Occupational exposure to petroleum products and respiratory health: a cross-sectional study from Algeria.

Objective: To investigate the possible impact of long-term occupational exposure to hydrocarbons on respiratory health.

Methods: Respiratory health was assessed by questionnaires, spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide in 250 male workers from a company handling and distributing refined petroleum products (exposed) and 250 electricians (controls). Exposure to hydrocarbons was assessed by personal air monitoring.

Effect of chemical mutagens and carcinogens on gene expression profiles in human TK6 cells.

Characterization of toxicogenomic signatures of carcinogen exposure holds significant promise for mechanistic and predictive toxicology. In vitro transcriptomic studies allow the comparison of the response to chemicals with diverse mode of actions under controlled experimental conditions. We conducted an in vitro study in TK6 cells to characterize gene expression signatures of exposure to 15 genotoxic carcinogens frequently used in European industries.

Evaluation of transdermal fentanyl patch attachment in dogs and analysis of residual fentanyl content following removal.

Objective: To investigate whether the method used to attach matrix-type fentanyl patches influences the degree of skin attachment and the amount of active drug remaining in patches after use.

Study Design: Prospective, randomised clinical study.

Study Population: Fifteen adult dogs of mixed breeds.

Fentanyl transdermal absorption linked to pharmacokinetic characteristics in patients undergoing palliative care.

Delivery rates and plasma concentrations vary among patients treated with fentanyl patches. Absorption and urinary excretion characteristics of fentanyl were studied in patients undergoing palliative care. Almost 500 patches were analyzed for residual fentanyl content.

Selecting an appropriate biomonitoring strategy to evaluate dermal exposure to opioid narcotic analgesics in pharmaceutical production workers.

Objectives: In a follow-up study of previous research, in which exposure pathways for opioid narcotic analgesics were identified in pharmaceutical workers involved in drug synthesis, the current research focused on the selection of an appropriate biomonitoring strategy.

Methods: Six opioid narcotic production workers were intensively monitored during a (1 week) fentanyl production campaign. A systematic sampling scheme was followed that provided information about hand contamination and biomarker levels at multiple time points.