Occupational Exposures and Neurodegenerative Diseases-A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses.

Objectives: To carry out an integrated and stratified meta-analysis on occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), metals and pesticides and its effects on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and investigate the possibility of publication bias. Methods: In the current study, we updated our recently published meta-analyses on occupational exposures in relation to ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Based on 66 original publications of good scientific epidemiological standard, according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines, we analysed subgroups by carrying out stratified meta-analyses on publication year, statistical precision of the relative risk (RR) estimates, inspection of the funnel plots and test of bias. Results: Based on 19 studies the weighted RR for occupational exposure to EMFs was 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07⁻1.50) for ALS, 1.33 (95% CI 1.07⁻1.64) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.02 (95% CI 0.83⁻1.26) for Parkinson's disease. Thirty-one studies concerned occupational exposure to pesticides and the weighted RR was 1.35 (95% CI 1.02⁻1.79) for ALS, 1.50 (95% CI 0.98⁻2.29) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.66 (95% CI 1.42⁻1.94) for Parkinson's disease. Finally, 14 studies concerned occupational exposure to metals and only exposure to lead (five studies) involved an elevated risk for ALS or Parkinson's disease and the weighted RR was 1.57 (95% CI 1.11⁻2.20). The weighted RR for all the non-lead exposures was 0.97 (95% CI 0.88⁻1.06). Conclusions: Exposure to pesticides increased the risk of getting the mentioned neurodegenerative diseases by at least 50%. Exposure to lead was only studied for ALS and Parkinson's disease and involved 50% increased risk. Occupational exposure to EMFs seemed to involve some 10% increase in risk for ALS and Alzheimer's disease only.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Occupational Exposures: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses.

Objectives: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies fulfilling good scientific epidemiological standards for use in meta-analyses of occupational risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: We identified 79 original publications on associations between work and ALS. The MOOSE (Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) guidelines were used to ensure high scientific quality, and reliable protocols were applied to classify the articles. Thirty-seven articles fulfilled good scientific standards, while 42 were methodologically deficient and thus were excluded from our meta-analyses. Results: The weighted relative risks for the various occupational exposures were respectively; 1.29 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97⁻1.72; six articles) for heavy physical work, 3.98 (95% CI: 2.04⁻7.77; three articles) for professional sports, 1.45 (95% CI: 1.07⁻1.96; six articles) for metals, 1.19 (95% CI: 1.07⁻1.33; 10 articles) for chemicals, 1.18 (95% CI: 1.07⁻1.31; 16 articles) for electromagnetic fields or working with electricity, and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05⁻1.34; four articles) for working as a nurse or physician. Conclusions: Meta-analyses based only on epidemiologic publications of good scientific quality show that the risk of ALS is statistically significantly elevated for occupational exposures to excessive physical work, chemicals (especially pesticides), metals (especially lead), and possibly also to electromagnetic fields and health care work. These results are not explained by publication bias.

Parkinson's disease and occupational exposures: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses.

Objectives We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies fulfilling good scientific epidemiological standards for use in meta-analyses of relevant risk factors for Parkinson's disease. Methods Our search identified 103 original publications on associations between work and Parkinson's disease. GRADE guidelines were used to ensure high scientific quality, and reliable guidelines were applied to classify the papers. Of the 103 articles, 47 fulfilled good scientific standards while 56 were methodologically deficient and thus excluded from our meta-analyses. Results A total of 23 publications concerned work exposure to pesticides. The weighted relative risk estimate was 1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.42-1.97). A funnel plot and bias test indicated that some publication bias concerning smaller studies might have been present. The risk estimate was not influenced by study design (case-control, cohort, or cross-sectional study) or gender. Higher estimates were found when there was a hereditary taint or onset below age 60. Studies on exposure to metals or electromagnetic fields did not show increased risk. Conclusions Using an elaborated quality protocol, there is now strong evidence that exposure to any pesticide involves a ≥50% increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease.

[Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery]. / Minimalinvasiv mitraliskirurgi bra alternativ till konventionell kirurgi - Mindre kirurgiskt trauma kan ge färre komplikationer och snabbare återhämtning.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery Conventional mitral valve surgery is performed through a full median sternotomy. Minimal invasive mitral valve surgery was introduced in the mid 1990s and is performed through a right mini-thoracotomy. Minimal access mitral valve surgery has grown in popularity and by reducing surgical trauma potential benefits include decreased postoperative bleeding and pain, reduced incidence of sternal wound infections and shortened recovery period after surgery. We report our experience in 97 patients operated during one year where mitral valve surgery was performed through a minimally invasive technique.

[Immediate and delayed outcomes after electrical injury. A guide for clinicians]. / Elolyckor kan ge skador som visar sig efter lång tid - Det akuta omhändertagandet kan vara avgörande på sikt.

Immediate and delayed outcomes after electrical injury. A guide for clinicians In Sweden about 300 electrical injuries are recorded each year at the Swedish National Electrical Safety Board. Most of our knowledge of the health consequences of these arise from clinical case series. Severe electrical injuries have direct thermal effects and may result in ventricular fibrillation, skin burns, as well as muscular and nerve affection. Long-term consequences include pain, vascular symptoms, cognitive and neurological symptoms and signs. These sequelae may occur even though the initial symptoms were relatively modest. Mechanisms are better understood for the immediate symptoms, compared to long-term and delayed non-thermal medical consequences. Attention to and treatment of patients with electrical injury needs to be improved to minimize long-term consequences. Good medical care in the acute phase and early multidisciplinary follow-up of severe cases will likely reduce associated morbidity. Each electrical injury should result in an inquiry to identify the cause of the accident in order to suggest actions to prevent new incidents.

Neurosensory findings among electricians with self-reported remaining symptoms after an electrical injury: A case series.

PURPOSE: Symptoms described in previous studies indicate that electrical injury can cause longstanding injuries to the neurosensory nerves. The aim of the present case series was to objectively assess the profile of neurosensory dysfunction in electricians in relation to high voltage or low voltage electrical injury and the "no-let-go phenomenon". METHODS: Twenty-three Swedish male electricians exposed to electrical injury were studied by using a battery of clinical instruments, including quantitative sensory testing (QST). The clinical test followed a predetermined order of assessments: thermal perceptions thresholds, vibration perception thresholds, tactile gnosis (the Shape and Texture Identification test), manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test), and grip strength. In addition, pain was studied by means of a questionnaire, and a colour chart was used for estimation of white fingers. RESULTS: The main findings in the present case series were reduced thermal perceptions thresholds, where half of the group showed abnormal values for warm thermal perception and/or cold thermal perception. Also, the tactile gnosis and manual dexterity were reduced. High voltage injury was associated with more reduced sensibility compared to those with low voltage. CONCLUSION: Neurosensory injury can be objectively assessed after an electrical injury by using QST with thermal perception thresholds. The findings are consistent with injuries to small nerve fibres. In the clinical setting thermal perception threshold is therefore recommended, in addition to tests of tactile gnosis and manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard).

Electrical injury in relation to voltage, "no-let-go" phenomenon, symptoms and perceived safety culture: a survey of Swedish male electricians.

PURPOSE: Professional electricians are highly subjected to electrical injuries. Previous studies describing symptoms after electrical injury have not included people with less severe initial injuries. The purpose of the present study was to describe symptoms at different time points after electrical injury, the impact of "no-let-go" phenomenon and different electrical potential [high voltage (HV) vs. low voltage (LV)], and the safety culture at the workplace. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted with 523 Swedish electricians. Two questionnaires were issued: the first to identify electricians who had experienced electrical injury and the second to gain information about symptoms and safety culture. Self-reported symptoms were described at different time points following injury. Symptoms for HV and LV accidents were compared. Occurrence or nonoccurrence of "no-let-go" phenomenon was analysed using two-tailed Chi-2. Safety culture was assessed with a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Nearly all reported having symptoms directly after the injury, mainly paraesthesia and pain. For the first weeks after injury, pain and muscle weakness dominated. The most frequently occurring symptoms at follow-up were pain, muscle weakness and loss of sensation. HV injuries and "no-let go" phenomenon were associated with more sustained symptoms. Deficiencies in the reporting routines were present, as well as shortage of preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that symptoms are reported also long time after an electrical injury and that special attention should be paid to HV injuries and "no-let go" accidents. The workplace routines to reduce the number of work-related electrical injuries for Swedish electricians can be improved.

Lung function and respiratory symptoms in hard metal workers exposed to cobalt.

OBJECTIVE: To follow-up lung function and airway symptoms in workers exposed to cobalt dust at a hard metal plant. METHODS: A total of 582 employees underwent spirometry and completed a questionnaire. A historical exposure matrix was created, assigning figures for historical and recent work-related exposure. RESULTS: At the time of employment, 5% reported symptoms from respiratory tract. At follow-up, 5% suffered from persistent coughing and 7% reported asthma; 20% were daily smokers. Among nonsmokers without asthma, an evident, statistically nonsignificant, dose-response effect was seen between increasing cobalt exposure and decline in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second). In all exposure categories, the FEV1 in smokers declined 10 mL more per year than for nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Even low levels of cobalt exposure seem to hamper lung function both in smokers and nonsmokers. This impact is considered low in relation to the effect of aging.

Hemodynamic perturbations during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in 45° Trendelenburg position.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has gained widespread use. However, circulatory effects in patients subjected to an extreme Trendelenburg position (45°) are not well characterized. METHODS: We studied 16 patients (ASA physical status I-II) with a mean age of 59 years scheduled for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (45° head-down tilt, with an intraabdominal pressure of 11-12 mm Hg). Hemodynamics, echocardiography, gas exchange, and ventilation-perfusion distribution were investigated before and during pneumoperitoneum, in the Trendelenburg position and, in 8 of the patients, also after the conclusion of surgery. RESULTS: In the 45° Trendelenburg position, central venous pressure increased almost 3-fold compared with the initial value, with an associated 2-fold increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (P<0.01). Mean arterial blood pressure increased by 35%. Heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and mixed venous oxygen saturation were unaffected during surgery, as were echocardiographic heart dimensions. After induction of anesthesia, isovolumic relaxation time was prolonged, with no further change during the study. Deceleration time was normal and stable. In the horizontal position after pneumoperitoneum exsufflation, filling pressures and mean arterial blood pressure returned to baseline levels. Pneumoperitoneum reduced lung compliance by 40% (P<0.01). Addition of the Trendelenburg position caused a further decrease (P<0.05). Arterial blood acid-base balance was normal. End-tidal carbon dioxide tension increased whereas arterial carbon dioxide was unaffected with unchanged ventilation settings. Pneumoperitoneum increased PaO2 (P<0.05). Ventilation-perfusion distribution, shunt, and dead space were unaltered during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumoperitoneum and 45° Trendelenburg position caused 2- to 3-fold increases in filling pressures, without effects on cardiac performance. Filling pressures were normalized immediately after surgery. Lung compliance was halved. Gas exchange was unaffected. No perioperative cardiovascular complications occurred.

Factors perceived as being related to accidental falls by persons with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: This study explores and describes factors that persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) perceive as being related to accidental falls. METHOD: A qualitative content analysis with primarily deductive approach was conducted using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Twelve persons with MS, and identified as fallers, were interviewed. RESULTS: Factors perceived to cause accidental falls that had not previously been targeted in MS populations in relation to falls were identified as divided attention, reduced muscular endurance, fatigue and heat sensitivity. Previously reported risk factors such as changed gait pattern, limited walking ability, impaired proprioception, vision and spasticity were supported. Activities involving walking, recreation and leisure, maintaining and changing body position, lifting or carrying, taking care of the home, washing the body, moving around, preparing meals and housekeeping were limited and considered to be risk activities. Supportive persons and assistive device reduced falls, and unsuitable physical environments and climate conditions induced falls. Several preventative strategies were described as partially compensating for the impairments, limitations and restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: Investigating accidental falls using the perspective of the patient gave important information about variables not earlier targeted in MS research.

Lead exposure from tourist earthenware: a pilot survey.

Lead from glazed earthenware used for food storage is a well-known health hazard sporadically causing lead intoxication and may be a source of disseminating lead exposure in specific population groups. To obtain a contemporary scope of the problem a pilot survey was conducted in a random sample of 2000 households with Swedish charter tourists to Greece in 2003. Response was obtained from 214 (10.7%). From these households blood samples were obtained from 33 potentially lead exposed subjects and 33 controls (participation rate among selected participants of each category was 66% and 33%, respectively). No statistically significant difference in mean blood lead was found between groups (arithmetic mean 0.13 and 0.10micromol/l for exposed and controls, respectively; p>0.05), but increased lead levels for two exposed subjects (1.0 and 0.77micromol/l) were associated with their Hellenic earthenware (tea mugs). This pilot survey, probably the first epidemiological study of the current problem, did not indicate that earthenware purchased in Greece by Swedish tourists and used for food storage is a widespread source of lead, but limitations with regard to statistical power preclude definite conclusions.

Pain, disability and coping reflected in the diurnal cortisol variability in patients scheduled for lumbar disc surgery.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of lumbar disc herniation can be induced by both mechanical compression of the nerve roots and by biochemical irritants from the disc tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines, as well as stress are potent stimulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reflected in enhanced release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex. Altered cortisol production is also associated to behaviour and coping patterns. The aim of the present study was to explore the relation between pain, physical function, psychosocial factors and quality of life to the diurnal cortisol variability, in patients with lumbar disc herniation. METHOD: This study had a cross-sectional design. Forty-two patients with lumbar disc herniation, verified by magnetic resonance imaging and a clinical examination by an orthopaedic surgeon, were included in the study. All patients were scheduled for disc surgery. The diurnal cortisol variability was examined before surgery. The patients were dichotomised into two groups based on low or high diurnal cortisol variability. Pain, disability, work related stress, quality of life, coping and fear avoidance beliefs, were estimated by standardised questionnaires. RESULTS: The low diurnal cortisol variability group was distinguished by a higher median score regarding leg pain at activity and significantly more disability (p<0.05). The patients with a low diurnal cortisol variability had significantly lower coping self-statement scores, but higher pain coping catastrophising scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with lumbar disc herniation and a low diurnal cortisol variability had lower physical function, perceived lower possibilities of influencing their pain, and were more prone to catastrophise than patients with lumbar disc herniation and a high diurnal cortisol variability.

The presence and meaning of chronic sorrow in patients with multiple sclerosis.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the presence and meaning of chronic sorrow and the presence of depression in a fairly large group of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). BACKGROUND: MS is a chronic and progressive neurological disease with a variety of symptoms. The patients have to live with losses of different kinds. A few earlier studies have used the concept of chronic sorrow to illustrate the emotional situation of such patients. METHOD: Sixty-one patients were interviewed about the occurrence of chronic sorrow and, thereafter, screened for depression. Thirty-eight (62%) of them fulfilled the criteria for chronic sorrow. The interviews were analysed with latent content analysis. RESULTS: Seven themes describe the losses that caused sorrow: loss of hope, loss of control over the body, loss of integrity and dignity, loss of a healthy identity, loss of faith that life is just, loss of social relations and loss of freedom. The sorrow was constantly present or periodically overwhelming. Only four of the 38 patients with chronic sorrow had symptoms of being mildly depressed. CONCLUSION: Chronic sorrow meant loss of hope, of control over the body, of integrity and of identity. The concept of chronic sorrow complements that of depression in providing important new knowledge relevant to understanding the consequences MS can have for the individual. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Knowledge of the meaning of chronic sorrow can contribute to the nurse's ability to give psychological support and promote a sense of hope and control in the MS patient.

Clinical relevance using timed walk tests and 'timed up and go' testing in persons with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: One must understand the potentials and limitations of all tests used to evaluate interventions. The aim of the present study was to clarify the reproducibility, smallest percentage difference needed to be able to detect a genuine change and correlation regarding the 10-m and 30-m timed walks (10TW 30TW) and the 'timed up and go' (TUG) test in people with moderate multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD: A repeated-measures design was used, with randomization into two groups and different time intervals used for testing. The 10TW and 30TW were performed three times and TUG twice at each testing. Self-selected speed was used for 10TW and forced speed (quickly but safely) for 30TW and TUG. Forty-three people were tested on three occasions within one week. Each person was tested at approximately the same time of the day and by the same physiotherapist on each occasion. RESULTS: The reproducibility was very high. For a single testing occasion, the intraclass correlation was 0.97 for the 10TW and 0.98 for the 30TW and TUG. The smallest percentage difference needed to be able to detect a genuine change in the entire study group was approximately -23% or +31% for either the 1OTW or TUG. It was evident from the 30TW testing results that lower values applied to those with less (-14% to +17%) rather than more (-38% or +60%) disability. The correlation between all tests for the entire study group was 0.85 (0.76-0.91). CONCLUSION: It is sufficient to use only one attempt and to choose only one of the tests when evaluating people with moderate MS. In the case of the 30TW greater attention must be paid to the degree of disability when determining the smallest percentage difference needed to establish a genuine change, than

Evaluation of a single session with cooling garment for persons with multiple sclerosis--a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: This research investigates the objective and subjective effects of wearing the Rehband cooling garment. METHOD: A multi-centre, randomized crossover study was conducted regarding 43 heat-sensitive persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), comparing active treatment with placebo. Subjects were tested immediately before and after intervention. Ten-(10TW) and 30-metre timed walk (30TW), oral temperature, spasticity, standing balance and timed up and go (TUG) and nine-hole peg test (NHPT) performance were measured. A study-specific questionnaire was used to evaluate subjective experiences. RESULTS: Active treatment produced statistically significant objective improvement in 10TW, 30TW, one-legged stance, tandem stance (right) and TUG; statistically significant subjective improvement was also found in fatigue, spasticity, weakness, balance, gait, transfers, ability to think clearly and time to recover. The coherence between the objective and subjective results indicates clinical relevance from the subjects' perspective. There were no statistically significant differences between treatments in terms of oral temperature, spasticity (measured by the modified Ashworth scale), tandem stance (left), step test or NHPT, or subjective signs such as difficulty in dressing, dysarthria or pain. CONCLUSIONS: Active cooling with a Rehband: vest is likely to have a positive effect on everyday life in heat-sensitive persons with MS.

The kinase domain of titin controls muscle gene expression and protein turnover.

The giant sarcomeric protein titin contains a protein kinase domain (TK) ideally positioned to sense mechanical load. We identified a signaling complex where TK interacts with the zinc-finger protein nbr1 through a mechanically inducible conformation. Nbr1 targets the ubiquitin-associated p62/SQSTM1 to sarcomeres, and p62 in turn interacts with MuRF2, a muscle-specific RING-B-box E3 ligase and ligand of the transactivation domain of the serum response transcription factor (SRF). Nuclear translocation of MuRF2 was induced by mechanical inactivity and caused reduction of nuclear SRF and repression of transcription. A human mutation in the titin protein kinase domain causes hereditary muscle disease by disrupting this pathway.