Are respiratory symptoms and ex vivo cytokine release associated in workers processing herring?
Assessing the cytokine release by use of the WBA we identified substances in the occupational environment with a pro-inflammatory potential comparable to that of LPS. The cytokine release for fish constituents was highest among non-smoking fish-factory workers. The results suggest a priming effect of the work exposure.
This initial experience confirmed the validity and reliability of the proposed system in objectively assessing surgeons' technical skill, thus paving the way to a more complex project involving open surgery simulation.