Computed tomography (CT) and spirometry are the mainstays of clinical pulmonary assessment. Spirometry is effort dependent and only provides a single global measure that is insensitive for regional disease, and as such, poor for capturing the early onset of lung disease, especially patchy disease such as cystic fibrosis lung disease. CT sensitively measures change in structure associated with a...

Welding is one of the key components of numerous manufacturing industries, which has potential physical and chemical health hazards. Many components of welding fumes can potentially affect the lung function. This study investigates the effects of welding fumes on lung function and respiratory symptoms among welders of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This historical cohort study asses...

BACKGROUND Studies on trends in the self-rated health (SRH) of older people have shown conflicting results, which might partly be explained by changing associations between SRH and indicators of other health dimensions over time. Therefore, this study investigates 17-year time trends in older adults' poor SRH, in the context of trends in chronic diseases and disability, between 1992 and 2009. ...

BACKGROUND Controversy exists as to the potential of asphalt fumes to induce respiratory symptoms and lung functional impairments. OBJECTIVE To examine the respiratory effects, if any, of occupational inhalation exposure to asphalt fumes. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 74 asphalt workers and 110 unexposed employees were investigated. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among subj...

OBJECTIVE Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 elevation has been associated with several pathological conditions other than IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). In cystic fibrosis (CF), an elevation of specific IgG4 has been associated with colonization and infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. IgG4 elevation may be a marker of chronic infection or inflammatory stimulation. The aim of this study was to expl...

background: agate is a hard silica stone with bands of various colors, which is used in jewelry. the agate grinding workers are exposed to silica dust. objective: to determine the prevalence of respiratory diseases in agate grinding workers and the associated factors. methods: in this cross-sectional study, 170 agate grinding workers from mashhad, northeastern iran, were examined. medical and o...

Background and Objectives: Limited information still exists about the distribution of mental health (MH) in small districts. Considering the diversity in cultural specifications of entities in different societies, the current study aimed to assess the inequality of poor MH and corresponding socio-demographic components in a general population. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional stu...

BACKGROUND Progressive lung disease accounts for the majority of morbidity and mortality observed in cystic fibrosis (CF). Beyond secondhand smoke exposure and socio-economic status, the effect of specific environmental factors on CF lung function is largely unknown. METHODS Multivariate regression was used to assess correlation between specific environmental factors, the presence of pulmonar...