International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health最新文献

Atherosclerosis remains the main cause of death worldwide. Most important issues concerning atherosclerosis are hemodynamics and how it affects plaque prevalence and distribution, as well as the symmetry and asymmetry of vasculature and plaques. To present the symmetry in the vascular system an analysis of PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed. As of February 21, 2023, the results were as follows: for "symmetry" AND "atherosclerosis" there were 47 results; for "symmetry" AND "atherosclerotic lesions" - 20 results; for "symmetry" AND "artery stenosis" - 82 results; for "asymmetry" AND "atherosclerosis" - 87 results. Not without meaning are preventive measures. In the light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution artificial intelligence (AI) solutions help to develop new tools outperforming already existing cardiovascular risk scales. The aim of this paper is to present a current view on symmetry within vasculature and atherosclerosis as well as present a new approach to assess individuals' cardiovascular risk in accordance with precision medicine assumptions. Symmetry and asymmetry within the human vascular system play a crucial role in understanding of arterial diseases, including atherosclerosis. Moreover, it is unavoidable to use AI in cardiovascular risk stratification. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(6):693-703.

Objectives: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers. Most exogenous HNC is head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Scientists are striving to develop diagnostic tests that will allow the prognosis of HNC. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of HNC. The research concerned changes caused by polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins responsible for the metabolism of xenobiotics.

Material and methods: In group of 280 patients with HNC, the occurrence of polymorphic variants in NAT1(rs72554606), NAT2(rs1799930), CYP1A(rs1799814), CYP2D(rs3892097) were studied with TaqMan technique. The control group consisted of 260 cancer free people. The TNM scale was analyzed. Gene interactions of genotyped polymorphisms were investigated. The effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on HNC were assessed.

Results: The results indicated an increased risk of HNC in NAT1 polymorphisms in the GC genotype (OR = 1.772, 95% CI: 1.184-2.651, p = 0.005) and NAT2 polymorphism in the GA genotype (OR = 1.506, 95% CI: 1.023-2.216, p = 0.037). The protective phenomenon in the CYP1A polymorphism the GT genotype (OR = 0.587, 95% CI: 0.381-0.903, p = 0.015) and the TT genotype (OR = 0.268, 95% CI: 0.159-0.452, p = 0.001). The coexistence of GA-GC polymorphisms (OR = 2.687, 95% CI: 1.387-5.205, p = 0.003) in NAT2-NAT1 genes increases the risk of HNC. Risk-reducing effect in the polymorphism GG-GT (OR = 0.340, 95% CI: 0.149-0.800, p = 0.011), GG-TT (OR = 0.077, 95% CI: 0.028-0.215, p < 0.0001), GA-TT (OR = 0.250, 95% CI: 0.100-0.622, p = 0.002), AA-GT (OR = 0.276, 95% CI: 0.112-0.676, p = 0.002) in NAT2-CYP1A genes. In the CYP2D-CYP1A genes in the polymorphisms CT-CC (OR = 0.338, 95% CI: 0.132-0.870, p = 0.020), TT-GG (OR = 0.100, 95% CI: 0.027-0.359, p = 0.001), TT-GC (OR = 0.190, 95% CI: 0.072-0.502, p = 0.0004), TT-CC (OR = 0.305, 95% CI: 0.107-0.868, p = 0.024). Correlation was noted between cigarette smoking and HNC (OR = 7.297, 95% CI: 4.989-10.674, p < 0.0001) and consuming alcohol (OR = 1.572, 95% CI: 1.003-2.464, p = 0.047).

Conclusions: The CYP1A polymorphism shows a protective association with HNC. On the other hand, NAT2, NAT1 polymorphism influence the susceptibility to developing HNC. The coexistence of the NAT2-NAT1 genotypes increases the risk of HNC. In contrast, NAT1-CYP1A and CYP1A-CYP2D reduce this risk. Smoking and alcohol consumption increase the incidence of HNC. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(6):812-24.

Objectives: On average about 10% of parents report hypersensitivity to at least 1 drug in their children. After diagnosis process a few of these reactions are being confirmed as drug hypersensitivity reactions. The aim of the study was to assess the real-life prevalence of drug hypersensitivity in children based on drug provocation tests.

Material and methods: The authors included 113 children, aged 4-18 years, referred to Pediatrics and Allergy Clinic in Łódź, Poland, due to incidence of adverse reaction during treatment. Medical history regarding allergies to drugs was taken in accordance to the form developed by the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. Skin prick tests, intradermal test and drug provocation test were performed in all patients.

Results: In all 113 patients suspected of drug allergy, after all diagnostic procedures, the authors proved IgE-mediated allergy to β-lactams, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics in 19 patients (16.8%). Previous history of allergy was a risk factor for drug allergy in studied patients (p = 0.001). The most frequent symptoms of allergy were urticaria and erythematous papular rash.

Conclusions: Drug allergy is a difficult problem in the practice of a doctor and is difficult to diagnose, especially in the pediatric population. It seems that too often isolated symptoms reported during infection or disease are taken as a symptom of drug allergy, and not as a symptom resulting from the course of the disease. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):632-42.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and diet of midwives working on a shift schedule in public hospitals in Wrocław, Poland, and to analyze the variation in their diet according to their working hours (day shift, night shift) and on a non-working day.

Material and methods: In the group of 50 midwives, employed in 4 public hospitals in Wrocław weight and body composition, waist and hip circumference, waist-hip-ratio and BMI were assessed. The nutritional habits and quality of the study participants' diets were assessed by 3-days food dietary recall, including 1 day shift day, 1 night shift day, and 1 non-working day.

Results: More than half of the subjects were assessed as having excess body weight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²). Thirty percent of participants had BMI ≥25-<30 kg/m² and 24% BMI ≥30 kg/m², 70% had a body fat percentage >30%. Fifty-six percent of the diets had an energy value <90% of the subject's total daily energy expenditure. Significantly higher energy value of diets on the night shift day compared to the morning shift day (1959.05±596.09 kcal vs. 1715.36±654.55 kcal, p = 0.01) were observed. The same relationship applied to cholesterol content (349.50±155.33 mg vs. 261.39±190.59 mg, p = 0.002). A high intake of phosphorus and sodium, exceeding the recommended dietary intake, was noticed.

Conclusions: The occurrence of a night shift in the shift work schedule is an element of that model that may have a significant impact on the nutritional and health value of shift workers' diets. Therefore, it seems reasonable to implement nutritional education programs promoting healthy eating choices and habits during night work. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):618-31.

Bisphenols, endocrine disrupting chemicals, are widely used in daily life. Continued exposure during key developmental periods of life (pregnancy, infancy and early childhood) can contribute to adverse health consequences such as decreased lung function, wheezing/asthma, the occurrence of allergies or changes in immune system responses. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the effects of prenatal or postnatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) on the development of allergic diseases in childhood. A com- prehensive and systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted. The review is restricted to studies published since 2015, in English in peer-reviewed journals. Based on keywords, 2648 studies were identified and reviewed for eligibility. Finally, 8 epidemio- logical studies were found to be appropriate for inclusion in this publication. The data collected in this review suggests that there is an associa- tion between maternal exposure during pregnancy or childhood to BPA and the development of allergic diseases. Most studies reported positive relationships between BPA exposure and at least one of the types of allergic disease. The paucity of studies and the observed differences in findings regarding the association between prenatal/postnatal exposure to BPS and/or BPF do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn. Further research is needed to identify the vulnerable population and the mechanisms responsible for the development of undesirable health consequences. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):575-86.

Objectives: The humidifier disinfectant catastrophe in South Korea was a social disaster caused by toxic chemical substances. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between psychological symptoms and adaptive life functioning in survivors of humidifier disinfectants. This study examined the differential effects of psychological symptoms on life adjustment between survivors of humidifier disinfectant and the general population.

Material and methods: A total of 452 individuals (228 general and 224 survivor groups) participated in this research. This study utilized the Adult Self-Report, one of the most widely used comprehensive mental health scales for measuring both psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety/depression) and life adjustment functioning (e.g., interpersonal relationship). For the data analysis, multi-group structural equation modeling analysis was conducted using AMOS 21.0 program.

Results: The results of this study indicated that attention problems out of 8 psychological symptoms was the only significant factor related to life adjustment in both general and survivor groups. In addition, there was a significant 2-way interaction effect of group status and somatic complaints on life adjustment.

Conclusions: When the somatic complaint symptom was higher, participants in the survivor group were less likely to adjust in life than the general group. Taken together, the somatic complaints of the survivors more strongly influence the life adjustment than the general population. Finally, the authors discuss practical implications for survivors of humidifier disinfectants for designing suitable intervention strategies.Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):596-605.

Objectives: Many facts indicate the important role of psychosomatic symptoms that occur due to traumatic events. This study is an analysis of the coexistence of psychosomatic symptoms and traumatic events. Though not every person taking part in these events develops a fully symptomatic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosomatic symptoms with a strong psychological component are observed in many. This study focuses on a comparison of the intensity of somatization, anxiety, depression, and distress of medical university students, who encountered a traumatic event and those who have not experienced trauma.

Material and methods: The data was collected from 594 students of different academic majors at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland. The participants were asked if they had experienced situations that caused psychological trauma as well as about the intensity of their psychosomatic symptoms. The data was collected with 2 questionnaires: Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire.

Results: The study reveals that 78% of students experienced a traumatic event, in 15% moderate and severe symptoms of PTSD are observed, 45% presents average and high stress levels, 23% experiences symptoms of depression, whereas 30% has anxiety and 26% somatic symptoms.

Conclusions: Studies show that experiencing traumatic events in life is linked to the higher intensity of an/the entire range of psychosomatic symptoms. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):606-17.

Objectives: The assessment of the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in various professional groups is very important. Hence, the purpose of the following study was to analyze the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among employees performing both medical and nonmedical professions before the launch of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Material and methods: The study was conducted among employers of 1 of the institutions: The Provincial Specialist Hospital of Władysław Biegański in Łódź, Poland, Radio Łódź and the Border Guards of Łódź Airport. Blood samples were collected in December 2020-February 2021. Patients were screened for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Simultaneously respondents were asked to complete a self-designed questionnaire including demographic data, detailed profession, history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Results: Seroprevalence was significantly higher in the group of rural residents (p < 0.012), participants who declared previous COVID-19 infection (p < 0.001) and healthcare workers (HCWs) (p = 0.002), especially nurses (35.5%, p = 0.003) and medics worked in areas dedicated to COVID-19 than in other specialties (38.7% vs. 26.8%, respectively, p = 0.017). There was no association between the presence of antibodies and the gender (p = 0.118), age (p = 0.559) or BMI (p = 0.998).

Conclusions: Healthcare workers, in particular nurses, are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace. Occupational infections can occur during occur not only during contact with the patient, but also with members of the medical team who do not show typical symptoms of the disease. Shortages in medical staff may also increase the number of infections among HCWs. Medical and hospital staff providing health services during the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland, may seek compensation in the event of consequences related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The effectiveness of education and self-discipline in complying to safety rules among HCWs should also be constantly monitored. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):643-55.

This study aims to present a case of acute mercuric chloride poisoning at a potentially lethal dose treated with the antidote - 2,3-dimercapto- 1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) combined with CytoSorb. A 21-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital with abdominal pain, vomiting, and suspected gastrointestinal bleeding after taking 5000 mg of mercuric chloride for suicidal purposes. Due to the patient deteriorating general condition and multiple organ damage, on the third day she was transported to the Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (CAaIC), Łódź, Poland. Laboratory tests confirmed features of acute kidney injury and high mercury levels in the blood (1051 μg/l) and urine (22 960 μg/l) - DMPS therapy and CRRT combined with CytoSorb were instituted. Due to nervous system complaints (headache, dizziness), a lumbosacral puncture was performed - the mercury concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was 5.45 μg/l. During a colonoscopy, significant diagnostic abnormalities revealed features of colonic mucosal necrosis. The treatment resulted in a decrease in subjective complaints, decreased mercury levels in biological material, and improved parenchymal organ function. On the 15th day of therapy, the patient was transferred to the primary care center for further treatment. The case confirms the possibility of improvement of patient condition following ingestion of a potentially lethal dose (5 g) as a result of the initiation of appropriate therapy even on the third day. The presence of mercury in CSF confirms that inorganic mercury compounds (mercuric chloride) can pass through the blood-brain barrier after oral ingestion. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):685-92.