1,720,967 research outputs found
Immunotoxicological impact of occupational and environmental nanoparticles exposure: The influence of physical, chemical, and combined characteristics of the particles
Full text linkWhile nanotechnology is growing exponentially, the knowledge of the impact of nanoparticles (NPs) on public health
and the environment is limited so far. Current nanomaterial research is focused on the applications of nanotechnology,
whereas there is little information on exposure assessment and risk characterization associated with NPs. Therefore,
it is essential that the factors influencing NPs associated hazards be studied. This review seeks to survey and evaluate
the current literature in order to better understand the impact of both airborne and engineered NPs exposure, the
mechanisms at the cellular level, and the factors influencing their immunotoxicity. In fact, NPs do have immunotoxicological
significance, as immune cells in the bloodstream and tissues do act to eliminate or interact with NPs.
Proper characterization of the NPs as well as understanding the processes occurring on the NPs surface when in
contact with biological systems is crucial to predict or exclude toxicological effects
Returning to Work after the COVID-19 Pandemic Earthquake: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has disrupted life and work habits and has produced landmark changes worldwide. This systematic review aimed to analyse the management of Return to Work (RTW) by work organisations following the virus spread. Methods: A selection of 2477 papers, using string research on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus from January 2020 to October 2021, were analysed. Results: Fifty-one articles were finally included, and the results obtained were discussed from three different points of view. Twenty articles concerning 'Remodelling of Work Organization' proposed some model strategies for resumption to work. Twenty-one papers, including 'Clinical Evaluation of Workers', mostly explored the psychosocial impact of returned workers. Finally, twelve articles explored the best 'Testing Strategies related to RTW'. Despite the heterogeneity of included articles, several interesting approaches have emerged in managing RTW. Conclusions: The reported experiences could help to develop an RTW model for COVID-19 and future pandemics
Risk agents related to work and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: An occupational medicine focus
Full text linkAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscular paralysis reflecting degeneration of motor neurons. In recent years, in addition to several studies about genetic mechanisms leading to motor neurons damage, various epigenetic theories have been developed, involving the study of the patients’ work and lifestyle. The work aims at focusing the role of occupational exposure related to ALS by literature data analysis. Articles, selected on the basis of keywords, year of publication and topics, are related to occupational exposure, suggesting an impact on ALS onset. The literature review shows that there are still a lot of biases in the studies design, which actually do not allow to draw unequivocal conclusions
Young Workers and Lifestyles in a Mediterranean Cultural Context: What Is the Contribution of Occupational Health Promotion?
No full textAdherence to a healthy diet and an active lifestyle is now a key component of workplace health promotion (WHP) programs. The primary objective of the study is the assessment of the need for the implementation of corrective WHP interventions aimed at improving the lifestyle in students belonging to health-related degree programs. A prospective observational epidemiological study through the recruitment of a sample of 242 young adult-equated workers at the Vanvitelli University in Naples was conducted. Two questionnaires were administered, one related to Mediterranean diet adherence (PREDIMED) and one concerning daily physical activity (IPAQ). A total of 56.6% of the participants were in the intermediate level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 24.0% low and 19.4% in the high level, with highly significant differences in the distribution between the groups. The chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between groups and physical activity level (p = 0.0166). A statistically significant association was also found between gender and physical activity level (men showing high levels of physical activity). The analysis showed significant differences in adherence to the Mediterranean diet between the different students’ groups, with no gender-related differences. This study highlighted the need for a systematic and differentiated approach to WHP, differentiating the various groups
HBV vaccination status among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study
No full textObjective: The development of a vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the improvements in strategy prevention during the last decades.
Aim: To evaluate HBV-related vaccine status in healthcare workers (HCW) exposed to biological risk.
Methods: The serum markers for HBV were collected from HCWs in two tertiary care hospitals in Naples (Italy). Multivariate statistical analysis was then performed to identify associated factors linked to the long-term immunogenicity of the HCWs.
Results: All HBV vaccinated individuals were screened for whole marker patterns; all were HBsAg/anti-HBc negative. Of individuals, 20% had an anti-HB antibody titre < 10 IU/L. Multivariate statistical analysis highlighted that women were more protected than men (73.6% vs. 26.4%, P < 0.05). Additionally, nurses seem to maintain a higher antibody titre than doctors and other staff, such as auxiliary technicians (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Our data support the evidence of a strong immunogenicity against HBV, assessed through the circulating antibody titre, when prophylactic vaccination is conducted in non-infantile age, particularly for women. The outcome of the study supports the central role of occupational physicians within the hospital districts in terms of primary prevention and maximum protection of HCWs
SARS-CoV-2 Emergency Management in the ASL 1 Abruzzo Companies, Italy: An Autumn 2022 Cross-Sectional Investigation
Full text linkBackground: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a public health emergency that affects workplaces and forces employers to develop technical, organizational and procedural measures safeguarding workers’ health, particularly ‘fragile’ ones. This research aimed to assess employers’ adherence to the emergency measures planned by the Italian government to hinder COVID-19 during Autumn 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Autumn 2022, with an 18-item questionnaire derived from the Italian State’s governmental indications, sent by email to 51 companies of Marsica and Peligna Valley, L’Aquila, Southern Italy. Results: A total of 20 recruited companies (65% were micro-enterprises, belonging to the food and financial sector) responded to the questionnaire within a mean time of 18 days (±11.64), which was lower for medium- and large-sized companies as well as for banking sector ones (p < 0.05). As regards intervention strategies, sanitization (92.7% of positive answers) and specific training (83.3%) showed almost full compliance in contrast to working organization (47.5%) and social distancing (61.7%). The companies that reported managing fragility (50%) belong almost exclusively to the banking sector, with predominantly office-based tasks. Conclusions: The study provided insight into critical issues relating to compliance with national legislative directives and the crucial role of occupational physicians as global advisors for all workplaces
Prevalence and associated risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection among undergraduate and postgraduate dental students: A retrospective study
No full textTo estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) in Italian dental students exposed to the same occupational risks as dental health care personnel and to evaluate potential risk factors, a cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate and postgraduate students. After clinical evaluation, students were given a tuberculin skin test; in those found positive, an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) was conducted. Of the 281 students enrolled, 10 were only TST positive; 8 were TST or/and IGRA positive. We found that participants testing positive at TST and/or IGRA, a group in which the risk of false LTBI positives is minimal, were older and had been studying longer. Although the prevalence of LTBI among dental students in our study was low, a risk of acquiring a work-related infection exists even in a country with a low incidence of TB. Thus, dental students should be screened to catch LTBI early on
Occupational Health and Safety Training by Cross-Reality: Preliminary Results From SCISSOR Project
No full textBackground: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training is a crucial component of workplace safety. In recent years, Cross-reality (XR) has emerged as a viable path for immersive and successful training experiences. This paper presents preliminary results from the SCISSOR project, a groundbreaking initiative exploring the potential of XR technologies in enhancing OHS training, especially in healthcare setting regarding ionization radiation exposure. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental pilot study consisted of several stages from July 2021 to June 2022. Phase 1 consists of the realization of the virtual scenario, Phase 2 in XR setting up and laboratory simulation, and lastly, and Phase 3 based on the on field testing. Results: About 60 participants, including students and researchers, participated in Phases 1 and 2 preliminary testing and 9 healthcare workers (HCWs) in Phase 3. Phase 1 involved the 3D reconstruction of a real-life scenario using digital photogrammetry. These models were then utilized to recreate the operating room scenario and program interactions with the equipment. In Phase 2, the overall appreciation for the level of realism, comfort, and usability of the application was investigated. The test results demonstrated a general appreciation for the application and its effectiveness. Phase 3, concerning field tests, involved HCWs. The results suggest that XR technologies hold significant promise in revolutionizing OHS training, offering a more engaging, effective, and adaptable approach to workplace safety education. Conclusion: The SCISSOR project’s initial findings underscore the potential of XR as a transformative tool in OHS training, ultimately contributing to safer workplaces, reduced accidents, and enhanced overall employee well-being
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