A confirmed association between DNA variants in CAPN9, OSM, and ITGAM candidate genes and the risk of umbilical hernia in pigs.

Umbilical hernia (UH) is one of the most prevalent defects of swine, affecting their welfare and causing considerable economic loss. The molecular mechanisms behind UH in pigs remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to verify the association between UH and previously reported DNA variants in the CAPN9, OSM, ITGAM, and NUGGC genes. A case/control study design was applied in two different crossbred cohorts of commercial fatteners containing 412 and 171 pigs, respectively. SNPs within CAPN9, OSM, and ITGAM were analyzed using Sanger sequencing, and 10 SNPs in CAPN9, five in OSM, and two in ITGAM were identified. A structural variant in the NUGGC gene was studied by droplet-digital PCR, and an elevated copy number was detected in only a single individual. Significant differences in allele frequencies for four SNPs in CAPN9 were detected. The haplotype analysis showed the effect on the risk of UH for two genes. The CAGGA haplotype within OSM and AT haplotype in ITGAM reduced the relative risk of UH by 52% and 45%, respectively, confirming that variants in those genes are associated with the risk of UH in pigs. Moreover, the interaction between the CAPN9 haplotype and the sex of animals had also significant impact on UH risk.

Ultrasound evaluation of the impact of cricoid pressure versus novel 'paralaryngeal pressure' on anteroposterior oesophageal diameter.

To assess the degree to which cricoid pressure (Sellick manoeuvre) actually compresses the oesophagus, we measured the effect of cricoid pressure and paralaryngeal pressure on the outer anteroposterior diameter of the upper oesophagus with ultrasound in 39 healthy volunteers. The mean (SD) outer anteroposterior oesophageal diameter was 0.77 (0.11) cm with no pressure, 0.79 (0.13) cm with the application of cricoid pressure of 30 N and 0.68 (0.12) cm with the application of paralaryngeal pressure of 30 N (p < 0.0001). If cricoid pressure does not reduce the anteroposterior diameter of the oesophagus, it is difficult or impossible to explain the efficacy of the Sellick manoeuvre. However, paralaryngeal pressure decreases this diameter and has the potential to occlude the upper oesophagus.

Occupational ceramic fibres dermatitis in Poland.

Recently, the use of asbestos has been considerably limited in Poland, with the simultaneous increase in the manufacture, processing and application of man-made mineral fibres, which includes ceramic fibres. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the type and frequency of dermal changes caused by the irritant activity of ceramic fibres among workers at the plants that manufacture packing and insulation products; and (2) to compare the irritant activity of Polish-made L-2 and L-3 ceramic fibres with that of the Thermowool ceramic fibres made in England. Workers (n = 226) who were exposed to ceramic fibres underwent dermatological examination. Patch tests with the standard allergen set, together with samples of the fibres L-2, L-3, and Thermowool fibres, were applied to all the workers. It has been shown that the Polish-made L-2 and L-3 fibres differed from Thermowool fibres in that the L-2 and L-3 fibres contained zirconium and were coarser. The proportion of filaments with diameters above 3 microns was 11.1% in the L-3 fibre and 6.3% in the L-2 fibre samples. The Thermowool fibre did not contain filaments thicker than 3 microns. Evident dermal changes, resulting from strong irritant activity of the fibres, were detected in 109 (48.2%) of the workers examined. Irritant contact dermatitis acuta (maculae, sometimes papulae and small crusts on the upper extremities, trunk, and lower extremities), disappearing after 2-3 days, was found in 50 (22.1%) workers. Irritant contact dermatitis chronica (diffuse permanent erythema with numerous telangiectasiae on the lateral portions of the face and neck, on the trunk, behind the auricles) was detected in 40 (17.7%) workers. The remaining 19 (8.4%) workers had both types of dermal change. All examined workers complained of very strong itching. The results of the patch tests confirmed the irritant activity of the ceramic fibres. Erythema without oedema, persisting for up to 96 h, appeared at the places where the fibres had been applied to the skin in 44 (19.5%) workers. In addition, the irritant activity of the fibres has been shown to be correlated with their thickness. The Thermowool fibre was the weakest irritant, because it did not contain filaments above 3 microns in diameter; the L-2 fibre containing 6.3% filaments above 3 microns caused somewhat stronger skin irritation; while the L-3 fibre, which contained 11.1% filaments thicker than 3 microns, was the strongest irritant. A few cases of allergy to nickel, chromium and colophony (rosin) were also detected.

The hemodynamic effects of halothane and isoflurane in chick embryo.

UNLABELLED: The cardiovascular effects of volatile anesthetics in prenatal hearts are not well investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the embryonic cardiovascular system is sensitive to an exposure to clinically relevant, equipotent concentrations of halothane and isoflurane. Stage 24 (4-day-old) chick embryos were exposed to 0.09 and 0.16 mM of halothane and 0.17 and 0.29 mM of isoflurane. Dorsal aortic blood velocity was measured with a pulsed-Doppler velocity meter. Halothane, but not isoflurane, caused a significant decrease in cardiac stroke volume and maximum acceleration of blood (dV/dt(max)), an index of cardiac performance. This effect was reversible, and during washout, stroke volume and dV/dt(max) increased above control levels. Embryonic heart rate was not affected by either drug. Chick and human embryos are similar during early stages of development; therefore, chick embryo may be a useful model to study the cardiovascular effects of anesthetics. IMPLICATIONS: In equipotent, clinically relevant concentrations, halothane, but not isoflurane, markedly decreased aortic blood flow and cardiac performance measured with ultrasound techniques in chick embryos. Chick and human embryos are similar during early stages of development; therefore, chick embryo may be a useful model to study the cardiovascular effects of anesthetics.

[The fibrogenic effect of artificial ceramic fibres in experimental rats]. / Ocena dzialania zwlókniajacego sztucznych wlókien ceramicznych w doswiadczeniach na szczurach.

The fibrogenic effect of aluminosilicate ceramic fibres in rats administered intratracheally with a single dose of 25 mg was assessed on the basis of the lung hydroxyproline concentration and morphological changes in the lung parenchyma and mediastinum lymphatic nodes. Control groups were composed of rats administered with NaCl saline and crocidolite UICC. The rats were exposed for 6 and 9 months. It was found that after 6 and 9 months, aluminosilicate ceramic fibres (L-1, Langfaser, Thermowool and Kaowool) showed weak fibrogenic properties. The range of changes in reactivity, and the presence of fibres of fibrous connective tissue in granulomas, induced by ceramic fibres were lower than the range of changes and the contribution of connective tissue produced by asbestos and crocidolite UICC.

Lack of lung hemorrhage in humans after intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography with ultrasound exposure conditions similar to those causing lung hemorrhage in laboratory animals.

This study investigated the phenomenon of ultrasonically induced lung hemorrhage in humans. Multiple experimental laboratories have shown that diagnostic ultrasound exposure can cause hemorrhage in the lungs of laboratory animals. The left lung of 50 patients (6 women, 44 men, mean age 61 years) was observed directly by the surgeon after routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was performed. From manufacturer specifications the maximum derated intensity in the sound field of the system used was 186 W/cm2, the maximum derated rarefactional acoustic pressure was 2.4 MPa, and the maximum mechanical index was 1.3. The lowest frequency used was 3.5 MHz. This exposure exceeds the threshold found for surface lung hemorrhage seen on gross observation of laboratory animals. No hemorrhage was noted on any lung surface by the surgeon on gross observation. We conclude that clinical transesophageal echocardiography, even at field levels a little greater than the reported thresholds for lung hemorrhage in laboratory animals, did not cause surface lung hemorrhage apparent on gross observation. These negative results support the conclusion that the human lung is not markedly more sensitive to ultrasound exposure than that of other mammals.

[Exposure to ceramic fibers in the work environment. III. occupational exposure to ceramic fibers in plants which produce and apply insulation materials made of ceramic fibers]. / Narazenie na wlókna ceramiczne w srodowisku pracy. III. Zawodowa ekspozycja na wlókna ceramiczne w zakladach produkujacych i stosujacych materialy izolacyjne z wlókien ceramicznych.

The study was aimed at assessing the exposure to dust in the work environment of plants which produced and apply packing and insulation materials made of ceramic fibres. The study revealed that workers were exposed to dust containing respirable ceramic fibres and in some cases (production of packing cord, insulating tape and paperboard) respirable asbestos fibres. The mean concentration of respirable fibres ranged from 0.05 to 0.62 f/l cm3, and concentrations of total dust fell between 0.6 and 23.2 mg/m3. The mean concentrations of respirable fibres were usually below (0.5 f/l cm3 for respirable ceramic fibres with asbestos mixture; 1 f/cm3 for respirable ceramic fibres), and of total dust much higher (1 mg/m3 and 2 mg/m3, respectively) than MAC values proposed. The initial dermatological examinations (25 workers) allow the conclusion that contact with ceramic fibres induces in some workers acute dermatitis and dermal papilla.

[Exposure to ceramic fibers in the work environment. II. Occupational exposure to dust in plants producing ceramic fiber; fibrogenic effect of the fibers]. / Narazenie na Wlókna ceramiczne w srodowisku pracy. II. Zawodowa ekspozycja na pyl w zakladzie produkujacym wlókna ceramiczne, dzialanie zwlókniajace tych wllókien.

The aim of the work was to assess the exposure to dust containing ceramic fibres among workers employed in the plant producing aluminosilicate fibres, and to investigate fibrogenic properties of produced ceramic aluminosilicate fibres (L-1). The studies carried out in the work environment revealed that workers were exposed to dust containing respirable fibres from materials produced (fibres, mats). Mean concentrations of these fibres ranged from 0.07 to 0.37 f/cm3 and they were considerably lower than MAC value (1 f/cm3) proposed for respirable ceramic fibres. Mean total dust concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 2.9 mg/m3, and at two working posts they exceeded the proposed MAC value (2 mg/m3). In animal experiments (Wistar female rats) a single dose (25 mg) of L-1 fibres administered intratracheally induced pathological symptoms in lungs, limited to reactive changes in the form of granuloma with weakly pronounced cytolysis, and mean levels of hydroxyproline in the lungs did not differ significantly from the physiological level. The L-1 fibre was classified in the group of dusts with insignificant fibrogenic effects.

[Exposure to ceramic fibers in the occupational environment. I. Production, kinds of ceramic fibers, changes in structure of these fibers, preliminary studies in the working environment]. / Narazenie na wlókna ceramiczne w srodowisku pracy. I. Produkcja, rodzaje wlókien ceramicznych, zmiany zachodzace w strukturze tych wlókien, wstepne badania w srodowisku pracy.

The production of fireproof SiO2/Al2O3 ceramic fibres started in the late forties. Primarily, the production was designed entirely for the aircraft industry. In the sixties the application of ceramic fibres became more wider. The first ceramic fibrous materials were characterised by thermal resistance reaching 1200 degrees C. Certain kinds of materials produced currently can be used in the temperature accounting for 1600 degrees C. Aluminosiliceous ceramic fibres recrystallise at high temperature (above 1000 degrees C) and produce mullite and crostobalite. Ceramic fibrous material may become hazardous to workers as a source of respirable fibres. Studies, carried out in plants which manufacture products from aluminosiliceous ceramic fibres, indicated that mean concentrations of respirable fibres ranged from 0.14 to 1.13 f/cm3 while the levels of mean concentrations of total dust accounted for 0.4-13.6 mg/m3. At working posts of plants producing china, where heat-insulating materials were changed mean level of respirable fibre concentration was 0.28-1.65 f/cm3 and concentration of total dust ranged from 7.0 to 17.7 mg/m3.

[Biological effect of wood dust]. / Biologiczne dzialanie pylu drzewnego.

The biological effect of exposure to wood dust depends on its composition and the content of microorganisms which are an inherent element of the dust. The irritant and allergic effects of wood dust have been recognised for a long time. The allergic effect is caused by the wood dust of subtropical trees, e.g. western red cedar (Thuja plicata), redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon), cocabolla (Dalbergia retusa) and others. Trees growing in the European climate such as: larch (Larix), walnut (Juglans regia), oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), pine (Pinus) cause a little less pronounced allergic effect. Occupational exposure to irritative or allergic wood dust may lead to bronchial asthma, rhinitis, alveolitis allergica, DDTS (Organic dust toxic syndrome), bronchitis, allergic dermatitis, conjunctivitis. An increased risk of adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal cavity is an important and serious problem associated with occupational exposure to wood dust. Adenocarcinoma constitutes about half of the total number of cancers induced by wood dust. An increased incidence of the squamous cell cancers can also be observed. The highest risk of cancer applies to workers of the furniture industry, particularly those dealing with machine wood processing, cabinet making and carpentry. The cancer of the upper respiratory tract develops after exposure to many kinds of wood dust. However, the wood dust of oak and beech seems to be most carcinogenic. It is assumed that exposure to wood dust can cause an increased incidence of other cancers, especially lung cancer and Hodgkin's disease. The adverse effects of microorganisms, mainly mould fungi and their metabolic products are manifested by alveolitis allergica and ODTS. These microorganisms can induce aspergillomycosis, bronchial asthma, rhinitis and allergic dermatitis.

[Asbestos substitutes and their biological action. I. Types, use, exposure and MPEL]. / Zamienniki azbestu i ich dzialanie biologiczne. 1. Rodzaje, zastosowanie, narazenie i skutki biologiczne, NDS.

Referring to literature, the authors present problems of exposure to asbestos, its production and MACs in Poland. In our country artificial mineral fibres are produced in seven plants employing about 2000 workers. These plants produce basalt wool, sag wool and glass fibres used in industrial and building insulating materials and in cement and mortar additives and as a free insulating material. Mean concentrations of total dust at the work-posts measured in 1986-1989 ranged between 1.06 mg/m3 and 3.10 mg/m3. Concentrations of respirable fibres ranged from 0.041 fibre/cm3 to 0.173 fibre/cm3. In Poland, the MAC for mineral fibres for total dust amounts to 4 mg/m3 and for respirable mineral fibres to 2 fibres/cm3.

[Fly ash and its biological effects. 3. Exposure to dust of workers in the energy-generating industry (power plants and thermoelectric power stations)]. / Popioly lotne i ich dzialanie biologiczne. 3. Narazenie na pyl pracowników zatrudnionych w zakladach energetyki (elektrowniach i elektrocieplowniach).

An evaluation of exposure to dust of workers employed at typical work-stands in power industry plants was made. Mean concentrations of respirable dust determined at 14 different work-posts range from 0.45 to 8.95 mg/m3, and of total dust from 1.55 to 85.0 mg/m3. Mean content of free crystalline silica in dust samples is less than 10%. At the work-stands where ash dust was encountered, the presence of respirable fibres at concentration below 0.2 fibre/cm3 was observed. In all ash samples alpha-quartz and mullite were found: in some of them also kaolinite and orthoclase were traced. Only at five out of all 14 work-stands examined mean concentration of respirable dust was lower than the hygienic standard value.

[Volatile ashes and their biological effect. 2. Fibrogenic effect of volatile ashes]. / Popioly lotne i ich dzialanie biologiczne. 2. Dzialanie zwlókniajace popiolów lotnych.

In experiments on white Wistar rats fibrogenic effects of 6 samples of fly-ashes collected from electric precipitators in power engineering plants have been evaluated. The coal came from different national deposits. All the ashes have been found to contain: quartz and mullite, 3 ashes contained additionally orthoclase, whereas 1, apart from quartz and mullite, contained kaolinite; naturally radioactive elements (Ra226, K40, Th228) and trace elements (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Ce, Cu, Fe, Pa, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, U Zu). Experimental pneumoconiosis was induced through intratracheal administration of single doses of 50 mg of dust; the experiment was carried out at 3 time intervals of 3, 6 and 9 months. The fibrogenic activity was evaluated both qualitatively (histopathological methods) and quantitatively (lung weight, hydroxyproline content in lungs, dust elimination from lungs); control groups consisted of animals which obtained NaCl solution and quartz sands. Fly-ashes were found to exhibit different fibrogenic effects, yet, their fibrogenic activity was weaker, compared to quartz sands. No clear correlation was found between fibrogenic effects of ashes and test physico-chemical properties, such as the content of SiO2, trace elements or naturally radioactive elements. Analysis of occupational diseases (for the period section): (1979-1983) demonstrated occupational diseases of dust-related aetiology among power engineering workers, pneumoconioses, constituting 7.8% of 127 cases of occupational diseases.

[Skin diseases and sensitization to metals in construction workers engaged in the production of pre-cast cellular concrete slabs]. / Choroby skóry i uczulenie na metale u pracowników budownictwa wytwarzajacych prefabrykaty budowlane z betonu komórkowego.

The study involved 461 building workers exposed to ashes, cement and ash-cement mixtures in direct production and at auxiliary posts (fitters, welders, mechanics, electricians etc.). In addition, all those workers were exposed to lubricants ans machine oils, as well as anti-adhesive oils used to lubricate moulds. All the subjects underwent patch tests. Dermatitis was found in 18.9%, whereas oil acne in 7.4% of subjects, 23.0% exhibited chromium allergy, 15.2% - cobalt allergy and 5.0% - nickel allergy. Two workers were ++hypersensitive to zinc. No differences were found in the rates of dermatitis, oil acne and metal allergy between production workers and auxiliary ones. Airborne dust concentrations at those workplaces were similar. Cement and ashes contained compounds of chromium, cobalt and nickel.