| 1. |
- Pettersson, Hans, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Introducing a new design of digital tool to increase vibration risk assessments : challenges with education-based interventions
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1080-3548 .- 2376-9130. ; 28:3, s. 1705-1710
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether introducing a digital risk assessment tool, the Swedish National Vibration Database, would increase the number of risk assessments on hand–arm and whole-body vibration. Employer and safety representatives from companies where vibration exposure is common were invited.Methods: Of the 2953 invited companies, 1916 were selected for educational intervention and the remaining 1037 companies served as a control group with no intervention. For the educational intervention, participating companies were further divided into two groups (group A, n = 26; group B, n = 47) that both received information regarding risk assessment, but group B was also informed about the digital tool. Both groups answered a questionnaire on risk assessment before the intervention and at the follow-up, 6 months later; the control group received the same questionnaire but no education (group C, n = 22).Results: Of the invited companies, only 2% chose to participate and 7% at follow-up. Seventy-eight percent of the participants had made some kind of risk assessment of vibration at follow-up.Conclusion: Due to the low participation rate among invited companies, this study is not able to draw any conclusions on whether the digital tool can be used to increase the number of risk assessments.
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| 2. |
- Ragnebro, Oskar, et al.
(author)
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Chloroform exposure in air and water in Swedish indoor swimming pools : urine as a biomarker of occupational exposure
- 2023
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In: Annals of Work Exposures and Health. - : Oxford University Press. - 2398-7308 .- 2398-7316. ; 67:7, s. 876-885
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Disinfection by-products are produced in water disinfected with chlorine-based products. One such group is trihalomethanes, and chloroform is the most abundant trihalomethane in swimming pool areas. Chloroform can be absorbed by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption, and is classified as possibly carcinogenic.AIM: To investigate if chloroform concentrations in air and water affect the chloroform concentration in urine samples of exposed swimming pool workers. METHODS: Workers from 5 adventure indoor swimming pools carried personal chloroform air samplers and provided up to 4 urine samples during one workday. Chloroform concentrations were analyzed with a linear mixed model analysis to investigate a possible correlation between air and urine concentrations.RESULTS: The geometric mean chloroform concentration was 11 μg/m3 in air and 0.009 µg/g creatinine in urine among individuals with ≤2 h at work, 0.023 µg/g creatinine among those with >2-5 working hours, and 0.026 µg/g creatinine in the group with >5-10 working hours. A risk of higher levels of chloroform in urine was associated with longer hours at work (≤2 h versus >5-10 h, odds ratio [OR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-3.34), personal chloroform concentrations in air (≤17.00 µg/m3 versus >28.00 µg/m3, OR 9.23, 95% CI 3.68-23.13) and working at least half the working day near the swimming pools (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.33-7.55). Executing work tasks in the swimming pool water was not associated with higher chloroform concentrations in urine compared to only working on land (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.27-2.45).CONCLUSION: There is an accumulation of chloroform concentrations in urine during a workday and a correlation between personal air and urine concentrations of chloroform among workers in Swedish indoor swimming pools.
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| 3. |
- Westerlund, Jessica, 1983-
(author)
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Exposure to trichloramine, trihalomethanes and endotoxins : adverse respiratory and ocular effects among Swedish indoor swimming pool workers
- 2022
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Indoor swimming pool facilities often use chlorine for pool water disinfection. Chlorine can also contribute to the formation of unwanted disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Trichloramine and trihalomethanes (THMs) are DBPs formed in swimming pool water and swimming pool air causing occupational exposure. Trichloramine can cause ocular and airway irritation, while some THMs are potentially carcinogenic. Bacterial endotoxins may also cause adverse respiratory effects among swimming pool workers. The overall aim of the study was to measure levels of trichloramine, THMs and endotoxins in the air at conventional, habilitation and rehabilitation, and adventure swimming pool facilities, and to investigate adverse ocular and respiratory effects among indoor swimming pool workers.Trichloramine and THM levels in air were comparable to previous studies. Endotoxin levels in air were low compared to the reference value. Trichloramine concentrations in personal samples were approximately half as high as those measured in stationary samples - an important consideration for a future Swedish occupational exposure limit. The adventure facilities had the highest trichloramine levels while the conventional facilities had the highest THM levels. The adventure workers also reported more ocular and respiratory symptoms compared to referents (office workers) and had a lower FEV1/FVC ratio indicating airway obstruction. Workers both in conventional, and in habilitation and rehabilitation facilities exhibited a difference in FeNO levels compared to referents, implying airway inflammation.The occupational exposure and adverse health effects found in indoor swimming pool environments emphasizes the importance of a personal based Swedish occupational exposure limit for trichloramine in air.
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| 4. |
- Westerlund, Jessica, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Occupational Exposure to Trichloramine and Endotoxins : Adverse Health Effects Among Personnel in Adventure and Rehabilitation Swimming Pool Facilities
- 2022
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In: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1076-2752 .- 1536-5948. ; 64:5, s. 361-369
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study occupational exposure to trichloramine and endotoxins in air at adventure and rehabilitation swimming pool facilities from an adverse health effects perspective.METHODS: Air concentrations of trichloramine and endotoxins were measured in five adventure and 10 rehabilitation facilities. Respiratory and ocular symptoms were self-reported, and spirometry and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were measured.RESULTS: Compared to rehabilitation facilities, the mean trichloramine concentrations in the adventure facilities were higher, both personal (80 μg/m3 (n = 41) vs 19 μg/m3 (n = 21)) and stationary (183 μg/m3 (n = 51) vs 23 μg/m3 (n = 32)), with higher frequency of ocular and respiratory symptoms. Low stationary endotoxin levels (<0.64 to 25 EU/m3) were found, compared to the reference value (90 EU/m3).CONCLUSIONS: Higher trichloramine concentrations in air and more ocular and respiratory symptoms in adventure facilities call for adequate occupational exposure limits.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Andersson, Johanna, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Lifetime Heterogeneity of DNA-Bound dppz Complexes Originates from Distinct Intercalation Geometries Determined by Complex-Complex Interactions
- 2013
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In: Inorganic Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0020-1669 .- 1520-510X. ; 52:2, s. 1151-1159
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Despite the extensive interest in structurally explaining the photophysics of DNA-bound [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+) and [Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+), the origin of the two distinct emission lifetimes of the pure enantiomers when intercalated into DNA has remained elusive. In this report, we have combined a photophysical characterization with a detailed isothermal titration calorimetry study to investigate the binding of the pure Delta and Lambda enantiomers of both complexes with [poly(dAdT)](2). We find that a binding model with two different binding geometries, proposed to be symmetric and canted intercalation from the minor groove, as recently reported in high-resolution X-ray structures, is required to appropriately explain the data. By assigning the long emission lifetime to the canted binding geometry, we can simultaneously fit both calorimetric data and the binding-density-dependent changes in the relative abundance of the two emission lifetimes using the same binding model. We find that all complex complex interactions are slightly unfavorable for Delta-[Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+), whereas interactions involving a complex canted away from a neighbor are favorable for the other three complexes. We also conclude that Delta-[Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+) preferably binds isolated, Delta-[Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+) preferably binds as duplets of canted complexes, and that all complexes are reluctant to form longer consecutive sequences than triplets. We propose that this is due to an interplay of repulsive complex complex and attractive complex-DNA interactions modulated by allosteric DNA conformation changes that are largely affected by the nature of the ancillary ligands.
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| 7. |
- Fernandez, Yuri A. Diaz, 1978, et al.
(author)
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The conquest of middle-earth: combining top-down and bottom-up nanofabrication for constructing nanoparticle based devices
- 2014
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In: Nanoscale. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2040-3372 .- 2040-3364. ; 6:24, s. 14605-14616
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The development of top-down nanofabrication techniques has opened many possibilities for the design and realization of complex devices based on single molecule phenomena such as e. g. single molecule electronic devices. These impressive achievements have been complemented by the fundamental understanding of self-assembly phenomena, leading to bottom-up strategies to obtain hybrid nanomaterials that can be used as building blocks for more complex structures. In this feature article we highlight some relevant published work as well as present new experimental results, illustrating the versatility of self-assembly methods combined with top-down fabrication techniques for solving relevant challenges in modern nanotechnology. We present recent developments on the use of hierarchical self-assembly methods to bridge the gap between sub-nanometer and micrometer length scales. By the use of non-covalent self-assembly methods, we show that we are able to control the positioning of nanoparticles on surfaces, and to address the deterministic assembly of nano-devices with potential applications in plasmonic sensing and single-molecule electronics experiments.
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| 8. |
- Fornander, Louise, 1984, et al.
(author)
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Ca2+ improves organization of single-stranded DNA bases in human Rad51 filament, explaining stimulatory effect on gene recombination
- 2012
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In: Nucleic Acids Research. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1362-4962 .- 0305-1048. ; 40:11, s. 4904-4913
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human RAD51 protein (HsRad51) catalyses the DNA strand exchange reaction for homologous recombination. To clarify the molecular mechanism of the reaction in vitro being more effective in the presence of Ca2+ than of Mg2+, we have investigated the effect of these ions on the structure of HsRad51 filament complexes with single- and double-stranded DNA, the reaction intermediates. Flow linear dichroism spectroscopy shows that the two ionic conditions induce significantly different structures in the HsRad51/single-stranded DNA complex, while the HsRad51/double-stranded DNA complex does not demonstrate this ionic dependence. In the HsRad51/single-stranded DNA filament, the primary intermediate of the strand exchange reaction, ATP/Ca2+ induces an ordered conformation of DNA, with preferentially perpendicular orientation of nucleobases relative to the filament axis, while the presence of ATP/Mg2+, ADP/Mg2+ or ADP/Ca2+ does not. A high strand exchange activity is observed for the filament formed with ATP/Ca2+, whereas the other filaments exhibit lower activity. Molecular modelling suggests that the structural variation is caused by the divalent cation interfering with the L2 loop close to the DNA-binding site. It is proposed that the larger Ca2+ stabilizes the loop conformation and thereby the protein–DNA interaction. A tight binding of DNA, with bases perpendicularly oriented, could facilitate strand exchange.
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| 9. |
- Fornander, Louise, 1983-
(author)
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Upper Airway Mucosal Inflammation : Proteomic Studies after Exposure to Irritants and Microbial Agents
- 2015
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- People are, in their daily lives, exposed to a number of airborne foreign compounds that do not normally affect the body. However, depending on the nature of these compounds, dose and duration of exposure, various airway symptoms may arise. Early symptoms are often manifested as upper airway mucosal inflammation which generates changes in protein composition in the airway lining fluid.This thesis aims at identifying, understanding mechanisms and characterizing protein alterations in the upper airway mucosa that can be used as potential new biomarkers for inflammation in the mucosa. The protein composition in the mucosa was studied by sampling of nasal lavage fluid that was further analyzed with a proteomic approach using twodimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Additionally, by studying factors on site through environmental examination, health questionnaires and biological analyses, we have tried to understand the background to these protein alterations and their impact on health.Respiratory symptoms from the upper airways are common among people who are exposed to irritative and microbial agents. This thesis have focused on personnel in swimming pool facilities exposed to trichloramine, metal industry workers exposed to metalworking fluids, employees working in damp and moldy buildings and infants diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus infection. The common denominator in these four studies is that the subjects experience upper airway mucosal inflammation, which is manifested as cough, rhinitis, phlegm etc. In the three occupational studies, the symptoms were work related. Notably, a high prevalence of perceived mucosal symptoms was shown despite the relatively low levels of airborne irritants revealed by the environmental examination. Protein profiling verified an ongoing inflammatory response by identification of several proteins that displayed altered levels. Interestingly, innate immune proteins dominated and four protein alterations occurred in most of the studies; SPLUNC1, protein S100A8 and S100A9 and alpha-1-antitrypsin. Similarly, these proteins were also found in nasal fluid from children with virus infection and in addition a truncated form of SPLUNC1 and two other S100 proteins (S100A7-like 2 and S100A16), not previously found in nasal secretion, were identified.Altogether, the results indicate the potential use of a proteomic approach for identifying new biomarkers for the upper respiratory tract at an early stage in the disease process after exposure to irritant and microbial agents. The results indicate an effect on the innate immunity system and the proteins; SPLUNC1, protein S100A8 and S100A9 and alpha-1-antitrypsin are especially promising new biomarkers. Moreover, further studies of these proteins may help us to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in irritant-induced airway inflammation.
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| 10. |
- Ljunggren, Stefan, et al.
(author)
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Biomonitoring of Metal Exposure During Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- 2019
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In: SH@W Safety and Health at Work. - : Elsevier. - 2093-7911 .- 2093-7997. ; 10:4, s. 518-526
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly expanding new technology involving challenges to occupational health. Here, metal exposure in an AM facility with large-scale metallic component production was investigated during two consecutive years with preventive actions in between.Methods: Gravimetric analyzes measured airborne particle concentrations, and filters were analyzed for metal content. In addition, concentrations of airborne particles <300 nm were investigated. Particles from recycled powder were characterized. Biomonitoring of urine and dermal contamination among AM operators, office personnel, and welders was performed.Results: Total and inhalable dust levels were almost all below occupational exposure limits, but inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that AM operators had a significant increase in cobalt exposure compared with welders. Airborne particle concentrations (<300 nm) showed transient peaks in the AM facility but were lower than those of the welding facility. Particle characterization of recycled powder showed fragmentation and condensates enriched in volatile metals. Biomonitoring showed a nonsignificant increase in the level of metals in urine in AM operators. Dermal cobalt and a trend for increasing urine metals during Workweek Year 1, but not in Year 2, indicated reduced exposure after preventive actions.Conclusion: Gravimetric analyses showed low total and inhalable dust exposure in AM operators. However, transient emission of smaller particles constitutes exposure risks. Preventive actions implemented by the company reduced the workers' metal exposure despite unchanged emissions of particles, indicating a need for careful design and regulation of the AM environments. It also emphasizes the need for relevant exposure markers and biomonitoring of health risks.
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