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Biomedical subjects

J M Mur

Publications and source records attributed to J M Mur.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in 871 miners according to Pi phenotype: a longitudinal study.

Pi phenotype was determined and alpha 1 protease inhibitor (alpha 1 Pi) was measured in 871 iron-ore miners examined twice at five years interval. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was administered and lung function tests: spirometry (VC, FEV1.0), measurements of the residual volume (RV/TLC) and of the CO diffusion (FuCO), were carried out by the same medical and technical team, using the same apparatus. There were no differences in age, length of employment or smoking habits among the three Pi Phenotype groups: M (90.03%), MS (7.1%), MZ (2.8%). The prevalence of clinical symptoms at the initial survey and the incidence of symptoms between the 2 surveys were not related to Pi Phenotype groups. However a significantly steeper decline of FEV1.0/VC was observed in the alpha 1 Pi partially deficient groups MS and MZ (-3.9%) compared with the non-deficient group (-1.8%). No significant difference was observed for VC, RV/TLC and FuCO. This finding suggests that an intermediate deficiency of alpha 1 Pi may be related to a slight but statistically significant impairment of a lung function in occupational conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Respiratory health assessment by questionnaire of 2024 workers involved in man-made mineral fiber production.

A respiratory health questionnaire was administered to the workers producing man-made mineral fibers in three glasswool and two rockwool plants in France, in order to detect adverse effects resulting from fiber exposure. The mean ages of the 2024 male participants ranged from 32 to 41 years. The standardized questionnaire was filled in by the industrial physicians: occupational history, smoking habits, respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, dyspnea, asthma), irritative complaints of the upper airways (nasal fossae and sinuses, pharynx and larynx) were all recorded. Multiple unconditional logistic regression was used to test for a relationship between possible explanatory variables and these symptoms. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, dyspnea) was strongly correlated with age and increased markedly among current smokers. Having adjusted for these confounding factors, significantly elevated Odds Ratios (ORs) for cough and phlegm were observed among the workers of one plant (51% of the whole study population) who had been exposed to fibers for a long time. In the same plant, the ORs for complaints of nasal fossae and sinuses increased significantly with the duration of fiber exposure, and one elevated OR was observed for pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms. These findings were not consistent with the results observed in the four other plants (49% of the study population), since ORs for all these symptoms were either low or not significantly increased according to the duration of fiber exposure. This lack of similarity among plants could be explained either by differences in interviewers, age, seniority and tobacco consumption, or by secular changes in the industrial processes involved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Epidemiologic study of the mortality among the employees of a coal tar distillery].

A mortality study was carried out, throughout the period 1970-1984, in a cohort of 963 men who had worked for at least one year in a coal tar distillery. The observed number of deaths, 109, did not significantly differ from the expected number. Using the death rates of the local population as a reference, no excess was observed for lung cancer and for cancers of the larynx, while there was an excess for cancers of the oesophagus but non significant and for cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx (SMR = 2.17 - p less than 0.05). A nested case-control study was carried out. From within the cohort, 5 deaths from lung cancer and 10 deaths from cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx were defined as "cases". For each case, all the available dead controls with the same sex, year of birth, tobacco and alcohol consumption were selected from within the cohort. The odds ratios for lung cancer did not reveal any occupational risk. With regard to buccal cavity and pharyngeal cancers, the odds ratios were neither significant for a duration of exposure greater than or equal to 1 year nor for a duration greater than or equal to 5 years along with a latent period greater than or equal to 10 years. Nevertheless there is a significant OR for exposure less than or equal to 10 years (OR = 7.56) but it is near one for exposures greater than 10 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

A cohort mortality study among cobalt and sodium workers in an electrochemical plant.

We have studied the mortality between 1950 and 1980 of a cohort of 1,143 workers in an electrochemical plant producing cobalt and sodium. The mortality of the whole cohort is significantly lower than in the French population for all causes of death (SMR = 0.77), and especially for deaths from circulatory system diseases (SMR = 0.59). However, among cobalt production workers, there is a relative over-mortality, especially from lung cancers (SMR = 4.66, 4 cases). The relationship between cobalt production and lung cancer mortality was supported by a case-control study nested in the cohort study. The authenticity of the occupational origin of this risk could not be established due to the low number of cases and because the role of tobacco consumption could not be taken into account. Other studies should be carried out in plants producing or using cobalt.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Mortality of aluminium reduction plant workers in France.

The mortality between 1950 and 1976 of 6455 French aluminium plant workers was analysed in order to assess occupational risks (especially lung cancer) associated with electrolysis, particularly with the Söderberg process. Mortality from all causes (SMR = 0.85), was lower in this cohort than in the French male population ('healthy worker effect'), and cancer mortality (SMR = 1.09) was only slightly higher. There was an excess of mortality from accidents (mainly non-occupational) in electrolysis workers (SMR = 1.38) and from cirrhosis of the liver in maintenance workers (SMR = 1.63). Among electrolysis workers, only those who had worked less than 10 years had a relative excess mortality from lung cancer (SMR = 1.94), but this did not seem to be associated with a particular electrolysis process. However a substantial underlying risk of lung cancer in Söderberg workers could not be excluded, although such a risk appeared unlikely for prebake workers.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1987

Mortality due to respiratory cancers in the coke oven plants of the Lorraine coalmining industry (Houillères du Bassin de Lorraine).

The main activity of the Houillères du Bassin de Lorraine (Lorraine Collieries), employing 23,000 operatives and executives, is coalmining. The coke production is carried out by two coke oven plants with a workforce of respectively 747 and 552 workers. The coal coking process entails the emission of noxious products such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from the ovens. The influence of occupational exposure on mortality due to respiratory cancers, and particularly to lung and upper respiratory and alimentary tracts cancer, was investigated among a cohort of 534 male workers from the two coke oven plants who had retired from work between 1963 and 1982. The job history of each subject has been precisely reconstructed by indicating the duration of exposure on the ovens, close to the ovens, and in maintenance occupations. The cohort mortality has been analysed according to the method of indirect standardisation with reference to the French male population and by a case-control study concerning the consumption of tobacco per cohort. The mortality due to lung cancer is 2.51 times higher than expected. This excess of mortality differs, but not significantly, between the two coke oven plants (standardised mortality ratio equals 3.05 and 1.75 respectively). It is not significantly higher among subjects exposed for more than five years, directly exposed on the ovens or working near the ovens or at maintenance occupations on the ovens (SMR = 2.78), than among those exposed for less than five years (SMR = 2.35) or those not exposed at all. Even taking into account the excess of mortality due to lung cancers in the Moselle district (1.6 time that of France), the excess of lung cancers does not seem to be explained by the regional factor, or by tobacco and alcohol consumption. Although no significant relation was offered between lung cancer and the duration of exposure to PAH, even when taking smoking habits into account, the carcinogenic role of occupational nuisances cannot be excluded.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1987

["Physiologic" aging in 5 years of pulmonary function in 140 iron miners].

Ageing of the lung function in 5 years was studied in a group of 140 iron-ore miners, aged initially from 36 to 55 years. These men had no respiratory symptom and no pulmonary radiological abnormality. The sample was stratified on age and smoking. These factors were studied by a two-way analysis of variance. Lung function testing was performed twice, at 5 years of interval, in the same conditions. It consisted in: spirometry (for measuring FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC); a bronchial challenge test with acetylcholine (measurement of the fall of FEV1 after the test); measurement of total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV) by the open-circuit helium dilution method, and measurement of the transfer factor of the lung for CO, by the steady-state method (TCO/V). The only indices, whose values significantly changed in 5 years were: FVC, FEV1 and TCO/V. Their decrease rate did not appear to be significantly linked to age nor to smoking. According to these results, it seems that the decline of the pulmonary function is relatively constant during the middle period of life and that it is not strongly influenced by smoking, but only among subjects who remain without any respiratory symptom.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Risk of lung cancer among iron ore miners: a proportional mortality study of 1,075 deceased miners in Lorraine, France.

A proportional mortality study of 1,075 iron ore miners in Lorraine, France, who died between 1960 and 1976 showed a significant excess of lung cancer mortality (proportionate mortality ratio = 2.25). Moreover, proportionate lung cancer mortality increased with the duration of work underground (proportionate mortality ratio = 4.24 for subjects who worked underground for more than 30 years) and was higher among pneumoconiotic (siderotic) miners (proportionate mortality ratio = 3.85) than among nonpneumoconiotic miners. These results were confirmed by a case-control study nested in the mortality study. Smoking habits could not be estimated retrospectively with sufficient accuracy to be taken into account. Although the proportion of smokers among contemporary iron ore miners is larger than in the French male population, occupational factors may also play a role; radiation exposure can be ruled out because there is no detectable radioactivity in the Lorraine mines, but dust exposure may be considered as an etiologic factor owing to the relationship between siderosis and lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Oral cavity and laryngeal cancers among man-made mineral fiber production workers.

From 1975 to 1984, the incidence of cancer was determined among workers employed in a French man-made mineral fiber (MMMF) production plant. The cohort, including 1 374 fully active or retired men, represented 12 793 person-years. Forty-one patients had cancer, 19 of which were in the upper respiratory and alimentary tract and five of which were lung cancers. The number of lung cancers observed did not significantly differ from that expected [standardized incidence ration (SIR) 0.7]. However the incidence of upper respiratory and alimentary tract cancers was significantly higher (SIR 2.2), especially for those in the larynx (SIR = 2.3), pharynx (SIR 1.4), and buccal cavity (SIR 3.0). The relative risk of cancers in the upper respiratory and alimentary tracts seemed to increase with the length of exposure to glass fibers and exceeded the value of 3.0 for more than 10 years of exposure. This result does not seem to be attributable to an excess of tobacco and/or alcohol consumption. No previous survey of the MMMF industry has shown such a risk, except in Italy. Thus this finding has to be confirmed.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

A longitudinal study of symptoms and respiratory function tests in iron miners.

A first survey has been conducted on 1179 iron-ore mine workers, 35-55 years old, who were randomly selected from 5900 at work with normal chest roentgenograms. Five years later, 871 of them were re-examined. Both surveys included a standard respiratory symptoms questionnaire (British MRC), a physical examination of the chest, and measurement of pulmonary function (vital capacity - VC; forced expiratory volume during 1 s - FEV1.0; residual volume - R.V. by helium dilution: carbon monoxide uptake - FuCO by the steady-state method). Both surveys were done by the same research team under identical conditions, using the same equipment. The mine technical services determined the dust and noxious gas concentrations at work places. No evidence of worsening of respiratory health status was observed overall. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis and asthma were recorded with a similar prevalence in both surveys; the decline in lung function was minimal for the total sample. However, our aim was to compare changes that were observed in groups differing by work place (surface or underground) or by activity (active or retired). Analysis showed that development of respiratory symptoms was more frequent and decline in lung function accelerated in the 5-year interval among underground workers who were still active as compared to those retired. In all subgroups (surface or underground workers, active or retired), decline of lung function values was more marked in smokers compared to non-smokers.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Lung function and clinical findings in a cross-sectional study of arc welders. An epidemiological study.

An epidemiological, cross-sectional study was conducted in order to assess non-neoplasic effects on the lung due to chronic exposure to arc welding fumes and gases. The study involved 346 arc welders and 214 control workers from a factory producing industrial vehicles. These workers (welders and controls) had never been exposed to asbestos. Respiratory impairments were evaluated by using a standardized questionnaire, a clinical examination, chest radiophotography and several lung function tests (spirometry, bronchial challenge test to acetylcholine, CO transfer tests according to the breath-holding and the steady-state methods, N2 washout test). The only significant differences between the welders overall compared to the controls were a slightly higher bronchial hyper-reactivity to acetylcholine and a lower lung diffusing capacity for CO in the welders. However, non-specific, radiologic abnormalities (reticulation, micronodulation) and obstructive signs were more frequent in the most exposed welders (welding inside tanks) than in welders working in well ventilated workplaces. The nature of the metal welded (mild-steel, stainless steel, aluminium) did not seem to have an influence on respiratory impairments. In the mild-steel welders, respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, recurrent bronchitis) and obstructive signs were more frequent in the welders using a manual process than in the welders involved with the semi-automatic process (MIG). For all the workers (welders and controls), smoking had a markedly adverse effect on respiratory symptoms and lung function. Moreover, smoking seemed to interact with welding since CO lung transfer was more impaired in smoking welders than in smoking controls.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Effect of smoking on the concentration and activity of serum alpha-1 anti-protease according to Pi phenotype].

In an epidemiological study on the respiratory pathology of 1 100 iron miners, the alpha 1 protease inhibitor concentration (alpha 1 Pi) and the elastase inhibitory capacity (EIC) of serum were determined in 97 men with deficient Pi phenotype (73 MS, 24 MZ or S) compared with PiM non deficient men adjusted for age and tobacco consumption. There were differences in alpha 1 Pi concentration and in alpha 1 inhibitory capacity between phenotype groups in agreement with the results of other studies. Smoking produces an increase of serum alpha 1 Pi concentration and EIC in all Pi phenotype groups. This increase is more important (30%) in the MS group than in the others (MZ 20%, M 12%). This effect which appears to be related to smoking intensity does not seem to have a link with an alteration or a modification of the molecular function which is at a rate of 70% in all cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Comparative epidemiology, in Europe, of cancers related to tobacco (lung, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity)].

In 25 European countries, annual age-adjusted mortality and incidence rates, in males, for tobacco-related cancers (lung, larynx, oral cavity), were used in order to study geographic variations in the occurrence of those diseases, from 1952 to 1977. Neither in 1952 (mortality rates), nor in 1977 (mortality and incidence rates), was there any significant geographical correlation between lung cancer on the one hand, and laryngeal or oral cavity cancers on the other hand. Over the 25 years, all countries experienced a sharp increase in lung cancer mortality, especially in association with trends in tobacco consumption. On the contrary, mortality from cancers of the larynx or of the oral cavity showed divergent trends according to countries, since ten of them had steady or decreasing rates. The validity of the method, and the role of alcohol consumption are discussed. Moreover, it is suggested that, in southern european countries, some occupational exposures may be causative factors for laryngeal and oral cavity cancers.

Europe↗
PubMed1984

Prognostic value of acetylcholine challenge test: a prospective study.

Eleven hundred and nine iron mine workers aged 35 to 55 with normal chest radiographs were submitted to a pulmonary examination consisting of a questionnaire, a clinical examination, and pulmonary function testing including an acetylcholine challenge test. A positive response (decrease of FEV1 of more than 10%) was observed in 210 subjects (Ace+). The remaining 899 had a negative response (Ace-). Bronchitis, asthma, dyspnoea, and obstructive syndrome were more frequent in the Ace+ group. Five years later, 820 subjects were reexamined: occasional cough and sputum and chronic bronchitis appeared more frequently among subjects without symptoms at the first examination but with a positive acetylcholine challenge test. The obstructive syndrome was more often observed and regressed more rarely in the Ace+ group. The results confirm the use of a test of bronchial hyperreactivity as a means of identifying subjects at risk from chronic obstructive lung disease.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1984

Reduction of pulmonary function indices: comparison of two hierarchical methods.

From tests for evaluating pulmonary function many indices may be calculated. In order to reduce their redundancy, two hierarchical methods for selecting the most significant indices are applied to data collected on a group of 228 firemen. The first method consists in a stepwise linear discriminant analysis which selects the indices according to their discriminant value for distinguishing between asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects. The second one is derived from a stepwise multiple correlation procedure, which selects the indices on the basis of their linear relationships. These two methods lead to different results and the choice between them should be made according to the aims intended for data reduction.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Continuous electrocardiographic registration in occupational medicine].

Continuous 24 hour electrocardiography (Holter method) was carried out during work time in 64 workers. They were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 34 subjects with either organic heart disease (coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, operated coarctation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) or a documented arrhythmia without proven underlying cardiac disease; the second group comprised 30 subjects without known cardiac disease but complaining of symptoms suspected to be of cardiac origin or with isolated electrocardiographic abnormalities. At the end of the study we concluded that Holter monitoring is possible in subjects performing physical occupations even in difficult conditions. The trends of heart rate, especially mean heart rate calculated over 10 minute periods, confirmed the relationship between heart rate and the intensity of the physical activity. Atrial extrasystoles and episodes of supraventricular tachycardia were as common in the first as in the second group (20% and 18% respectively). This did not apply to ventricular extrasystoles: they were observed in both groups but were significantly more common in the first group (55% compared to 33%); ventricular extrasystoles, usually of a single configuration and isolated, were more common in the first group, especially amongst the coronary patients. Sinus node dysfunction was only observed in the second group (12.5%), in young subjects, and this occurred with only one exception at night. These findings support previous reports in the literature. However, the interpretation of these results is difficult because of the absence of well established normal values.

Adult↗