Early incidence of occupational asthma among young bakers, pastry-makers and hairdressers: design of a retrospective cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Occupational exposures are thought to be responsible for 10-15% of new-onset asthma cases in adults, with disparities across sectors. Because most of the data are derived from registries and cross-sectional studies, little is known about incidence of occupational asthma (OA) during the first years after inception of exposure. This paper describes the design of a study that focuses on this early asthma onset period among young workers in the bakery, pastry making and hairdressing sectors in order to assess early incidence of OA in these "at risk" occupations according to exposure duration, and to identify risk factors of OA incidence.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The study population is composed of subjects who graduated between 2001 and 2006 in these sectors where they experience exposure to organic or inorganic allergenic or irritant compounds (with an objective of 150 subjects by year) and 250 young workers with no specific occupational exposure. A phone interview focusing on respiratory and 'Ear-Nose-Throat' (ENT) work-related symptoms screen subjects considered as "possibly OA cases". Subjects are invited to participate in a medical visit to complete clinical and lung function investigations, including fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FE_NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) measurements, and to collect blood samples for IgE (Immunoglobulin E) measurements (total IgE and IgE for work-related and common allergens). Markers of oxidative stress and genetic polymorphisms exploration are also assessed. A random sample of 200 "non-cases" (controls) is also visited, following a nested case-control design.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This study may allow to describ a latent period between inception of exposure and the rise of the prevalence of asthma symptoms, an information that would be useful for the prevention of OA. Such a time frame would be suited for conducting screening campaigns of this emergent asthma at a stage when occupational hygiene measures and adapted therapeutic interventions might be effective.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Clinical trial registration number is NCT01096537.</p

Effects of anthropogenic structures and a wetland on macroinvertebrate diversity and water chemistry along the Maple River.

General EcologyAquatic systems play an integral role in wide ranging ecological contexts by providing an outlet of nutrient and chemical buildup. Rivers are particularly vulnerable to deleterious anthropogenic effects given their popularity as transit and recreation waterways. The health of a stream can accurately be assessed using an index of macroinvertebrate diversity as well as a battery of chemical concentration tests. Our study found that the Maple River shows few negative effects of anthropogenic structures on macroinvertebrate health and on overall stream health. The presence of a wetland may also have served to mitigate the possible human effects.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/96208/1/Alanouf_Cote_Henke_Hsieh_2012.pd

Polydopamine deposition at fluid interfaces

When catecholamine solutions are put in the presence of an oxidant, a spontaneous oxidation process allows one to coat the surface of all known classes of materials with a brown-black insoluble material. This material is related to eumelanins from both compositional and structural points of view. Simultaneously with the film deposition at solid/liquid interfaces, an insoluble material is obtained in solution. Under particular experimental conditions, the chemistry of catecholamines, mostly dopamine, can be extended to the water/air interface to produce films which can be handled and transferred on solid substrates. The mechanical properties of these ‘polydopamine’ films can be improved in a way allowing for the realization of micrometre-thick free-standing Janus-like films. Polydopamine films at liquid/liquid interfaces have also been found to stabilize microemulsions. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize these recent advances of catecholamine chemistry to obtain functional coatings at fluid interface