Effects of Occupational Hazards on Pulmonary Health among Lathe Machine Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tangail, Bangladesh

Background: Occupational exposure to metal dust particles leads to irritation and initiation of inflammatory responses in the respiratory system that subsequently onsets lung diseases. Lathe machine workers have a greater risk of having lung diseases due to continuously conducting metal dust particles. This study aimed to explore the pulmonary health status of lathe machine workers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 individuals (lathe workers) were adopted from a different area of the Tangail district in Bangladesh. A questionnaire’s survey was accomplished along with oximetry and spirometry. After that, blood was drawn for measuring Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test to the lung function abnormalities. Results: Among 80 lathe machine workers, 12% had breathing problems, 13.8% had coughing, 16.2% had to sneeze and 8.7% had a chest. In addition, spirometry results including, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF, PEF%, FEF25, FEF75, and FEF2575 were significantly lower in lathe workers compared to control. Moreover, higher levels of IgE (264.93±141) and ESR (11.5±4.77) were reported in lathe machine workers than in the control group. Not using protective masks and smoking were considered as risk factors for having respiratory diseases in lathe machine workers. Conclusion: This study concludes that exposure to metal dust particles can cause respiratory disease symptoms and lower pulmonary function in lathe machine workers. Furthermore, metal dust might also augment the blood IgE and ESR level.

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Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Frontline Healthcare Workers in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Dentistry and Oral Sciences ◽

10.37191/mapsci-2582-3736-2(4)-054 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Quratul-Ain Zafar

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Emotional Distress ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Psychosocial Impact ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers in Pakistan in terms of psychological factors emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at different hospitals across Pakistan and data collection was carried out from 15th June 2020 till 15th August 2020. Material and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study aiming to compare the levels of burnout and emotional distress between frontline COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 healthcare workers. Any physician, nurse, and other healthcare workers were recruited from emergency care units and Covid-19 care units (target group), and non-COVID-19 care units (control group). Participation was voluntary and participants had to complete self-reported questionnaires and scales. A mixed-mode data collection was carried out, either in paper or web-based form to ensure maximum participation. Results: The independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding depression, stress, and insomnia. The study group showed higher scores for these factors than the control group. Chi-square test of association revealed significant scores of burnout and professional fulfillment in both groups. There was a higher prevalence of burnout in the study group than in the control group. Conclusion: This study concludes that there was a significant psychosocial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the frontline healthcare workers measured in terms of emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout.

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Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases in an Occupationally Radiation Exposed Group: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital of Southern Italy

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530318666181102114627 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (6) ◽

pp. 803-808 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Luigi Vimercati ◽

Luigi De Maria ◽

Francesca Mansi ◽

Antonio Caputi ◽

Giovanni M. Ferri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ionizing Radiation ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Thyroid Diseases ◽

University Hospital ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exposed Workers

Background: Thyroid diseases occur more frequently in people exposed to ionizing radiation, but the relationship between occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and thyroid pathologies still remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in healthcare workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation compared with a control group working at the University Hospital of Bari, Southern Italy, and living in the same geographical area, characterized by mild iodine deficiency. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study to investigate whether healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases. Four hundred and forty-four exposed healthcare workers (241 more exposed, or “A Category”, and 203 less exposed, or “B Category”) and 614 nonexposed healthcare workers were enrolled during a routine examination at the Occupational Health Unit. They were asked to fill in an anamnestic questionnaire and undergo a physical examination, serum determination of fT3, fT4 and TSH, anti-TPO ab and anti-TG ab and ultrasound neck scan. Thyroid nodules were submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases was statistically higher in the exposed workers compared to controls (40% vs 29%, adPR 1.65; IC95% 1.34-2.07). In particular, the thyroid nodularity prevalence in the exposed group was approximately twice as high as that in the controls (29% vs 13%; adPR 2.83; IC95% 2.12-3.8). No statistically significant association was found between exposure to ionizing radiation and other thyroid diseases. Conclusion: In our study, mild ionizing radiation-exposed healthcare workers had a statistically higher prevalence of thyroid diseases than the control group. The results are likely due to a closer and more meticulous health surveillance programme carried out in the ionising radiation-exposed workers, allowing them to identify thyroid alterations earlier than non-exposed health staff.

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Effect of Medialization of the Trochlear Groove and Lateralization of the Tibial Tubercle on TT-TG Distance: A Cross-sectional Study of Dysplastic and Nondysplastic Knees

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520987819 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652098781

Author(s):

Mathias Paiva ◽

Lars Blønd ◽

Per Hölmich ◽

Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod

Keyword(s):

Trochlear Dysplasia ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Magnetic Resonance Images ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Control Group ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mean Values ◽

The Mean

Background: Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is often used as a measure of lateralization of the TT and is important for surgical planning. Purpose: To investigate if increased TT-TG distance measured on axial magnetic resonance images is due to lateralization of the TT or medialization of the TG. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 knees (28 normal [NK], 28 with trochlear dysplasia [TD], and 28 with patellar dislocation without TD [PD]) were examined. The medial border of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was chosen as the central anatomic landmark. The distance from the TT to PCL (TT-PCL) was measured to examine the lateralization of the TT. The distance from the TG to the PCL (TG-PCL) was measured to examine the medialization of the TG. Between-group differences were investigated by use of 1-way analysis of variance. Results: The mean values for TT-TG distance were 8.7 ± 3.6 mm for NK, 12.1 ± 6.0 mm for PD, and 16.7 ± 4.3 mm in the TD group ( P < .01). The mean values for TT-PCL distance were 18.5 ± 3.6 mm for NK, 18.5 ± 4.5 mm for PD, and 21.2 ± 4.2 mm in the TD group ( P = .03). The mean values for TG-PCL distance were 9.6 ± 3.0 mm for NK, 7.1 ± 3.4 mm for PD, and 5.1 ± 3.3 mm in the dysplastic group ( P < .01). Conclusion: The present results indicate that increased TT-TG distance is due to medialization of the TG and not lateralization of the TT. Knees with TD had increased TT-TG distance compared with the knees of the control group and the knees with PD. The TT-PCL distance did not differ significantly between groups, whereas the TG-PCL distance declined with increased TT-TG.

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Prevalence of risk factors for stuttering among boys: analytical cross-sectional study

Sao Paulo Medical Journal ◽

10.1590/1516-3180.2014.1323617 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 132 (3) ◽

pp. 152-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Cristiane Moço Canhetti Oliveira ◽

Paula Roberta Nogueira

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical Stress ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Quality Factors ◽

Hearing Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family Attitudes ◽

Developmental Stuttering

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:There have been few studies on the risk factors for subgroups of stuttering. The aim of this study was to characterize the risk factors for developmental familial stuttering among boys who stutter and who do not stutter, such as disfluency types, associated quality and communication factors, emotional and physical stress, familial attitudes and personal reactions.DESIGN AND SETTING:Analytical cross-sectional study with a control group, performed at the Fluency Studies Laboratory of the Department of Speech and Hearing Disorders of a public university.METHODS: The parents of 40 age-matched stuttering and non-stuttering boys took part in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: stuttering children (SC) and non-stuttering children (NSC), with ages between 6 years 0 months and 11 years 11 months. Initially, all of the participants underwent a fluency assessment and then data were gathered using the Protocol for the Risk of Developmental Stuttering.RESULTS:There were no differences in the physical stress distribution factors and personal reactions between the groups. Inappropriate familial attitudes were presented by 95% of the SC and 30% of the NSC. Four risk factors analyzed were not shown by the NSC, namely stuttering-like disfluency, quality factors, physical stress and emotional stresses.CONCLUSIONS:The findings suggest that the presence of stuttering-like disfluency, associated quality and communication factors, emotional stress and inappropriate family attitudes are important risk factors for familial developmental stuttering among boys.

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Variables associated with family breakdown in healthy and obese/ overweigh adolescents

Revista Paulista de Pediatria ◽

10.1590/s0103-05822014000100012 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 70-77

Author(s):

Carla Cristina J. N. de Almeida ◽

Paula de Oliveira Mora ◽

Valmir Aparecido de Oliveira ◽

Camila Aparecida Joao ◽

Carolina Regina Joao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public School ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Obese Adolescents ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Family Breakdown

Objective: To evaluate the presence of family breakdown factors among eutrophic and overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 242 students aged between 14 and 19 years old, from a public school. Each student was weighed, measured and answered a questionnaire with closed questions addressing the presence of family breakdown factors. The adolescents were divided in two groups: euthophic and overweight/obese. The answers of both groups were compared by Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the studied factors between the two groups. Comparing the number of positive answers (presence of family breakdown factors) and negative ones (absence of family breakdown factors), no difference was observed between the groups. Conclusions: The inclusion of a control group showed that factors of family breakdown, usually identified as associated with obesity in adolescents, may also be present in eutrophic adolescents.

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THE IMPACT OF COMBINATION OF BREASTFEEDING AND EFFLEURAGE MASSAGE IN REDUCING PAIN RESPONSE IN INFANTS INDUCED BY BLOOD SAMPLING IN C-REACTIVE PROTEIN TEST: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Belitung Nursing Journal ◽

10.33546/bnj.353 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 242-248

Author(s):

Alfi Maziyah ◽

Diyah Fatmasari ◽

Desak Made Wenten Parwati ◽

Rr. Sri Endang Pujiastuti

Keyword(s):

Intervention Group ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Blood Sampling ◽

Control Group ◽

Pain Response ◽

Sectional Study ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Massage Group

Background: C-reactive protein test is one of clinical assessments to minimize risks of infection in infants. However, its procedure may cause pain. Pain in the infant may result in negative metabolic behavior, physiology and metabolic response. Objective: This study was to describe the infant's pain response by administering a combination of breastfeeding and an effleurage massage on the blood sampling procedure of C-reactive protein examination. Methods: This was a descriptive observational cross-sectional study. There were 30 infants selected using consecutive sampling technique, which 15 samples assigned in an intervention group (combination of breastfeeding and effleurage massage) and a control group. Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) instrument was used to measure pain. Univariate analysis was performed with the aim to describe data in mean and median.Results: The average of pain response at 1-minute observation in the combination of breastfeeding and effleurage massage group was 7.47 ± 1.356, and the average of pain response in the control group was 10.80 ± 1.897. The average pain at 5-minutes in the intervention group was 3.53 ± 1.922 and control group was 6.00 ± 1.852. Conclusions: Pain responses in the combination of breastfeeding and effleurage massage group were lower than the pain response in the control group.

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Profile of D-dimer in Uncomplicated Pregnancy

Indonesian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.32771/inajog.v7i4.1065 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 283-287

Author(s):

Rahajuningsih Dharma ◽

Mercy T. Panjaitan ◽

Kanadi Sumapradja ◽

Rianto Setiabudy

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Clinical Pathology ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Uncomplicated Pregnancy ◽

D Dimer

Abstract Objective: To obtain the profile of D-dimer in uncomplicated pregnancy. Methods: A cross sectional study was done on 90 uncomplicated pregnant women consisted of 30 women in each trimester and 30 healthy, nonpregnant women as control group from July to August 2012. D-dimer level was measured by particle enhanced immunoturbidimetry method using Innovance D-dimer and Sysmex CA 1500 in the Department of Clinical Pathology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Results: All women in the control group showed normal D-dimer level (<0.,5 mg/L FEU). The median and range of D-dimer level in the 1st trimester, 2nd trimester, and 3rd trimester were 0.42 mg/L FEU and 0.1-1.07 mg/L FEU, 0.97 mg/L FEU and 0.6-3.34 mg/L FEU, and 1.56 mg/L FEU and 0.69-3.75 mg/L FEU, respectively. Increased D-dimer level was found in 27% of pregnant women in 1st trimester, 87% in 2nd trimester, and 100% in 3rd trimester. Conclusion: Increased D-dimer level was found in 27% of pregnant women in 1st trimester, 87% in 2nd trimester, and 100% in 3rd trimester. The range of D-dimer level in the 1st trimester was 0.1-1.07 mg/L FEU, in the 2nd trimester was 0.6-3.34 mg/L FEU, and in the 3rd trimester was 0.69-3.75 mg/L FEU. Keywords: D-dimer, trimester, uncomplicated pregnancy Abstrak Tujuan : Untuk mendapatkan profil D-dimer pada kehamilan tanpa komplikasi. Metode : Penelitian potong lintang dilakukan pada 90 perempuan hamil tanpa komplikasi yang terdiri atas 30 perempuan pada tiap trimester dan 30 perempuan sehat yang tidak hamil, sebagai kelompok kontrol dari bulan Juli sampai Agustus 2012. Kadar D-dimer diukur dengan cara particle enhanced immunoturbidimetry menggunakan reagen InnovanceÒ D-dimer dan koagulometer SysmexÒ CA 1500 di Deparemen Patologi Klinik, Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Nasional Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta. Hasil: Seluruh perempuan dalam kelompok kontrol mempunyai kadar D-dimer dalam batas normal (<0.,5 mg/L FEU). Median (rentang) kadar D-dimer pada trimester pertama, kedua, dan ketiga berturut-turut 0.42 mg/L FEU (0.1-1.07 mg/L FEU), 0.97 mg/L FEU (0.6-3.34 mg/L FEU), dan 1.56 mg/L FEU (0.69-3.75 mg/L FEU). Peningkatan kadar D-dimer ditemukan pada 27% perempuan hamil trimester pertama, 87% trimester kedua, dan pada 100% trimester ketiga. Kesimpulan: Peningkatan kadar D-dimer ditemukan pada 27% perempuan hamil trimester pertama, 87% trimester kedua dan 100% pada trimester ketiga. Rentang kadar D-dimer level pada trimester pertama adalah 0.1-1.07 mg/L FEU, pada trimester kedua 0.6-3.34 mg/L FEU, dan pada trimester ketiga 0.69-3.75 mg/L FEU. Kata kunci: D-dimer, kehamilan tanpa komplikasi, trimester

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THE IMPACT OF ASTHMAAND ITS MEDICATIONS ON DENTAL CARIES STATUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS COUNT IN CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

10.36106/ijsr/7515919 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 20-23

Author(s):

Sneha Upadhyay ◽

Jyoti Bhavthankar ◽

Mandakini Mandale ◽

Nivedita Kaorey

Keyword(s):

Dental Caries ◽

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Asthmatic Children ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Background: Asthma and its medications have been linked to oral diseases in asthmatic children. Aim: Assessment of the dental caries status, salivary Streptococcus mutans count and S. mutans colony score in children receiving inhaled anti asthmatic medications and their comparison in healthy children Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 40 asthmatic children and 40 healthy children in the age group of 6-14 years. DMFT/deft indices were calculated and saliva samples were collected. Diluted saliva was inoculated on MSB agar plates. S. mutans count and colony score were analysed after 24-48 hours of inoculation. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in the mean DMFT/deft index, salivary S. mutans load and S. mutans colony score in children of the asthmatic group and control group. Conclusion: Prevalence of dental caries and cariogenic bacteria is higher in asthmatic children.

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Characterization of buccal cell DNA after exposure to azo compounds: a cross-sectional study

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.25798.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 1053

Author(s):

Juni Handajani ◽

Urfa Tabtila ◽

Nadia Rully Auliawati ◽

Abdul Rohman

Keyword(s):

Principal Component ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Exposed Group ◽

Azo Compounds ◽

Buccal Cell ◽

Control Group ◽

Synthetic Dyes ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Principle Component

Background: Azo compounds, containing naphthol and diazonium salts, are synthetic dyes widely used in the batik industry. Azo compounds are considered toxic when they are exposed to human tissue. The purpose of this study was to analyze buccal cell DNA exposed to azo compounds in batik workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 20 male subjects divided into two groups (n=10 group), namely azo-exposed and non-exposed (control group). Inclusion criteria were batik workers of the colouring division who have been exposed to azo for at least 5 years. Buccal cells were taken using cytobrush then DNA were isolated from buccal cell. DNA isolation was done by buccal DNA kit, while the purity and concentration of the DNA was determined using spectrophotometer and electrophoresis. Results: The azo-exposed group revealed higher purity DNA than those in the control group. The purity of the DNA in the azo-exposed group and control group was 0.61±0.93 and 0.21±0.09, respectively, while the concentration of DNA was of 59.02 and 19.35 ng/UL, respectively. The ratio at 260/280 nm was 1.84-1.94 (azo-exposed) and 1.85-1.92 (control). Principal component analysis using the first principle component (PC1) and second principle component (PC2) could successfully classify subjects in the control and azo-exposed groups. Conclusion: Characteristics of DNA could be used as an indication of exposure to azo compounds in workers of batik industries.

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What would be missed if we didn’t screen men who have sex with men for oral chlamydia trachomatis? A cross-sectional study

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh15209 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 196 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Priya Loomba ◽

Vickie Knight ◽

Anna McNulty

Keyword(s):

Standard Treatment ◽

Population Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Clinic ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Appropriate Treatment ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Sex With Men

Background This study aimed to describe oropharyngeal chlamydia (OCT) in gay and bisexually active men (GBM) attending a large urban sexual health clinic in Sydney and determine what proportion of cases would be missed if screening was not routine. Methods: Retrospective data were extracted for all GBM with a positive OCT result between 1 October 2012 and 31 April 2014. The control group consisted of patients who had a negative OCT result on their first visit during the study period, and each patient was only counted once. Results: A total of 74 of 2920 GBM (0.03, 95% CI: 0.02–0.03) were diagnosed with OCT. The 2920 GBM had a total of 11 226 OCT tests performed, demonstrating OCT test positivity of 0.006 (95% CI: 0.005–0.008). A total of 62 sexually transmissible infections (STIs) were diagnosed at other sites: 34 rectal chlamydia (CT), 12 throat gonorrohea (GC), 7 urine CT, 7 rectal GC, 1 infectious syphilis and 1 non-gonoccal urethritis (NGU) case. Of the 74 OCT cases, 56 (0.76, 95% CI: 0.64–0.85) were treated with Azithromycin; 51 (69%) as part of standard treatment for their STI co-infection (34 rectal CT, 12 throat GC, 7 urine CT, 7 rectal GC, 1 NGU case) and a further five (7%) were treated as contacts. The remaining 18 people (0.24, 95% CI: 0.15–0.36) would not have been treated unless they were tested specifically for OCT. Conclusion: Overall, two-thirds of the OCT cases received appropriate treatment and only a small number of cases would have been missed had routine screening not been performed. With an extremely low overall test positivity of 0.6%, screening for OCT at our service adds little to population level health control.

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