Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science最新文献

{"title":"Serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides associated with diabetes and obesity in Northern Benin (West Africa)","authors":"C. Azandjeme, M. Bouchard, F. Djrolo, D. Houinato, H. Delisle","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140623112405","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140623112405","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Diabetes rising prevalence is of great concern in Africa because of its socio-economic impacts in a context of limited access to health care. The inappropriate use of pesticides may add to the burden of diabetes in Africa. The present study was carried out in a cotton producing area of Benin in order to assess the relationship between the highest prevalence of diabetes observed in the country and organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 2011. A sample of 106 subjects with diabetes and 106 non-diabetic controls were paired by age, gender, ethnicity and residential area. Personal and socioeconomic information, along with anthropometric measurements were collected. Blood samples were assayed for total lipids and 14 OCPs by gas-chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry. Data were recorded for the four detectable OCPs: p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE), p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p’-DDT), β -hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), and trans-nonachlor. Results: Serum levels of all four detected OCPs were consistently higher in diabetic subjects than in non-diabetic controls. The odds ratio of diabetes was nearly three-fold higher when comparing the third tertile of p,p’-DDE and p,p’-DDT and β-HCH levels with the first tertile, without adjustment for potential confounders. The association remained significant for p,p’-DDT (OR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.17-5.42) and p,p’-DDE (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.01-4.54) after adjusting for a family history of diabetes, abdominal obesity, and wealth index or education. Conclusion: Our data showed that exposure to p,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE was associated with an increased risk of diabetes. These findings have major public health implications.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"257 1","pages":"121-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75060188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toxic effects of transition metals on male reproductive system: A review -","authors":"M. Chandel, G. Jain","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140929042630","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140929042630","url":null,"abstract":"Transition metals are d block elements, which show multiple oxidation states. Transition metals have a wide variety of applications in the industrial world. Recent studies have shown a considerable increase in metal contamination all over the world due to extensive use of metals and anthropogenic activity. A significant amount of many metals including transition metals have been reported in semen and blood of occupationally exposed workers. In the biological system, transition metals are mostly conjugated to proteins, forming metalloproteins, which are part of the enzymatic system. These are an essential component of biological function, but at higher concentration they can be toxic. Transition metals can interact additively, synergistically or antagonistically and affect each other’s absorption, distribution and excretion. Recent studies have shown that exposure to transition metals such as Cd, Cr, Hg, manganese, Ni, V and Zinc affects many body organs including the reproductive system. Transition metals may adversely affect male reproductive system in the terms of disruption of spermatogenesis, reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and increase in oxidative stress, inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis, serum testosterone, libido and decline in fertility. Various underlined mechanism have been proposed for such effects. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the effects of transition metal exposure on male reproductive organs and functions.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"10 1","pages":"204-213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81065069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the bio-accessible non-process element concentrations in slaker grits by synthetic sweat and gastric fluids extraction","authors":"R. Pöykiö, H. Nurmesniemi, O. Dahl, G. Watkins, K. Manskinen","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140315081719","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140315081719","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The non-process elements (NPEs) or more correctly inorganic process contaminants are compounds that are not necessary for the chemistry of kraft pulping, e.g. heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine the extractability of NPEs in the slaker grits using artificial sweat and gastric fluids to assess the potential occupational risk from grits handling. Methods: The slaker grits investigated in this study were sampled in November 2013 from the outlet of the causticizing process at a pulp mill located in Finland. The bio-accessible concentrations of NPEs in the slaker grits were determined using their solubility (extractability) in synthetic sweat (pH = 6.4) and gastric (pH = 1.5) fluids. Results: The highest bio-accessible concentration of non-process elements (NPEs) in the synthetic sweat fluid was observed for Al (14.0 mg/kg; d.w.), and in the synthetic gastric fluid for Al (4920 mg/kg; d.w.) and Ba (163 mg/kg; d.w.). If we disregard the NPEs whose concentrations were lower than the detection limits, the synthetic gastric fluid was able to release between 42.6% (Pb) and 81.8% (Ni) of the total element concentrations of NPEs in the slaker grits. Conclusion: We conclude that due to the very high bio-accessible concentration of certain NPEs in the synthetic gastric fluid, it is necessary to prevent the ingestion and penetration of slaker grits particles across the human gastrointestinal tract.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"55 1","pages":"65-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89349364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness and handling practices of asbestos in asbestos workers","authors":"R. Tiwari, A. Saha","doi":"10.5455/jeos.20141009114701","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/jeos.20141009114701","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: This study is carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude of asbestos workers regarding health effects of asbestos, its preventive measures and safe disposal. Methods: This cross sectional study included 117 asbestos workers of six small scale asbestos products manufacturing units. Interview technique was used as a tool for data collection on predesigned questionnaire. Results: Only 50.4% of the subjects knew that their workplace asbestos as one of the raw material. Further 75 (64.1%) considered asbestos as harmful material for health. Only 10(8.5%) workers received formal training to safe handle the asbestos while only 3 (2.6%) subjects knew that health hazards caused by asbestos are compensable. All the workers were using mask to protect themselves against the dust. 29% of the workers did not know about the safe disposal of asbestos waste. Conclusions: The present study reveals poor knowledge regarding asbestos and its safe disposal in the workers.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"186-189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73492560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Defluoridation of groundwater using gypsiferous limestone","authors":"F. Fufa, E. Alemayehu, Bishaw Deboch","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140314041743","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140314041743","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Fluorosis is a chronic environmental health problem caused by intake of excess fluoride, mainly in the drinking groundwater. Therefore, adsorptive removal of fluoride by locally available low-cost materials is very important for the provision of safe drinking water in the fluorosis endemic regions where there are no water treatment facilities. Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate fluoride sorption capacity of gypsiferous limestone (GLS) using natural groundwater samples containing different fluoride concentrations. Methods: Sets of batch adsorption setup along with blank and control experiments were conducted at room temperature to examine the pattern of fluoride removal with varying contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dose and initial concentration using contaminated natural groundwater. Results: Equilibrium was achieved within 24 h of agitation time. Kinetics data of fluoride adsorption followed well the non-linear pseudo-first order rate equation (R2 ~ 0.99). Fluoride adsorption was greatly dependent on the pH of the groundwater. High fluoride removal efficiency (~ 89%) was observed over acidic medium at pH 3 and 5. The Langmuir isotherm model well described the equilibrium fluoride adsorption, giving an adsorption capacity of 1.07 mg/g. The removal of fluoride enhanced when the adsorbent was calcined at 200 °C for 4 h. The fluoride loaded adsorbent was successfully regenerated using NaOH solution. Conclusion: The results of the study have provided fundamental information for further investigation of GLS in the defluoridation of drinking water.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"71 1","pages":"71-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78335697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Growing Significance of Microsporum canis in Tinea of Animal Handlers","authors":"P. Dave, R. Mahendra, M. Pal","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20141009114534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20141009114534","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The prime objective of this study was to ascertain the etiologic role of Microsporum canis in various dermatological disorders of patients from rural areas of Bharauch,Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: In all 27 patients of both sexes and different age groups attending the OPD of Welfare Hospital and Shashwat Clinic were investigated for M.canis infection by employing standard mycological techniques. Results : Out of 27 patients examined, only three were found positive for M.canis. All the patients had close contact with sick animals. Narayan stain revealed the detailed morphology of M.canis isolates. Chemotherapy with topical application of anifungal drugs was successful in all the patients. Conclusion: It is deduced that patients with a history of contact with should be investigated for the zoophilic dermatophyes particularly M.canis as this fungus has emerged as global mycotic pathogen of humans and animals. It is recommended that epidemiological investigation should be conducted to establish the source of infection.Wider use of Narayan stain is recommended in all the laboratories working on fungal infections of humans and animals.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"86 1","pages":"193-195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81316232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pre-placement examination: A strategy to ensure benefit to the employees and employers -","authors":"S. Shrivastava, P. Shrivastava, J. Ramasamy","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140619065049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140619065049","url":null,"abstract":"Ergonomics is the “science of work” that encompasses different measures to ensure fitting the workplace to the worker. Among all the strategies implemented to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers, pre-placement examination, has been acknowledged as the foundation element. A comprehensive pre-placement examination assists in careful selection of workers, developing systematic plans to help workers to get acclimatized to their job, minimizing health risks to the workers, improving the quality of life of workers, reducing burden on the health care delivery system / insurance companies, maintaining good relations between employee & employer, building a healthy environment at workplace, and eventually augments the outcome of the industry. The pre-placement examination for a given job position is difficult to standardize worldwide, and thus should be tailor-made based on the characteristics of the employee; the type of equipment / process utilized to perform a specific job; routine policy of the industry; and amount of workload. To conclude, pre-placement examination is an integral component of the ergonomics and thus there is an immense need to implement it effectively in all settings to ensure benefit to both employees and employers, and eventually augment the productivity of the industry or economic growth of the nation.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"3 1","pages":"119-120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82401627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solid-phase extraction employing 5-methyl-4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol entrapped in sol-gel glass as a sorbent resin to remove Zinc ions","authors":"M. Zaitoun, A. El-Qisairi, K. A. Momani, H. A. Qaseer, Wasim Alhalasah","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140909071020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140909071020","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The ligand 5-methyl-4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol (5-Me-TAR) was encapsulated in an optically transparent, inert and porous sol-gel glass to produce a solid resin. The synthesized composite (resin) was used as a solid phase extractant to remove (as a filter) zinc ions from water samples. Materials and Methods: A solution of the ligand in ethanol was mixed with selected alkoxysilanes in the presence of water to produce a homogeneous mixture. By hydrolysis and condensation of the alkoxysilanes, solid glass forms around the dopant. The ligand molecule is entrapped inside the glass pores, while small Zn(II) metal ions can diffuse into the pores where they are complexed by the ligand and retained inside the pores. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize 5-Me-TAR ligand and 5-Me-TAR-Zn complex both in solution and sol-gel glass. The sol-gel glass precursors were carefully selected to produce a glass composite material doped with the ligand with no leaching, especially when the glass is soaked in the solution. Results: Complexation using the batch method was employed, in which a known weight of the sorbent resin is mixed with a known concentration of Zn(II) ions. In order to attain the maximum metal ion complexation capacity; the filter was optimized to the optimum separation/pre-concentration conditions of analytes, including the effect of pH, capacity of the solid, equilibration time and coexisting ions; afterwards, the solution was filtered. The amount of zinc metal ion complexed/adsorbed was determined by the difference between the initial concentration in aqueous solution and that found in the supernatant, using flame atomic absorption. The optimum condtions (maximum uptake) was obtained at pH = 6 using 30 min shaking time, and the capacity of the solid was 0.153 mmol Zn/g. Conclusion: The ligand was successfully trapped inside the sol-gel pores, and no diffusion of the ligand was observed. Soaking of the sorbent in a solution containing Zn(II) ions results in diffusion of the zinc ions through the sorbent pores into the ligand for complexation.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"44 1","pages":"154-161"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91394351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multigrain diet mitigates fluoride induced metabolic toxicity","authors":"Rupal A. Vasant, E. Vincent, Sanjay S. Karn, N. Amaravadi","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140217054956","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140217054956","url":null,"abstract":"As fluoride is known to exert disturbances in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and compromise antioxidant cell defense systems, the present investigation was aimed at studying the role of a multi-grain diet composing of phytonutrient and antioxidant rich grains- ragi, jowar, bajra, maize, rice and oats in mitigation of fluoride induced metabolic toxicity. Albino rats were exposed to fluoride (221.043 mg sodium fluoride) through drinking water and fed commercial and multi-grain diets for a period of two months. Plasma and tissue carbohydrate, lipid and antioxidant profiles were assessed in both controls and fluoride-exposed animals. Exposure to fluoride led to a significant elevation in plasma glucose, lipid profiles and increased lipid peroxidation in liver and kidneys along with increases in hepatic lipid profiles. On the other hand the activities of G-6-Pase, hexokinase, plasma HDL-C and hepatic glycogen contents and antioxidant profiles have all declined significantly. When the fluoride exposed rats were fed multi-grain diet, the plasma glucose levels and hepatic G-6-pase activity were reduced with an elevation in hepatic glycogen content and hexokinase activity. In these animals the plasma and hepatic lipid profiles and tissue lipid peroxidation also declined. Additionally, the plasma HDL-C content, hepatic and renal antioxidant status were found to improve significantly in multi-grain diet fed groups exposed to fluoride. The results of the present study indicate that a composite diet rich in phytonutrients and antioxidant contents is beneficial in reducing the effects of fluoride induced metabolic toxicity.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"26 1","pages":"25-30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84823865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occurrence and the level of contamination of aflatoxin M1in raw, pasteurized, and UHT buffalo milk consumed in Sohag and Assiut, Upper Egypt","authors":"Eman M. Shaker, E. Elsharkawy","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140619064326","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140619064326","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This study evaluated the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw, pasteurized and ultra-heat treated (UHT) buffalo milk consumed in upper Egypt. Materials and Methods: Milk samples were collected from January to June 2013. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied. Results: All the tested samples were positive for AFM1, which were above the Egyptian regulations limits 0 ng/L. The raw milk showed 93% of samples were above the permitted limit set by the European Commission (EC), whereas 3.3% of samples exceeded US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) tolerance limit. The pasteurized milk showed 100% and 13.5% of samples exceeded the EC, and US FDA, respectively. UHT milk Brand I and II showed 100% and 86.5% of samples were above EC, and 36.6% and 6.6% of samples exceeded US FDA, respectively. Conclusion: These results raise concerns about the milk consumed in Egypt and it must be monitored for AFM1 contamination.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"90 1","pages":"136-140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75028915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}