摘要:

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans have been advocated as providing greater sensitivity in detecting parenchymal opacities in asbestos-exposed individuals, especially in the presence of pleural fibrosis, and having excellent inter- and intraobserver reader interpretation. We compared the 1980 International Labor Organization (ILO) International Classification of the Radiographs of the Pneumoconioses for asbestosis with the high-resolution CT scan using a grid scoring system to better differentiate normal versus abnormal in the ILO boundary 0/1 to 1/0 chest roentgenograph. We studied 37 asbestos-exposed individuals using the ILO classification, HRCT grid scores, respiratory symptom questionnaires, pulmonary function tests, and bronchoalveolar lavage. We used Pearson correlation coefficients to evaluate the linear relationship between outcome variables and each roentgenographic method. The normal HRCT scan proved to be an excellent predictor of "normality," with pulmonary function values close to 100% for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), total lung capacity (TLC), and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and no increase in BAL inflammatory cells. Concordant HRCT/ILO abnormalities were associated with reduced FEV1/FVC ratio, reduced diffusing capacity, and alveolitis consistent with a definition of asbestosis. In our study, the ILO classification and HRCT grid scores were both excellent modalities for the assessment of asbestosis and its association with impaired physiology and alveolitis, with their combined use providing statistical associations with alveolitis and reduced diffusing capacity.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

There is a void of studies concerning occupational health aspects from working with the most advanced forms of information technologies techniques such as are found in some of the world-renowned telecommunication systems development laboratories. However, many of these techniques will later be applied in the regular office environment. We wanted to identify some of the major stressors perceived by advanced telecommunication systems design employees and develop a valid and reliable instrument by which to monitor such stressors. We were also interested in assessing the impact of a controlled prospective stress-reduction program on perceived mental stress and specific psychophysiological parameters. A total of 116 employees were recruited. Sixty-one were offered to participate in one of three stress-reduction training programs (intervention group). The additional 50 functioned as a reference group. After a detailed baseline assessment, including a comprehensive questionnaire and psychophysiological measurements, new assessments were made at the end of the formal training program (+3 months) and after an additional 5-month period. Results reveal a significant improvement in the intervention group with regard to circulating levels of the stress-sensitive hormone prolactin as well as an attenuation in mental strain. Cardiovascular risk indicators were also improved. Circulating thrombocytes decreased in the intervention group. Type of stress-reduction programs chosen and intensity of participation did not significantly impact results. Coping style was not affected and no beneficial effects were observed with regard to the psychological characteristics of the work, eg intellectual discretion and control over work processes. The survey instrument is now being used in the continuous improvement of work processes and strategic leadership of occupational health issues. The results suggest that prior psychophysiological stress research, based on low- and medium-skill, rather repetitive kinds of jobs, may not be completely applicable to that of skilled professionals. The results indicate that cutting-edge telecommunication systems design employees suffer from significant amounts of mental strain. In addition, there are limited but measurable benefits from a stress-reduction program. More attention should be directed as to how to design healthy and productive work environments in workplaces using advanced information technologies.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

In a longitudinal study, we studied the variability in bronchial responsiveness (BR) to methacholine in aluminum potroom workers suffering from work-related asthma-like symptoms (WASTH) and in symptom-free workers.In the index group, 26 men suffering from WASTH were selected from a cross-sectional survey. The reference group comprised 45 symptom-free men recruited from the enrollment of new employees. Bronchial responsiveness was expressed as the dose-response slope (DRS) of the line through origin and the last data point. The standard deviation of the log-transformed DRS was positively associated with symptom score (P = .012) and the mean BR (P < .001).Our results indicate that the severity of respiratory symptoms in aluminum potroom workers with WASTH reflects the variability in BR.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities surveillance system identified machinery-related incidents as the second leading cause of traumatic occupational fatalities in the United States between 1980 and 1989. These incidents resulted in 8,505 civilian worker deaths and an average annual fatality rate of .80 per 100,000 workers. Workers aged 65 years and older had 5.8 times the fatality rate of workers aged 16 to 64 years (4.06 vs .70). The highest industry-specific rate was noted in agriculture, forestry, and fishing (7.47). Tractors and other agricultural machinery were associated with nearly 9 of every 10 fatal machinery-related incidents involving workers aged 65 or older. Although numerous studies of agricultural machinery-related fatalities are found in the literature, detailed analyses of machinery-related fatalities in the construction industry as well as analyses of work situations and risk factors associated with fatal injuries are needed.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The relation of exposure, impairment, and awarded disability in coal dust disease cases is often unclear. Surveillance data from large mining populations has demonstrated a decline in pulmonary function associated with coal dust exposure, even in miners with normal roentgenographs, though the frequency with which this results in impairment is not well defined. This study examines a more specific group, 374 disability claimants, for whom evaluation data is less extensive. In this group, several pulmonary function variables declined in association with years mining, even after controlling for roentgenograph status and smoking. This was particularly seen among underground miners, although the declines were small and of marginal statistical significance. Awards were evaluated for 203 resolved cases. Among 59 with completely normal roentgenographs and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 38 (64%) received some disability award. These findings support development of a more rational impairment/disability system for those with potential coal dust disease.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID