the control group, and the P < 0.05 was lower.

X-ray Manifestations of Pneumoconiosis Patients and Differential Analysis with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the X-ray manifestations of pneumoconiosis patients and differentiation from pulmonary tuberculosis.[Methods]Retrospective analysis was conducted on 103 patients who underwent lung examinations,including 47 cases of pneumoconiosis and 56 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.The differences in nodule characteristics and accompanying cavity sign between pneumoconiosis and pulmonary tuberculosis were compared.[Results]The X-ray manifestations of pneumoconiosis patients mainly included various forms of lung images,which were uneven in density,and had blurry edges,and sometimes thickening of lung markings and reduction of lung volume could be observed.The acinar nodules observed in X-ray films of patients with hematogenous disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis appeared petal like.The uniformity of nodule appearance such as nodule distribution,nodule density,and nodule size was significantly lower in pneumoconiosis than in hematogenous disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis,showing a statistical significance(P<0.05).The diameter of cavities in patients with pneumoconiosis accompanied by cavity sign[(0.64±0.13 vs 3.37±0.95)cm]was lower than that in patients with secondary pulmonary tuberculosis accompanied by cavity sign.There was a significant difference in the thickness of the cavity wall between the two diseases,and patients with pneumoconiosis accompanied by cavity sign had a higher rate of thick wall cavities(>3 mm).The X-ray manifestations of pneumoconiosis and tuberculosis were relatively similar,but the distribution,density and size of nodules in pneumoconiosis were relatively uneven,and the patients accompanied by cavity sign had smaller cavity diameter and higher rate of thick-walled cavities.[Conclusions]This study provides a reference for the clinical differential diagnosis of pneumoconiosis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Changes of Tumor Necrosis Factor, Surfactant Protein A, and Phospholipids in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in the Development and Progression of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis

Objective To evaluate the alterations of biomarkers in the development and progression of coal workers＇ pneumoconiosis （CWP）. Methods The type and number of cells, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）, pulmonary surfactant protein, phospholipids and fibronectin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assayed in 14 health active coal miners, 21 coal miners without CWP and 13 miners with CWP of 0/1 to 1/1. Results Compared to active coal miners without CWP （8,23μg/mL）, TNF-α concentration was gradually decreased when dust exposure was stopped （5.90 μg/mL）. Elevated surfactant protein A （SP-A） level and phosphatidylglycerol （PG） to phosphatidylinositol （PI） ratio were found in miners actively exposed to coal dust （6528 μg/mL for SP-A and 10. for PG/P1）, and both parameters decreased when CWP progressed from CWP （0/1） （3419μg/mL for SP-A and 5.9 for PG/PI） to CWP （1/1） （1654 μg/mL for SP-A and 5.5 for PG/PI）. Conclusion Biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can be used to screen coal miners at high risk of developing coal workers＇ pneumoconiosis.

Risk of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Patients with Coal Workers'Pneumoconiosis:A Case-control Study in China

The aim of this study was to estimate the association between occupational, environmental, behavioral risk factors, and active pulmonary tuberculosis（PTB） among coal workers＇ pneumoconiosis（CWP） patients. A matched case-control study was conducted in 86 CWP patients with active PTB and 86 CWP controls without TB. A standardized questionnaire was used for risk factors assessment. Conditioned logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between the risk factors and active PTB among CWP patients. The results showed that the stage of CWP, poor workplace ventilation, family history of TB, and exposure to TB were independent risk factors for active PTB in patients with CWP with which recommendations for improving work environments, and for case finding activities in patients with CWP could be made.

Combined silicosis and mixed dust pneumoconiosis with rapid progression: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis(RPP) occasionally occurs in coal workers, particularly those with high exposure to silica. Here, we report the case of a 64-year-old male miller with RPP. CASE SUMMARY The patient had a persistent cough for one month and had been clinically diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in 2011. He worked in a stone processing factory from the ages of 20 through 37 and has owned his own mill for the past 25 years. His chest radiograph showed significant increases in the size and number of lung nodules since his last follow-up in 2013. By percutaneous needle lung biopsy, the nodular lesions showed diffuse infiltration of phagocytic macrophages and birefringent crystals by polarizing microscopy. He was finally diagnosed with RPP of mixed dust pneumoconiosis combined with silicosis. CONCLUSION In this case, mixed dust pneumoconiosis with silicosis might be accelerated by persistent exposure to graindust from working in a mill environment.

Association oftransforming growth factor-β1 gene variants with risk of coal workers'pneumoconiosis

Objective： The aim of this case-control study was to explore whether five tagging single nucleotide poly- morphisms （tSNPs） within the transforming growth factor-ill （TGF-fll） gene were involved in manifestation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes associated with coal workers pneumoconiosis （CWP）. Methods： The study included 508 CWP patients and 526 controls who were underground coal miners from Xuzhou Mining Business Group. Five tSNPs were selected from the HapMap and detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） method. Results： The single SNP analysis showed that the genotype frequencies of SNP2 （rs1800470, ＋869T/C, extron 1） and SNP5 （rs11466345, intron 5） in CWP cases were significantly different from those in controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SNP2 （rs1800470） CC genotype was associated with decreased risk of CWP （OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.32-0.78）, which was evident among subgroups of those never smoke （OR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.24-0.66）, cases with stage Ⅱ（OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.22-0.76） and exposure period （〈 28 y： OR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.31-0.95; ≥ 28 y： OR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.32-0.96）. However, the SNP5 （rs11466345） GG genotype was associated with an increased risk of CWP （OR = 2.5, 95%CI = 1.36-4.57）, and further stratification analysis showed that the risk of CWP was increased in both smoking and nonsmoking groups, shorter and longer exposure groups, while the risk of CWP was only increased in patients with stage I and Ⅱ. Conclusion： This study suggests that TGF-β1 polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility of CWP.

Spatial and Temporal Variations of Pneumoconiosis in the Pearl River Delta Region in 2006–2015

Pneumoconiosis is a restrictive lung disease mostly caused by occupational exposure to dust,including silica dust,asbestos,and other fibers.Inhalable particles smaller than 10μm can enter the bronchioles,injure lung cells,and induce lung fibrosis.This hard-to-cure disease places a substantial burden on patients and society[1].

An analysis of contributing mining factors in coal workers’pneumoconiosis prevalence in the United States coal mines,1986-2018

In the United States,an unexpected and severe increase in coal miners’lung diseases in the late 1990s prompted researchers to investigate the causes of the disease resurgence.This study aims to scrutinize the effects of various mining parameters,including coal rank,mine size,mine operation type,coal seam height,and geographical location on the prevalence of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis(CWP)in surface and underground coal mines.A comprehensive dataset was created using the U.S.Mine Safety and Health Administration(MSHA)Employment and Accident/Injury databases.The information was merged based on the mine ID by utilizing SQL data management software.A total number of 123,589 mine-year observations were included in the statistical analysis.Generalized Estimating Equation(GEE)model was used to conduct a statistical analysis on a total of 29,707,and 32,643 mine-year observations for underground and surface coal mines,respectively.The results of the econometrics approach revealed that coal workers in underground coal mines are at a greater risk of CWP comparing to those of surface coal operations.Furthermore,underground coal mines in the Appalachia and Interior regions are at a higher risk of CWP prevalence than the Western region.Surface coal mines in the Appalachian coal region are more likely to CWP development than miners in the Western region.The analysis also indicated that coal workers working in smaller mines are more vulnerable to CWP than those in large mine sizes.Furthermore,coal workers in thin-seam underground mine operations are more likely to develop CWP.

A Study of Siliceous Pneumoconiosis in a Desert Area of Sunan County,Gansu Province,China

Three hundred and ninety five residents in a desert area were examined with chest radiographs and 28 cases with siliceous pneumoconiosis were found. The prevalence of siliceous pneumoconiosis was 7.09%, and that over 40 years of age was 21%. The histological findings of lungs from a camel living in that area for 20 years also confirmed to have siliceous pneumoconiosis.

Measurement of Residual Volume in Patients with Pneumoconiosis and Workers Exposed to Cement Dust

The Residual Volume (RV) and Functional ResidualCapacity (FRC) were measured in 49 male workers exposedto cement dust (group A) and 50 male patients with pneu-moconiosis (group B). These data were compared withthose in 84 healthy workers (group C). Data from groupA, B exhibited mixed or obstructed ventilation dysfunction.The means of RV%, FRC% in group A were 31.2～35.6%and 56.7～59.3% respectively. These values were not onlysignificantly higher than those of the group C, but alsohigher than those of group B. The individual abnormaldetecting rates of RV% in group A, B were 26.5% and52.0% respectively, remarkably higher than 9.5% in thegroup C. It seems that RV% can be used as an individualscreening test in clinical practice. In physiologic terms,It has been recognized that FRC might more objectively.reflect the changes in quasi-static mechanics in community.The impact factors of RV might be related to quasi-staticmechanics other than to those of strength of respiratorymuscles, resistance of airway and collapsibility of bron-chial walls.

Early diagnosis of health damage in arc welders based on their serum ferritin level

To develop a method for the early diagnosis of health damage due to arc welding, we measured serum ferritin in 96 general employees and 320 arc welders in Company A. A positive correlation was observed between age and the serum ferritin level in the young group (age, 20 - 44 years) among the general employees. The mean serum ferritin level in the general employees was 119 ± 56 ng/ml. When the mean ± 2.5 SD was used as the standard value, ferritin levels > 260 ng / ml could be regarded as high. Based on this standard value, high ferritin levels were observed in 7 (6.6%) of 106 young arc welders in Company A but none of the general employees. Chest X-ray films showed minimal abnormality in one of 7 young arc welders who showed high ferritin levels. These results suggest that the determination of the serum ferritin level is useful for the early diagnosis of health damage due to arc welding.

Application of PCR-SSCP in detecting rpoB drug resistant gene polymorphism of M. tuberculosis L-form from pneumoconiosis patients with tuberculosis

Objective: To study the relationship between the polymorphism of drug resistant gene rpoB and drug resistance against rifampicin(RFP) of M. tuberculosis L-forms, and to evaluate its clinical application. Methods: A total of 52 clinical isolated strains of M. tuberculosis L-forms were collected. rpoB gene polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and conventional antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST). Their results were compared. Results: AST results showed that 38 of 52 clinical isolated strains were drug resistance (73.08％),while PCR-SSCP indicated 65.38％ (32/52) rpoB gene polymorphism. There was no statistic significance(χ2= 2.4914) between the 2 methods. Conclusion:Combined the application of PCR-SSCP with AST in detecting rpoB drug resistant gene polymorphism of M. tuberculosis L-form from pneumoconiosis patients with tuberculosis may have advantages at earlier diagnosis and guidance of clinical medications.

Detecting katG Drug Resistant Genetic Mutation among pneumoconiosis patients complicated with tuberculosis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis L-forms by PCR-SSCP

Objective：To study the relationship between mutation in the katG gene and drug resistance of INH in Mycobacterium tuberculosis L-forms among patients of pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis, and to explore the clinical application of PCR-SSCP. Methods： A total of 52 clinical isolated strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis L-forms were collected. Mutation in the katG genes was detected by PCR-SSCP and traditional antimicrobial susceptibility test （AST）. Results： The results by AST showed that there were 40 persisters in 52 clinical isolated strains. The drug resistant rate was 76.92%（40/52）, and the gene mutation rate of katG was 57.70%（30/52）by PCR-SSCP, the difference was no quite significance （X^2 = 2.8507, P 〉 0.05）. The coincidence rate of two methods was 75.00% （30/40）. Conclusion： The detectionrate of katG resistant strains in Mycobacterium tuberculosis L-forms was high by PCR-SSCP. The combined application of PCR-SSCP and traditional antimicrobial susceptibility test can improve the detecting rate.

Occupational Hearing Hazards among Informal Sector Welders in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Noise, an undesirable sound which is found in all areas of occupational activity, is still a matter of concern given the damage it causes. Various machines and tools, from simple to sophisticated ones, produce several types of noise in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of occupational hearing loss among informal sector welders in the city of Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted among 122 informal sector welders over a period of five months. The study used an anonymous questionnaire on noise exposure in the workplace and collected audio-metric data of welders. The survey collected data on welders who had a minimal three-year duration of employment without the morbidity associated with the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) region. Socio-professional data (age, duration of employment, sex, education), noise exposure, awareness of hazards and audiometric data were taken into account. Results: 122 questionnaires were completed by male subjects, or 100% (n = 122). The mean age of welders was 36.37 ± 11.91 years with extremes being 20 and 63 years. The mean duration of employment was 11.51 ± 9.6 years with extremes being 3 and 44 years. Audiometric data have shown 37.96% (n = 41) of occupational hearing loss. Three degrees of hearing loss were recorded, notably mild hearing loss standing at 80.49% (n = 33);moderate and severe hearing loss standing at 2.44% (n = 1). Ninety-six percent (n = 117) of welders reported not using personal protective equipment (PPE) and 1% (n = 111) were aware of the hazard associated with noise exposure in the workplace. A correlation was found between welders with an advanced age (p < 0.001;RP = 3.66 (2.16 - 6.22)) and hearing loss, and between the duration of employment and hearing loss (p < 0.001;RP = 6.48 (3.32 - 12.65)). Conclusion: In the study area, occupational hearing loss among welders is a relevant fact. Three degrees of hearing loss were identified. Most of those suffering from it have developed a mild type of hearing loss whose continued development can be stopped. Despite the fact that welders are aware of the hazards associated with noise exposure in the workplace, they hardly protect themselves. Lack of a culture of prevention and poor enforcement of the existing laws could account for such a situation. There seems to be a crucial need to put in place a program for protecting the welders’ auditory organs in the workplace.

Post-Procedure Mortality after Cardiovascular Treatment Procedures in Patients with Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis (PNC) is a major occupational disease that develops as a result of occupational exposure to dust via inhalation. In addition to its harmful effects on the respiratory system, PNC can increase vulnerability to coronary heart disease (CHD)—the leading cause of death in the United States and in the world. Currently, two types of cardiovascular intervention procedures for CHD treatment are percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The objective of this study was to investigate comparative effectiveness of the two major cardiovascular intervention procedures—PCI and CABG—in PNC patients with CHD. Data from 1094 hospitalizations of adult patients with PNC and CHD (CHD-PNC patients) and 534,120 hospi-talizations of CHD patients without PNC (CHD-nonPNC) were investigated. Adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital death in relation to the type of procedure, adjusted for patient socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and hospital characteristics, were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Men constituted 97.8% of CHD-PNC patients and 68.6% of CHD-nonPNC patients. Within the CHD-PNC group, crude (unadjusted) in-hospital mortality after CABG and PCI did not differ significantly (1.35% vs. 2.00%, p = 0.425) and remained insignificant in the multivariable analysis, adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics (adjusted OR = 0.714, 95% CI 0.220 - 2.323, p = 0.576). But in the CHD-nonPNC group, in-hospital mortality after CABG was significantly higher than after PCI both in crude analysis (2.83% vs. 1.28%,

State of Eye Protection for Metal Welders in the Workshops of Conakry

Introduction: Welders are an occupational group at high risk for eye injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the state of eye protection of metal welders in the workshops of Conakry. Material and Methods: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and included 180 welders from 45 welding workshops in the city of Conakry for a period of three months. It involved all welding professionals working in an informal unit selected by the study and who had agreed to participate in the study. Results: The average age of the participants was 33.9 ± 13.4 years, with extremes of 15 and 68 years. The study found that 99% of the welders owned glasses, 27% owned face shields, and 49% owned welding masks. Goggles were used regularly by 86% of the welders but were not suitable for welding (98%). All welders had reported having had an eye injury at least once. Foreign bodies were cited in 81%, arc strike in 65%;eye burns in 61%. However, approximately 81% of welders did not have first aid kits at their work sites. Conclusion: The use of protective equipment during welding remains very low in the workshops of Conakry, which is the cause of great ocular morbidity among welders.

Prevention and Treatment of Pneumoconiosis in China

Silicosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases which affect many workers' health in China. Under the guidance of policies from the Chinese Government, the industries, hcalth care institutions, scientists and workers were organized and have made great efforts in plevention and treatment of silicosis as well as pneumoconiosis. Since the 1960s, the national health standards and chest X-ray diagnosis criteria for silicosis were established and have been revised recently.A nationwide epidemiological survey revealed that the cumulative pneumoconiosis cases were about 4 800 000 (1949-1992). The high prevalence rate has been the motivation to search for anti-silicotic drugs. Several kinds of anti-silicotic drugs were studied and found to be able to retard progression of silicosis and cause changes in X-ray picture. The mechanism of drug efficiency and the development of silicosis have attracted the interest of scientists in this fields and fruitful results have been obtained. For prevention of dust hazards, the systematic design for facilities of dust collection and the isolation of dust source appropriate to township industries have been worked out and used widely. Recently,under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health, China, a pilot study on countermeasure for industrial hazards and health care service in township industries has been instituted

Rule of prescribing traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of pneumoconiosis basedon association rules and k-means clustering algorithm

Objective:To analyze the rule of prescribing traditional Chinese medicine for treating pneumoconiosis,so as to provide reference for differential diagnosis and treatment of pneumoconiosis as well as for the development of new drugs for treatingthe disease.Methods:We searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Database and VIP Chinese PublicationDatabase to retrieve relevant literatures which were then screened according to the enrollment criteria to establish a prescriptiondatabase of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of pneumoconiosis.The inheritance calculation platform of traditionalChinese medicine was used to analyze the prescribing rule of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of pneumoconiosisbased on association rules,k-means clustering algorithm and regression model analysis.Results:A total of 131 related literature were preliminarily selected,from which 97 prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine with a total of 195 herbs were included.The most frequently prescribed herbs included Radix astragali,Platycodon grandiflorum,Pinellia ternata,licorice,Codonopsispilosula,Salvia miltiorrhiza,bitter almond etc.A total of 14 association rules,13 high-frequency herb pairs were found and 5groups of formulas were revealed by cluster analysis.Conclusion:The prescriptions for the treatment of pneumoconiosis are mainly composed of herbs for tonifying deficiency,resolving phlegm,relieving cough and asthma,activating blood circulation and removingblood stasis,which are supplemented with herbs for clearing heat,relieving appearance,regulating qi,promoting waterand permeating dampness,etc.,The prescribing rules reflect the basic pathological characteristics of lung deficiency and collateral arthralgia in pneumoconiosis,which provides some ideas for the clinical differentiation and treatment of pneumoconiosis in traditionalChinese medicine.It also provides reference for the research and development of new treatment methods.

The Efficacy Analysis of Transbronchoscopic Large Volume Lung Lavage in Treatment of Pneumoconiosis Complicated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of transbronchoscopic large volume lung lavage in the treatment of pneumoconiosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:The clinical data of 80 patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD admitted to our hospital from June 2017 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.40 patients in the control group were treated with conventional drugs and 40 patients in the observation group treated with conventional drugs plus transbronchoscopic large-volume lung lavage.Dyspnea score and healthy quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results:the scores of dyspnea in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 12,24 and 48 weeks after treatment,and the(SGRQ)scores of George’s respiratory problems questionnaire in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 12,24 and 48 weeks after treatment.Conclusion:Thetransbronchoscopic large volume of lung lavage has a significant effect on the treatment of pneumoconiosis patients with COPD,which can effectively reduce the degree of dyspnea and improve the quality of life.