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Researchers describe an assay that can detect (1 to 6) branched, (1 to 3)-beta-D-glucans in environmental samples. These microbial compounds can cause an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory tract if inhaled.

BACKGROUND: Acrolein is a highly reactive α,β unsaturated aldehyde and respiratory irritant. Acrolein is formed during combustion (e.g., burning tobacco or biomass), during high-temperature cooking of foods, and in vivo as a product of oxidative stress and polyamine metabolism. No biomonitoring reference data have been reported to characterize acrolein exposure for the U.S. population. OBJECTIVES: Our goals were to a) evaluate two acrolein metabolites in urine--N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine (3HPMA) and N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)-L-cysteine (CEMA)--as biomarkers of exposure to acrolein for the U.S. population by age, sex, race, and smoking status; and b) assess tobacco smoke as a predictor of acrolein exposure. METHODS: We analyzed urine from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2005-2006) participants [greater than or equal to]12 years old (n = 2,866) for 3HPMA and CEMA using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MSMS). Sample-weighted linear regression models stratified for nontobacco users versus tobacco smokers (as defined by serum cotinine and self-report) characterized the association of urinary 3HPMA and CEMA with tobacco smoke exposure, adjusting for urinary creatinine, sex, age, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: 3HPMA and CEMA levels were higher among tobacco smokers (cigarettes, cigars, and pipe users) than among non-tobacco users. The median 3HPMA levels for tobacco smokers and non-tobacco users were 1,089 and 219 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Similarly, median CEMA levels were 203 µg/g creatinine for tobacco smokers and 78.8 µg/g creatinine for non-tobacco users. Regression analysis showed that serum cotinine was a significant positive predictor (p < 0.0001) of both 3HPMA and CEMA among tobacco smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoke was a significant predictor of acrolein exposure in the U.S. population. Environ Health Perspect 123:1302-1308; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409251, Introduction Acrolein is a chemical contaminant that is ubiquitous in the environment. It is formed from carbohydrates, vegetable oils, animal fats, and amino acids during heating of foods and by [...]

This research study was carried out in two automobile repair garages situated in the Bangkok metropolitan area, employing 47 and 12 workers respectively. Air sampling, biological monitoring (blood, urine), noise monitoring, and audiometry of workers were done to assess the occupational environment and its impact on the workers. The occupational hygiene survey was carried out to observe the working conditions of both garages. It was found that conditions at both sites have a strong negative impact on the health of workers. The lead in air of Garage I was 0.20 mg/[m.sup.3] which is the same as the threshold limit value (TLV)for lead in air for a working environment. The level of lead in blood of four workers of each garage was above the exposed level. Protective equipment was not provided for the workers at either of the garages. The background noise level of Garage I ranges from 76-99 dB(A) and of Garage II from 70-115 dB(A). According to the audiometric test, 12 workers of Garage I and eight workers of Garage II were occupationally exposed to noise and showed signs of noise-induced hearing loss. According to the otoscopic examination carried out, ears of 77% of Garage I workers and 89% of Garage II workers were abnormal. Ear drums of 14% of workers of Garage I and 20% of workers of Garage II complained about frequent earache. The workers were not provided with hearing protection equipment. According to the occupational hygiene survey carried out at both garages, 79% of workers of Garage I and 70 % of workers of Garage II suffered from redness of the eyes (eye pain, gritty feeling), and 5% and 2% of workers of Garage I and Garage II respectively, complained about breathing difficulties. Control measures should be taken to minimize pollution due to dust, fumes, and noise which would reduce the health impacts and lead to a healthier workforce., For this study two garages situated in the Bangkok, Thailand metropolitan area were considered. Garage I employs 45 workers, while Garage II employs 12 workers. Garage I performs engine repair [...]

Three green mills and two dry mills were studied for personal exposure to wood dust and biohazards associated with wood dust and their correlation to lung function and work-related symptoms among sawmill workers. The levels of exposure to endotoxin, (1→3)-β-D-glucan, bacteria and fungi were high in green mills compared with dry mills. Compared with dry mill workers, green mill workers had significantly high prevalence of regular cough, chronic bronchitis, regular blocked nose, regular sneezing, sinus problems, flu-like symptoms, and eye and throat irritation. Significant positive correlations were found among endotoxin and Gram (−)ve bacteria, (1→3)-β-D-glucan and fungi, and endotoxin and (1→3)-β-D-glucan exposure levels. Significant dose–response relationships were found for personal exposures and lung function, and lung function and work-related respiratory symptoms. The significant correlations found for respirable fractions show that not only inhalable but also respirable fractions are important in determining potential health effects of exposure to wood dust. The management and employees of the sawmilling industry should be educated on the potential health effects of wood dust. Wood dust should be controlled at the source. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Measurement of exposure to environmental endotoxin is frequently performed using a Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) based assay. Recently, a new method has become available with similar sensitivity and potentially greater specificity using recombinant Factor C (rFC) from the horseshoe crab Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda. A preliminary study was carried out to determine the comparability of LAL and rFC in measuring endotoxins in house dust for large scale epidemiologic studies., Methods: House dust samples were collected from family rooms by vacuuming 1 m2 of the center of the room. Sixty sieved house dust samples were assayed for endotoxin by LAL (Cambrex, KQCL lysate) and rFC (Pyrogene, Cambrex) and for (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans by ELISA. The resistant parallel line estimation was used for data analysis of LAL and rFC. A four-parameter logistic fit with inverse prediction was used to calculate (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan levels of the samples., Results: The spike recovery was 113.63% (95% CI = 101.69, 125.57%) for LAL and 99.69% (95% CI = 90.14, 109.24%) for rFC assays. The LAL assay gave higher endotoxin estimates compared with rFC. The LAL and rFC estimates were highly correlated (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001). The difference between LAL and rFC endotoxin estimates correlated with the LAL estimates (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001). However, the difference was not correlated with (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans., Conclusion: LAL and rFC gave comparable results, hence either assay can be used for studies of endotoxin exposure. The current study shows that (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan is not a major factor interfering with endotoxin measurements in house dust using a Cambrex KQCL LAL preparation., (Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)