Survival and disease burden analyses of occupational pneumoconiosis during 1958-2021 in Huangshi city, China: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoconiosis, a chronic disease stemming from prolonged inhalation of dust particles, stands as a significant global burden of occupational diseases. This study aims to investigate the survival outcomes of pneumoconiosis patients in Huangshi city, China, while also evaluating the disease burden on afflicted patients. METHODS: Data for this study were sourced from the Huangshi Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Survival analyses of pneumoconiosis patients were conducted employing life tables and the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards models were deployed to identify factors influencing pneumoconiosis patients' survival duration. Competing risks models were employed to confirm the validity of the model outcomes. Additionally, in the disease burden assessment, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were computed for various demographic groups and time frames. RESULTS: A total of 5,641 pneumoconiosis cases, diagnosed in Huangshi City, Hubei Province between 1958 and 2021, were incorporated into the cohort analysis. The probability of mortality and the risk ratio increased with advancing age. Notably, the median survival time of stage III pneumoconiosis patients was significantly shorter compared with those in stages I and II. The Cox proportional hazards model and competing risks analyses underscored several significant factors influencing survival time, including dust exposure duration (HR = 1.197, 95% CI: 1.104-1.298), age at first diagnosis (HR = 3.149, 95% CI: 2.961-3.349), presence of silicosis (HR = 1.378, 95% CI: 1.254-1.515), and stage II-III pneumoconiosis (HR = 1.456, 95% CI: 1.148-1.848). Cumulatively, DALYs amounted to 7,974.35 person-years, with an average of 1.41 person-years. The period between 2000 and 2019 witnessed the highest disease burden. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the urgent need for improved prevention, earlier detection, and more effective management strategies for the occupational pneumoconiosis population. This study not only underscores the persistent issue of pneumoconiosis in industrial environments but also serves as a crucial call to action for policymakers and healthcare providers.

Effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on learning and memory via hippocampal BDNF, Arc (Arg3.1) expression in offspring.

The intrauterine environment has a significant long-term impact on individual's life, this study was designed to investigate the effect of stress during pregnancy on offspring's learning and memory abilities and analyze its mechanisms from the expression of BDNF and Arc in the hippocampus of the offspring. A rat model of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy was mating from 3rd day during been subjecting to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The body weights and behavioral changes were recorded, and plasma corticosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. The learning and memory abilities of the offspring were measured by Morris water maze testing from PND 42. The expression of hippocampal BDNF and Arc mRNA and protein were respectively measured using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results indicated that an elevation was observed in the plasma corticosterone level of rat model of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy, a reduction in the crossing and rearing movement times and the preference for sucrose. The body weight of maternal stress's offspring was lower than the control group, and the plasma corticosterone level was increased. Chronic stress during pregnancy had a significant impact on the spatial learning and memory of the offspring. The expression of BDNF mRNA and protein, Arc protein in offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy was attenuated and some relationships existed between these parameters. Collectively, these findings disclose that long-time maternal stress during pregnancy could destroy spatial learning and memory abilities of the offspring, the mechanism of which is related to been improving maternal plasma corticosterone and reduced hippocampal BDNF, Arc of offspring rats.

Chronic unpredictable mild stress impairs erythrocyte immune function and changes T-lymphocyte subsets in a rat model of stress-induced depression.

Stress has been shown to suppress immune function and increase susceptibility to inflammatory and psychiatric diseases. This study sought to investigate the changes in erythrocyte immune functions and T-lymphocyte subsets and to explore the mechanism implicated in the process of stress-induced depression by employing a rat depression model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The body weights and behavioral changes of the rats were recorded, and plasma corticosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Erythrocyte immune function and T-lymphocytes subsets were respectively measured by the method of yeast rosette and flow cytometry at different time intervals, and their relationship was analyzed. Results indicated that a reduction was observed in the following: the rats' crossing and rearing movement times, the volume of sucrose intake and the preference for sucrose in the depression model group. Plasma corticosterone levels were elevated; the rate of E-C3bR decreased, and E-IC was increased. Some alterations in the percentage of T-lymphocytes and IL-2 appeared in the depression model group and some relationships existed between these parameters. Collectively, these findings disclose that long-time stress could induce changes in rat behavior and activities through an effect on erythrocyte immune functions and T-lymphocyte subsets.

[Association between plasma lipid, glucose, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and GR and ACTHR gene polymorphisms].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between plasma fat and glucose, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and genotypes of GR and ACTHR genes in healthy Chinese Han subjects. METHODS: Two hundred healthy subjects were analyzed for GR and ACTHR gene polymorphisms using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Plasma lipid, glucose, cortisol, ACTH levels were determined and correlated with the genotypes. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between plasma lipid and glucose levels and various GR and ACTHR genotypes. Subjects with AG genotype of GR 5556A/G polymorphism had lower plasma cortisol levels than AA genotype. Compared with subjects with GG genotype of GR 4534-4536GAG/AAA [GAGAGG (GluArg)>GAAAAG(GluLys)] polymorphism, those with AG genotype had significantly lower plasma cortisol levels. Subjects with CC and CG genotypes of GR 6294C/G polymorphism also had significantly lower plasma cortisol levels compared with those with GG genotype. With regard to plasma ACTH levels, those with TT genotype of ACTHR 2T/C polymorphism were significantly lower than CC and CT genotypes, and those with AG genotype for GR 5556 A/G polymorphism were also significantly lower than AA genotype. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in plasma cortisol and glucose levels between subjects with GR and ACTHR gene variants. GR gene variants (5556A/G, 4534-4536GAG/AAA and 6294C/G polymorphisms) may influence plasma cortisol level, and ACTHR 2T/C, GR 5556A/G polymorphisms may decrease plasma ACTH level.

[Associations of GR and ACTHR gene polymorphisms with quantitative trait of strain].

OBJECTIVE: To explore association between GR and ACTHR gene polymorphisms and quantitative trait of stress in Chinese Han population. METHODS: Four polymorphic markers (GRA5556G, A5556G, GAGG4534/4536AAAG, promoter T-2C) in GR gene and ACTHR gene were genotyped with PCR-RLFP in 200 healthy Hans. ISTA6.0 and life event stressor questionnaire was used to assess stressors. JSS, SCL-90 and GWB questionnaires were used to quantify the phenotypes of stress. Blood cortical and ACTH levels, and nervous behavior function were measured to assess Physiological strain. CWAI questionnaire was used to assess work ability. Then strain was assessed with Structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS: The subjects with GR A5556G genotype (G/A) showed significantly higher plasma cortisol levels, higher psychological stress scores, lower work ability scores and lower plasma ACTH levels compared with the subjects with wild-type (P < 0.01). Psychological stress scores and plasma cortisol levels in the subjects with GR GAGG4534/4536AAAG AG genotype were significantly higher than those in the subjects with wild-type, but the reaction and action sensitivity in the subjects with GR GAGG4534/4536AAAG AG genotype were significantly lower than those in ones with wild-type (P < 0.01). The ACTH level in the subjects with ACTHR promoter T-2C T/T genotype was significantly lower than that in ones with C/C and C/T genotype (P < 0.01). Interaction of GRA5556G and GG4534/4536AAAG with plasma cortisol was positively associated (ßs = 0.543, P < 0.01), but with SCL-90 score was negatively associated (ßs = -0.374, P < 0.01). Interaction of GRA5556G and GGC6294G with plasma cortisol was correlated (ßs = 0.465, P < 0.05). While GR and ACTHR gene variants are the risk factors for psychological strain, physiological strain and decreased work ability (ßs are 0.62, 0.43, -0.74, respectively (P < 0.01). While scarce social support, job stressors, negative life stressors and dangerous individual characters are the risk factors for occupational strain, psychological strain, physiological strain and decreased work ability (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: GRA5556G, GRA5556G, GAGG4534/4536AAAG and ACTHR promoter T-2C variants might be associated with quantitative trait of strain, and GR and ACTHR gene variants with stressors increased the risk for developing strain.

[Red blood cell on lymphocyte proliferation in rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of rat red blood cells on T, B lymphocytes proliferation in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were averagely divided into control group and the CUMS group. The relevant behavioral performance and red blood cells on lymphocytes proliferation Changes by MTT colorimetric were observed. RESULTS: After fourteen days, the growth of weight and organic coefficient of brain decreased in model group (P < 0.05), with a significantly reduced consumption and preference of sucrose solutions, and increased pure water consumption as compared with control group (P < 0.05). Plasma corticosterone levels peaked at seven days but on a declining trend after fourteen days. The rate of red blood cells on T, B lymphocyte proliferation in depression group was lower than non-stress in 7, 14, 21 days (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The repeated chronic mild stress stimulation can induce long-time changes in acts and activities and decrease the rate of red blood cells on T, B lymphocytes proliferation, which can provide a new experimental method to observe the red blood cell immune function under the stress.

[Study on status and influential factors of job burnout among supervisors and teachers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate job burnout status and influential factors and to offer a new solution for intervention with job burnout. METHODS: 1250 participants were sampled with stratified cluster random methods from various kinds of occupations, including administrators, teachers in high schools and so on. Participants were asked to fill out serials questionnaires. RESULTS: Male workers showed significantly more depersonalization and burnout than female workers. And there were no significant differences in the dimensions of job burnout. Younger, earlier job, financially strained, low academic career and single marital status were liable to suffer from job burnout. There was a significantly negative correlative relation between social support, internal locus of control, active coping style and burnout; there was a significantly positive relation between occupational stress, external locus of control, locus of control, passive coping style and burnout. Demographic characteristic (younger, earlier job, financially strained, low academic career and single marital status), occupational stress, social support, locus of control and coping style were influential factors of burnout. Occupational stress was a significant predictor for burnout. Not only could occupational stress have a direct effect on burnout, but also be indirectly affected by moderators such as health locus of control. CONCLUSION: There are differences on the dimensions of burnout varied with demographic characteristic; Moderators such as locus of control may in part mediate the association between occupational stress and job burnout.

[Comparison of strain of mental workers by characteristics].

OBJECTIVE: To compare of strain of mental workers by characteristics. METHOD: 851 participants were sampled with stratified cluster random methods from various kinds of occupations, including teachers in primary and middle schools, doctors, bankers and environmental protection officers. The psychological strain was measured with SCL-90 and General Well-being Schedule (GWB). The physiological strain were assessed by Plasma sugar, TG, HDL, VLDL, LDL, CHOL, cortisol and ACTH level, neurobehavioral reaction function. RESULTS: The subjects at age of 40-years exhibited the highest scores of SCL-90 significantly among three groups. Likewise, 20-years service group were higher than 10- and under 10 years groups. However females' GWB scores were higher than males'. It tended to be higher in postgraduate and undergraduate teachers than others groups, indicating the greater psychological strain increased, the higher age and service were. Plasma sugar, LDL, TG and CHOL level were compared; Subjects 40- years group were higher than 30- and 20 age groups, as well as senior versus minor. Female teachers were lower than males. Meanwhile single subjects were lower than married. As HDL level, 30-age group were lower decreased than 40-years group; 10-service group were responsible for lower HDL level than 20-years group; Divorced and spouse-lost teachers were higher concentration than single and married. VLDL level in under 10 years service were lower than 10-years group; The senior was the highest level of VLDL among three groups and the minor was the lowest. The tendency was equal to increased professional title; Married and spouse-lost groups were higher than single groups. It had no individual difference in plasma cortisol and ACTH. But reaction sensitivity in 40- and 30-age groups were lower than 20-age group. Likewise, 20- years service teachers had lower reaction and action sensitivity than 10- and under 10 years groups; Senior group was lowest among three groups; However 40- years old group were lower than 20- years group, postgraduate and undergraduate teachers were higher than others groups in muscle endurance. It indicated that reaction and action sensitivity had descent tendency with increased age and service length. CONCLUSION: Psychological strain is higher with increased age, length of service and education career. The trend is the same as plasma sugar, TG, CHOL, HDL, LDL and VLDL, but neurobehavioral reaction function is decreased. In addition general well-being feeling of females is lower than males.

[Assessment on reliability and validity of Instrument zur stre beta bezogenen Tätigkeitsanalyse 6.0].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the reliability and validity of Instrument zur stre beta bezogenen Tätigkeitsanalyse 6.0 (ISTA 6.0). METHODS: 991 participants were sampled with stratified cluster randomly methods from various kinds of occupations, including teachers in primary and middle schools, doctors, bankers and environmental protection officers in order to study the reliability and validity of ISTA 6.0 with inter-item consistency and construct validity. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of ISTA 6.0 was over 0.7 with exception of Cooperation closeness (KOP) and Cooperation requirements (KER). Single factor analysis of construct validity of ISTA showed that the first and fifth subitem of Complexity (AK), the fifth subitem of Task control (HS) and Work organization problems (AOP) had lower factor loading (P < 0.05). The multilevel confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fit index and factor loading were significantly greater except KER of Regulation possibilities (RR) and Cooperation possibilities (KSP) of Regulation possibilities (RP). The non-normed fit index (NNFI) and Comparative fit index (CFI) were lower than 0.9, possibly because of irrationality of some subitems and lower factor loading of KER and KSP factor. It implied that Chinese edition of ISTA6.0 needed further improvement according to the modification index (MI) and the special knowledge for higher construct validity. CONCLUSION: ISTA 6.0 can measure truthfully occupational stressors. Owing to the difference of culture, economy and custom, some subitems of ISTA 6.0 does not fit in with Chinese situation. Therefore it will be revised further for use in China.

[Effects of occupational stress on immunological function, glucose and blood lipid of female workers in oil-field].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of occupational stress on immunological function, glucose, and blood lipid of female workers in oil-field. METHODS: 900 female workers working in oil-field as observation group and 220 female not working in oil-field in 11 work types of oil industry in oil-field were selected as control group randomly, occupational role, personal strain, and personal abilities of two groups were measured with occupational stress inventory-revised (OSI-R). Then, 100 workers were selected randomly from two groups Blood lipid, blood sugar, and immunological function were measured. RESULTS: Occupational role and strain in observed group are significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05), However, there is no difference on personal abilities in two groups. Blood sugar, IgG, IgA, IgM, IL-6 content in observation group was significantly higher than control group, but CHO, HDL, LDL, IL-2 content was significantly less than control group (P < 0.05). TG content had no significant difference between both groups. There was positive correlation between occupational role, strain and, blood sugar, immunological function but negative correlation between personal abilities (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results show that blood sugar content was increased, CHO, HDL, LDL were decreased and immumological function was changed because of occupational stress. There was positive correlation between occupational role, strain and blood sugar, immunological function but negative correlation between personal resources.