- Comorbidities and causes of death of patients with asbestosis. [Journal Article]J Occup Environ Med. 2022 Dec 23 [Online ahead of print]JO
- CONCLUSIONS: Patients with asbestosis have multiple comorbidities. Prevention and treatment of CAD and LC may influence the prognosis of asbestosis patients.
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- [Current trends of dust exposure and autoimmune diseases: a bibliometric and visual analysis]. [Journal Article]Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2022 Dec 20; 40(12):925-930.ZL
- Objective: To analyze the distribution and key words of the literature about dust exposure related autoimmune diseases published in Chinese and foreign languages. Methods: In May 2021, Publications were retrieved from the PubMed、the Web of Science Core Collection database, SinoMed and CNKI Note Express and VOS viewer were used to evaluate and visualize the results. Results: 89 literatures were re…
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- Asbestos-associated pulmonary disease. [Review]Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2023 Mar 01; 29(2):76-82.CO
- CONCLUSIONS: Asbestos-related pulmonary and pleural diseases continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the current advances in this field and highlights areas that need additional research.
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- Prediction of Asbestos-Related Diseases (ARDs) and Chrysotile Asbestos Exposure Concentrations in Asbestos-Cement (AC) Manufacturing Factories in Zimbabwe. [Journal Article]
- The use of historical asbestos measurement data in occupational exposure assessment is essential as it allows more quantitative analysis of possible exposure response relationships in asbestos-related disease (ARD) occurrence. The aim of this study was to predict possible ARDs, namely lung cancer, mesothelioma, gastrointestinal cancer, and asbestosis, in two chrysotile asbestos cement (AC) manufa…
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- Artificial intelligence-based diagnosis of asbestosis: analysis of a database with applicants for asbestosis state aid. [Journal Article]Eur Radiol. 2022 Dec 26 [Online ahead of print]ER
- CONCLUSIONS: We developed an AI system to support the clinical decision-making process for the application to the government support for asbestosis. A multicenter prospective validation study is currently ongoing to examine the added value and reliability of this system alongside the clinic panel.
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- Spontaneous Tension Hemothorax in a Patient with Asbestosis. [Journal Article]
- CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous hemothorax is a rare subtype of hemothorax. There have been only a few case reports of spontaneous tension hemothorax. In addition to its typical findings, compression of the thoracic descending aorta was observed in our patient. We hypothesize that severely diminished pulmonary compliance contributed to the extremely high intrathoracic pressure, which led to this unusual finding.
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- [Analysis on disease burden and trend of occupational lung disease in Tianjin from 2010 to 2019 based on disability adjusted life years]. [Journal Article]Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2022 Oct 20; 40(10):765-770.ZL
- Objective: To analyze the level and trend of occupational pneumoconiosis disease burden in Tianjin from 2010 to 2019, and to provide scientific basis for making prevention and control countermeasures and suggestions. Methods: In June 2021, the data of occupational pneumoconiosis cases in Tianjin from 2010 to 2019 were selected from Follow-up survey of occupational pneumoconiosis patients in Tianj…
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- Is abestos exposure a risk factor for small airways obstruction? [Journal Article]G Ital Med Lav Ergon. 2022 Mar; 44(1):93.GI
- CONCLUSIONS: To the editor, during these pandemic years, COVID-19 is taking away focus from other respiratory diseases such as pneumoconiosis, which should not be overlooked. We would like to emphasize the possible role of small airways in subjects with asbestos exposure. In a very interesting study, Yang et al (1) investigated the relation between increased small airway obstruction and asbestos exposure in patients with asbestosis. The authors evaluated lung function in a cohort of 281 patients with newly diagnosed asbestosis during an eight-year period, evidencing that patients with asbestosis have small airway obstructive defects that are significantly associated with asbestos exposure (1). These results are very consistent and in line with our previous study, in which we showed that a population of 655 long-term residents in an environmental asbestos (tremolite)-exposed area had a higher prevalence of smallairways disease compared to a group of 653 individuals living in areas not tremolite-exposed (2). Odds Ratio for small-airways obstruction was 3.46, irrespective of smoking status (2). To date, our knowledge on the role of small airways in pulmonary diseases is still matter of debate. Although small airways have a minor contribution to airway resistance in healthy subjects, it has been shown that small airways are the major site of airflow limitation in diseases such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (3). Taken these data together, we warmly encourage clinicians and researchers to always consider small airways parameters when performing lung function on asbestosexposed subjects. Moreover, long-term investigations are warranted to explore the decline in airflow over time in patients with either occupational or environmental asbestos exposure and with asbestosis.
- Progression of Pulmonary Fibrosis According to Radiological Pattern in Asbestosis. [Letter]Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2023 Feb; 20(2):328-330.AA
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- Journey to the centre of the lung. The perspective of a mineralogist on the carcinogenic effects of mineral fibres in the lungs. [Review]J Hazard Mater. 2023 01 15; 442:130077.JH
- This work reviews the bio-chemical mechanisms leading to adverse effects produced when mineral fibres are inhaled and transported in the lungs from the perspective of a mineralogist. The behaviour of three known carcinogenic mineral fibres (crocidolite, chrysotile, and fibrous-asbestiform erionite) during their journey through the upper respiratory tract, the deep respiratory tract and the pleura…
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- Exercise-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Review of Components, Prescription, Efficacy, and Safety. [Review]
- Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders (such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, asbestosis, and pneumonitis) characterized by lung parenchymal impairment, inflammation, and fibrosis. The shortness of breath (i.e., dyspnea) is a hallmark and disabling symptom of ILDs. Patients with ILDs may also exhibit skeletal muscle dysfunction, oxygen desatura…
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- Analysis of Mortality from Asbestos-Related Diseases in Brazil Using Multiple Health Information Systems, 1996-2017. [Journal Article]
- CONCLUSIONS: Even with the linkage of several HIS, ARD-T in death records remained in low numbers. MM mortality in men was higher and showed a rapid increase and, along with non-malignant ARD-T, higher M:F ratios suggested a predominant pattern of work-related exposure. The monitoring of workplace and environmental asbestos exposure needs to be improved, as well as the workers surveillance, following the recent Brazilian ban.
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- StatPearls: Asbestosis [BOOK]StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island (FL)BOOK
- Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers are different mineral silicates (mainly hydrated magnesium silicates) and are classified into two main categories based on their shape, i.e., serpentine and amphibole. Serpentine fibers include chrysolites that are curly and flexible and are less pathogenic than amphibole fibers. Chrysolite being …
- Lung Cancer Screening in Individuals With and Without Lung-Related Comorbidities. [Journal Article]
- CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that individuals with self-reported lung-related comorbidities undergoing LCS were more likely to be female, of White race, and have less education than those without lung-related comorbidity. Although no statistically significant differences in the proportion of positive examinations, CDR, or FPR by self-reported lung comorbidities were noted, additional studies with larger numbers of individuals undergoing screening are needed to understand LCS outcomes in those with lung-related comorbidities.
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- Artichoke phytocomplex modulates serum microRNAs in patients exposed to asbestos: a first step of a phase II clinical trial. [Clinical Trial, Phase II]
- CONCLUSIONS: We observed an interesting AWPC effect on miRNAs which targets modulate mesothelioma development. New and much larger clinical studies based on follow-up of workers exposed to asbestos are needed to corroborate the role of AWPC in prevention and early treatment of mesothelioma.
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- StatPearls: Silicosis [BOOK]StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island (FL)BOOK
- Silicosis is occupational pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide. This disease is one of several well-described pulmonary complications associated with toxic exposures in the workplace, along with asbestosis, berylliosis, coal miner's lung, hard metal pneumoconiosis, among others.[1]
- Genetic susceptibility in pneumoconiosis in China: a systematic review. [Review]Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2023 Jan; 96(1):45-56.IA
- CONCLUSIONS: This review summarised the evidence demonstrating the association between genetic polymorphisms and pneumoconiosis susceptibility among people in China, and that various genotypes could modify their risk to develop pneumoconiosis. The findings prompt that identification of individuals at high pneumoconiosis risk through genetic screening and strategies limiting their exposure to dust could be a potential strategy for the control of this occupational disease in China.
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- Asbestos danger in central Europe is not yet over - the situation in the Czech Republic. [Journal Article]
- CONCLUSIONS: Czech data on asbestos-related occupational diseases, especially cancers, are grossly underestimated, which is most apparent through the low proportion of mesotheliomas diagnosed as occupational. Asbestos materials in older buildings remained in situ and may represent a danger during reconstruction works. The current source of exposure appears to be quarrying of asbestos-containing aggregate and its subsequent use. Awareness of the professional community is therefore crucial, not only for the possibility of compensating those affected, but also for the early detection of the diseases through the dispensary of exposed persons.
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- StatPearls: Pneumoconiosis [BOOK]StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island (FL)BOOK
- Pneumoconiosis is any lung disease caused by the inhalation of organic or nonorganic airborne dust and fibers. Patients usually encounter these inhalants in the workplace environment, and therefore it is known as an occupational disease. The most frequently encountered types of pneumoconiosis are asbestosis, silicosis, and coal miner’s lung. These particles cause inflammation and fibrosis in the …
- StatPearls: Anatomy, Thorax, Mediastinal Lymph Nodes [BOOK]StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island (FL)BOOK
- The mediastinal compartment contains multiple critical organs and vessels and serves as the central hub for lymphatic drainage. The mediastinum is classically subdivided into three functional divisions: anterior (pre-vascular), middle (visceral), and posterior (paravertebral) mediastinum. These subdivisions are used to describe the locations of lesions, thereby helping to facilitate differential …
- A MUC5B Gene Polymorphism, rs35705950-T, Confers Protective Effects Against COVID-19 Hospitalization but Not Severe Disease or Mortality. [Meta-Analysis]
- Rationale: A common MUC5B gene polymorphism, rs35705950-T, is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but its role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and disease severity is unclear. Objectives: To assess whether rs35705950-T confers differential risk for clinical outcomes associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection among participants in the Mil…
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- An Innovative Filtering System for the Handling of Asbestos-Based Products: Improvement of Safety and Quality of Work in Analysis Laboratories. [Journal Article]
- Although being banned or restricted in many countries since the early 1990s, large quantities of asbestos are still used or present in building materials all over the world and its removal or handling requires specific systems that limit exposure to airborne fibers The exposure to asbestos causes chronic diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer with an incubation period of 20 to 50 years. Amon…
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- Restrictions of VC and DLCO in relation to asbestos-related computed tomographic findings quantified by ICOERD-based parameters. [Journal Article]
- CONCLUSIONS: The importance of spirometry (VC) and diffusion capacity measurement (DLCO) as essential diagnostic procedures for the early detection of asbestos-related changes ‒ also including patients with relevant concomitant cardiac or pulmonary diseases ‒ was confirmed. Significant and better correlations between lung function changes (VC and DLCO) and abnormal CT findings are seen when parenchymal bands (PB), subpleural curvilinear lines (SC), and rounded atelectasis (RA) are quantitatively included into the evaluation, in addition to assessing the extent of pleural plaques alone. Therefore, when assessing CT images according to ICOERD, these parameters should also be quantified.
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- [Analysis of incidence characteristics and trend of pneumoconiosis in Ningbo City from 1967 to 2019]. [Journal Article]Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2022 May 20; 40(5):354-358.ZL
- Objective: To understand the incidence of pneumoconiosis in Ningbo city from 1967 to 2019, and to analyze the distribution characteristics and change trend of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In February 2021, the data of pneumoconiosis patients in Ningbo city from 1967 to 2019 were sorted out. The data from 1967 to 1987 were from historical case files of Zhejiang Center for Disease Control and Preventio…
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- Epidemiology of silicosis reported to the central register of occupational diseases over last 20 years in Poland. [Journal Article]Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022 Oct 03; 35(5):561-570.IJ
- CONCLUSIONS: The number of confirmed cases of silicosis in Poland decreased in 2000-2019 but the disease still remains an important health problem. Prevention is crucial to reduce further disease incidence. The medical monitoring standards of exposed workers should be improved. Developing new diagnosing guidelines with the use of other imaging examinations, like high-resolution computed tomography, has to be considered. The analysis should contribute into the implementation of silicosis preventative programmes, both at the enterprise and national level. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(5):561-70.
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- The burden of pneumoconiosis in China: an analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. [Journal Article]
- CONCLUSIONS: China suffers the largest health loss from pneumoconiosis in the world. Reducing the burden of pneumoconiosis is still an urgent task in China.
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- Safety and tolerability of pirfenidone in asbestosis: a prospective multicenter study. [Multicenter Study]
- CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with pirfenidone in asbestosis has an acceptable safety and tolerability profile and home spirometry data suggest this antifibrotic treatment might attenuate FVC decline in progressive asbestosis. Trial registration MEC-2018-1392; EudraCT number: 2018-001781-41.
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- High-resolution computed tomography features of asbestosis versus fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: an observational study. [Journal Article]
- CONCLUSIONS: HRCT-based imaging findings can distinguish between asbestosis and FHP to a certain extent, particularly with regard to subpleural dots and diaphragmatic pleural abnormalities that characterize the former.
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- Asbestos and Other Hazardous Fibrous Minerals: Potential Exposure Pathways and Associated Health Risks. [Review]
- There are six elongate mineral particles (EMPs) corresponding to specific dimensional and morphological criteria, known as asbestos. Responsible for health issues including asbestosis, and malignant mesothelioma, asbestos has been well researched. Despite this, significant exposure continues to occur throughout the world, potentially affecting 125 million people in the workplace and causing thous…
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- Giant Cell Interstitial Pneumonia In Native, Transplanted And Re-Transplanted Lungs 8 Years Apart Without Known Hard Metal Exposure. [Case Reports]Int J Surg Pathol. 2022 Dec; 30(8):926-930.IJ
- Pneumoconioses are a group of non-neoplastic pulmonary disorders caused by inhaled inorganic particles. Well-described pneumoconioses include asbestosis, silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, chronic beryllium disease, and hard metal lung disease. Giant cell interstitial pneumonia (GIP) is a distinctive and rare pneumoconiosis most frequently found in workers exposed to hard metals, primarily …
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