| 1. |
- Bousquet, J, et al.
(author)
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GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network) addresses the allergy and asthma 'epidemic'.
- 2009
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 64:7, s. 969-77
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allergic diseases represent a major health problem in Europe. They are increasing in prevalence, severity and costs. The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN), a Sixth EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development (FP6) Network of Excellence, was created in 2005 as a vehicle to ensure excellence in research bringing together research and clinical institutions to combat fragmentation in the European research area and to tackle allergy in its globality. The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network has benefited greatly from the voluntary efforts of researchers who are strongly committed to this model of pan-European collaboration. The network was organized in order to increase networking for scientific projects in allergy and asthma around Europe and to make GA(2)LEN the world leader in the field. Besides these activities, research has also been carried out and the first papers are being published. Achievements of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network can be grouped as follows: (i) those for a durable infrastructure built up during the project phase, (ii) those which are project-related and based on these novel infrastructures, and (iii) the development and implementation of guidelines. The major achievements of GA(2)LEN are reported in this paper.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Torén, Kjell, 1952, et al.
(author)
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An international prospective general population-based study of respiratory work disability.
- 2009
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In: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 64:4, s. 339-44
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that job change due to breathing problems at the workplace (respiratory work disability) is common among adults of working age. That research indicated that occupational exposure to gases, dust and fumes was associated with job change due to breathing problems, although causal inferences have been tempered by the cross-sectional nature of previously available data. There is a need for general population-based prospective studies to assess the incidence of respiratory work disability and to delineate better the roles of potential predictors of respiratory work disability. METHODS: A prospective general population cohort study was performed in 25 centres in 11 European countries and one centre in the USA. A longitudinal analysis was undertaken of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey including all participants employed at any point since the baseline survey, 6659 subjects randomly sampled and 779 subjects comprising all subjects reporting physician-diagnosed asthma. The main outcome measure was new-onset respiratory work disability, defined as a reported job change during follow-up attributed to breathing problems. Exposure to dusts (biological or mineral), gases or fumes during follow-up was recorded using a job-exposure matrix. Cox proportional hazard regression modelling was used to analyse such exposure as a predictor of time until job change due to breathing problems. RESULTS: The incidence rate of respiratory work disability was 1.2/1000 person-years of observation in the random sample (95% CI 1.0 to 1.5) and 5.7/1000 person-years in the asthma cohort (95% CI 4.1 to 7.8). In the random population sample, as well as in the asthma cohort, high occupational exposure to biological dust, mineral dust or gases or fumes predicted increased risk of respiratory work disability. In the random sample, sex was not associated with increased risk of work disability while, in the asthma cohort, female sex was associated with an increased disability risk (hazard ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.9). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory work disability is common overall. It is associated with workplace exposures that could be controlled through preventive measures.
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| 4. |
- Cardwell, Chris R, et al.
(author)
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Birth order and childhood type 1 diabetes risk: a pooled analysis of 31 observational studies
- 2011
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In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS, GREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND. - 0300-5771 .- 1464-3685. ; 40:2, s. 363-374
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The incidence rates of childhood onset type 1 diabetes are almost universally increasing across the globe but the aetiology of the disease remains largely unknown. We investigated whether birth order is associated with the risk of childhood diabetes by performing a pooled analysis of previous studies. Methods Relevant studies published before January 2010 were identified from MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE. Authors of studies provided individual patient data or conducted pre-specified analyses. Meta-analysis techniques were used to derive combined odds ratios (ORs), before and after adjustment for confounders, and investigate heterogeneity. Results Data were available for 6 cohort and 25 case-control studies, including 11 955 cases of type 1 diabetes. Overall, there was no evidence of an association prior to adjustment for confounders. After adjustment for maternal age at birth and other confounders, a reduction in the risk of diabetes in second- or later born children became apparent [fully adjusted OR = 0.90 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.98; P = 0.02] but this association varied markedly between studies (I-2 = 67%). An a priori subgroup analysis showed that the association was stronger and more consistent in children andlt; 5 years of age (n = 25 studies, maternal age adjusted OR = 0.84 95% CI 0.75, 0.93; I-2 = 23%). Conclusion Although the association varied between studies, there was some evidence of a lower risk of childhood onset type 1 diabetes with increasing birth order, particularly in children aged andlt; 5 years. This finding could reflect increased exposure to infections in early life in later born children.
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| 5. |
- Cardwell, Chris R, et al.
(author)
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Breast-Feeding and Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes A pooled analysis of individual participant data from 43 observational studies
- 2012
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In: Diabetes Care. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0149-5992 .- 1935-5548. ; 35:11, s. 2215-2225
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE-To investigate if there is a reduced risk of type 1 diabetes in children breastfed or exclusively breastfed by performing a pooled analysis with adjustment for recognized confounders. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanRESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-Relevant studies were identified from literature searches using MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Authors of relevant studies were asked to provide individual participant data or conduct prespecified analyses. Meta-analysis techniques were used to combine odds ratios (ORs) and investigate heterogeneity between studies. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanRESULTS-Data were available from 43 studies including 9,874 patients with type 1 diabetes. Overall, there was a reduction in the risk of diabetes after exclusive breast-feeding for andgt;2 weeks (20 studies; OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.64-0.88), the association after exclusive breast-feeding for andgt;3 months was weaker (30 studies; OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.00), and no association was observed after (nonexclusive) breast-feeding for andgt;2 weeks (28 studies; OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.07) or andgt;3 months (29 studies; OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-1.00). These associations were all subject to marked heterogeneity (I-2 = 58, 76, 54, and 68%, respectively). In studies with lower risk of bias, the reduced risk after exclusive breast-feeding for andgt;2 weeks remained (12 studies; OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.99), and heterogeneity was reduced (I-2 = 0%). Adjustments for potential confounders altered these estimates very little. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanCONCLUSIONS-The pooled analysis suggests weak protective associations between exclusive breast-feeding and type 1 diabetes risk. However, these findings are difficult to interpret because of the marked variation in effect and possible biases (particularly recall bias) inherent in the included studies.
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| 6. |
- Henneberger, P K, et al.
(author)
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The occupational contribution to severe exacerbation of asthma.
- 2010
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In: The European respiratory journal : official journal of the European Society for Clinical Respiratory Physiology. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 1399-3003 .- 0903-1936. ; 36:4, s. 743-50
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The goal of this study was to identify occupational risk factors for severe exacerbation of asthma and estimate the extent to which occupation contributes to these events. The 966 participants were working adults with current asthma who participated in the follow-up phase of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Severe exacerbation of asthma was defined as self-reported unplanned care for asthma in the past 12 months. Occupations held in the same period were combined with a general population job-exposure matrix to assess occupational exposures. 74 participants reported having had at least one severe exacerbation event, for a 1-yr cumulative incidence of 7.7%. From regression models that controlled for confounders, the relative risk (RR) was statistically significant for low (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6) and high (RR 3.6, 95% CI 2.2-5.8) biological dust exposure, high mineral dust exposure (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.02-3.2), and high gas and fumes exposure (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.5). The summary category of high dust, gas, or fumes exposure had RR 3.1 (95% CI 1.9-5.1). Based on this RR, the population attributable risk was 14.7% among workers with current asthma. These results suggest occupation contributes to approximately one in seven cases of severe exacerbation of asthma in a working population, and various agents play a role.
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| 7. |
- Olivieri, M., et al.
(author)
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Healthy hire effect, job selection and inhalation exposure among young adults with asthma
- 2010
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In: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 36:3, s. 517-523
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to assess whether asthma onset prior to entering the workforce influences whether a person holds a subsequent job with asthma-related inhalation exposures. The data of 19,784 adults from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey were analysed. For each respondent, a current or previously held job was linked to a job exposure matrix assigning high, low or no exposure to dust, gases or fumes. Jobs were also categorised according to the risk of exposures related to occupational asthma. Associations between asthma and subsequent occupational exposures were assessed using logistic regression models, with a random intercept for study centre and fixed adjustment for age, sex, type of study sample and smoking status. Of the respondents, 8% (n=1,619) reported asthma with onset before completion of full-time education. This population was at decreased risk of having a job with high (odds ratio 0.79; 95% confidence interval 0.68-0.92) or low (0.91; 0.80-1.03) exposure to dust, gases or fumes. The associations were consistent across exposure types (dusts, gases or fumes) and for jobs with a high risk of occupational asthma. Adults with asthma onset prior to entering the workforce may be less likely to hold jobs involving inhalation exposures.
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| 8. |
- Radon, Katja, et al.
(author)
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Occupation and adult onset of rhinitis in the general population
- 2008
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In: Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : BMJ. - 1351-0711 .- 1470-7926. ; 65:1, s. 38-43
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Occupational exposures have been associated with an increased risk of new-onset rhinitis in apprentices. However, population-based prospective data are scarce and do not cover new onset of rhinitis later in life. The authors studied the association between occupational exposure and adult onset of rhinitis prospectively. Methods: The data of 4994 participants (age at follow-up 28-57 years) from 27 centres of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II who were symptom-free at baseline were analysed. As outcome at follow-up self-reported (a) nasal allergies ("allergic rhinitis'') and (b) runny, blocked nose for 12 months a year ("perennial rhinitis'') were used. Occupational exposures at any time during follow-up were defined by job title. Results: The cumulative incidence of allergic rhinitis, perennial rhinitis and both conditions was 12%, 11% and 3%, respectively. Compared to office workers, male medical professionals were at increased risk of new onset of allergic rhinitis (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 6.4). Odds ratios were reduced in metal workers not involved in metal making or treating (0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7). For perennial rhinitis ORs were significantly increased in cleaners (1.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1). Conclusions: Cleaners and medical professionals may be at increased risk for adult-onset rhinitis.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Sunyer, Jordi, et al.
(author)
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Lung function decline, chronic bronchitis, and occupational exposures in young adults
- 2005
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In: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. ; 172:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rationale: Occupational exposures to vapors, gas, dust, or fumes have been shown to be a risk factor of airway obstruction in cross-sectional studies in the general population.Objectives: Our aim was to study the relationships between specific occupations and occupational exposures during a 9-yr follow-up period and changes in lung function and symptoms of chronic bronchitis.Methods: Subjects from the general population aged 20 to 45 yr were randomly selected in 1991-1993 within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Follow-up took place from 1998 to 2002 among 4,079 males and 4,461 females in 27 study centers. A total of 3,202 men and 3,279 women twice completed lung function measurements. Job history during follow-up was linked to a job exposure matrix and consequently translated into cumulative exposure estimates.Main Results: Individuals exposed to dusts, gases, and fumes during the period of follow-up did not have a steeper decline of FEV(1) than did individuals with consistently white-collar occupations without occupational exposures (relative change among men and women, + 1.4 and -3.1 ml/yr, respectively; p > 0.2), nor an increase of prevalence or incidence of airway obstruction defined as an FEV(1)/FVC ratio of less than 0.7. The incidence of chronic phlegm increased in men exposed to mineral dust (relative risk, 1.94 [1.29-2.91]) and gases and fumes (relative risk, 1.53 [0.99-2.36]), which was not modified by smoking.Conclusion: Occupational exposures to dusts, gases, and fumes occurring during the 1990s are associated with incidence of chronic bronchitis, although these did not impair lung function in a population of relatively young age.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Le Moual, Nicole, et al.
(author)
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Occupational exposures and uncontrolled adult-onset asthma in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II
- 2014
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In: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 43:2, s. 374-386
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Occupational exposure is a well-recognised modifiable risk factor for asthma, but the relationship between occupational exposure and asthma control has not been studied. We aimed to study this association among working-age adults from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Data were available for 7077 participants (mean age 43 years, 45% never-smokers, 5867 without asthma and 1210 with current asthma). Associations between occupational exposure to specific asthmagens and asthma control status (33% with uncontrolled asthma, based on the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines) were evaluated using logistic and multinomial regressions, adjusted for age, sex and smoking status, with study areas included as a random effect. Statistically significant positive associations were observed between uncontrolled adult-onset asthma and both past 12-month and 10-year exposure to any occupational asthmagens (OR (95% CI) 1.6 (1.0-2.40) and 1.7 (1.2-2.5), respectively); high (1.7 (1.0-2.8) and 1.9 (1.3-2.9), respectively) and low (1.6 (1.0-2.7) and 1.8 (1.2-2.7), respectively) molecular weight agents; and cleaning agents (2.0 (1.1-3.6) and 2.3 (1.4-3.6), respectively), with stronger associations for long-term exposures. These associations were mainly explained by the exacerbation domain of asthma control and no associations were observed between asthmagens and partly controlled asthma. These findings suggest that occupational exposure to asthmagens is associated with uncontrolled adult-onset asthma. Occupational risk factors should be quickly identified to prevent uncontrolled asthma.
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| 13. |
- Łukowiec, D., et al.
(author)
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Formation and role in gas sensing properties of spherical and hollow silver nanoparticles deposited on the surface of electrochemically exfoliated graphite
- 2022
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In: Applied Surface Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-4332 .- 1873-5584. ; 580
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Synthetic methods to produce electrochemically exfoliated graphite (EEG) and composites containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) deposited on the EEG surface are discussed. An aqueous solution KIO3 was used as the electrolyte for the first time; therefore, oxidation and exfoliation mechanisms are described and discussed in detail. The graphite-based nanostructures were characterized by high stability in water and ethanol dispersions. Two composites with spherical or hollow-shaped ultra-fine AgNPs were synthesized and their structure and physicochemical properties are described. Use of CaCl2 with NaBH4 resulted in the formation of hollow nanoparticles on the EEG surface, whereas simple photoreduction synthesized ultra-fine nanoparticles. The role of silver nanoparticles attached to EEG on the gas sensing properties (for NO2) at different temperatures was determined. Gas sensing experiments confirmed that relatively low levels of AgNPs (1.36% and 6.16% for hollow and spherical NPs, respectively) improved the NO2 sensing properties of EEG. Moreover, at higher temperatures (150 °C) and relatively high NO2 concentrations (>50 ppm), the conductivities of both composites switched from p-type to n-type. The composite with a lower nanoparticle loading (1.56 at%) but larger size showed a significantly better dynamic parameters (response and recovery time).
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| 14. |
- Mirabelli, Maria C., et al.
(author)
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Metalworking exposures and persistent skin symptoms in the ECRHS II and SAPALDIA 2 cohorts
- 2009
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In: Contact Dermatitis. - : Wiley. - 0105-1873 .- 1600-0536. ; 60:5, s. 256-263
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Diseases of the skin are important and often preventable conditions occurring among workers with dermal exposures to irritant and sensitizing agents. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this analysis to assess the associations between metalworking exposures and current and persistent skin symptoms among male and female participants in two population-based epidemiologic studies. METHODS: We pooled data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) and the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Disease in Adults 2 (SAPALDIA 2), two prospective cohort studies in Europe. Each participant completed interviewer-administered questionnaires to provide information about symptoms and exposures related to selected occupations, including metalworking, during the follow-up periods. We assessed associations between skin symptoms and the frequency of metalworking exposures among 676 ECRHS II/SAPALDIA 2 respondents. RESULTS: Current skin symptoms were reported by 10% of metalworkers and were associated with frequent use, defined as four or more days per week, of oil-based metalworking fluids [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25-2.49)] and organic solvent/degreasing agents (PR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.21-3.50). CONCLUSIONS: Skin symptom prevalence is associated with increasing frequency of oil-based metalworking fluid and degreasing agent use. Our findings justify assessing strategies for reducing the frequency of metal-related exposures.
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| 15. |
- Pasqual, E, et al.
(author)
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Exposure to Medical Radiation during Fetal Life, Childhood and Adolescence and Risk of Brain Tumor in Young Age: Results from The MOBI-Kids Case-Control Study
- 2020
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In: Neuroepidemiology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0208 .- 0251-5350. ; 54:4, s. 343-355
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b><i>Background:</i></b> We explored the association between ionizing radiation (IR) from pre-natal and post-natal radio-diagnostic procedures and brain cancer risk within the MOBI-kids study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> MOBI-kids is an international (Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Spain, The Netherlands) case-control study including 899 brain tumor (645 neuroepithelial) cases aged 10–24 years and 1,910 sex-, age-, country-matched controls. Medical radiological history was collected through personal interview. We estimated brain IR dose for each procedure, building a look-up table by age and time period. Lifetime cumulative doses were calculated using 2 and 5 years lags from the diagnostic date. Risk was estimated using conditional logistic regression. Neurological, psychological and genetic conditions were evaluated as potential confounders. The main analyses focused on neuroepithelial tumors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Overall, doses were very low, with a skewed distribution (median 0.02 mGy, maximum 217 mGy). ORs for post-natal exposure were generally below 1. ORs were increased in the highest dose categories both for post and pre-natal exposures: 1.63 (95% CI 0.44–6.00) and 1.55 (0.57–4.23), respectively, based on very small numbers of cases. The change in risk estimates after adjustment for medical conditions was modest. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> There was little evidence for an association between IR from radio-diagnostic procedures and brain tumor risk in children and adolescents. Though doses were very low, our results suggest a higher risk for pre-natal and early life exposure, in line with current evidence.
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| 16. |
- Reardon, J., et al.
(author)
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Measurement and Implications of Experiential Retail : An Abstract
- 2020
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In: Enlightened Marketing in Challenging Times. - Cham : Springer. - 9783030425449 - 9783030425470 - 9783030425456 ; , s. 155-156
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The business press and academics have written many obituaries for traditional retail, (i.e., “Warren Buffett just confirmed the death of retail as we know it”; Business Insider 2017). Many suggest that traditional retail is being ‘killed’ by digital (Kara 2017; Adweek “Bad news, Brick –and-Mortar Stores: The Internet Finally has you Beat”). Not only merchandise stores, but whole industries have been transformed due to the internet – particularly books/music/movies (McCracken 2011) and theaters (Moore 2017). Nearly all products can be bought online, as well as many services. While many proclaim the death of traditional retail, others are stating that “Why Technology Won’t Kill Brick and Mortar Retailers” (Forbes 2018) and “Online Shopping Hasn’t Killed Brick-and Mortar Retailers” (ABC News 2018). One thing is common among the proponents of B&M retailers is that the shopping experience itself is a competitive advantage. Industry experts have suggested that physical retail not focus only on the merchandise offering but also the experience – “Physical Retail Isn’t Dead. Boring Retail Is.” (Dennis 2018). Interestingly, although prior research has focused on exploring and measuring specific elements of consumer experience, there is little knowledge regarding how to identify and measure all factors that go into consumers’ experiential outcomes in retail, events, etc. The present study seeks to address this gap by creating and testing a holistic measure of consumer experience. In particular, we create an experience scale that measures 6-dimensions of consumer experience across a variety of contexts: affective, cognitive, behavioral, sensory, and social/self-identity. In study 1, we validate this scale in the context of retail shopping. In study 2, we validate the scale in the context of a music concert. It appears that a general scale of experiential consumption/shopping is indeed possible. However, a discussion of the dimensionality of the scale need be conducted before further construction. Examination of the most common six dimensions (Affect, Cognitive, Behavior, Sensory, Social, and Relate) were empirically examined herein. The empirical results suggest that some of these dimensions may be inseparable or perhaps antecedent, or at minimal highly related. In particular, the affective, relate (self-identification) and sensory dimensions appear to overlap within the EFA. There seem to be two potential explanations for this: (1) the dimensions are simply conceptually overlapping and need to be measured more precisely and/or (2) one is antecedent to the other. Discussion among the authors (which we hope for input from the conference attendees), is that perhaps sensory experiences are antecedent to affect and one or both may be antecedent to self-identification. In addition, the social aspects might be antecedent to affective and cognitive dimensions. Each dimension appears to have high correlation with brand equity/loyalty as per Brun et al. (2017).
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| 17. |
- Wengenroth, L., et al.
(author)
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Antibiotic Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Plants and Transmission Risks for Employees and Residents: The Concept of the AWARE Study
- 2021
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In: Antibiotics-Basel. - : MDPI AG. - 2079-6382. ; 10:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Antibiotic resistance has become a serious global health threat. Wastewater treatment plants may become unintentional collection points for bacteria resistant to antimicrobials. Little is known about the transmission of antibiotic resistance from wastewater treatment plants to humans, most importantly to wastewater treatment plant workers and residents living in the vicinity. We aim to deliver precise information about the methods used in the AWARE (Antibiotic Resistance in Wastewater: Transmission Risks for Employees and Residents around Wastewater Treatment Plants) study. Within the AWARE study, we gathered data on the prevalence of two antibiotic resistance phenotypes, ESBL-producing E. coli and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, as well as on their corresponding antibiotic resistance genes isolated from air, water, and sewage samples taken from inside and outside of different wastewater treatment plants in Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania. Additionally, we analysed stool samples of wastewater treatment plant workers, nearby residents, and members of a comparison group living >= 1000 m away from the closest WWTP. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the potential spread of ESBL-producing E. coli, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and antibiotic resistance genes from WWTPs to workers, the environment, and nearby residents. Quantifying the contribution of different wastewater treatment processes to the removal efficiency of ESBL-producing E. coli, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and antibiotic resistance genes will provide us with evidence-based support for possible mitigation strategies.
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