Published Papers

The interest of Dally and Newman in our research efforts is appreciated, particularly their attention to the evolving work on dissemination and implementation science (D&I). D&I is an area of practical public health research that aims to incorporate the follow-on aspects of research on efficacy and effectiveness with the ultimate broad and sustainable impact on society (Guerin et al. 2022). As Guerin and associates note, D&I efforts are relatively early […]

Background and objective: While impact of heat exposure on human health is well-documented, limited research exists on its effect on kidney disease hospital admissions especially in Texas, a state with diverse demographics and a high heat-related death rate. We aimed to explore the link between high temperatures and emergency kidney disease hospital admissions across 12 Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) from 2004 to 2013, considering causes, age groups, and ethnic […]

Silica exposure has been associated with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu). Both sugarcane and rice contain amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) that can be released into the air following burning, where they can be inhaled, or potentially seep into the groundwater, where they may be ingested. Unlike crystalline silica, which is larger in size and causes lung disease, amorphous silica nanoparticles can pass through the lung to the kidney, […]

Introduction: Work in heat affects millions of workers. Although kidney function in agricultural workers is increasingly researched, nonagricultural studies are scarce. In coastal salt pans, the absence of occupational exposures to pesticides and other toxicants allows assessment of heat stress alone. Methods: Seven Indian salt pans were surveyed from 2017 to 2020. Job-specific workload was assessed. Heat stress was characterized as exceeding the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-threshold limit value […]

In 2016, the International Society of Nephrology convened the International Consortium of Collaborators on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology, which has reported on disease detection strategies2 and on methods to elucidate the cause of CKDu.1 Recognizing the urgent need for preventative and diseasemodifying therapies, International Consortium of Collaborators on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology presents this commentary as a starting point for researchers seeking to mitigate the burden […]

Objectives: Heat-stressed Mesoamerican workers, such as sugarcane cutters, suffer from high rates of chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin (CKDnt). We aimed to identify easily available early markers of rapid kidney function decline in a population at high risk of CKDnt. Design: The accuracy of different biomarkers measured during harvest for prediction of cross-harvest kidney function decline were assessed in an exploratory study group, and the performance of the most […]

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the physiological workload of manual laborers in industrial sugarcane and assess the effect of receiving a rest, shade, and hydration intervention to reduce heat stress exposure risk. Methods: In an observational study, physiological workload was evaluated for burned cane cutters (BCC), seed cutters (SC) and drip irrigation repair workers (DIRW) using heart rate (HR) recorded continuously (Polar®) across a work shift. […]