Cardiotoxicity of Freon among refrigeration services workers: comparative cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Freon includes a number of gaseous, colorless chlorofluorocarbons. Although freon is generally considered to be a fluorocarbon of relatively low toxicity; significantly detrimental effects may occur upon over exposure. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether occupational exposure to fluorocarbons can induce arterial hypertension, myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, elevated levels of plasma lipids and renal dysfunction.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the cardiology clinic of the Suez Canal Authority Hospital (Egypt). The study included 23 apparently healthy male workers at the refrigeration services workshop who were exposed to fluorocarbons (FC 12 and FC 22) and 23 likewise apparently healthy male workers (unexposed), the control group. All the participants were interviewed using a pre-composed questionnaire and were subjected to a clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were no significant statistical differences between the groups studied regarding symptoms suggesting arterial hypertension and renal affection, although a significantly higher percentage of the studied refrigeration services workers had symptoms of arrhythmias. None of the workers had symptoms suggesting coronary artery disease. Clinical examination revealed that the refrigeration services workers had a significantly higher mean pulse rate compared to the controls, though no significant statistical differences were found in arterial blood pressure measurements between the two study groups. Exercise stress testing of the workers studied revealed normal heart reaction to the increased need for oxygen, while sinus tachycardia was detected in all the participants. The results of Holter monitoring revealed significant differences within subject and group regarding the number of abnormal beats detected throughout the day of monitoring (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences detected in the average heart rate during the monitoring period within subject or group. Most laboratory investigations revealed absence of significant statistical differences for lipid profile markers, serum electrolyte levels and glomerular lesion markers between the groups except for cholesterol and urinary β2-microglobulin (tubular lesion markers) levels which were significantly elevated in freon exposed workers.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Unprotected occupational exposure to chlorofluorocarbons can induce cardiotoxicity in the form of cardiac arrhythmias. The role of chlorofluorocarbons in inducing arterial hypertension and coronary artery diseases is unclear, although significantly elevated serum cholesterol and urinary β2-microglobulin levels raise a concern.</p

Abundance and dengue virus dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in selected urban areas of Kegalle and Peradeniya

Dengue, caused by the dengue virus (DENV) is the most important vector borne infection in the tropics and can present as dengue fever (DF) or dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF).1 DENV exists as four different serotypes, all of which have been circulating in Sri Lanka for the past 30 years. 2 DENVs are transmitted by the mosquito species Aedes aegyptii and Aedes albopictus, both of which are endemic to the South Asian region of the world. In Sri Lanka, the primary vector in transmitting DENV is A. aegyptii while A. albopictus serves as the secondary vector

Distribution of dengue vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in a few selected semi-urban areas of the Central Province of Sri Lanka

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the two major vectors transmitting dengue viruses. The current study was undertaken from October to November 2014 to identify the distribution of dengue vectors in the Akurana Medical Officer of Health (MOH) division, which consisted of Akurana, Dunuwila and Alawathugoda Public Health Inspector (PHI) divisions. Larvae were collected from potential breeding sites in randomly selected houses in the selected PHI areas. Aedes larvae were incubated to emerge and the adults were differentiated into species using morphological features. Adult Aedes mosquitoes were pooled and tested for NS1 antigen. The total larvae collected were 700 and the total number of emerged adults were 171, consisting of 116 A. albopictus and 55 A. aegypti mosquitoes. None of the Aedes pools tested were positive for dengue NS1. A. albopictus was found to be abundant in the Akurana MOH division during the study period

Supporting involvement of electric vehicles in distribution grids: Lowering the barriers for a proactive integration

Increasing environmental concerns are driving an evolution of the energy system in which electric vehicles (EVs) play an important role. Still, as the EV number increases, the adverse impact of charging is observed more widely, especially at the low-voltage level where high EV concentrations cause various detrimental effects due to the coincidence between EV charging and residential peak load. However, if managed properly, EVs become flexible resources which can improve the system operation, making them an attractive asset for the distribution system operator. With the recent technology development, new forms of local EV support can be developed, provided that an appropriate regulatory framework is established. Whereas the technical value of such EV distribution grid services has already been proven, integrating them into the European regulatory context is not straightforward. In the context where active distribution grid management schemes are still to be developed, it is important to recognise the barriers for active EV involvement in the early stage of the development. This manuscript focuses on identifying these barriers from a technology and infrastructure perspective as well as from the regulatory and market aspect. Various policy recommendations are provided for the stakeholders involved in the EV value chai