Estimating the burden of lung cancer in Canada attributed to occupational radon exposure using a novel exposure assessment method.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to radon causes lung cancer. The scope and impact of exposure among Canadian workers have not been assessed. Our study estimated occupational radon exposure in Canada and its associated lung cancer burden. METHODS: Exposed workers were identified among the working population during the risk exposure period (1961-2001) using data from the Canadian Census and Labour Force Survey. Exposure levels were assigned based on 12,865 workplace radon measurements for indoor workers and assumed to be 1800 mg/m3 for underground workers. Lung cancer risks were calculated using the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VI exposure-age-concentration model. Population attributable fractions were calculated with Levin's equation and applied to 2011 Canadian lung cancer statistics. RESULTS: Approximately 15.5 million Canadian workers were exposed to radon during the risk exposure period. 79% of exposed workers were exposed to radon levels < 50 Bq/m3 and 4.8% were exposed to levels > 150 Bq/m3. We estimated that 0.8% of lung cancers in Canada were attributable to occupational radon exposure, corresponding to approximately 188 incident lung cancers in 2011. CONCLUSIONS: The lung cancer burden associated with occupational radon exposure in Canada is small, with the greatest burden occurring among those exposed to low levels of radon.

Burden of non-melanoma skin cancer attributable to occupational sun exposure in Canada.

PURPOSE: Outdoor workers are exposed daily to solar ultraviolet radiation, an important contributor in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. This study aimed to quantify the health burden of non-melanoma skin cancers among outdoor workers in Canada. METHODS: Solar ultraviolet radiation exposure and estimates of exposure levels were applied to employment information from Canada census data to determine the exposed population in the risk exposure period (1961-2001). Risk estimates were drawn from meta-analyses selected based on quality and relevance to the current study. Population-attributable fractions were calculated using Levin's equation and attributable cases were estimated based on incidence data reported by the Canadian Cancer Society. RESULTS: In 2011, 6.31% (4556 cases) of non-melanoma skin cancer cases were estimated to be attributable to occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. The majority of these cases occurred in men in the agriculture or construction industries. CONCLUSIONS: These estimates of the burden of non-melanoma skin cancer in Canada identify the need for further prevention efforts, particularly in agriculture and construction. Introducing workplace sun safety measures could be an important area for policy development.

Agujas de sutura con punta roma para prevenir las lesiones percutáneas por punción accidental en el personal de quirófano / Blunt versus sharp suture needles for preventing percutaneous exposure incidents in surgical staff

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Penile cancer in India: a clinicoepidemiological study.

INTRODUCTION: Penile cancer is one of the most common genitourinary cancers encountered in developing countries like India. The incidence of carcinoma of the penis varies according to circumcision practice, hygienic standard, phimosis, the number of sexual partners, HPV infection, exposure to tobacco products, and other factors. The aim of the study was to study the clinic-epidemiological profile of penile cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 54 patients were enrolled and studied from May 2005 to June 2006. Clinicoepidemiologic profile and patients' characteristics were assessed in a questionnaire including demographic data, presence of risk factors like smoking, phimosis, circumcision, history of promiscuity, history of sexually transmitted disease etc., clinical features, pathological features of tumor like size, site, appearance, histological type, grade, presence of lymph nodes, treatment performed and response. 5 year survival rates were also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients, about three-fourths patients were older than 50. About one quarter patients presented with phimosis and 20% patients had undergone circumcision after attaining adulthood. 70% patients were found to be smokers. Most patients presented with T2 disease whereas lymphadenopathy, both benign and malignant, was present in 55.5% and 76% patients in T1 and T2 patients respectively. 5 year survival rates were found to be 87% and 60% respectively in stage I and II respectively. CONCLUSION: penile cancer is one of the most common genitourinary cancer affecting mostly aged, uncircumcised males with history of smoking.Most patients present at advanced age and hence a national awareness campaign against this disease should be promoted.

Mechanism of increased tolerance to hypothermia after composite Indian herbal preparation II administration.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the mechanism of increased tolerance to stress induced hypothermia after the administration of composite Indian herbal preparation II (CIHP II), a combination of several plant ingredients and minerals. DESIGN: The effect of oral CIHP II administration (1 mg/g of body weight), prior to cold (5 degrees C)-hypoxia (428 mm Hg)-restraint (C-H-R) exposure in rats on cardiac and skeletal muscle oxidation was studied in vitro by estimating conversion of glucose-U-14C and Palmitate-1-(14)C to 14CO2. In vitro adipose tissue lipolysis and incorporation of glucose-U-14C into skeletal muscle glycogen was also studied. RESULTS: A single dose of CIHP II-enhanced resistance to hypothermia (rectal temperature [T(rec)] 23 degrees C) during C-H-R exposure as evidenced by increased glucose turnover rate in heart and skeletal muscle tissue. The blood glucose and skeletal muscle glycogen were conserved. Cardiac free fatty acid oxidation was also increased. During recovery from hypothermia (T(rec) 37 degrees C) blood glucose and muscle glycogen levels were conserved. Five doses of CIHP II increased resistance to cold by increased adipose fat mobilization and cardiac oxidation. Glucose oxidation was spared. During recovery from hypothermia, the glucose turnover and oxidation in skeletal muscle was increased as was fat mobilization from adipose tissue and its oxidation by heart muscle. CONCLUSIONS: CIHP II intake prior to C-H-R exposure resulted in increased glucose turnover rate and fat utilization. This perhaps helped increase the resistance to C-H-R-induced hypothermia and speeded recovery.

Petrol-inhalation dependence : a case report.

Ms M. a 13 years old class III student presented with one year history of petrol fumes inhalation dependence and six months history of kerosene inhalation dependence. She liked the smell of fumes getting pleasant feeling of well-being and increased confidence. She though fulfilled all the criteria of inherent dependence differed from typical cases described in published reports. Like male preponderance and group activity, the prominent features of inhalation dependence were absent in our case.

Effects of 6 hours hypoxic and cold exposure on urinary electrolyte and catecholamine excretion.

Eleven young male Indian volunteers fasted overnight and were exposed to 6 h to cold at 8 degrees C (I), hypoxia at 4267 m at 28 degrees C (II), and cold plus hypoxia of 4267 m at , degrees C (III), in a walk-in climatic chamber, and excretion of some urinary constituents was measured. Urine output was significantly decreased in (II) and increased in (I) and (III). Urine pH significantly increased only in (II). Catecholamine excretion significantly increased only in (I). Ca++ excretion was significantly raised in (I) and (III) and lowered in (II). Na+ excretion was significantly decreased and K+ excretion remained unchanged in all three stress conditions. Cold seemed to be a greater stressor than hypoxia, under stated experimental conditions.