COPD and levels of Hsp70 (HSPA1A) and Hsp27 (HSPB1) in plasma and lymphocytes among coal workers: a case-control study.

This case-control study aimed to investigate whether the levels of Hsp70 (HSPA1A) and Hsp27 (HSPB1) in plasma and lymphocytes were associated with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among coal workers. A total of 76 COPD cases and 48 age-matched healthy controls from a group of coal workers were included. The case group consisted of 35 COPD patients whose condition was complicated with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and 41 COPD patients without CWP.

Comparison of high-resolution computerized tomography with film-screen radiography for the evaluation of opacity and the recognition of coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

Objectives: Current diagnostic standards of pneumoconiosis, which is the most serious occupational disease in China, are based on film-screen radiography (FSR). However, parenchymal structure overlap limits the sensitivity of FSR in the clinic. High-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) has the advantage of identifying nodular pulmonary parenchymal changes.

Expression levels of surfactant-associated proteins and inflammation cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid among coal miners: a case-control study.

Objective: To investigate whether the Th1/Th2 balance and expressions of surfactant-associated proteins and cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) are associated with the development of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).

Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 72 CWP cases and 68 controls. Th1 and Th2 populations were measured by flow cytometry.

[Exploration of the early detection of lung parenchyma micronodules, nodule coalescence and emphysema by CT and HRCT in coal miners with and without coal-worker's pneumoconiosis evidence].

Objective: To explore the sensitivity and accuracy of CT and HRCT in early detection of coal-worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) associated micronodules, nodule coalescence and emphysema from coal miners with and without radiographic CWP evidence.

Method: Continuously Thorax-Vol. CT scanning and High resolution CT scanning were performed on 113 coal miners with or without radiographic CWP evidence and 37 health controls by the use of Multi Spiral Computed Tomography (MSCT).

Expression of Hsp27 and Hsp70 in lymphocytes and plasma in healthy workers and coal miners with lung cancer.

In coal mines, main occupational hazard is coal-mine dust, which can cause health problem including coal workers' pneumoconiosis and lung cancer. Some heat shock proteins (Hsps) have been reported as an acute response to a wide variety of stressful stimuli. Whether Hsps protect against chronic environmental coal-mine dust over years is unknown.

Head-and-face anthropometric survey of Chinese workers.

Millions of workers in China rely on respirators and other personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of injury and occupational diseases. However, it has been >25 years since the first survey of facial dimensions for Chinese adults was published, and it has never been completely updated. Thus, an anthropometric survey of Chinese civilian workers was conducted in 2006.

[Relationship between dust exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and heat shock protein 72 and 73 in lymphocytes among coal miners].

Objective: To assess the expression of Hsp72 and Hsp73 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to evaluate their roles in damage from coal dust exposure.

Methods: A case control study of 50 coal miners suffering from COPD and 50 healthy coal miners were selected from one coal mine. The levels of Hsp72 and Hsp73 in peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry for all subjects.

Changes of tumor necrosis factor, surfactant protein A, and phospholipids in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the development and progression of coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

Objective: To evaluate the alterations of biomarkers in the development and progression of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).

Methods: The type and number of cells, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), pulmonary surfactant protein, phospholipids and fibronectin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assayed in 14 health active coal miners, 21 coal miners without CWP and 13 miners with CWP of 0/1 to 1/1.

Results: Compared to active coal miners without CWP (8.

[Epidemiological studies of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: a questionnaire survey of Taiyuan].

Objective: To obtain the epidemiological data of sleep apnea-hypopnea sydrome (SAHS) in Taiyuan.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was performed in 6 028 people living in Taiyuan. The prevalence of SAHS was estimated by a two-stage procedure.