Respiratory effects of an exposure to grain dust among grain workers in the Vaud region (Switzerland)

Introduction: Bioaerosols such as grain dust, via biologically active agents, elicit local inflammation and direct immunological reactions within the human respiratory system. Workplace-dependent exposure to grain dust (GD) may thus induce asthma, chronic bronchitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical impact of occupational exposure to GD and to determine quantitative biological markers of bioaerosol exposure in grain workers. Methods: This longitudinal study has been conducted from summer 2012, to summer 2013, comprising 6 groups of 30 active workers with different GD exposure patterns (4 groups of grain workers, 2 control groups). After obtaining informed consent, two evaluations at high- and low-exposing seasons take place, during which an occupational history and a detailed medical history are questionnaire-assessed, lung function is evaluated by spirometry, airway inflammation is measured by exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), and specific blood IgG and IgE are titrated. The preliminary results presented hereafter are those of two of the four exposed groups, namely harvesters and mill workers, compared to the control groups, at first assessment (n=100). Results: Mean age is 38.4 [years]; 98% are male. Exposed groups differ from controls (p<0.05) in daily contact with animals (57% vs. 40%) and active smoking (39% vs. 11%). Grain workers have more respiratory (50%), nasal (57%), ocular (45%), dermatologic (36%) and systemic (20%) occupational symptoms than controls (6.4%, 19%, 16%, 6.4%, 1.6% respectively, p<0.05). Lower mean peak-expiratory-flow (PEF) values (96.1 ± 18.9 vs. 108.2 ± 17.4 [% of predicted], p<0.05) and eNO values (13.9 ± 9.6 vs. 20.5 ± 14.7 [ppm], p<0.05) are observed in the exposed groups. Conclusion: Preliminary results show a higher prevalence of clinical symptoms and a lower mean PEF value in the exposed groups. Detailed supplementary analyses are pending.

Occupational asthma in workers exposed to Mesalazine powder inhalation

Background: Due to complains of respiratory symptoms of some employees a pharmaceutical company asked in 2008 the occupational medical department of the Institute for Work and Health in Lausanne to evaluate the health status of their workers exposed to Mesalazine powder, which is the active agent of a drug used for the treatment of bowels inflammation. Therefore we examined the 21 workers exposed to Mesalazine powder. Method: After a visit of the pharmaceutical company in order to investigate the Mesalazine powder production, we performed an individual medical evaluation of the 21 workers. Our medical protocol was based on the safety data sheet of Mesalazine, the data found in the scientific literature and the «Compendium Suisse des Médicaments» and covered upper and lower respiratory tract as well as skin and eyes. Results: Sixty two percent (62%) of the exposed employees had symptoms of skin, eyes and throat irritation. Three employees reported respiratory symptoms such as dyspnoea, cough and expiratory wheezing, which appeared during the working hours. The Peak Flow series performed at the workplace was lowered in the three employees with lower respiratory tract symptoms. None of the three had consulted a physician, even though the symptoms had been present since some months. The pneumological evaluation confirmed for all three cases the asthma diagnoses. Conclusion: It is known that patients who are treated with drugs including Mesalazine can develop adverse health effect such as asthma. However occupational asthma in workers exposed to Mesalazine powder inhalation is until now not described in the literature. Immunologic investigations in order to know if the occupational asthma caused by Mesalazine is of allergic or mechanical irritation nature are still ongoing. Concerning the three workers with asthma, inability to work with Mesalazine was pronounced. Furthermore, the SUVA recognized the three patients with asthma as occupational respiratory diseases. Following our results and recommendations, the company undertook some measures to reduce the exposure to Mesalazine. A new health evaluation of the employees in the Mesalazine production is hence planned in 2009. As each year new causes of occupational asthma are described, the possible work relation of new asthma onset has to be carefully investigated as the consequences for the patient e.g. removal from exposure and for the exposed co-workers are of substantial importance.

Le stress du soignant ou comment se soigner soi-même [Stress in health care workers]

La littérature scientifique confirme que les soignants ont besoin de soutien. Par-delà la surchage clinique et administrative, le stress lié à la signifiance des facteurs contextuels est une source de détresse importante. La reconnaissance et la gestion de ce stress peuvent soutenir le clinicien de manière durable. L'article discute les éléments clés de ces stresseurs, notamment le rôle des émotions du soignant, la reconnaissance des limites, la confusion concernant l'empathie, l'influence du développement et de la trajectoire de vie sur l'identité professionnelle ainsi que le conflit que représente le fait d'être un soignant qui a besoin d'aide. A growing body of evidence indicates that health care professionals are in need of support. Beside heavy clinical patient volume or administrative duties, stress related to the significance of contextual factors is an important source of clinician's distress. Identification of and working through such stress can be a durable source of support. This article discusses key elements of these stressors, namely, the role of emotions of the clinician, awareness of limits, confusion about empathy, the influence of development and life trajectory on professional identity and the conflicting roles of the health care provider being in need of support http://titan.medhyg.ch/mh/formation/article.php3?sid=32934

Male reproductive success: paternity contribution to queens and workers in Formica ants

The relative number of workers and female sexuals fathered by two males mated with a queen were directly assessed using microsatellite and allozyme markers in field colonies of the ants Formica exsecta and F. truncorum. In both species one of the two males consistently fathered more offspring than the other. There was, however, no evidence that one male might be particularly successful in fathering a disproportionally high proportion of female sexuals relative to the proportion of workers. Moreover, in F. exsecta, the proportions of worker pupae and worker adults fathered by each male did not differ significantly between cohorts. The most likely explanation for this pattern is that females store different amounts of sperm from the two males they mated with.

Surfactant protein A, exposure to endotoxin, and asthma in garbage collectors and in wastewater workers.

Endotoxin causes an inflammation at the bronchial and alveolar level. The inflammation-induced increase in permeability of the bronchoalveolar epithelial barrier is supposed to cause a leakage of pneumoproteins. Therefore, their concentrations are expected to increase in the bloodstream.This study aimed at examining the association between occupational exposure to endotoxin and a serum pneumoprotein, surfactant protein A, to look for nonoccupational factors capable of confounding this association, and examine the relation between surfactant protein A and spirometry. There were 369 control subjects, 325 wastewater workers, and 84 garbage collectors in the study. Exposure to endotoxin was assessed through personal sampling and the Limulus amebocytes lysate assay. Surfactant protein A was determined by an in house sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 697 subjects. Clinical and smoking history were ascertained and spirometry carried out according to American Thoracic Society criteria. Multiple linear regression was used for statistical analysis. Exposure was fairly high during some tasks in wastewater workers but did not influence surfactant protein A. Surfactant protein A was lower in asthmatics. Interindividual variability was large. No correlation with spirometry was found. Endotoxin has no effect on surfactant protein A at these endotoxin levels and serum surfactant protein A does not correlate with spirometry. The decreased surfactant protein A secretion in asthmatics requires further study.

Use of Railroad Flat Cars for Low-Volume Road Bridges, August 1999

In an attempt to solve the bridge problem faced by many county engineers, this investigation focused on a low cost bridge alternative that consists of using railroad flatcars (RRFC) as the bridge superstructure. The intent of this study was to determine whether these types of bridges are structurally adequate and potentially feasible for use on low volume roads. A questionnaire was sent to the Bridge Committee members of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to determine their use of RRFC bridges and to assess the pros and cons of these bridges based on others’ experiences. It was found that these types of bridges are widely used in many states with large rural populations and they are reported to be a viable bridge alternative due to their low cost, quick and easy installation, and low maintenance. A main focus of this investigation was to study an existing RRFC bridge that is located in Tama County, IA. This bridge was analyzed using computer modeling and field load testing. The dimensions of the major structural members of the flatcars in this bridge were measured and their properties calculated and used in an analytical grillage model. The analytical results were compared with those obtained in the field tests, which involved instrumenting the bridge and loading it with a fully loaded rear tandem-axle truck. Both sets of data (experimental and theoretical) show that the Tama County Bridge (TCB) experienced very low strains and deflections when loaded and the RRFCs appeared to be structurally adequate to serve as a bridge superstructure. A calculated load rating of the TCB agrees with this conclusion. Because many different types of flatcars exist, other flatcars were modeled and analyzed. It was very difficult to obtain the structural plans of RRFCs; thus, only two additional flatcars were analyzed. The results of these analyses also yielded very low strains and displacements. Taking into account the experiences of other states, the inspection of several RRFC bridges in Oklahoma, the field test and computer analysis of the TCB, and the computer analysis of two additional flatcars, RRFC bridges appear to provide a safe and feasible bridge alternative for low volume roads.

Improved health of hospitality workers after a Swiss cantonal smoking ban.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: Hospitality workers are a population particularly at risk from the noxious effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The Canton of Vaud, Switzerland banned smoking in public places in September 2009. This prospective study addresses the impact of the ban on the health of hospitality workers. METHODS: ETS exposure was evaluated using a passive sampling device that measures airborne nicotine; lung function was assessed by spirometry; health-related quality of life, ETS exposure symptoms and satisfaction were measured by questionnaire. RESULTS: 105 participants (smokers and non-smokers) were recruited initially and 66 were followed up after one year. ETS exposure was significantly lower after the ban. Hospitality workers had lower pre-ban forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values than expected. FEV1 remained stable after the ban, with a near-significant increase in the subgroup of asthmatics only. FVC increased at one year follow-up from 90.42% to 93.05% (p = 0.02) in the entire cohort; women, non-smokers and older participants gained the greatest benefit. The health survey showed an increase in physical wellbeing after the ban, the greatest benefit being observed in non-smokers. ETS exposure symptoms were less frequent after the ban, especially red and irritated eyes and sneezing. The new law was judged useful and satisfactory by the vast majority of employees, including smokers. CONCLUSION: The recent cantonal ban on smoking in public places brought about an improvement in lung function, physical well-being and ETS symptoms of hospitality workers, including smokers.

Iowa State Railroad Map, July 1, 2010

Iowa railroad map of Iowa trains.

Statistical discrimination and employers' recruitment : Practices for low-skilled workers

This paper deals with the recruitment strategies of employers in the low-skilled segment of the labour market. We focus on low-skilled workers because they are overrepresented among jobless people and constitute the bulk of the clientele included in various activation and labour market programmes. A better understanding of the constraints and opportunities of interventions in this labour market segment may help improve their quality and effectiveness. On the basis of qualitative interviews with 41 employers in six European countries, we find that the traditional signals known to be used as statistical discrimination devices (old age, immigrant status and unemployment) play a somewhat reduced role, since these profiles are overrepresented among applicants for low skill positions. However, we find that other signals, mostly considered to be indicators of motivation, have a bigger impact in the selection process. These tend to concern the channel through which the contact with a prospective candidate is made. Unsolicited applications and recommendations from already employed workers emit a positive signal, whereas the fact of being referred by the public employment office is associated with the likelihood of lower motivation.

Factors promoting the exposure to bioaerosols among crop workers

Agricultural workers are among the professional groups most at risk of developing acute or chronic respiratory problems. Despite this fact, the etiology of these occupational diseases is poorly known, even in important sectors of agriculture such as the crops sector. A chronic exposure to multiple microorganisms, such as different bacterial and fungal species, has been proposed to be the cause of these multiple respiratory pathologies. Nevertheless, these microbial communities are still partially known. The aim of this study is to characterize all fungal species inhaled by the crops workers during different grain related activities and identify the abiotic and biotic factors that reduce the growth of the toxigenic, irritative or allergenic microbial species. Here, we are presenting the factors promoting the exposure to bioaerosols during different wheat related activities: harvesting, grain unload, baling straw, the cleaning of harvesters and silos. Total dust has been quantified following NIOSH 0500 method. Reactive endotoxin activity has been determined with Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Assay. All molds have been identified by the pyrosequencing of ITS2 amplicons generated from bioaerosol.

2009 Iowa Railroad System Plan, 2009

The 2009 Iowa Railroad System Plan is intended to guide the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) in its activities of promoting access to rail transportation, helping to improve the freight railroad transportation system, expanding passenger rail service, and promoting improved safety both on the rail system and where the rail system interacts with people and other transportation modes. The Iowa DOT has been developing railroad transportation plans since the late 1970s. The original plan was prepared in 1978 during a time of crisis in the Iowa railroad system. Several large Iowa railroad carriers had filed for bankruptcy and were reorganizing both their businesses and physical systems. The 1978 plan was a guide for determining which railroad lines the state would partner with to preserve and improve the lines. In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the railroad system mileage in Iowa was reduced from about

Iowa Railroad Activity Book, July 2005

Activity book for children about railroads produced by the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Part I. Iowa Railroad Investment Plan, 2009

The 2009 Iowa Railroad System Plan details the state’s role in providing and preserving adequate, safe and efficient rail transportation services to Iowans. The plan is intended to serve as a guide for decision makers and provides a basis for future Iowa DOT policy, funding priorities and programming decisions that affect rail transportation service in Iowa. The primary purpose of the 2009 Iowa Railroad System Plan is to guide the Iowa DOT in pursuing actions that maintain and improve railroad transportation in Iowa. The plan is a component of the Iowa Statewide Transportation Plan known as “Iowa in Motion.” This plan considers railroads from an intermodal perspective. Many commodities that move by rail also move by other modes (principally trucks) during part of their journey from origin to destination. The same is true of persons who use rail passenger service to make trips and who must also rely on other modes to access rail service. Therefore, railroads are part of larger intermodal freight and passenger transportation systems.

Part II. Iowa railroad resource guide, 2009

This section of the 2009 Iowa Railroad System Plan provides background information for the plan, grouped by topic. The resource guide also provides users with important information about the railroad industry and Iowa’s railroad system. The major topics covered below include: • Iowa’s railroad system and carriers. • Railroad freight and Iowa’s economy. • Rail passenger service and Iowa’s economy. • The safety of Iowa’s railroad system, including network safety and security, and railroad and communication interaction.