scholarly journals Assessment of Occupational Health Risks from Exposure to Titanium Alloys Based on the Results of Periodic Medical Examinations and Doctor’s Visits

Author(s):  
EL Bazarova ◽  
AA Fedoruk ◽  
IS Osherov ◽  
NA Roslaya ◽  
AG Babenko

Introduction: The titanium industry continues to build capacity and introduce innovative technologies driven by high demand for the metal and its alloys. High occupational risks of diseases of the respiratory and circulatory systems, diseases of the skin, and changes in hematological indices were established for titanium metal production workers. The objective of our study was to assess the occupational risk from exposures to titanium in the composition of industrial aerosols for the health of workers in the modernized areas of metallurgical production. Materials and methods: Our risk assessment was based on findings of periodic health examinations and doctor’s visits; we estimated the relative risk (RR) and used χ2 criterion to evaluate the statistical significance of the results. Results: We observed significantly higher incidence rates of diseases of the skin, ear, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems with temporary disability and higher rates of chronic diseases of the skin, respiratory and digestive systems in the titanium metal production workers compared to the workers of the same industrial enterprise unexposed to titanium and its alloys. Chronic diseases developed quicker in the exposed workers of all age groups than in the controls. The prevalence of hematologic disorders, such as high hemoglobin levels, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis was also higher in the exposed group. In the workers exposed to titanium concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of 10 mg/m3 in the workplace air, we noted significantly higher rates of chronic diseases of the skin and digestive system, elevated hemoglobin levels, and a rising trend in the prevalence of chronic diseases of the circulatory system, high blood pressure, overweight, and thrombocytopenia in comparison with those working in permissible conditions. Conclusions: We revealed a strong correlation between occupational exposures to airborne titanium and chronic skin diseases and a medium correlation for leukocytosis and monocytosis.

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 756-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Leão ◽  
J Perelman

Abstract Background Inequalities in the distribution of self-reported health (SRH) have been widely reported. Its higher expressivity among women, elderly and least educated groups has been partly attributed to differences in their health perceptions. However, this subjectivity may be masking the burden of mental illness in these groups. Thus, we sought to understand if depression symptoms mediate inequalities in SRH. Methods SHARE waves 4 and 6, pertaining to Spain, Italy and Portugal, were used (n2011 = 8517, n2015 = 11 046). Inequalities in SRH were calculated, comparing the risk amongst education level, gender and age groups, adjusting for chronic diseases, functional limitations and country fixed effects. We then tested depression symptoms as mediators. Results Depression symptoms were associated with poor SRH (odds ratio (OR)2011 = 1.379, OR2015 = 1.384, P < 0.001). Their inclusion reduced the magnitude of the association between SRH and education, annulled the statistical significance for age, and reversed the gender effect. As expected, chronic diseases and functional limitations remained significant predictors of poor SRH. Conclusions Depression symptoms, together with chronic diseases and functional limitations, explain the poorer SRH of the least educated, female and older groups in the Southern European population. Therefore, tackling inequalities in SRH must require focusing on mental health issues, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga V. Grebeneva ◽  
Dina H. Rybalkina ◽  
Lyazat K. Ibrayeva ◽  
Almagul Zh. Shadetova ◽  
Elena A. Drobchenko ◽  
...  

Our research project was aimed at studying the effects of an electromagnetic field of industrial frequency (EMF-IF) on employees of an energy company in Kazakhstan. Material and Methods — The object of our study was the health status of electricians (morbidity with temporary disability – MTD), engaged in the maintenance of power lines, relay protection systems and substations (220 and 500 kV) at an energy enterprise in Kazakhstan. The interrelation and dependence of the intensive MTD indicators on the hygienic factors at the workplace were determined, and the risks were calculated from the obtained data. Results — Unfavorable workplace conditions caused an increase in disorders of the musculoskeletal system (up to 77%), blood circulation (up to 65%), nervous system (up to 52%), skin diseases (up to 46.4%), as well as the manifold rise of the likelihood of neoplasm growth and respiratory diseases. For electricians, the relationships between the nervous system disorders (r=0.792), the circulatory system diseases (r=0.573), the musculoskeletal system ailments (r=0.672) and the EMF-IF parameters were discovered. At the same time, the dependence of the incidence rates of various diseases in workers on EMF, as well as moderate to high computed relative risks, implied the occupational genesis of worklace ailments: for nervous system – R2=0.628, cardiovascular system – R2=0.709, skin – R2=0.729, and musculoskeletal system – R2=0.413. Conclusion — As preventive measures for electricians, we recommended to wear individual exposure meters, to limit work in contact with EMF, to include an oncologist in the medical commission, and for trainees, to screen for oxidative stress proteins and chaperone proteins to exclude a predisposition to oncogenesis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-88
Author(s):  
Olga R. Mukhamadeeva ◽  
N. Kh Sharafutdinova ◽  
V. V Polunina ◽  
M. Yu Pavlova ◽  
M. V Borisov

According to research in Russia in 2016, the prevalence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue was 5871 cases per 100000 people, the incidence was 4259 cases per 100000 people. Severe chronic dermatoses significantly reduce the quality of life of patients and their families, the patients’ self-esteem suffers, their habitual lifestyle is disturbed. The purpose is to study the level dynamics and structure of the incidence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the population of the Republic of Bashkortostan for the period 2008-2017. The analysis of the structure and dynamics of the prevalence and the incidence of the ICD-10 class “Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue” (L00-L99) in the Republic of Bashkortostan was carried out according to the FSN form No. 12 for 2008-2017, and a simulated forecast of the incidence rate up to 2022 was compiled. The study revealed a steady downward trend in the prevalence and the incidence of these diseases in the Republic of Bashkortostan for the period 2011-2017. Considering the prediction data, the trend towards a decrease in the incidence rates of skin diseases until 2022 will continue. On this background, the level of the prevalence of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis tends to increase, the incidence of atopic dermatitis tends to increase, and the incidence of psoriasis tends to decrease. The proportion of severe chronic dermatoses increased 1.5-2 times in all age groups. Thus, the analysis makes it necessary to improve the work on the organization of medical care for patients with chronic dermatoses and methods for their prevention.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-97
Author(s):  
Jane Ho ◽  
Michael Casas

Background: The Ontario Cleft Lip and Palate/Craniofacial Dental Program was established to fund dental care for those with oral clefts, craniofacial anomalies, congenital oral defects, and acquired facial/oral defects. Aim: To determine the annual rates of newly registered oral clefts, craniofacial anomalies, congenital oral defects, and acquired oral defects cases on the Program from 2007 to 2018 and identify trends in registration rates during this time period. Design: Data were obtained from the Program from 2007 to 2018. Annual, age-specific incidence rates (for age groups 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, and 20-24 years) were calculated for new registrations in each diagnostic category, plotted and examined using Poisson regression analysis to identify trends. Results: Rates of new registration for oral clefts and acquired oral defects were stable from 2007 to 2018. The rates of newly registered cases of craniofacial anomalies and congenital oral defects showed an increased trend from 2007 to 2018, although year-by-year comparison of the change in rates did not reach statistical significance. For craniofacial anomalies, congenital oral defects, and acquired oral defects, the highest rates of new registrations occurred in the age group 10 to 14 years, while those aged 0 to 4 recorded the highest registration rates in the oral cleft group. Conclusion: Rates in new cleft and acquired oral defects registrations were stable from 2007 to 2018. Rates in newly registered cases of craniofacial anomalies and congenital oral defects increased over the 11-year period.


Author(s):  
L. Yu. Orekhova ◽  
A. A. Petrov ◽  
E. S. Loboda ◽  
I. V. Berezkina ◽  
K. V. Shadrina

Relevance. The study of age-related features of microcirculation in periodontal tissues, using non-invasive functional research methods, allows us to develop the optimal range of therapeutic measures, as well as form a “personalized therapeutic case”.Purpose. Study of the functional state of the microvasculature in the tissues of the parodont in individuals of various age groups.Materials and methods. A standard dental examination of 80 patients was carried out, the sample of participants was ranked in 4 groups by age: 1 group – 12 years old, 2 group – 15 years old, 3 group – from 16 to 18 years old, 4 group – from 22 to 24 years old. Hygiene and periodontal indices were determined for all patients, such as papillarymarginal-alveolar (PMA) in the Parma modification, the Mulleman bleeding index in the Cowell modification (SBI), and the simplified Green Vermillion index of oral hygiene (OHI–s), caries intensity indicators for a permanent bite (CPI), as well as ultrasound dopplerography of periodontal tissues using the apparatus "Minimax-Doppler-K".Results. When studying microcirculation in periodontal tissues, distinctive characteristics of linear (Vas) and volumetric (Qas) blood flow rates, as well as indicators of pulsation indices (PI) and peripheral resistance (RI) in people of different age groups were recorded.Conclusions. This study confirms the presence of various hemodynamic indicators of periodontal tissues in the studied groups, which is due to structural features of the circulatory system in age periods.


Author(s):  
Zhenzhen Rao ◽  
Junjie Hua ◽  
Ruotong Li ◽  
Yanhong Fu ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
...  

Recent changes in population-based prevalence for circulatory system diseases (CSDs) remain unreported either nationally or locally for China. Data were from the two-round health service household interview survey of Hunan Province, China, in 2013 and 2018. A Rao–Scott chi-square test was performed to examine prevalence differences across socio-demographic variables. The overall age-standardized prevalence of CSDs increased substantially between 2013 and 2018 for inhabitants aged 20 years and older (14.25% vs. 21.25%; adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.24–2.04). Hypertensive disease was the most prevalent type of CSD, accounting for 87.24% and 83.83% of all CSDs in 2013 and in 2018, respectively. After controlling for other socio-demographic factors, the prevalence of CSDs was significantly higher in 2018 (adjusted OR = 1.40), urban residents (adjusted OR = 1.43), females (adjusted OR = 1.12) and older age groups (adjusted OR = 5.36 for 50–59 years, 9.51 for 60–69 years, 15.19 for 70–79 years, and 12.90 for 80 years and older) than in 2013, rural residents, males and the youngest age group (20–49 years). The recent increase in the overall age-standardized CSD prevalence and the large prevalence disparities across urban/rural residents, sex and age groups merit the attention of policymakers and researchers. Further prevention efforts are needed to curb the increasing tendency and to reduce the prevalence of disparities across socio-demographic groups.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Lise Boey ◽  
Eline Bosmans ◽  
Liane Braz Ferreira ◽  
Nathalie Heyvaert ◽  
Melissa Nelen ◽  
...  

Patients with chronic diseases are at increased risk of complications following infection. It remains, however, unknown to what extend they are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. We assessed seroprevalence of antibodies against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis to evaluate whether current vaccination programs in Belgium are adequate. Antibody titers were assessed with a bead-based multiplex assay in serum of 1052 adults with chronic diseases. We included patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) (n = 172), DM2 (n = 77), chronic kidney disease (n = 130), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 170), heart failure (n = 77), HIV (n = 196) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients (n = 230). Factors associated with seroprevalence were analysed with multiple logistic regression. We found seroprotective titers in 29% for diphtheria (≥0.1 IU/mL), in 83% for tetanus (≥0.1 IU/mL) and 22% had antibodies against pertussis (≥5 IU/mL). Seroprotection rates were higher (p < 0.001) when vaccinated within the last ten years. Furthermore, diphtheria seroprotection decreased with age (p < 0.001). Tetanus seroprotection was less reached in women (p < 0.001) and older age groups (p < 0.001). For pertussis, women had more often a titer suggestive of a recent infection or vaccination (≥100 IU/mL, p < 0.01). We conclude that except for tetanus, the vast majority of at-risk patients remains susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria and pertussis.


Author(s):  
Joanna Lange ◽  
Jerzy Kozielski ◽  
Kinga Bartolik ◽  
Paweł Kabicz ◽  
Tomasz Targowski

Abstract In Poland, no statistical data are available concerning the analysis of the incidence of pneumonia in inpatient children. The requirement for these data results mainly from the need to prepare systemic and economic solutions. Aim This study aimed to use reported data for evaluating pneumonia incidence rates among hospitalised children and other parameters in various age groups. Subject and methods A detailed analysis was performed as part of the Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development co-financed by the European Social Fund. Services reported to the National Health Fund in 2014 were considered, including pneumonia incidence among hospitalised children and mortality in specific age groups. Results In 2014, a total of 68,543 children were hospitalised for pneumonia (68% of all hospitalisations for acute respiratory diseases). Within each of the analysed age groups, boys were hospitalised more frequently. Irrespective of the place of residence, infants were most commonly hospitalised. It was observed that there was a significant difference between the incidence rate of pneumonia among hospitalised children in all analysed groups depending on the province. The average length of stay was 7.29 days, with infants requiring the longest stays (7.96 days), and 1.8% of children were rehospitalised within 30 days due to recurrence of pneumonia. The most commonly coded pathogens responsible for pneumonia included Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Chlamydia spp. A total of 19 inpatient hospital deaths in the course of pneumonia were reported. Conclusions Based on our findings, it is warranted to utilize epidemiological knowledge for the planning of an appropriate level of service commissioned both in outpatient and inpatient facilities as well as for the estimation of institutional and staff needs necessary to secure these services.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Matteo Riccò ◽  
Simona Peruzzi ◽  
Federica Balzarini

In Italy, human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection have been recorded since 2008, and seasonal outbreaks have occurred almost annually. In this study, we summarize available evidences on the epidemiology of WNV and West Nile neuro-invasive disease (WNND) in humans reported between 2012 and 2020. In total, 1145 WNV infection cases were diagnosed; of them 487 (42.5%) had WNND. A significant circulation of the pathogen was suggested by studies on blood donors, with annual incidence rates ranging from 1.353 (95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 0.279–3.953) to 19.069 cases per 100,000 specimens (95% CI 13.494–26.174). The annual incidence rates of WNND increased during the study period from 0.047 cases per 100,000 (95% CI 0.031–0.068) in 2012, to 0.074 cases per 100,000 (95% CI 0.054–0.099) in 2020, peaking to 0.377 cases per 100,000 (95% CI 0.330–0.429) in 2018. There were 60 deaths. Cases of WNND were clustered in Northern Italy, particularly in the Po River Valley, during the months of August (56.7%) and September (27.5%). Higher risk for WNND was reported in subjects of male sex (risk ratio (RR) 1.545, 95% CI 1.392–1.673 compared to females), and in older age groups (RR 24.46, 95% CI 15.61–38.32 for 65–74 y.o.; RR 43.7, 95% CI 28.33–67.41 for subjects older than 75 years), while main effectors were identified in average air temperatures (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.3219, 95% CI 1.0053–1.7383), population density (IRR 1.0004, 95% CI 1.0001–1.0008), and occurrence of cases in the nearby provinces (IRR 1.0442, 95% CI 1.0340–1.0545). In summary, an enhanced surveillance is vital for the early detection of human cases and the prompt implementation of response measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidya Lakshmi Purushothaman ◽  
Raphael E. Cuomo ◽  
Cedric F. Garland ◽  
Timothy K. Mackey

Abstract Background Vitamin D has been identified as a potential protective factor in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). We expect to see a stronger association of ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and CRC crude rates with increasing age since chronic vitamin D deficiency leads to sustained molecular changes that increase cancer risk. The DINOMIT (disjunction, initiation, natural selection, overgrowth, metastasis, involution, and transition) model postulates various stages of cancer development due to vitamin D deficiency and the associated latency period. The purpose of this study is to examine this age-dependent inverse relationship globally. Methods In this ecological study, a series of linear and polynomial regression tests were performed between country-specific UVB estimates adjusted for cloud cover and crude incidence rates of CRC for different age groups. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the association between crude incidence rates of colorectal cancer and UVB estimate adjusting for urbanization, skin pigmentation, smoking, animal consumption, per capita GDP, and life expectancy. Statistical analysis was followed by geospatial visualization by producing choropleth maps. Results The inverse relationship between UVB exposure and CRC crude rates was stronger in older age groups at the country level. Quadratic curve fitting was preferred, and these models were statistically significant for all age groups. The inverse association between crude incidence rates of CRC and UVB exposure was statistically significant for age groups above 45 years, after controlling for covariates. Conclusion The age-dependent inverse association between UVB exposure and incidence of colorectal cancer exhibits a greater effect size among older age groups in global analyses. Studying the effect of chronic vitamin D deficiency on colorectal cancer etiology will help in understanding the necessity for population-wide screening programs for vitamin D deficiency, especially in regions with inadequate UVB exposure. Further studies are required to assess the need for adequate public health programs such as selective supplementation and food fortification.


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