bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
64 Occupational exposure to styrene during cured-in-place pipe installations: An emerging issue
Authors: LeBouf Ryan , Kobos Lisa , Burns Dru , Stanton Marcia , Bailey Rachel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) is a trenchless pipe repair technology that typically uses styrene-resin impregnated liners cured with steam, hot water, or ultraviolet light to restore underground pipes without excavation. Use of the technology can expose workers and the public to styrene. Exposure to styrene may cause asthma, cancer, and contribute to hearing loss when combined with noise. Occupational exposure to styrene during installation of CIPP is an emerging issue that can be addressed with effective engineering controls and employee education and training. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has previously measured overexposures to styrene in this industry. Here, we measured short-term task exposures and area/source emissions of styrene using OSHA Method ORG-89 during installation of small diameter liners (8”) with dilution ventilation controls when enclosed spaces were occupied. We measured temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, and wind speed during installation; and observed the process while systematically recording other determinants of exposure such as cure method, liner length and diameter, and number of manholes. Area styrene measurements were highest when the refrigerated truck door holding CIPP liners was opened (347 parts per million [ppm]; 2 minutes). The highest personal styrene exposure (55 ppm) occurred while a worker was in the refrigerated truck for 18 minutes. Personal styrene exposures during cutting the cured liner ranged from 1–10 ppm (5–20 minutes). Additional ventilation in the refrigerated truck, modifications of work processes, and continued employee education and training are needed to protect the health of the CIPP workforce.
115 The impact of physical stressors in a neonatal intensive care unit in Ireland
Authors: McCallig Margaret , Pakrashi Vikram , Durkin Carmel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study quantifies the vibration levels emitted by neonatal incubators and analyses the impact of equipment age, mattress types and human behaviour on the vibration levels. A comprehensive dataset of vibration measurements have been recorded and have been compared to the ‘ISO 2631-1:1997 Mechanical vibration and shock’ comfort rating scale. The data has been further analysed with the occupational exposure action (EAV) and limit values (ELV) as outlined in Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.
The study further investigates the noise levels in the NICU setting. Noise surveys have been conducted across day and night shifts, with the noise levels compared to the exposure action (EAV) and exposure limit values as per Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. in addition, the noise levels were compared to the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) Management of the Acoustic Environment Standard. A management strategy has been developed to ensure the NICU meets the twelve components of the EFCNI standard from the parents/ guardians through to the hospital management. The NICU involved in this study is the first unit in Ireland to implement the standard, and it is envisaged that the management strategy be rolled our across all NICUs in Ireland.
116 Improving assessment of occupational exposure to hazardous substances using a hybrid approach of models and measurements with mobile sensor technology
Authors: Huizer Daan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Occupational exposure to hazardous substances is traditionally assessed by means of exposure measurements. In the past years, the use of exposure models has been on the rise as rapid, low-cost alternative. However, these models may not always be accurate enough. The advent of inexpensive sensors has given rise to a new perspective on exposure measurements. In this presentation, findings of ongoing research are presented on developing scope and infrastructure that enriches and improves model estimates within the existing software platform Chemrade with data from near-real-time sensor measurements on the workplace.

Method
The required infrastructure for the integration, processing, and interpretation of data is currently being investigated in the subdomains modelling, collection of contextual data and collection of near-real-time sensor data. Contextual information is planned to be collected through a mobile app for recording the location and activities of the employee working with hazardous substances in the company, to complement the future collected sensor data. Prior to the actual selection of sensors, literature research was conducted within a technology applicability framework.

Results
Given that the overall research project is still ongoing, the focus of this presentation is on the results of the completed literature review. Despite the fact that this primarily focuses on the technical requirements imposed on the sensors, it also encompasses other relevant aspects associated with it, such as social, economic, and legal considerations. Depending on progress made, other results of this ongoing research project will also be highlighted.
Participants in the session are invited to join the discussion on the practical application in their practice.
129 Sampling protocol to assess occupational exposure to microbial contamination in wood working environments
Authors: Dias Marta , Pena Pedro , Gomes Bianca , Cervante Renata , Gonçalves Sara , Viegas Susana , Viegas Carla 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The sawmill market is driven by rising construction demand, with building and furniture gaining prominence. Workers in the sawmill industry may be exposed to wood derivatives, microorganisms, and their products, which can cause health effects such as decreased lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and various respiratory disorders. Exposure to wood dust infected with microorganisms, particularly fungi, can lead to allergic alveolitis and asthma in woodworkers. It is well known that there is a knowledge gap in the field of microbial occupational exposure assessment in sawmills, nevertheless, the importance of an accurate assessment and risk management should be emphasized. The sampling approach applied in this study comprehends several sampling methods that are used as a complement to overcome the advantages and disadvantages of each. Those methods are active sampling methods, such as Andersen six-stage, MAS-100 and Button Samplers, and passive sampling methods namely surface swabs, electrostatic dust cloths (EDC), EDC in t-shirts, settled dust, gloves and masks and filters from the vacuumed settled dust. This sampling approach was developed to be applied in wood working environment and it was meticulously developed using previously conducted bibliographic research and applied in sampling campaigns developed in “Do It Yourself” (DIY) stores with a wood cutting section, and in sawmills. With the application of this comprehensive protocol, it was possible to conclude that the use of all these sampling methods in parallel is crucial to overcome the constraints of each to allow a proper characterization of the risks to which these workers are exposed. Similar considerations should be taken to select the best lab approach.
137b - Breathe freely initiative to prevent occupational lung disease – the Australian experience
Authors: Johnson Sharann 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Breathe Freely Australia (BFA) aims to prevent dust-related occupational lung disease, such as silicosis, in workers, through education & awareness of safe work practices to control exposures. BFA is an adaption of the highly successful UK Breathe Freely initiative developed by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). In 2019, the BOHS generously allowed the AIOH to develop the BFA program, to meet Australian industry needs. It is about raising awareness both of the problem and how to do something about it. We can protect workers’ health and prevent most of these diseases and deaths.
This session will provide updates on BFA’s implementation, adaptation and expansion progress in Australia with sections covering mining, quarries and engineered stone. Recent developments have been translation of the engineered stone into mandarin and including videos designed for engineered stone workers.
228d - Biomonitoring for diisocyanates exposure – Results from the HBM4EU occupational study
Authors: Jones Kate 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Diisocyanates have long been a leading cause of occupational asthma in Europe, and they are now restricted under the REACH regulation. As part of the European Human Biomonitoring project (HBM4EU), we conducted an occupational exposure survey on diisocyanates in five European countries. 116 workers were recruited across four job categories: (1) Use of diisocyanates-based glues, adhesives or sealants; (2) Polyurethane coating of large surfaces; (3) Spray application of urethane foam; (4) Spray coating of vehicles. Fifty controls (within the same companies) were also recruited. The study collected urine samples (analysed for diisocyanate-derived diamines and lysine conjugates), blood samples (analysed for diisocyanate-specific antibodies, inflammatory markers, and diisocyanate-specific haemoglobin adducts), buccal cells (micronucleus analysis) and measured fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). In addition, occupational hygiene measurements (air monitoring and skin wipe samples) and questionnaires were collected. Initial results showed significant airborne exposures for some tasks (spraying polyurethane foam insulation), with elevated urinary diamine levels compared to controls (p&lt;0.001), and detection of the specific MDI-lysine conjugate. Most workers did not show increased FeNO, but some individuals had elevated results (controls max 30 ppb (n=49), workers max 161 ppb (n=108). Further on-going data analysis will be presented.
Presented on behalf of the HBM4EU occupational study project team.
155 Possible health risks caused by applying commercially available alcohol-based hand sanitizers
Authors: Tsai Shih-Wei , Cheng Chieh-An 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitizers are promoted to interrupt the transmission of viruses since appropriate hand hygiene is another crucial measure for personal protection following wearing face masks. Hand sanitizers can be of various types, such as anti-microbial-based, alcohol-free, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS), in the form of gel, foams, cream spray, or wipes. Some organizations, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), have also provided the guideline that effective hand sanitizer products should contain 60%–95% alcohol. However, some hand sanitizers may have the ingredient leading to specific health effects. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the impurities in the commercially available hand sanitizers. A total of 85 samples were collected, and the target chemicals that GC/MS determined included methanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, ethyl acetate, isobutanol, benzene, acetal, 1-propanol, 2-butanol, 1-butanol 3-methyl-1-butanol, and amyl alcohol. The findings showed that certain impurities were detected in the samples. Especially for benzene and acetaldehyde, the mean of benzene was 14.27μg/g (range: 1.57-33.99), and acetaldehyde was 100.16μg/g (range:30.09-429.03). For the non-carcinogenic risk, with the maximum level of benzene, the non-carcinogenic risk is greater than 1 (range: 1.04-4.66). For the cancer risk, the cancer risk of benzene in each group was from 1.44×10-8 to 2.11×10-7 (calculated by the geometric mean level). Overall, specific samples were not qualified for the alcohol content, and the impurities detected contributed to the potential health risk.
174 Hood performance in removing NO2 from natural gas cooking in eight Taiwanese households
Authors: Chen Hsin , Tsai I-Hsuan , Lee Wan-Chen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The emissions from cooking with a gas stove are harmful to human health, among which NO2 has been linked to an increased risk of asthma incidence. The use of kitchen hoods has been an effective solution to mitigate exposure to cooking emissions; however, information on their performance in Taiwanese households was extremely limited. This study aimed to evaluate hood performance in removing NO2 in eight Taiwanese households, using two kitchen hoods with distinct laboratory performance.
We recruited eight Taiwanese houses and conducted repeated, 3-day integrated sampling for NO2 in kitchens, living rooms, and balconies for two months per home. Two kitchen hoods with distinct performance in the laboratory tests were chosen to undergo two consecutive 4-week sampling. In the second week of each hood test, we designed a recipe-control week to ensure all the ingredients and the way of cooking for each household were in comparable conditions. Additionally, the time-activity data were collected to account for cooking activities and potential pollutant sources.
Our results showed that using different kitchen hoods impacted NO2 concentrations in the same household. However, when using the same hood, the NO2 concentration differed by cooking activities across different homes, even in the recipe-control weeks. No significant, consistent difference was found between the hoods using NO2 as the indicator, suggesting that environmental factors played an important role in influencing hood performance. Findings from this study provide insights for evaluating the hood performance in Taiwanese houses with different cooking activities and other factors in the future.
203 Airborne fungi and bacteria in plastic waste plants - occupational exposure
Authors: Karlsson Kerstin , Madsen AnneMette , Dahlman-Höglund Anna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Large amounts of municipal waste are produced every year across the globe, and this amount is projected to reach 3.4 billion tons of annual waste in 2050. Goals from EU state that 55% of municipal waste should be recycled in 2025, 60% in 2030, and 65% in 2035. Municipal waste is sorted and recycled into different fractions, one of which is plastic waste.

Methods
To assess the occupational exposure of airborne fungi and bacteria, staff members were fitted with an IOM sampler, flowrate of 2.0 L/min during a working shift.
Bacteria and fungi from all IOM filters were extracted and plated in serial-dilutions at 25°C and 37°C aerobic or anaerobic, counted after 2, 4, and 7 days. Bacterial and fungal isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS).

Results
Very high exposure of fungi were found and few species, were classified in risk group 2 which could cause infections - e.g. Aspergillus terreus, In many areas of the waste plant, very high concentrations of A. fumigatus, A. niger and Penicillium brevicompactum were measured. There was a high concentration of bacteria and endotoxin in the workplace.

Discussion
The measurements showed that work with recycling plastic generates a lot of fungal spores and bacteria in the work environment. To minimize exposure, ventilation and logistics of the plastic in the company must be improved.

Conclusion
The measurements showed that there were high concentrations of microorganisms in the workplace that can affect the health of employees.
ScType enables fast and accurate cell type identification from spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Nader Kristen , Tasci Misra , Ianevski Aleksandr , Erickson Andrew , Verschuren Emmy W , Aittokallio Tero , Miihkinen Mitro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Summary
The limited resolution of spatial transcriptomics (ST) assays in the past has led to the development of cell type annotation methods that separate the convolved signal based on available external atlas data. In light of the rapidly increasing resolution of the ST assay technologies, we made available and investigated the performance of a deconvolution-free marker-based cell annotation method called scType. In contrast to existing methods, the spatial application of scType does not require computationally strenuous deconvolution, nor large single-cell reference atlases. We show that scType enables ultra-fast and accurate identification of abundant cell types from ST data, especially when a large enough panel of genes is detected. Examples of such assays are Visium and Slide-seq, which currently offer the best trade-off between high resolution and number of genes detected by the assay for cell type annotation.

Availability and implementation
scType source R and python codes for spatial data are openly available in GitHub (https://github.com/kris-nader/sp-type or https://github.com/kris-nader/sc-type-py). Step-by-step tutorials for R and python spatial data analysis can be found in https://github.com/kris-nader/sp-type and https://github.com/kris-nader/sc-type-py/blob/main/spatial_tutorial.md, respectively.
High-throughput evaluation of hemolytic activity through precise measurement of colony and hemolytic zone sizes of engineered Bacillus subtilis on blood agar
Authors: Bamba Takahiro , Aoki Rina , Hori Yoshimi , Ishikawa Shu , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Taoka Naoaki , Kobayashi Shingo , Yasueda Hisashi , Kondo Akihiko , Hasunuma Tomohisa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Biosurfactants have remarkable characteristics, such as environmental friendliness, high safety, and excellent biodegradability. Surfactin is one of the best-known biosurfactants produced by Bacillus subtilis. Because the biosynthetic pathways of biosurfactants, such as surfactin, are complex, mutagenesis is a useful alternative to typical metabolic engineering approaches for developing high-yield strains. Therefore, there is a need for high-throughput and accurate screening methods for high-yield strains derived from mutant libraries. The blood agar lysis method, which takes advantage of the hemolytic activity of biosurfactants, is one way of determining their concentration. This method includes inoculating microbial cells onto blood-containing agar plates, and biosurfactant production is assessed based on the size of the hemolytic zone formed around each colony. Challenges with the blood agar lysis method include low experimental reproducibility and a lack of established protocols for high-throughput screening. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of the inoculation procedure and media composition on the formation of hemolytic zones. We also developed a workflow to evaluate the number of colonies using robotics. The results revealed that by arranging colonies at appropriate intervals and measuring the areas of colonies and hemolytic rings using image analysis software, it was possible to accurately compare the hemolytic activity among several colonies. Although the use of the blood agar lysis method for screening is limited to surfactants exhibiting hemolytic activity, it is believed that by considering the insights gained from this study, it can contribute to the accurate screening of strains with high productivity.
Influence of patient characteristics on microbial composition in surgical-site infections: insights from national surveillance study
Authors: Peisl Sarah , Guillen-Ramirez Hugo , Sánchez-Taltavull Daniel , Widmer Andreas , Sommerstein Rami , Beldi Guido 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Although the impact of surgery- and patient-dependent factors on surgical-site infections (SSIs) have been studied extensively, their influence on the microbial composition of SSI remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to identify patient-dependent predictors of the microbial composition of SSIs across different types of surgery.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 538 893 patients from the Swiss national infection surveillance programme. Multilabel classification methods, adaptive boosting and Gaussian Naive Bayes were employed to identify predictors of the microbial composition of SSIs using 20 features, including sex, age, BMI, duration of surgery, type of surgery, and surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Results
Overall, SSIs were recorded in 18 642 patients (3.8%) and, of these, 10 632 had microbiological wound swabs available. The most common pathogens identified in SSIs were Enterobacterales (57%), Staphylococcus spp. (31%), and Enterococcus spp. (28%). Age (mean feature importance 0.260, 95% c.i. 0.209 to 0.309), BMI (0.224, 0.177 to 0.271), and duration of surgery (0.221, 0.180 to 0.269) were strong and independent predictors of the microbial composition of SSIs. Increasing age and duration of surgical procedure as well as decreasing BMI were associated with a shift from Staphylococcus spp. to Enterobacterales and Enterococcus spp. An online application of the machine learning model is available for validation in other healthcare systems.

Conclusion
Age, BMI, and duration of surgery were key predictors of the microbial composition of SSI, irrespective of the type of surgery, demonstrating the relevance of patient-dependent factors to the pathogenesis of SSIs.
Further improvement of circuit survival in citrate based continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Post Alena , Heijkoop Èmese R H , Diebels Lotte L M , Post Adrian , van Meurs Matijs , van der Voort Peter H J , Franssen Casper F M , Volbeda Meint 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the most frequently used modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critical care patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Adequate CRRT delivery can be challenging, due to problems with circuit patency. To improve circuit patency, we developed a new CRRT protocol using continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) with 3.0 mmol/l regional citrate anticoagulation (CVVHDF/RCA3.0) as our first choice RRT modality.

Methods
Retrospective comparison of efficacy and safety of a CVVHDF/RCA3.0 protocol with our former continuous veno-venous hemofiltration protocol with 2.2 regional citrate anticoagulation (CVVH/RCA2.2) in adult critically ill patients with AKI requiring CRRT between 25 April 2020 and 24 October 2021.

Results
In total, 56 patients (257 circuits) and 66 patients (290 circuits) were included in the CVVH/RCA2.2 and CVVHDF/RCA3.0 groups, respectively. Median circuit survival was significantly higher in patients treated with CVVHDF/RCA3.0 (39.6 (IQR 19.5–67.3) hours) compared to patients treated with CVVH/RCA2.2 (22.9 (IQR 11.3–48.6) hours) (P &lt; .001). Higher body weight and higher convective flow were associated with a lower circuit survival. Metabolic control was similar, except for metabolic alkalosis that occurred less frequently during CVVHDF/RCA3.0 (19% of patients) compared to CVVH/RCA2.2 (46% of patients) (P = .006).

Conclusions
CRRT circuit survival was longer with CVVHDF/RCA3.0 compared to CVVH/RCA2.2. CRRT circuit survival was negatively associated with higher body weight and higher convective flow.