Review
Respiratory System
Ryan F. Hoy, Mohamed F. Jeebhay, Catherine Cavalin, Weihong Chen, Robert A. Cohen, Elizabeth Fireman, Leonard H. T. Go, Antonio Leon-Jimenez, Alfredo Menendez-Navarro, Marcos Ribeiro, Paul-Andre Rosental
Summary: Silicosis is a irreversible lung disease caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust. Despite millions of workers being exposed to RCS, official case numbers are often underestimated due to deficiencies in reporting systems and surveillance programmes. Effective prevention and global elimination efforts are hindered by lack of consensus on exposure limits and inadequate public health responses.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paul D. Blanc, Laura Trupin, Edward H. Yelin, Gabriela Schmajuk
Summary: Workers in hard rock and other underground mining and surface mining occupations experienced 3- to 4-fold increased odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xuedan Deng, Changfu Hao, Yiping Li, Yonghua Guo, Huifang Si, Jing He, Meng Deng, Zhuoya Niu, Chen Wang, Xiao Xu, Kai Dai, Wu Yao
Summary: Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that is characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism. In this study, lipidomic analysis revealed differentially-expressed lipids in the lungs of silicosis mice compared with controls. The down-regulation of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) was found to be associated with the development of silicosis. Overexpression of LPCAT1 inhibited the development of silicosis in mice, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic target for silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Denis Vinnikov, Paul D. Blanc, Aizhan Raushanova, Arailym Beisbekova, Jerrold L. Abraham, Yelena Zlobina
Summary: This study characterized personal exposure of workers fabricating aluminium trihydroxide-containing synthetic countertops, finding a nearly 100-fold range in respirable PM concentrations. The 15-min median concentrations increased until 2.35 hours, followed by a plateau, highlighting a need for early prevention measures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jian Zhou, Yali Chen, Menglin He, Xuehan Li, Rurong Wang
Summary: This article comprehensively summarizes the alteration and functional role of circRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis and discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of targeting circRNAs and their regulatory pathway mediators.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiyi Tan, Shi Chen
Summary: Silicosis is a pressing public health issue globally, with autophagy playing a crucial role in disease progression and potentially providing therapeutic targets through regulating macrophage apoptosis. Exogenous chemicals like lipopolysaccharides or natural product ingredients may have either detrimental or beneficial effects on silicosis fibrosis by modulating macrophage autophagy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Ruimin Ma, Yali Fan, Xiaoxi Huang, Jingwei Wang, Shuang Li, Yuanying Wang, Qiao Ye
Summary: Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica particles, and its incidence continues to rise globally. This study used mouse models to mimic chronic or accelerated silicosis and analyzed the metabolic changes during silica-induced lung fibrosis using histology, lung function, imaging, and metabolomics. The findings showed that both low- and high-dose silica exposure resulted in abnormal lipid metabolism, especially sphingolipid metabolism, which played a crucial role in the development of silicosis.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander E. Mbuya, Innocent Mboya, Hadija Semvua, Simon Mamuya, Sia Msuya
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, especially in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) where it accounts for 25% of the global burden. A study conducted in Mererani, northern Tanzania, found a high prevalence of TB (7%) among mining communities, much higher than the national average. Risk factors for TB included lower education level, previous lung disease, and symptoms of TB.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fei Geng, Mengying Xu, Lan Zhao, Haoming Zhang, Jiarui Li, Fuyu Jin, Yaqian Li, Tian Li, Xinyu Yang, Shifeng Li, Xuemin Gao, Wenchen Cai, Na Mao, Ying Sun, Heliang Liu, Hong Xu, Zhongqiu Wei, Fang Yang
Summary: Quercetin reduces pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage senescence and regulates the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qi Xu, Demin Cheng, Guanru Li, Yi Liu, Ping Li, Wenqing Sun, Dongyu Ma, Chunhui Ni
Summary: Glycolysis is associated with pulmonary fibrosis, and the circHIPK3/miR-30a-3p/FOXK2 regulatory pathway plays a crucial role in promoting fibrosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Wen-hong Wu, Yong-hong Feng, Chun-yan Min, Shao-wei Zhou, Zi-dan Chen, Li-min Huang, Wen-lan Yang, Guang-hong Yang, Jun Li, Jin Shi, Hua Quan, Ling Mao
Summary: A retrospective cohort study on 89 artificial stone workers in Shanghai, China found that the use of tetrandrine can control and delay the progression of silicosis fibrosis. This treatment also improves chest HRCT imaging and pulmonary function.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ya-Qian Li, Xu-Liang An, Fu-Yu Jin, Yi-Fei Bai, Tian Li, Xin-Yu Yang, Shu-Peng Liu, Xue-Min Gao, Na Mao, Hong Xu, Wen-Chen Cai, Fang Yang
Summary: The effects of integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB) on cellular senescence and pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis were evaluated. ISRIB significantly reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and reversed the expression of senescence-related factors in mice with silicosis. These findings suggest that ISRIB may alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis by inhibiting cellular senescence.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maggie Lam, Ashley Mansell, Michelle D. Tate
Summary: This review discusses the beneficial effects of targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in silicosis, where inhibition of this inflammasome can eliminate inflammation and fibrosis. However, clinical studies are needed to explore the role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in the clinical setting and to identify biomarkers for early detection of silicosis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ning Li, Meiyu Chang, Qiang Zhou, Lin Zhang, Yongheng Wang, Yi Guan, Haibin Li, Yingzheng Zhao, Chunjie Ding, Shan Hong, Sanqiao Yao
Summary: Metformin can attenuate silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating oxidative stress and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Daily administration of 100 mg/kg Metformin for 21 consecutive days effectively alleviates pulmonary fibrosis through activation of AMPK signaling and relief of oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhounan Cheng, Yingyi Zhang, Rui Zhao, Yan Zhou, Yang Dong, Anni Qiu, Huiwen Xu, Yiran Liu, Wendi Zhang, Qing Chang, Minjie Chu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between circRNA-related SNPs and susceptibility to silicosis. A GWAS was conducted to select candidate SNPs and circBase database was used to identify promising SNPs located on circRNAs. eQTL analysis was performed to assess the relationship between SNPs and located genes. The results revealed that a variant A allele of the circRNA-SNP rs17115143 was associated with an increased risk of silicosis. Additionally, six circRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of silicosis. Further research is needed to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the regulation of silicosis by these circRNAs.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sophie van der Feltz, Susan Peters, Anjoeka Pronk, Vivi Schlunssen, Zara A. Stokholm, Henrik A. Kolstad, Karin van Veldhoven, Ioannis Basinas, Martie van Tongeren, Alex Burdorf, Karen M. Oude Hengel
Summary: This study validates the COVID-19 Job Exposure Matrix (COVID-19-JEM) by comparing risk scores assigned by the COVID-19-JEM with self-reported data, and estimating the associations between the COVID-19-JEM risk scores and self-reported COVID-19. The results show a good agreement between the COVID-19-JEM and self-reported infection risks and infection rates at work.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicola Gartland, Anna Coleman, David Fishwick, Sheena Johnson, Christopher J. Armitage, Martie van Tongeren
Summary: This study aimed to understand the experiences and risk perceptions of organizational leaders and workers in the UK public transport sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings showed that most public transport employees felt safe, but the current mitigation measures may have negative effects on worker morale and wellbeing. Issues related to non-compliance with guidance and 'in-group' behavior were also identified. Recommendations were made to prioritize employee engagement, strong leadership, and clear messaging to promote adherence to behavioral mitigations.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
William Mueller, Miranda Loh, Tony Fletcher, Sarah Rhodes, Lucy Pembrey, Neil Pearce, Martie van Tongeren
Summary: This study investigated the burden of COVID-19 in the UK food and drink processing industry. The results showed that infection rates were associated with deprivation, proportions of remote workers and workers in close proximity, and the number of workers.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vivi Schlunssen, Jean Baptist du Prel, Martie van Tongeren, Lode Godderis, Michelle C. Turner, Damien McElvenny
Summary: Harmonized tools and approaches for data collection can help detect similarities and differences in COVID-19 across countries and support the development of effective preventive strategies. The open source occupational questionnaires on COVID-19 provide comprehensive coverage of key aspects related to the pandemic. However, the general questionnaire has a limited number of questions for each domain.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Christopher J. Armitage, Chris Keyworth, Nicola Gartland, Anna Coleman, David Fishwick, Sheena Johnson, Martie van Tongeren
Summary: The study aimed to assess public adherence to wearing face coverings and to understand the reasons for wearing or not wearing masks in work, public transport, and leisure settings. The results showed that participants were more likely to wear face coverings in public transport settings, but less likely to wear them in work and leisure contexts. Perceptions of capabilities, opportunities, and motivations were consistently associated with wearing face coverings, but there were deficits in automatic motivation and social opportunity. Men, people living in England, and those describing themselves as White were least likely to wear face coverings.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wenxin Wan, Calvin B. Ge, Melissa C. Friesen, Sarah J. Locke, Daniel E. Russ, Igor Burstyn, Christopher J. O. Baker, Anil Adisesh, Qing Lan, Nathaniel Rothman, Anke Huss, Martie van Tongeren, Roel Vermeulen, Susan Peters
Summary: The objective of this study is to compare the performance of different automatic job coding tools in terms of job coding and Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM)-assigned exposures. The results show that CASCOT performs better in terms of job coding and exposure assignment, but study-specific evaluations and tool improvements are still needed.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Melissa Matz, Sarah Rhodes, Martie Van Tongeren, Michel P. Coleman, Claudia Allemani, Vahe Nafilyan, Neil Pearce
Summary: In 2021, excess mortality in England and Wales remained higher for essential workers compared to non-essential workers, with social care workers experiencing the highest excess mortality. This update provides additional data on excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, highlighting the continued risk for essential workers.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew Gittins, Melanie Carder, Martin J. Seed, Ireny Iskandar, Sarah Ann Michelle Daniels, Martie van Tongeren
Summary: This study used zero-inflated negative binomial models to analyze three occupational disease surveillance schemes in the UK. By applying weighted negative binomial models, the trends of specific health outcomes were estimated while accounting for excess zeros. The results showed that the weighted models effectively adjusted for the influence of excess zeros on trend estimates.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Beale, Alexei Yavlinsky, Susan Hoskins, Vincent Nguyen, Thomas Byrne, Wing Lam Erica Fong, Jana Kovar, Martie Van Tongeren, Robert W. Aldridge, Andrew Hayward
Summary: This study investigated the usage of work-related mitigations and workers' perceptions of these mitigations among different occupations and over time. The results showed variations in the usage of these mitigations among occupations and during different periods, with healthcare workers having the highest probabilities of using these measures. Most participants agreed that most mitigations were reasonable and worthwhile even after the relaxation of national restrictions.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sophie van der Feltz, Vivi Schluenssen, Ioannis Basinas, Luise M. Begtrup, Alex Burdorf, Jens P. E. Bonde, Esben M. Flachs, Susan Peters, Anjoeka Pronk, Zara A. Stokholm, Martie van Tongeren, Karin van Veldhoven, Karen M. Oude Hengel, Henrik A. Kolstad
Summary: This study explores the associations between the Danish version of a job exposure matrix for COVID-19 (COVID-19-JEM) and Danish register-based SARS-CoV-2 infection information during three waves of the pandemic. The findings show that higher risk scores within the transmission and mitigation dimensions and the overall JEM score are associated with higher odds of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study suggests that COVID-19-JEM is a promising tool for assessing occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne infectious agents primarily spread through close contact.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Iris Eekhout, Martie van Tongeren, Neil Pearce, Karen M. Oude Hengel
Summary: This study investigated the effects of occupational exposures on the risk of a positive COVID-19 test and whether this varied across pandemic waves. The results showed that all eight dimensions of occupational exposure included in the study increased the odds of a positive test. Adjusting for other variables reduced the odds, but most dimensions still remained at elevated risk.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Beale, Susan Hoskins, Thomas Byrne, Wing Lam Erica Fong, Ellen Fragaszy, Cyril Geismar, Jana Kovar, Annalan M. D. Navaratnam, Vincent Nguyen, Parth Patel, Alexei Yavlinsky, Anne Johnson, Martie Van Tongeren, Robert Aldridge, Andrew Hayward
Summary: This study investigated the differences in infection risk among occupational groups in England and Wales up to April 2022, taking into account potential confounders and pandemic phases. The results showed that nurses, doctors, carers, primary and secondary school teachers, and teaching support occupations had a higher risk of infection. However, the risk varied over different phases. Therefore, further research is needed to understand the workplace factors contributing to elevated risk.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ioannis Basinas, Tuula Liukkonen, Torben Sigsgaard, Nils T. Andersen, Jesper M. Vestergaard, Karen S. Galea, Martie van Tongeren, Ruth Wiggans, Barbara Savary, Wijnand Eduard, Henrik A. Kolstad, Anne Vested, Hans Kromhout, Vivi Schluenssen
Summary: The study aimed to develop a multinational Job Exposure Matrix (JEM) for wood dust exposure in Northern and Central European countries. The results showed an annual decline of approximately 8% in wood dust exposure and significant differences in exposure levels between countries, with the highest levels in the United Kingdom. The jobs with the highest predicted exposure were floor layers and tile setters, wood-products machine operators, and building construction labourers.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Christopher J. Armitage, Chris Keyworth, Nicola Gartland, Anna Coleman, David Fishwick, Sheena Johnson, Martie van Tongeren
Summary: This study tracks changes in face covering and the impacts on people's perceptions of their capabilities, opportunities, and motivations. The findings show that face covering decreased over time as rules were relaxed, and motivations played a significant role in the decline. Further work is needed to develop interventions to change people's motivations and promote the wearing of face coverings, if required in the future.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anna Coleman, Rebecca Canham, Katie Clabon, Paniz Hosseini, Sheena Johnson, Martie van Tongeren
Summary: This article examines the challenges, mitigation measures, and factors affecting the control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in different work sectors in the UK. The findings highlight the changing views and practices of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)