Pulmonary adverse effects of welding fume in automobile assembly welders

Welding is one of the key components of numerous manufacturing industries, which has potential physical and chemical health hazards. Many components of welding fumes can potentially affect the lung function. This study investigates the effects of welding fumes on lung function and respiratory symptoms among welders of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This historical cohort study assesses 43 male welders and 129 office workers by a questionnaire to record demographic data, smoking habits, work history and respiratory symptoms as well as lung function status by spirometry. The average pulmonary function values of welders were lower relative to controls with dose-effect relationship between work duration and pulmonary function impairment. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was higher in welders than controls. Our findings suggest that welders are at risk for pulmonary disease

Evaluation of thyroid autoantibodies in type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease are the two common endocrinopathies seen in adult population. Studies to evaluate thyroid disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity in type 2 diabetic patients with age and sex matched non-diabetic control group. Among patients referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center, 2792 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited. Clinical examination were carried out and samples for thyroid function test were obtained including thyroxin [T4], triiodothyronine [T3], Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [TSH], T3 Resin Uptake [T3RU], thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPO-Ab] and thyroglobulin antibodies [TG-Ab]. They were compared with 4844 non-diabetic, age and sex matched control subjects. Our findings showed that the levels of thyroid hormone were not significantly different from levels in non-diabetic controls [P<0.05]. Positive TPO antibody was found in 1032 type 2 diabetic patients [36.9%] versus 1802 [37.2%] in control group [P=0.8]. Positive both thyroid antibodies, TPO antibody and TG antibody were found in 314 diabetic patients; [11.2%] versus 516 [10.8%] in controls [P=0.54]. Our findings indicate that the frequency of thyroid autoimmunity is not significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients than in non-diabetic control group