OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of short-term inhalational exposure to nanoparticles released during dental composite grinding on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four healthy volunteers were examined before and after exposure in dental workshop. They spent 76.8 ± 0.7 min in the testing room during grinding of dental nanocomposites. The individual exposure to aerosol particles in each participant ́s breathing zones was monitored using a personal nanoparticle sampler (PENS). Exhaled breath condensate (EBC), blood, and urine samples were collected pre- and post-exposure to measure one oxidative stress marker, i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and two biomarkers of antioxidant capacity, i.e., ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reduced glutathione (GSH) by spectrophotometry. Spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were used to evaluate the effect of acute inhalational exposure. RESULTS: Mean mass of dental nanocomposite ground away was 0.88 ± 0.32 g. Average individual doses of respirable particles and nanoparticles measured by PENS were 380 ± 150 and 3.3 ± 1.3 μg, respectively. No significant increase of the post-exposure oxidative stress marker TBARS in EBC and plasma was seen. No decrease in antioxidant capacity biomarkers FRAP and GSH in EBC post-exposure was seen, either. Post-exposure, conjunctival hyperemia was seen in 62.5% volunteers; however, no impairment in spirometry or FeNO results was observed. No correlation of any biomarker measured with individual exposure was found, however, several correlations with interfering factors (age, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and environmental pollution parameters) were seen. CONCLUSIONS: This study, using oxidative stress biomarker and antioxidant capacity biomarkers in biological fluids of volunteers during the grinding of dental nanocomposites did not prove a negative effect of this intense short-term exposure. However, further studies are needed to evaluate oxidative stress in long-term exposure of both stomatologists and patients and diverse populations with varying health statuses.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants analysis   MeSH
• Biomarkers * analysis   MeSH
• Breath Tests MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Glutathione analysis   MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure * adverse effects   analysis   MeSH
• Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Nanocomposites * chemistry   MeSH
• Nitric Oxide analysis   metabolism   MeSH
• Oxidative Stress * MeSH
• Occupational Exposure * analysis   adverse effects   MeSH
• Dentists MeSH
• Dental Materials MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Nanomaterials are virtually ubiquitous as they are created by both natural processes and human activities. The amount of occupational exposure to unintentionally released nanoparticles can, therefore, be substantial. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of incidental nanoparticles that workers can be exposed to during welding operations and to assess related health risks. The specific focus on welding operations was determined based on the fact that other case studies on the manufacturing industry confirm significant exposure to incidental nanoparticles during welding. In the Czech Republic, 92% of all industrial workers are employed in the manufacturing industry, where welding operations are amply represented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The particle number concentrations of particles in the size range of 20-1000 nm and particle mass concentrations of inhalable and PM1 fractions were determined via measurements carried out at 15-minute intervals for each welding operation by static sampling in close proximity to the worker. Measurements were obtained using the following instruments: NanoScan SMPS 3910, Optical Particle Sizer OPS 3330, P-TRAK 8525 and DustTrak DRX 8534. The assessed operations were manual arc welding and automatic welding. RESULTS: The observed average particle number concentrations for electric arc welders ranged 84×103-176×103 #/cm3, for welding machine operators 96×103-147×103 #/cm3, and for a welding locksmith the obtained average concentration was 179×103 #/cm3. The determined average mass concentration of PM1 particles ranged 0.45-1.4 mg/m3. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the conducted measurements, it was confirmed that there is a significant number of incidental nanoparticles released during welding operations in the manufacturing industry as a part of production and processing of metal products. The recommended occupational exposure limits for nanoparticle number concentrations were exceeded approximately 4-8 times for all assessed welding operations. The use of local exhaust ventilation in conjunction with personal protective equipment, including FFP2 or FFP3 particle filters, for welding is, therefore, recommended. Med Pr. 2021;72(3):219-30.

• MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Occupational * analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring MeSH
• Nanoparticles * MeSH
• Occupational Exposure * analysis   MeSH
• Welding * MeSH
• Particle Size MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

The inhalation of metal (including lead) nanoparticles poses a real health issue to people and animals living in polluted and/or industrial areas. In this study, we exposed mice to lead(II) nitrate nanoparticles [Pb(NO3)2 NPs], which represent a highly soluble form of lead, by inhalation. We aimed to uncover the effects of their exposure on individual target organs and to reveal potential variability in the lead clearance. We examined (i) lead biodistribution in target organs using laser ablation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), (ii) lead effect on histopathological changes and immune cells response in secondary target organs and (iii) the clearance ability of target organs. In the lungs and liver, Pb(NO3)2 NP inhalation induced serious structural changes and their damage was present even after a 5-week clearance period despite the lead having been almost completely eliminated from the tissues. The numbers of macrophages significantly decreased after 11-week Pb(NO3)2 NP inhalation; conversely, abundance of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cells, which are responsible for augmented collagen production, increased in both tissues. Moreover, the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and selected cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), interleukin 6(IL-6), IL-1α and IL-1β , displayed a tissue-specific response to lead exposure. In summary, diminished inflammatory response in tissues after Pb(NO3)2 NPs inhalation was associated with prolonged negative effect of lead on tissues, as demonstrated by sustained pathological changes in target organs, even after long clearance period.

• MeSH
• Actins agonists   genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Macrophages, Alveolar drug effects   immunology   pathology   MeSH
• Administration, Inhalation MeSH
• Biological Availability MeSH
• Nitrates pharmacokinetics   toxicity   MeSH
• Gene Expression MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Interleukin-1alpha agonists   genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Interleukin-1beta agonists   genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Interleukin-6 agonists   genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Liver drug effects   immunology   pathology   MeSH
• Metal Nanoparticles administration & dosage   toxicity   MeSH
• Air Pollutants pharmacokinetics   toxicity   MeSH
• Mice, Inbred ICR MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• NF-kappa B agonists   genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Lead pharmacokinetics   toxicity   MeSH
• Lung drug effects   immunology   pathology   MeSH
• Half-Life MeSH
• Spectrophotometry, Atomic MeSH
• Tissue Distribution MeSH
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha agonists   genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1 agonists   genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Although the production of engineered nanoparticles increases our knowledge of toxicity and mechanisms of bioactivity during relevant exposures is lacking. In the present study mice were exposed to PbO nanoparticles (PbONP; 192.5 µg/m3; 1.93 × 106 particles/cm3) for 2, 5 and 13 weeks through continuous inhalation. The analyses addressed Pb and PbONP distribution in organs (lung, liver, kidney, brain) using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy, as well as histopathology and analyses of oxidative stress biomarkers. New LC-MS/MS methods were validated for biomarkers of lipid damage F2-isoprostanes (8-iso-prostaglandins F2-alpha and E2) and hydroxylated deoxoguanosine (8-OHdG, marker of DNA oxidation). Commonly studied malondialdehyde was also measured as TBARS by HPLC-DAD. The study revealed fast blood transport and distribution of Pb from the lung to the kidney and liver. A different Pb accumulation trend was observed in the brain, suggesting transfer of NP along the nasal nerve to the olfactory bulbs. Long-term inhalation of PbONP caused lipid peroxidation in animal brains (increased levels of TBARS and both isoprostanes). Membrane lipid damage was also detected in the kidney after shorter exposures, but not in the liver or lung. On the contrary, longer exposures to PbONP increased levels of 8-OHdG in the lung and temporarily increased lung weight after 2 and 5 weeks of exposure. The histopathological changes observed mainly in the lung and liver indicated inflammation and general toxicity responses. The present long-term inhalation study indicates risks of PbONP to both human health and the environment.

• MeSH
• Biomarkers metabolism   MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure adverse effects   analysis   MeSH
• Liver drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Kidney drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Membrane Lipids metabolism   MeSH
• Brain drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Mice, Inbred ICR MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Nanoparticles metabolism   toxicity   MeSH
• Lead metabolism   toxicity   MeSH
• Oxidation-Reduction MeSH
• Oxidative Stress drug effects   MeSH
• Oxides metabolism   toxicity   MeSH
• Lipid Peroxidation drug effects   MeSH
• Lung drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• DNA Damage * MeSH
• Toxicity Tests, Subchronic MeSH
• Inflammation MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

The article deals with evaluation of irradiation of an operator of a 1 MW biogas station (BGS), processing silage plant biomass contaminated by 137Cs and 134Cs. External irradiation and internal irradiation by the means of aerosol particles inhalation were considered. For calculation of the external irradiation, a BGS model was created in the MCNP. The calculated total committed effective doses received by the operator during annual handling of biomass contaminated by 1 kBq per kg of 137Cs or 134Cs were 34 or 69 μSv, respectively. Three scenarios of contamination were evaluated: freshly contaminated silage after model accident, silage right after the Chernobyl accident and at the current radiation situation in the Czech Republic.

• MeSH
• Chernobyl Nuclear Accident MeSH
• Radiation Dosage MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Radiation Monitoring MeSH
• Body Burden MeSH
• Food Contamination, Radioactive analysis   MeSH
• Soil Pollutants, Radioactive analysis   MeSH
• Radioactive Fallout analysis   MeSH
• Cesium Radioisotopes analysis   MeSH
• Environmental Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

Settled road dust was examined to detect the presence of non-airborne submicron and nano-sized iron-based particles and to characterize these particles. Samples were collected from a road surface near a busy road junction in the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic, once a month from March to October. The eight collected samples were subjected to a combination of experimental techniques including elemental analysis, Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and magnetometry. The data thereby obtained confirmed the presence of non-agglomerated spherical nano-sized iron-based particles, with average sizes ranging from 2 down to 490 nm. There are several sources in road traffic which generate road dust particles, including exhaust and non-exhaust processes. Some of them (e.g., brake wear) produce iron as the dominant metallic element. Raman microspectroscopy revealed forms of iron (mainly as oxides, Fe2O3, and mixtures of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4). Moreover, Fe3O4 was also detected in samples of human tissues from the upper and lower respiratory tract. In view of the fact that no agglomeration of those particles was found by SEM, it is supposed that these particles may be easily resuspended and represent a risk to human health due to inhalation exposure, as proved by the detection of particles with similar morphology and phase composition in human tissues.

• MeSH
• Respiratory System drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring methods   MeSH
• Ferrosoferric Oxide analysis   MeSH
• Dust analysis   MeSH
• Particle Size MeSH
• Cities MeSH
• Vehicle Emissions analysis   MeSH
• Ferric Compounds analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Cities MeSH

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the biological impact of occupational exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) including DE particles (DEP) from heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment in Norwegian tunnel finishing workers (TFW). METHODS: TFW (n=69) and referents (n=69) were investigated for bulky DNA adducts (by 32P-postlabelling) and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) (by small RNA sequencing) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as well as circulating free arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosanoid profiles in plasma (by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). RESULTS: PBMC from TFW showed significantly higher levels of DNA adducts compared with referents. Levels of DNA adducts were also related to smoking habits. Seventeen miRNAs were significantly deregulated in TFW. Several of these miRNAs are related to carcinogenesis, apoptosis and antioxidant effects. Analysis of putative miRNA-gene targets revealed deregulation of pathways associated with cancer, alterations in lipid molecules, steroid biosynthesis and cell cycle. Plasma profiles showed higher levels of free AA and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and lower levels of prostaglandin D2 and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid in TFW compared with referents. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to DE/DEP is associated with biological alterations in TFW potentially affecting lung homoeostasis, carcinogenesis, inflammation status and the cardiovascular system. Of particular importance is the finding that tunnel finishing work is associated with an increased level of DNA adducts formation in PBMC.

• MeSH
• DNA Adducts blood   MeSH
• Biomarkers blood   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Occupational analysis   MeSH
• Leukocytes, Mononuclear chemistry   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Linear Models MeSH
• Lipids blood   MeSH
• MicroRNAs blood   MeSH
• Occupational Exposure adverse effects   MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Construction Industry * MeSH
• Vehicle Emissions toxicity   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Norway MeSH

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nanoparticle emissions from a laser printer in a chamber in conjunction with emissions from printers in a print room (PR) and to characterize the processes that lead to increased nanoparticle concentrations, as well as to estimate the human particle dose of the printers' users. Measurements were conducted in a small stainless steel environmental chamber under controlled conditions, where the evolution of particle size distributions (PSDs) with time and printed pages was studied in detail. Printer was generating nanoparticles (vast majority ˂ 50 nm with mode on ~ 15 nm) primarily during cold startup. Previously, 1-week sampling was also done in a PR at the Technical University of Crete, where the tested laser printer is installed along with three other printers. Similarly, as it was observed in the chamber study, printers' startup on any given day was characterized by a sharp increase in particle number (PN) concentrations. Average measured PN concentrations during printing hours in PR (5.4 × 103 #/cm3) is similar to the one observed in chamber measurements (6.7 × 103 #/cm3). The ExDoM2 dosimetry model was further applied to calculate the deposition of particles in the human respiratory tract. More precisely, the increase in particle dose for an adult Caucasian male was 14.6- and 24.1-fold at printers' startup, and 1.2- and 5.2-fold during printing in the PR and experimental chamber, respectively, compared to the exposure dose at background concentrations (BCs).

• MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Nanoparticles analysis   MeSH
• Particulate Matter analysis   MeSH
• Models, Theoretical * MeSH
• Printing MeSH
• Particle Size MeSH
• Environmental Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollution, Indoor analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Exogenní alergické alveolitidy představují skupinu chorob vzniklých u vnímavých jedinců na podkladě opakované expozice většinou organickému inhalačnímu antigenu. Ke kontaktu s vyvolávajícím agens může docházet jak v rámci pracovního prostředí, tak v rámci domova pacienta nebo při vykonávání zájmových činností a koníčků. Průběh onemocnění je značně variabilní – od dramaticky probíhajícího onemocnění s teplotami, kašlem a výraznou dušností až po plíživě se rozvíjející dušnost a chronický kašel. Oč jsou příznaky chronického onemocnění nenápadnější, o to svízelnější je jeho léčba. K té je nutno přistupovat uvážlivě a individuálně zvážit její možný přínos, ale i rizika rozvoje vedlejších účinků, pokud volíme léčbu farmakologickou. Opomíjena nesmí být režimová opatření – nezbytné je zamezení dalšímu kontaktu s vyvolávajícím antigenem, optimalizace tělesné hmotnosti a plicní rehabilitace.

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) represent a group of diseases, that develop in susceptible individuals after repeated exposure to usually organic inhalation antigen. Patient may be in contact with these agents both in occupational and in home environment, as well as during free time activities and hobbies. The course of the disease is highly variable – EAA may have dramatic symptoms with fever, cough and severe dyspnoea as well as may be presented with slowly increasing dyspnoea and chronic cough. The more inconspicious are the symptoms of chronic EAA, the more problematic its treatment may be. Treatment options must be sought individually and respect potential risks and benefits for the patient. Avoiding further contact with offending antigens as well as optimizing patients nutritional status and starting pulmonary rehabilitation should be emphasized.

• Keywords
• exogenní alergická alveolitida,
• MeSH
• Medical History Taking MeSH
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones * adverse effects   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic * diagnosis   etiology   drug therapy   MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   adverse effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Severity of Illness Index MeSH
• Environmental Exposure * analysis   adverse effects   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Review MeSH

Autori prezentujú v praxi overované autorské osvedčenia izolácie alveolárneho vzduchu z nekroptického materiálu jednak deštrukciou pľúcneho tkaniva, jednak evakuáciou alveolárneho vzduchu do objemovo definovaného, hermeticky uzavretého priestoru, ktorý slúži k toxikologicko-chemickej analýze plynných a prchavých xenobiotík. Navrhujú experimentálne overené postupy a podmienky získané časove náročným skúmaním. Izolačným postupom bolo podrobených 201 pľúc s adekvátnym počtom lalokov. Autori prakticky overovali predpokladané množstvo alveolárneho vzduchu u jedincov podľa pohlavia a veku. Postupne boli overované rôzne prototypy a optimalizácia postupov a ich uplatnenie pri riešení konkrétnych inhalačných letálnych intoxikácií a úmrtí v nedýchateľnom prostredí.

Exhaled air from biological materials is used for the purpose of toxicologico-chemical analysis particularly in detecting of alcohol influence in traffic or within a working process. Similarly, still a more and more actual requirement seems to be a necessity to analyse alveolar air from necroptic material. This necessity is emphasised not only by the fact, that inhalant intoxications in the form of poisoning represent their substantial part, but also a demand to evidence exactly a noxious agent both specifically and also in at least two materials. And particularly this is sometimes a subject to search for evidence in alveolar air. The authors present their author’s certificates for Isolation of alveolar air from autopsy material, issued by the Office for Patents and Inventions in Prague, verified in practice, both by destruction of lung tissue, both the evacuation of alveolar air into a defined volume, hermetically closed space that is used for the toxicological analysis of gaseous and volatile xenobiotics. They propose experimentally verified procedures and conditions obtained by time-consuming examination. To isolation procedures were subjected an adequate number of lung lobes from lungs removed in 201 autopsy cases. The authors practically tested the presupposed amount of alveolar air in individuals according to gender and age. Gradually they have validated various prototypes and optimization methods and their application in solving particular inhaled lethal intoxications and deaths in the irrespirable environment.

• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Histological Techniques methods   MeSH
• Inhalation Exposure analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Noxae analysis   isolation & purification   poisoning   MeSH
• Autopsy methods   MeSH
• Lung * physiopathology   pathology   MeSH
• Pulmonary Alveoli * pathology   MeSH
• Air MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH