User talk:Krsmith3704

Couple of things
Thanks Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 04:54, 9 December 2014 (UTC)
 * 1) You need to format your refs per WP:MEDHOW
 * 2) You need to use only secondary sources per WP:MEDRS

Environmental
Exposure to sunlight has been identified as one possible environmental trigger for SLE. UV radiation can lead to the redistribution of nuclear antigens on cell surfaces or cause the body to produce novel forms of auto antigens, such as covalently linked protein-RNA conjugates. These autoantigens are favorable for the induction of autoimmunity involved in the mechanism of SLE pathology. An association was seen between the amount of outdoor work in the 12 months preceding diagnosis, showing that UV exposure poses an occupational risk for SLE. Data supports the role of sun exposure as a trigger for SLE, particularly among people whose reaction to sun exposure presents itself as sunburn with blistering or a rash. The differences seen within the reactions of people of different skin complexions to midday sun may then be correlated with the increased risk of SLE among certain minority populations in the United States.

Mercury exposure is another proposed environmental trigger for SLE. Immune and autoimmune responses were monitored in mice injected with mercury over a period of 17 weeks. In susceptible mice, mercury exposure was found to affect specific cytokine requirements and inhibit FAS mediated cell death. This leads to possible termination of self-tolerance and a production of a lupus-like state. This mimicry state of accelerated autoimmune responses with increased antinuclear antibodies potentially leads to subsets of lupus. Mercury can also be labeled as a possible contributor to the disturbed state of apoptosis found in patients with SLE.

The chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) and other related chemicals has also been seen to trigger systemic lupus through a mechanism much similar to mercury exposure.

The function of both mercury and others chemical triggers can help to explain global incidence rates. Research into trichloroethylene contamination of groundwater wells found that those exposed to the chemical were 12.1% more likely to exhibit symptoms of SLE. Regions or countries that are more exposed to mercury or TCE chemicals may show associations with drug-induced lupus, such as that found in Japan and Australia.

Another possible cause for the development of SLE is the role of specific occupational and non-occupational exposures. Phthalates are man-made chemicals that have many different uses. They are often used to soften plastics, act as adhesives, or solvents, hold color, and scent in products. Phthalates can be found in paints, flooring, wall coverings, carpets, glues, printing inks, insect repellents, hair spray, shampoo, nail polish, cosmetics, medications, and medical intravenous bags and tubing made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Inhalation and dermal absorption are two specific exposure routes for dibutyl phthalate in the general population and the workplace. Nail polishes contain xylene, toluene, toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resin, formaldehyde and other chemicals.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a reproductive and developmental toxicant in rats and is also a common ingredient used in nail enamel and polishes as a way of holding the color and prevent chipping. Manicurists are occupationally exposed to DBP through both inhalation and dermal absorption due to work practices and nail products. Phthalates are metabolized after exposure, generally excreted within 24 hours, and completely eliminated in 48 hours. Although they are eliminated quickly, phthalate metabolites, active toxic species, are still detected in urine samples from the general population. The use of gloves may minimize this exposure to DBP.

Artificial nails, which are usually made with a two-part liquid and powder polymer acrylic resin chemistry borrowed from dentistry. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the primary chemical used to make artificial nails. Skin sensitivity has been documented in dental personnel, who, like salon workers, are also exposed to EMA at work. Nationally there are 333,000 licensed manicurists, 12,000 of whom are licensed in the State of Massachusetts. A national survey of manicurists reveals that 96% are women of childbearing age; mean age is 38 years. 41% are White, and 38% are Vietnamese. This can help account for the high rate of SLE incidence among women as opposed to men.

Thanks for a great semester!
Hi, User:Krsmith3704. Just a note to say it was great working with you this semester!! I've accepted a position at another institution, but you should always feel free to contact me on my talk page if you have any questions about editing or just want to say hi. Megs (talk) 01:24, 23 December 2014 (UTC)

Women in Red World Contest
Hi. We're into the last five days of the Women in Red World Contest. There's a new bonus prize of $200 worth of books of your choice to win for creating the most new women biographies between 0:00 on the 26th and 23:59 on 30th November. If you've been contributing to the contest, thank you for your support, we've produced over 2000 articles. If you haven't contributed yet, we would appreciate you taking the time to add entries to our articles achievements list by the end of the month. Thank you, and if participating, good luck with the finale!