Reliability and validity of soft copy images based on flat-panel detector in pneumoconiosis classification: comparison with the analog radiographs.

Rationale And Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of soft copy images based on flat-panel detector of digital radiography (DR-FPD soft copy images) compared to analog radiographs (ARs) in pneumoconiosis classification and diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: DR-FPD soft copy images and ARs from 349 subjects were independently read by four-experienced readers according to the International Labor Organization 2000 guidelines. DR-FPD soft copy images were used to obtain consensus reading (CR) by all readers as the gold standard.

Relation of Pulmonary Function Impairment and Coronary Artery Calcification by Multi-detector Computed Tomography in Group Exposed to Inorganic Dusts.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of pulmonary function impairment (PFI) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), and the effect of pneumoconiosis on CAC or PFI.

Methods: Seventy-six subjects exposed to inorganic dusts underwent coronary artery calcium scoring by MDCT, spirometry, laboratory tests, and a standardized questionnaire. CAC was quantified using a commercial software (Rapidia ver.

Ultrafine particle characteristics in a rubber manufacturing factory.

Background: According to epidemiological research, exposure to rubber fumes can cause various types of cancer and can lead to an increase in death rate because of cardiovascular diseases.

Objectives: In this study, we have assessed the characteristics of ultrafine particles emitted into the air during the manufacturing of rubber products using waste tires.

Methods: To assess the aerosol distribution of rubber fumes in the workplace from a product during curing, we have performed particle number concentration mapping using a handheld condensation particle counter.

Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc.

Coughing is an important defensive reflex that occurs through the stimulation of a complex reflex arc. It accounts for a significant number of consultations both at the level of general practitioner and of respiratory specialists. In this review we first analyze the cough reflex under normal conditions; then we analyze the anatomy and the neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc.

Utility of digital radiography for the screening of pneumoconiosis as compared to analog radiography: radiation dose, image quality, and pneumoconiosis classification.

The purpose of this study was to compare digital radiography (DR) and analog radiography (AR) for the screening of pneumoconiosis with respect to radiation dose, image quality, and pneumoconiosis classification. DR was performed on 50 subjects who were enrolled for an examination of pneumoconiosis (Digital Diagnost™, Philips, Netherlands), and AR (MXO-15B, Toshiba, Japan) was performed the same day after the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Entrance surface doses (ESDs) of DR and AR were measured using a glass dosimeter attached to a Rando human phantom (Alderson Co.

Development of standard digital images for pneumoconiosis.

We developed the standard digital images (SDIs) to be used in the classification and recognition of pneumoconiosis. From July 3, 2006 through August 31, 2007, 531 retired male workers exposed to inorganic dust were examined by digital (DR) and analog radiography (AR) on the same day, after being approved by our institutional review board and obtaining informed consent from all participants. All images were twice classified according to the International Labour Office (ILO) 2000 guidelines with reference to ILO standard analog radiographs (SARs) by four chest radiologists.

Current status of pneumoconiosis patients in Korea.

This study identifies the number of pneumoconiosis patients after eliminating deceased patients between 2003 and 2008 as of January 1st and estimates it for the next five years. From 2003 to 2008, the pneumoconiosis patients were 16,929, 17,224, 17,366, 17,566, 17,542, and 17,546, respectively. The number of pneumoconiosis patients will have increased by 1,014 from 2008 to 18,560 in 2013 after applying the average change rates taken from 2003 to 2007.

Levels of Exhaled Breath Condensate pH and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Retired Coal Miners.

Inhaled inorganic dusts, such as coal, can cause inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs, known as pneumoconiosis. Diagnosis of pneumoconiosis depends on morphological changes by radiological findings and functional change by pulmonary function test (PFT) . Unfortunately, current diagnostic findings are limited only to lung fibrosis, which is usually irreversibly progressive.

Serum Levels of Interleukin-8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha in Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis: One-year Follow-up Study.

Objectives: Various cytokines induced by inhalation of coal dust may mediate inflammation and lead to tissue damage or fibrosis, such as coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).

Methods: To investigate the relevance of serum cytokines in CWP, the levels of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as CWP biomarkers in 110 retired coal miners (22 controls and 88 CWP subjects) were related to cross sectional findings and 1-year progressive changes of the pneumoconiosis. Progressive changes of CWP were evaluated by paired comparison of chest radiographs.