Environmental exposure to benzene: evaluation of urinary S-PMmorphism (CYP2E1-129A and poly3G>C and NQO1 609C> T) in Campos Elíseos residents, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil / Exposição ambiental ao benzeno: avaliação do S-PMA urinário e de polimorfismos (CYP2E1-1293G>C e NQO1 609C> T) em residentes de Campos Elíseos, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Exposición ambiental al benceno: análisis del S-PMA en la orina y polimorfismo (CYP2E1-1293G>C y NQO1 609C> T) en residentes de Campos Elíseos, Duque de Caxias, Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Benzene is one of the most important substances for assessment, due to its significant use, the environmental contamination resulting from its emission and the effects on human health. It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a known carcinogen to humans (group 1) and associated with the development of leukemia. In general, the population is exposed to this substance by inhaling contaminated air, which varies according to the location and intensity of its potential sources. The petrochemical industry is one of the most important sources of this compound. The municipality of Duque de Caxias, specifically the Campos Elíseos district, in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, houses the Industrial Complex of Campos Elíseos (PICE), a grouping of over 25 industries, which includes the second largest oil refinery in Brazil. Environmental contamination from the PICE has been recognized, but there is a lack of studies concerning its impact on the health of the surrounding population. S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) concentrations ranging from 0.80 to 8.01μg.g-1 creatinine were observed in the local population, apparently related to hematological changes also observed in exposed population. The quantifiable presence of urinary S-PMA from the benzene metabolism is associated with the fact that 60% of the participants present specific hematological changes, which may be due to the environmental benzene exposure. The allele and genotype frequencies of the CYP2E1 and NQO1 enzymes observed in the study population were similar to those reported in other studies. The presence of the variant allele in the NQO1 genotype may be a risk factor for the observed hematological changes.

O benzeno é uma das substâncias mais importantes para a biomonitorização, em função do uso disseminado, da contaminação ambiental que resulta da emissão e dos efeitos sobre a saúde humana. O benzeno é classificado pela Agência Internacional de Pesquisa em Câncer (IARC) como carcinógeno conhecido em seres humanos (grupo 1) e está associado ao desenvolvimento de leucemias. Em geral, a população fica exposta a essa substância através da inalação do ar contaminado, que varia de acordo com a localização e a intensidade das fontes potenciais. A indústria petroquímica é uma das fontes mais importantes desse composto. O Município de Duque de Caxias, especificamente o Distrito de Campos Elíseos, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, é sede do Polo Industrial de Campos Elíseos (PICE), um conjunto de mais de 25 indústrias que inclui a segunda maior refinaria de petróleo no Brasil. A contaminação ambiental produzida pelo PICE já é conhecida, mas faltam estudos sobre o impacto na saúde da população local. Foram observadas concentrações de ácido S-fenilmercaptúrico (S-PMA) entre 0,80 e 8,01μg.g-1 creatinina na população local, aparentemente implicadas nas alterações hematológicas também observadas na população exposta. A presença quantificável do S-PMA urinário do metabolismo do benzeno está associada ao fato de 60% dos participantes apresentarem alterações hematológicas específicas, o que pode ser devido à exposição ambiental ao benzeno. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas das enzimas CYP2E1 e NQO1, observadas na população do estudo, foram semelhantes àquelas relatadas em outros estudos. A presença da variante alélica do genótipo NQO1 pode ser um fator de risco para as alterações hematológicas observadas.

El benceno es una de las sustancias más importantes susceptibles de estudio, debido a su uso significativo, la contaminación ambiental resultante de sus emisiones y sus efectos sobre la salud humana. Está clasificado por el Centro Internacional de Investigaciones sobre el Cáncer (IARC) como un conocido carcinógeno para los humanos (grupo 1) y está asociado con el desarrollo de leucemias. En general, la población está expuesta a esta sustancia por inhalación de aire contaminado, que varía según el lugar y la intensidad de las emisiones. La industria petroquímica es un de las fuentes emisoras más importantes de este compuesto. La municipalidad de Duque de Caxias, específicamente el distrito de Campos Elíseos, en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, alberga el Complejo Industrial de Campos Elíseos (PICE), un conglomerado de más de 25 industrias, que incluye la segunda mayor refinería de petróleo en Brasil. La contaminación ambiental procedente del PICE ya ha sido reconocida, pero es notable la falta de estudios respecto a su impacto en la salud de la población circundante. Se observaron en la población local concentraciones de ácido s-fenilmercaptúrico (SPMA por sus siglas en inglés) que oscilan entre los 0,80 a 8,01μg.g-1 creatinina, aparentemente relacionadas con cambios hematológicos también hallados en la población expuesta. La presencia cuantificable de SPMA en la orina, procedente del metabolismo del benceno, está asociada con el hecho de que un 60% de los participantes presenta cambios específicos hematológicos, los cuales tal vez se deben a la exposición ambiental al benceno. Las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas del CYP2E1 y enzimas NQO1 observadas en el estudio fueron similares a las reportadas en otros estudios. La presencia de la variante alélica en el genotipo NQO1 podría ser un factor de riesgo para los cambios hematológicos observados.

A evolução recente da indústria farmacêutica brasileira nos limites da subordinação econômica / The recent evolution of the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry in the limits of economic subordination

Resumo Este artigo apresenta a evolução da indústria farmacêutica brasileira e da balança comercial entre 1996 e 2014 e discute possibilidades de mudanças na política industrial farmacêutica. Os pressupostos da pesquisa foram: que as possibilidades industriais para o setor estão fortemente conectadas com o cenário internacional; e que este piorou a partir dos anos 1990, tornando o país mais vulnerável. As fontes utilizadas foram a Pesquisa Industrial Anual, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia Estatística, e os dados da balança comercial do Sistema de Análise das Informações, do Ministério da Indústria, Comércio Exterior e Serviços. Os valores foram deflacionados e corrigidos para desconsiderar a influência da inflação. Os resultados demonstraram que há um desequilíbrio entre a evolução das indústrias farmoquímica e de medicamentos para uso humano em relação à das indústrias voltadas para medicamentos veterinários e de produtos químicos para o agronegócio. A balança comercial mostrou-se crescentemente deficitária para produtos farmacêuticos para uso humano. Os resultados corroboraram tanto a hipótese de crescente subordinação econômica quanto os pressupostos do estudo acima apontados.

Abstract This study shows the results of the development of the Brazilian Pharmaceutical Industry and trade balance between 1996 and 2014, discussing possibilities of changes in Brazilian industrial policies. The research had two assumptions: industrial possibilities are strongly connected with the international scenario, which has worsened since the 1990s, leaving the country more vulnerable. The data sources were the Annual Industrial Survey of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the Foreign Trade Information System from the Ministry of Industry. The values were adjusted not to consider the inflation. The results show that there was a big imbalance between the performances of the human pharmaceutical products and pharmochemical industries in regards to those focused on the production of chemicals and veterinary pharmaceutical products, in favor of these last ones. The trade balance data show a large and growing trade deficit for medicines for human use. The results corroborated the hypothesis of growing international subordination of the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry and the assumptions mentioned above.

Diseño del plato saludable y apreciaciones de los trabajadores sobre una jornada de educación nutricional / Design of a healthy meal and worker feedback following one day of nutritional education

Una alimentación adecuada constituye un factor fundamental para la fuerza de trabajo productiva. La investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el diseño de un plato saludable y las apreciaciones de los trabajadores de una industria química sobre una jornada de educación nutricional en La Victoria, Edo. Aragua, año 2015. Se realizó una jornada de educación nutricional con participación activa de los trabajadores, cuya evaluación se realizó bajo una metodología mixta, para el enfoque cualitativo, se analizó las apreciaciones del grupo de estudio, y desde la perspectiva cuantitativa, se formuló el plato saludable a partir de las propuestas obtenidas por 40 trabajadores; contemplando 5 grupos de alimentos: proteínas, carbohidratos, vegetales, grasas y frutas. Como resultado, para cada grupo de alimentos se seleccionó el alimento con mayor porcentaje de menciones, los cuales fueron: pechuga de pollo a la plancha (50%), arroz blanco (62,5%), ensalada mixta (52,5%), aguacate (7,5%) y manzana (20%), respectivamente. Se observó en las apreciaciones de los trabajadores, que desean guiarse por los principios del plato saludable y cambiar sus hábitos de alimentación. Se concluye que el diseño del plato se consideró satisfactorio, con los principios nutricionales, y además, se obtuvieron apreciaciones positivas para equilibrar la alimentación, servir porciones adecuadas e incorporar todos los grupos de alimentos en sus comidas diarias. Se propone que esta actividad educativa constituya un aporte inicial para el desarrollo de un plan de formación integral que refuerce los hábitos de alimentación adecuada en los trabajadores(AU)

Proper nutrition is a key factor for a productive workforce. The objective of the study was to evaluate the design of a healthy meal and feedback from workers at a chemical plant in La Victoria, Aragua State, who underwent a day of nutritional education in 2015. A one-day nutritional education session was carried out with active worker participation. We used a mixed methods approach, where a qualitative approach was used to analyze findings derived from the study group, and a quantitative component that resulted in the formulation of a healthy meal based on proposals from 40 workers in the context of the five basic food groups: proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, fats and fruits. As a result, for each group, the meals most often selected were grilled chicken breast (50%), white rice (62.5%), mixed salad (52.5%), avocado (7.5%) and apple (20%). Workers expressed an interest in being guided by healthy eating principles and in changing their eating habits. In conclusion, the design of the meal was satisfactory and in line with nutritional principles; in addition, there was a positive attitude towards balancing meals, serving adequate portions and incorporating all food groups into their daily meals. This educational activity represents an initial step towards the development of an integral training plan that reinforces proper eating habits among workers(AU)

Toxicant-nutrient interaction as a veritable host resistance against chemical toxicity in the rapidly industrializing developing nations

Growing evidence indicates that chemical utilization including toxic waste in the developing countries is on the increase. These nations have limited facilities for sound chemical management involving production, use and disposal of chemicals with minimal adverse effects on human and environmental health. Though concerns are important to all nations, they appear particularly salient to the industrializing countries under pressures to achieve development and eradicate poverty yet with limited capacity for sound chemical management. This increases the risk of chemical toxicity, with consequences such as genotoxicity, cancer and teratogenicity. The growing chemical burden implies the need for an efficient and effective means of xenobiotic metabolism and host resistance. Relevant literature on nutrients and toxicants interaction in various search engines were reviewed. The possible role of host resistance, essentially involving nutritional modulation has been ignored. Nutrient-toxicant response pathways could be affordable strategies against excessive chemical exposure. Zinc, a prime micronutrient is an antioxidant [Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD)], component of p53, guardian of the genome; active in the repair of DNA damage and apoptosis; protective against carcinogenesis. Zinc also plays an important role in vitamin A metabolism, in turn important in differentiation and central to retinoids involved in gene expression. Zinc is important in all the stages of the cell cycle, derangement of which may be a pathway to carcinogenesis. Use of this and other protective nutrients including folate and selenium, among others, appears a veritable approach to improving host resistance against chemical toxicity and should be considered promising in developing nations

Adoption Of Responsible Care Program In Malaysian Chemical Industries: Current Status And Way Forward

@#Chemical industry is one of the important industries in the world. However, incidents happened due to the release of hazardous materials, toxic and poisonous chemicals in the chemical industries can cause fatal to human and destruction of the environment. Learning from the Bhopal disaster's experience, chemical industries have developed a program - Responsible Care, aiming to regain public trust through improving the environment, health and safety performances. Malaysia has adopted Responsible Care program since 1994 under the stewardship of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia (CICM). Six codes of management practices have been developed by the CICM, covering distribution, community awareness and emergency response, pollution prevention, process safety, employee health & safety and product stewardship. It has been more than 20 years since its inception. However, to date, there are only 125 companies have signed the pledge to adopt Responsible Care program. The CICM has also conducted several initiatives to encourage participation of chemical companies to adopt Responsible Care program in Malaysia. Therefore, it is the aim of this paper to review the current status of Responsible Care program in Malaysia and also deliberate the way forward of this program

Prevalência de excesso de peso entre trabalhadores em esquema de trabalho em turnos fixos / Prevalence of overweight among employees working in fixed shift schedules

Contexto: A obesidade é uma doença com proporções epidêmicas ao redor do mundo. Tal quadro é causa de redução de qualidade e expectativa de vida, incapacidade funcional e mortalidade. Apresenta etiologia multifatorial, sendo resultado de interações genéticas, estilo de vida e fatores ambientais, como o trabalho. Em uma sociedade que funciona 24 horas, há aumento crescente de trabalhadores com jornada noturna. As alterações metabólicas geradas pelo trabalho noturno levam a problemas como o aumento do excesso de peso corporal. Objetivos: Verificar a presença de fatores associados ao quadro de excesso de peso entre trabalhadores de uma empresa de produtos químicos com trabalho em turno. Métodos: Estudo transversal analítico realizado em uma empresa de produtos químicos na cidade de São Paulo, em 2013. 29 trabalhadores do setor de produção (76,3% do total) aceitaram participar da pesquisa e foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com seus horários de trabalho. Houve entrevista para preenchimento de questionários e avaliação física. Considerou­se caso positivo de excesso de peso quando o índice de massa corporal (IMC) foi igual ou maior que 25 kg/m2. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas entre o desfecho e as variáveis, com exato de Fisher. Resultados: O grupo era todo do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 40,2 anos (DP±6,53) e média de tempo de empresa de 10 anos (DP±8). Dos participantes, 93% não fumavam, 62% não ingeriam bebida alcoólica, 41% eram sedentários e 69% trabalhavam em jornada diurna. O excesso de peso estava presente em 82,8% dos trabalhadores. Não houve associação estatística entre o excesso de peso e o turno de trabalho ou demais covariáveis. Conclusão: Conclui-se que há alta prevalência de sobrepeso no grupo estudado. O turno de trabalho e outras covariáveis não apresentam associação estatística com o excesso de peso entre os trabalhadores da presente pesquisa. De toda forma, é necessário iniciar programas de atenção integral à saúde do trabalhador para redução do excesso de peso nessa empresa.

Context: Obesity is a disease of epidemic proportions worldwide. This condition leads to reduced quality of life and life expectancy, functional disability, and mortality. With multifactorial etiology, it is the result of genetic interactions, lifestyle, and environmental factors, such as labor. In a society that operates 24 hours, there is a constant increase in night-shift workers. The metabolic changes caused by night work lead to problems such as an increase in excess body weight. Objectives: To verify the occurrence of factors associated with overweight among employees who work in shifts in a chemical company. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out at a chemical company in the city of São Paulo, in 2013. Twenty-nine workers from the production department (76.3% of the total) agreed to participate in the study and were divided into three groups, according to their work schedules. An interview was conducted for the completion of questionnaires and physical evaluation. A case was categorized as overweight when the body mass index (BMI) was ≥25 kg/m2. Statistical analyzes were performed between the outcome and the variables using Fisher's exact test. Results: The group was composed of all male workers, with mean age of 40.2 years (SD±6.53) and average of 10 years (SD±8) working in the company. Of the total participants, 93% did not smoke, 62% did not drink alcohol, 41% were sedentary, and 69% worked the daytime shift. Overweight was present in 82.8% of the workers. There was no statistical association of overweight with shifts or other covariates. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a high prevalence of overweight in the studied group. The work shift and other covariables did not show statistical association with overweight among the workers in this research. However, it indicates that this company need to create programs of integral attention to the workers' health aimed at overweight reduction.

Development and perspective of bio-based chemical fiber industry / 生物工程学报

Bio-based fiber is environment friendly, reproducible, easily biodegradable. Therefore, rapid development of bio-based fiber industry is an obvious in progress to replace petrochemical resources, develop sustainable economy, build resource saving and environment friendly society. This article describes the current development of bio-based fiber industry, analyzes existing problems, indicates the trends and objectives of bio-based fiber materials technology innovation and recommends developing bio-based fibers industry of our country.

Processing, properties and application of poly lactic acid (PLA) fiber / 生物工程学报

Poly lactic acid (PLA) fibers a biodegradable fiber produced from PLA resin by melt spinning, solvent spinning or electrostatic spinning. Based on the excellent safety, comfortability, environmental protection and good mechanical properties, PLA can be widely applied in textile fabric, nonwoven, filler fabric and many downstream health products application, such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, facial masks, and wipes.

Recent advances in nucleating agents used for poly (lactic acid) / 生物工程学报

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a polymer synthesized from lactic acid with good biocompatibility and biodegradability. At present, PLA manufactured on industrial scale is mainly synthesized from L-lactic acid. The obtained products have good transparency but poor heat resistance. Adding nucleating agents could increase the crystallinity of PLA, to improve heat resistance. We reviewed the progress of research on organic and inorganic nucleating agents that can be used for PLA synthesis.

Environmental Exposure to Arsenic, Lead, and Cadmium in People Living near Janghang Copper Smelter in Korea

Concentrations of heavy metals exceed safety thresholds in the soil near Janghang Copper Refinery, a smelter in Korea that operated from 1936 to 1989. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of exposure to toxic metals and the potential effect on health in people living near the smelter. The study included 572 adults living within 4 km of the smelter and compared them with 413 controls group of people living similar lifestyles in a rural area approximately 15 km from the smelter. Urinary arsenic (As) level did not decrease according to the distance from the smelter, regardless of gender and working history in smelters and mines. However, in subjects who had no occupational exposure to toxic metals, blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and urinary Cd decreased according to the distance from the smelter, both in men and women. Additionally, the distance from the smelter was a determinant factor for a decrease of As, Pb, and Cd in multiple regression models, respectively. On the other hands, urinary Cd was a risk factor for renal tubular dysfunction in populations living near the smelter. These results suggest that Janghang copper smelter was a main contamination source of As, Pb, and Cd, and populations living near the smelter suffered some adverse health effects as a consequence. The local population should be advised to make efforts to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, in order to minimize potential health effects, and to pay close attention to any health problems possibly related to toxic metal exposure.

Progress in glucaric acid / 生物工程学报

Glucaric acid (GA) is derived from glucose and commonly used in chemical industry. It is also considered as one of the "Top value-added chemicals from biomass" as carbohydrate monomers to produce various synthetic polymers and bioenergy. The demand for GA in food manufacture is increasing. GA has also attracted public attentions due to its therapeutic uses such as regulating hormones, increasing the immune function and reducing the risks of cancers. Currently GA is produced by chemical oxidation. Research on production of GA via microbial synthesis is still at preliminary stage. We reviewed the advances of glucaric acid applications, preparation and quantification methods. The prospects on production of GA by microbial fermentation were also discussed.

An analysis of occupational hazard in manufacturing industry in Guangzhou, China, in 2013 / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide data for the occupational health supervision by analyzing the occupational health status in manufacturing industry in Guangzhou, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The occupational health investigation was performed in 280 enterprises randomly selected from 8 industries based on industry stratification. According to the occupational health standards, 198 out of the 280 enterprises were supervised and monitored. Sample testing was performed in 3~5 workplaces where workers were exposed to the highest concentration/intensity of occupational hazard for the longest time. Comparative analyses of the overproof rates of hazard were performed among enterprises, workplaces, and testing items from different industries.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The concentrations of occupational hazard in 42.93% (85/198) of enterprises and 22.96% (200/871) of workplaces were above the limit concentration. The most severe hazards were the noises in shipbuilding and wooden furniture industries and the welding fumes in shipbuilding industry. Less than 30% of enterprises were able to provide occupational health examination and periodic test reports of occupational hazard in workplaces. The rate of the workers with abnormal occupational health examination results and the need for reexamination reached 6.63% (832/12 549), and they were mostly from shipbuilding, wooden furniture, and chemical industries.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The occupational health supervision should be strengthened in enterprises, and hazard from noises and dusts should be selectively controlled or reduced. The publication of relevant data and information of occupational health in enterprises should be promoted to enhance social supervision.</p>

Annual Report on External Quality Assessment Scheme for Urinalysis and Faecal Occult Blood Testing in Korea (2014)

In 2014, external quality assessment trials for urinalysis and faecal occult blood (FOB) were performed of 1,270 participants. Urine chemistry and FOB tests were evaluated three times, while urine sediment examination by photography was evaluated one time. Urine chemistry tests consisted of pH, protein, glucose, ketone, bilirubin, blood, urobilinogen, nitrite, leukocyte, and specific gravity (SG). The urine chemistry test results showed accuracy rates >95%, while those of the SG test by using a refractometer had accuracy rates <95%. In the FOB quality test, the Bio Focus reagent (BIO FOCUS Co., Korea) disclosed low positive rates (87%). The result of the FOB quantity test showed different values according to the instruments used, and the Kyowa instrument (Kyowa Chemical Industry Co., Japan) revealed the lowest values. In a urinary sediment examination, it is necessary to increase the frequency of the quality assessment trials due to low accuracy rates.

A study of the status of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in relation to its metabolites among workers in a Korean chemical factory / Um estudo sobre o estado de exposição a hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs), em relação aos seus metabolitos, entre os trabalhadores em fábricas de produtos químicos coreana

The study was conducted to evaluate the status of worker exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through the measurement of urinary metabolites such as 1-hydroxypyrene (OHP) and 2-naphthol. A survey using a questionnaire involving 326 workers with measurement of urinary metabolites of 1-OHP and 2-naphthol was conducted. The differences in urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations, and changes in work, smoking habits and lifestyle were analyzed. The number of male subjects was 314 (96.3%), the largest age group was the fifth decade (170 cases, 52.1%). The urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations were significantly higher in the production workers. The urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations were significantly higher in smokers. In a multiple regression model, log (1-OHP) increased in smokers and production workers, while log (2-naphthol) only increased in smokers. Our results suggest that workers in this factory were exposed to PAHs from non-occupational as well as occupational sources. The occupational exposure to PAHs can be reduced through the improvement of the process, but the exposure due to smoking can be prevented only by giving up smoking.

O presente estudo foi realizado para avaliar o estado de exposição a hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) em trabalhadores, por medição de metabólitos urinários, tais como 1-hidroxipireno (OHP) e 2-naftol. Foi realizada uma pesquisa por questionário envolvendo 326 trabalhadores e a mensuração dos metabólitos urinários de 1-OHP e 2-naftol. Foram analisadas as diferenças na urinária 1-OHP e as concentrações de 2-naftol e mudanças pelo trabalho, hábito de fumar e estilo de vida. O número de indivíduos do sexo masculino foi de 314 (96,3%), a maior faixa etária foi a quinta década (170 casos, 52,1 %). Com relação aos metabólitos urinários 1 -OHP e 2-naftol, as concentrações foram significativamente maiores nos trabalhadores produtivos. As concentrações dos metabólitos urinários 1-OHP e 2-naftol foram significativamente maiores nos fumantes. Em um modelo de regressão múltipla, log (1-OHP) aumentou em fumantes e em trabalhadores produtivos, enquanto que log (2-naftol) aumentou apenas em fumantes. Nossos resultados sugerem que os trabalhadores desta fábrica foram expostos tanto a HAPs de fontes não ocupacionais como ocupacionais. A exposição ocupacional a HAPs pode ser diminuída através da melhoria do processo, mas a exposição devido ao fumo só pode ser impedida interrompendo esse hábito.

Detection rate analysis on neurological sign of workers exposed to different concentrations of carbon disulfide / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of exposed to different concentrations of carbon disulfide on neurological signs of workers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Collection the information of concentration of carbon disulfide in the workplace or workers individuals exposed of a chemical fiber industry from 2004 to 2011, a total of 3 537 workers exposed to carbon disulfide were detected muscle strength and muscle tone, knee reflex, Achilles tendon reflex, trembling limbs, sensory function, and three chatter. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis on abnormal neurological signs of workers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eight hours time-weighted average concentration range of workers exposed to carbon disulfide in this chemical fiber industry was 0.2-41.0 mg/m(3), geometric mean was 2.38 mg/m(3). Concentration of carbon disulfide exposure of 1 771 workers was from 0.2 to 2.5 mg/m3( ≤ 2.5 mg/m(3)), 642 workers was 2.6-4.8 mg/m(3) (< 5.0 mg/m(3)), other 1 051 workers was from 5.1 to 41.0 mg/m(3) ( > 5.0 mg/m(3)) in all subjects. The different detection rates of knee reflex were 3.0% (31/1 045), 3.7% (21/574), 4.8% (16/331), 3.3% (10/305), 5.9% (11/187), 6.7% (68/1 022), the different detection rates of Achilles tendon reflex were 2.2% (23/1 045), 3.7% (21/574), 2.7% (9/331), 2.3% (7/305), 2.1% (4/187), 5.6% (57/1 022), the different detection rates of sensory dysfunction were 0.4% (4/1 045), 0.5% (3/574), 0.6% (2/331), 0.0% (0/305), 2.1% (4/187), 1.7% (17/1 022) in different cumulative amount of contact groups ( ≤ 10.0, 10.1-20.0, 20.1-30.0, 30.1-40.0, 40.1-50.0, >50.0 mg/m(3) per year), and the differences were statistically significant (χ(2) = 19.53, 21.27 and 15.89, all P values were <0.01) . Stratified according to age and gender, in addition to the ≤ 25 years group the difference of detection rate analysis on Achilles tendon reflex was statistically significant in the different concentration group (the ratio of on Achilles tendon reflex in the different groups of concentration of carbon disulfide exposure of 2.5, 2.6-5.0, ≥ 5.0 mg/m(3) were 0.4% (2/511), 1.0% (1/98), 2.1% (7/327), χ(2) = 5.59, P = 0.045) , the difference of detection rate analysis on neurological sign was not statistically significant in the different concentration group on the rest of the age and gender groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Within the concentration range of the object of study contact actual, different concentrations of carbon disulfide in addition to individual neurological signs of individual ages influential, it has no significant effect on the various signs of nervous system of workers of most age and gender groups, expect the age below the 25 years old group.</p>

Low temperature plasma technology for biomass refinery / 生物工程学报

Biorefinery that utilizes renewable biomass for production of fuels, chemicals and bio-materials has become more and more important in chemical industry. Recently, steam explosion technology, acid and alkali treatment are the main biorefinery treatment technologies. Meanwhile, low temperature plasma technology has attracted extensive attention in biomass refining process due to its unique chemical activity and high energy. We systemically summarize the research progress of low temperature plasma technology for pretreatment, sugar platflow, selective modification, liquefaction and gasification in biomass refinery. Moreover, the mechanism of low temperature plasma in biorefinery and its further development were also discussed.

Characteristics analysis on acute occupational poisoning accident from 2006 to 2013 in Jiangsu Province / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the characteristics of acute occupational poisoning accidents reported in Jiangsu Province between 2006 to 2013.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on the reported data of occupational diseases, we analysis indicators such as type, gender, age, and enterprise size of acute occupational poisoning.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) There were 226 acute occupational poisoning accidents for 8 years with 436 workers poisoned and 13 died. The Poisoning mortality rate was 2.98%. (2) The accidents occurred more frequently from March to August each year. (3) Asphyxiating gases, irritant gases and organic solvents are the main chemicals which caused these poisoning accidents. (4) Most of the cases come from the chemical industry and light industry . They more occurred in men and presented the trend of aging. (5) Most of them are from the south of Jiangsu and coastal areas. New cases of acute occupational poisoning mainly concentrated in small businesses.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Strengthening the supervision on high incidence area and high-risk industry is the key point to reduce the incidence of acute occupational poisoning accident.</p>

Analytical Performance of Wako and Sekisui Clinical Chemistry Assays on Hitachi LABOSPECT 008

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the analytical performance of Wako assays for albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), complement C3 and C4, calcium, creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), direct bilirubin (DBIL), iron, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), HDL cholesterol (HDLC), inorganic phosphorus (IP), LDL cholesterol (LDLC), total bilirubin (TBIL), total protein (TP), and uric acid (UA), as well as the performance of Sekisui assays for albumin, BUN, calcium, CRP, HDLC, IP, LDLC, TP, and UA by using Hitachi LABOSPECT 008 (Hitachi High-Tech Co., Japan). METHODS: Liquid Assayed Multiqual Control (Bio-Rad Laboratories, USA) and pooled patients' sera were analyzed for 20 days. Wako linearity material (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., Japan) and Sysmex Interference Check A Plus kit (Sysmex Co., Japan) were used to test linearity and interference, respectively. Concentrations of the target analytes were measured using Hitachi LABOSPECT 008 in 100 residual patient specimens and compared to those in Pureauto S series reagent (Sekisui Medical, Japan), which were measured using Hitachi 7600 (Hitachi High-Tech Co., Japan). RESULTS: Total coefficients of variation (CVs) for the tested analytes were 0.91-9.26% in Wako and 1.04-7.46% in Sekisui assays. Linearity was demonstrated up to the highest concentration within the analytical range in all the assays except for Wako albumin and Sekisui TP. Wako and Sekisui albumin, BUN, CRP, HDLC, and LDLC assays, and in Wako C3, C4, calcium, and UA assays showed no interference with the test concentrations used. All the tested assays, except for Wako AST, LDLC, and TP, and Sekisui calcium and TP, demonstrated comparability with comparative method for at least one medical decision level. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results showed that the analytical performances of Wako and Sekisui chemistry assays evaluated using Hitachi LABOSPECT 008 had appropriate analytical performance for clinical use.

Alteraciones hematológicas en trabajadores expuestos ocupacionalmente a mezcla de benceno- tolueno-xileno (BTX) en una fábrica de pinturas / Blood disorders among workers exposed to a mixture of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) in a paint factory

Objetivos. Evaluar las tres series celulares sanguíneas e identificar la presencia de hipocromía, macrocitosis, leucopenia, linfocitopenia y trombocitopenia en un grupo de trabajadores expuestos a la mezcla de benceno-tolueno-xileno (BTX). Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal donde se incluyó a 97 trabajadores de una empresa de pinturas de México a los que se les realizó una biometría hemática convencional y les fue estimada la exposición a través de la dosis diaria potencial acumulada para vapores de BTX. Resultados. Del total de trabajadores, 19,6%, mostró macrocitosis, 18,6%, linfocitopenia, 10,3% hipocromía, 7,2% trombocitopenia y 5,2% leucopenia. La asociación cruda de macrocitosis con exposición a dosis alta de mezcla de BTX fue la única significativa (OR:3,6; IC95%: 1,08 - 13,9; p=0,02) y en la que se estructuró un modelo de regresión logística (OR:6,7; IC95%: 1,33 - 13,55; p:0,02) ajustada por edad, consumo de alcohol y tabaquismo. Conclusiones. Todos los componentes citohemáticos analizados mostraron cambios leves; que podrían estar asociados con la exposición a la mezcla de BTX. De ellos, la macrocitosis podría constituirse en una manifestación precoz que merece ser vigilada.

Objectives. Evaluate the three blood cell series and identify the presence of hypochromia, macrocytosis, leucopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia in a group of workers exposed to the mixture of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX). Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study which included 97 workers from a paint factory in Mexico. The participants underwent conventional blood count and tests for potential cumulative daily dose of BTX fumes, to estimate exposure. Results. From the total of workers, 19.6% showed macrocytosis, 18.6%, lymphopenia, hypochromia 10.3%, 7.2% and 5.2% thrombocytopenia leukopenia. The crude association of macrocytosis with exposure to high doses of BTX mixture was the only with statistical significance (OR: 3.6, 95% CI 1.08 to 13.9, P = 0.02), and the base for a logistic regression model (OR: 6.7, 95% CI 1.33 to 13.55, P = 0.02) adjusted for age, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Conclusions. All blood cytological components analyzed demonstrated mild changes, potentially associated with exposure to the mixture of BTX. Macrocytosis could constitute an early manifestation worthy for surveillance.

Occupational and environmental risk factors for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Egypt: a multicenter case-control study

Despite the advances in medical therapy and technology, the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [IPF] remains poor and the need for disease prevention based on identifying the risk factors becomes mandatory. Occupational and environmental exposures were studied in several countries and found to play important role in the disease development. However, in Egypt, a little attention has been paid to study the effect of these factors in the disease development. To identify the occupational and environmental risk factors associated with the development of IPF in Egypt. A multicenter hospital-based case-control study was carried out in chest hospitals affiliated to three Egyptian cities-Cairo, Tanta and Mansoura. Subjects were 201 patients with confirmed IPF [cases] and 205 age-, sex- and residence-matched controls. Data on occupational and environmental factors were obtained from a questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of IPF in both sexes for single factors with adjustment for age, residence and smoking status. Compared with the controls, the risk of IPF in male workers was observed to increase significantly in chemical and petrochemical industries and carpentry and wood working [OR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.02-7.01], and with occupational exposures to wood dust and wood preservatives. Among female workers, a significant increase was observed in farming [OR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.17-10.12], raising birds and occupational exposures to animal feeds, products and dusts and pesticides. Risk of IPF decreased significantly in male workers and in-significantly among female workers in sales and clerical related activities. The environmental exposures to birds and cats were significantly associated with elevated risk of IPF development in both sexes. In Egypt, farming, raising birds and wood working are important risk factors for the development of IPF