El humo del electrocauterio, el riesgo olvidado y minimizado de la cirugía / Smoke from electrocautery, the forgotten and minimized risk of surgery

Introducción. La nueva era de la cirugía es cada vez más dependiente de la tecnología, y un ejemplo de ello es el uso generalizado de electrocauterio como parte primordial de la práctica quirúrgica. El humo quirúrgico es un subproducto de la disección y la coagulación de los tejidos producidas por los equipos de energía, que representa múltiples riesgos potenciales para la salud del grupo quirúrgico, sin embargo, se han minimizado los peligros causados por la exposición de manera frecuente y acumulativa a este aerosol. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis crítico, desde una posición reflexiva de la información disponible, estableciendo los posibles riesgos relacionados con la exposición al humo quirúrgico. Discusión. Es visible la necesidad imperativa de establecer directrices nacionales, pautas normativas y recomendaciones estandarizadas para cumplir con las exigencias dadas por los sistemas de gestión en salud ocupacional y seguridad del trabajo, cuyo objetivo principal es hacer efectivo el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas apropiadas, la implementación de programa de vigilancia epidemiológica ambiental en sala de cirugía, la priorización del uso constante de aspiradores y sistemas de evacuación, y la ejecución de programas educativos de sensibilización dirigidos al personal implicado. De igual manera, se abre la inquietud de la necesidad de nuevos estudios para definir con mayor precisión el peligro de este aerosol. Conclusión. Se recomienda de manera responsable utilizar todas las estrategias preventivas existentes para intervenir en salas de cirugía los riesgos minimizados y olvidados del humo quirúrgico.

Introduction. The new era of surgery is increasingly dependent on technology, and an example of this is the widespread use of electrocautery as a primary part of surgical practice. Surgical smoke is a byproduct of the dissection and coagulation of tissues produced by energy equipment, which represents multiple potential health risks for the surgical group; however, the dangers caused by cumulative exposure have been minimized. Methods. A critical analysis was carried out from a reflective position of the available information, establishing the possible risks related to exposure to surgical smoke. Discussion. The imperative need to establish national normative guidelines and standardized recommendations to comply with the demands given by the occupational health and work safety management systems, whose main objective is to make effective the use of appropriate surgical masks, implementation of environmental epidemiological surveillance program in the operating room, prioritizing the constant use of vacuum cleaners and evacuation systems, and carrying out educational awareness programs aimed at the personnel involved. Likewise, there is concern about the need for new studies to more precisely define the danger of this aerosol. Conclusion. It is recommended to responsibly use all existing preventive strategies to intervene in operating rooms to minimize the forgotten risks of surgical smoke.

CREAS e covid-19: desafios e perspectivas da psicologia no Norte de Minas / CREAS and covid-19: challenges and perspectives for Northern Minas Gerais psychology / CREAS y covid-19: desafíos y perspectivas de la psicología en el Norte de Minas

Este artigo analisa os desafios e estratégias de atuação de psicólogas(os) nos Centros de Referência Especializados de Assistência Social (CREAS) do norte de Minas Gerais durante a pandemia de covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quanti-qualitativo, de corte transversal e com análise de conteúdo e estatística para a interpretação de dados primários e meio de questionário eletrônico, emergiram os seguintes eixos temáticos: (a) Perfil sociodemográfico das(os) trabalhadoras(es); (b) Medidas de prevenção à contaminação para quem? Impactos da pandemia na práxis da psicologia no CREAS; (c) Chegada das demandas no CREAS; e (d) Tenuidade entre as potencialidades e vicissitudes do uso das tecnologias digitais. Observou-se que a inserção das(os) trabalhadoras(es) nos CREAS é marcada por contratos temporários, altas jornadas de trabalho e baixa remuneração. Além disso, com a pandemia de covid-19, têm enfrentado obstáculos como a falta de equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI) e de prevenção ao vírus. A chegada de demandas aos CREAS também foi afetada pela pandemia, como apontam as análises estatísticas dos registros mensais de atendimento dos municípios. As tecnologias digitais se configuraram como a principal estratégia adotada no ambiente de trabalho dos CREAS. Conclui-se que, se por um lado, a pandemia engendrou e acentuou obstáculos para a práxis da psicologia; por outro, a imprevisibilidade desse cenário e a potência da psicologia norte-mineira possibilitaram diversas estratégias para assistir os usuários.(AU)

This article analyses the challenges and strategies over the psychologists activity at the Specialized Reference Centers for Social Assistance (CREAS), from the north of the state of Minas Gerais during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a descriptive, quantitative-qualitative study on content and statistics analysis for interpretation of primary and secondary data, with 19 psychologists participating. From interviews made with electronic questionnaires, the following theatrical axes emerged: (a) Social demographic profile of workers; (b) Prevention measures over contamination directed to which public? The impacts of the pandemic over the practice of psychology at CREAS; (c) Demand reception at CREAS; and (d) Tenuity between potentialities and vicissitudes of the use of digital technologies. The workers insertion at CREAS is notably marked by transitory working contracts, long labor journeys, and low wages. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing hindrances such as the lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) and virus prevention. The demands received by CREAS were also affected by the pandemic, as shown in the statistics analysis from monthly county treatment records. The digital technologies were the main strategy enforced by the working environment at CREAS. In conclusion, if on the one hand, the pandemic produced and increased obstacles for the practice of Psychology, on the other hand, the unpredictability of this scenery and the capacity of the psychology of the north of Minas Gerais enabled diverse strategies to attend the users.(AU)

Este artículo analiza los desafíos y las estrategias en la actuación de psicólogas(os) en los Centros de Referencia Especializados de Asistencia Social (CREAS) del norte de Minas Gerais (Brasil) durante la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, cualicuantitativo, de cohorte transversal, con análisis de contenido y estadísticas para la interpretación de datos primarios y secundarios, en el cual participaron 19 psicólogas(os). De las entrevistas en un cuestionario electrónico surgieron los siguientes ejes temáticos: (a) perfil sociodemográfico de los(as) trabajadores(as); (b) medidas de prevención de la contaminación ¿para quién? Impactos de la pandemia en la praxis de la psicología en CREAS; (c) la llegada de demandas a CREAS y; (d) la tenuidad entre las potencialidades y vicisitudes del uso de tecnologías digitales. Se observó que la inserción de las(os) trabajadoras(es) en el CREAS está marcada por contratos laborales temporales, largas jornadas y baja remuneración. Además, con la pandemia de la COVID-19, se han enfrentado a obstáculos como la falta de equipo de protección personal (EPP) y prevención del virus. La llegada de demandas al CREAS también se vio afectada por la pandemia, como lo demuestran los análisis estadísticos de los registros mensuales de atención de los municipios. Las tecnologías digitales se han convertido en la principal estrategia adoptada en el entorno laboral de los CREAS. Se concluye que si, por un lado, la pandemia engendró y acentuó obstáculos a la praxis de la Psicología, por otro, la imprevisibilidad de este escenario y el poder de la Psicología en el norte de Minas Gerais posibilitaron varias estrategias para asistir a los usuarios.(AU)

Comparison of the inward leakage rate between N95 filtering facepiece respirators and modified surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND@#Owing to shortage of surgical and N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) during the COVID-2019 pandemic, various masks were developed to prevent infection. This study aimed to examine the inward leakage rate (ILR) of sealed face masks and modified surgical masks using a quantitative fit test and compared it with the ILR of unmodified N95 FFRs.@*METHODS@#We conducted paired comparisons of ILRs of bent nose-fit wire masks, double masks, and N95 FFRs from October to December 2021. To measure the protective effectiveness of masks, participants wore masks, and the number of particles outside and inside the mask were measured. The ILR was based on the percentage of particles entering the mask using a fit tester.@*RESULTS@#We enrolled 54 participants (20 men and 34 women) in this study. The median ILR for surgical masks without and with a W-shaped bend in the nose-fit wire were 96.44% and 50.82%, respectively. The nose-fit wire adjustment reduced the ILR of surgical masks by a mean of 28.57%, which was significantly lower than the ILR without adjustment (P < 0.001). For double masks, with surgical or polyurethane masks on top of the W-shaped mask, the ILR did not differ significantly from that of N95. Although the filtration performance of double surgical masks matched that of N95 masks, their ILR was notably higher, indicating that double masks do not provide equivalent protection.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Wearing N95 masks alone is effective in many cases. However, surgical mask modifications do not guarantee consistent effectiveness. Properly selected, sealed masks with a good fit overcome leakage, emphasizing their crucial role. Without evidence, mask-wearing may lead to unexpected infections. Education based on quantitative data is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.

Serological and vaccine evaluation for hepatitis B among Community Health Workers / Avaliação sorológica e vacinal para hepatite B entre Agentes Comunitários de Saúde / Evaluación serológica y vacuna para la hepatitis B entre Agentes Comunitarios de Salud

Abstract Objective: to identify the vaccination and serological status against hepatitis B among community health workers; to vaccinate against hepatitis B virus and to evaluate the immune response of susceptible workers. Method: phase I, cross-sectional and descriptive study, among community health workers in a capital city of the Midwest region, through a self-administered questionnaire, checking of vaccination cards, and blood collection for testing of serological markers for hepatitis B. Phase II, cohort study carried out in vaccinated non-immune workers identified in phase I. They received one dose of vaccine (challenge dose) and serological testing. Results: a total of 109 workers participated in the study. Most had vaccination record (97; 89.0%) and vaccination completeness (75; 77.3%), while the isolated anti-HBs (Antibodies against hepatitis B virus) marker was detected in 78 (71.6%) workers. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus exposure was 8.2%. Of the ten non-immune vaccinated workers, after challenge dose, one remained susceptible. Conclusion: although most workers are vaccinated and show immunological response to hepatitis B, susceptibility after challenge dose was identified. Therefore, it is necessary to have a surveillance program of the vaccination situation and serological status for this virus, to promote these workers' safety.

Resumo Objetivo: identificar a situação vacinal e sorológica contra hepatite B entre agentes comunitários de saúde; vacinar contra o vírus da hepatite B e avaliar a resposta imunológica dos agentes susceptíveis. Método: fase I, estudo transversal e descritivo, entre agentes comunitários de saúde de uma capital da região Centro-oeste, por meio de questionário autoaplicável, conferência do cartão vacinal e coleta de sangue para testagem dos marcadores sorológicos para hepatite B. Fase II, estudo de coorte realizado em trabalhadores vacinados não imunes e identificados na fase I. Estes receberam uma dose da vacina (dose desafio) e teste sorológico. Resultados: participaram do estudo 109 agentes. A maioria tinha registro de vacinação (97; 89,0%) e completude vacinal (75; 77,3%), já o marcador anti-HBs (anticorpos contra o vírus da hepatite B) isolado foi detectado em 78 (71,6%) agentes. A prevalência de exposição ao vírus da hepatite B foi de 8,2%. Dos dez agentes vacinados não imunes, após a dose desafio, um permaneceu susceptível. Conclusão: apesar da maioria dos trabalhadores estarem vacinados e apresentarem resposta imunológica para hepatite B, a suscetibilidade após a dose desafio foi identificada. Portanto, é necessário que haja um programa de vigilância da situação vacinal e estado sorológico para este vírus, para promover a segurança destes trabalhadores.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar la situación de la vacunación y serología contra la hepatitis B entre agentes comunitarios de la salud, vacunar contra el virus de la hepatitis B y evaluar la respuesta inmunológica de los agentes susceptibles. Método: fase I, estudio transversal y descriptivo, entre agentes comunitarios de la salud de una capital de la región centro oeste, por medio de cuestionario autoadministrado, verificación del carné de vacunación y extracción de sangre para comprobar los marcadores serológicos para la hepatitis B. Fase II, estudio de cohorte realizado en trabajadores vacunados no inmunes e identificados en la Fase I; estos recibieron una dosis de la vacuna (dosis de desafío) y realizaron el test serológico. Resultados: participaron del estudio 109 agentes. La mayoría tenía registro de vacunación (97; 89,0%) y de cobertura de vacunación (75; 77,3%); el marcador anti-HBs (Anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis B) aislado fue detectado en 78 (71,6%) de los agentes. La prevalencia de exposición al virus de la hepatitis B fue de 8,2%. De los diez agentes vacunados no inmunes, después de la dosis desafío, uno permaneció susceptible. Conclusión: a pesar de que la mayoría de los trabajadores estaban vacunados y presentaron respuesta inmunológica para la hepatitis B, la susceptibilidad, después de la dosis desafío, fue identificada. Por tanto, es necesario que exista un programa de vigilancia de la situación de vacunación y estado serológico para este virus, para promover la seguridad de estos trabajadores.

Nursing performance in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units: Implications for occupational health / Atuação da enfermagem em unidades dedicadas e não dedicadas à COVID-19: implicações na saúde ocupacional / Trabajo de enfermería en unidades dedicadas y no dedicadas al COVID-19: consecuencias para la salud ocupacional

Abstract Objective: to analyze the implications of the pandemic on the Nursing team's occupational health according to its performance in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units. Method: a multicenter and mixed-methods study, with a sequential explanatory strategy. A total of 845 professionals took part in the first stage, answering an electronic form which contained sociodemographic and work-related variables, as well as about the pandemic and their health, in addition to the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. 19 professionals were interviewed in the second stage. The quantitative data were submitted to statistical analysis and the qualitative ones to thematic content analysis, with integration by connection. Results: the pandemic exerted impacts on the professionals' health, both in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. However, composition of the teams presented different characteristics between the areas, as well as the risk perceptions and the work demands. Conclusion: the professionals working in areas COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas are equally affected, although with different work exposure regarding the requirements at work in the COVID-19 units and the fear of contamination in non-COVID-19 units.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar as implicações da pandemia sobre a saúde ocupacional da equipe de enfermagem conforme a atuação em unidades dedicadas e não dedicadas à COVID-19. Método: estudo multicêntrico, de método misto, estratégia explanatória sequencial. Participaram 845 profissionais na primeira etapa, respondendo a um formulário eletrônico contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, laborais, sobre a pandemia e sua saúde e o Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Na segunda etapa, 19 profissionais foram entrevistados. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à estatística analítica e os qualitativos à análise temática de conteúdo, sendo integrados por conexão. Resultados: os impactos da pandemia sobre a saúde dos profissionais ocorreram tanto nas áreas dedicadas como nas não dedicadas à COVID-19. Contudo, a composição das equipes apresentou características distintas entre as áreas, bem como as percepções de risco e das exigências no trabalho. Conclusão: os profissionais que atuam em áreas dedicadas e não dedicadas à COVID-19 estão igualmente adoecidos, mas com exposição laboral distinta quanto às exigências no trabalho nas unidades dedicadas e o medo da contaminação nas unidades não dedicadas.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar las consecuencias que tuvo la pandemia en la salud ocupacional de los enfermeros según si se desempeñaban en unidades dedicadas y no dedicadas al COVID-19. Método: estudio multicéntrico, método mixto, estrategia explicativa secuencial. En la primera etapa participaron en total 845 profesionales que respondieron un formulario electrónico que contenía variables sociodemográficas, ocupacionales, sobre la pandemia y la salud y el Self-Reporting Questionnaire. En la segunda etapa, fueron entrevistados 19 profesionales. Los datos cuantitativos fueron sometidos a estadística analítica y los datos cualitativos al análisis de contenido temático, posteriormente, ambos fueron integrados por conexión. Resultados: los impactos de la pandemia en la salud de los profesionales se produjeron tanto en las áreas dedicadas como en las no dedicadas al COVID-19. Sin embargo, la composición de los equipos presentó distintas características entre las áreas, así como también diferentes percepciones de riesgo y exigencias en el trabajo. Conclusión: los profesionales que trabajan en áreas dedicadas y no dedicadas al COVID-19 se enfermaron por igual, pero tuvieron diferente exposición ocupacional debido a las exigencias que presentaba el trabajo en las unidades dedicadas y al miedo al contagio en las unidades no dedicadas.

Primer caso de transmisión de mpox mediante toma de muestra por desteche en Chile / First case report of mpox transmission through unroofing sample collection in Chile

Mpox es una zoonosis vírica que causa síntomas similares a la viruela, aunque menos graves. La infección fue descrita inicialmente en África central y occidental. Luego del brote multinacional ocurrido el año 2022, ya no es considerada una emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional. El mecanismo de transmisión es por contacto físico estrecho o directo con lesiones cutáneas de individuos infectados. Presentamos el caso clínico de una enfermera que se infectó por mpox tras un accidente cortopunzante durante la toma de muestra de una lesión por desteche con bisturí en un paciente con VIH. La transmisión percutánea tuvo un período de incubación corto, seguido de una lesión cutánea y síntomas sistémicos. Aunque infrecuente, se destaca el riesgo de transmisión ocupacional de mpox en la atención clínica. Es importante que el personal sanitario adhiera estrictamente a las medidas de prevención, como el uso de equipo de protección personal y la práctica segura en la toma de muestra.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis that causes symptoms similar to smallpox, but less severe. The infection was initially described primarily in central and western Africa. After multi-country outbreak in 2022; it is currently no longer a public health emergency of international concern. The main mode of transmission is through close or direct contact with the skin lesions of an infected individual. We report a case of a nurse was infected with mpox after a needlestick injury during a skin sample collection from an HIV-positive patient. Percutaneous transmission resulted in a short incubation period, followed by a skin lesion and systemic symptoms. This case highlights the risk of occupational transmission of mpox in healthcare settings. It is important for healthcare workers to take rigorous prevention measures, such as the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safe sample collection practices.

Seropositividad de Chlamydia psittaci en trabajadores expuestos a aves y revisión de la literatura: evidencia de circulación en Antioquia / Chlamydia psittaci seropositivity in workers exposed to birds and review of the literature: Evidence of circulation in Antioquia

Introducción. La psitacosis es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por Chlamydia psittaci. Esta bacteria es catalogada como un agente con potencial bioterrorista y ha causado múltiples brotes en trabajadores con exposición laboral a aves en diferentes lugares del mundo. En Colombia, no se hace seguimiento epidemiológico de la infección y existe una gran brecha en el conocimiento. Objetivos. Determinar la frecuencia de anticuerpos contra C. psittaci en trabajadores con exposición laboral a aves y sus factores asociados. Además, revisar la literatura en relación con los estudios sobre el tema realizados en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con intención analítica, en trabajadores en contacto con aves y se revisó la literatura científica relacionada en Colombia. Se detectaron anticuerpos IgM e IgG contra C. psittaci en suero por microinmunofluorescencia. La descripción de las características sociodemográficas y de exposición se hizo con frecuencias y medidas de resumen. Se exploraron factores asociados por análisis bivariados y multivariados. La revisión de la literatura científica y gris se hizo con búsqueda estructurada. Resultados. Se analizaron 54 trabajadores en contacto con aves y se encontró una prevalencia de anticuerpos del 31,5 %. El ejercer funciones de sacrificio y faenado de las aves sin ser médico veterinario fue un factor de riesgo para la presencia de anticuerpos. Solo se encontraron cuatro estudios previos sobre C. psittaci hechos en Colombia. Conclusiones. Este estudio constituye la primera evidencia de la circulación de C. psittaci en trabajadores en contacto con aves en Antioquia y el segundo reporte en el país. Estos hallazgos aportan desde la salud pública a la estrategia One Health.

Introduction. Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium classified as an agent with bioterrorist potential. It has caused multiple outbreaks in exposed poultry workers around the world. Colombia has no epidemiological follow-up of the infection and a big knowledge gap. Objectives. To determine the antibodies' frequency against C. psittaci in workers with occupational exposure to birds and to review the literature on studies conducted in Colombia. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical intent on workers in contact with birds and reviewed the related literature in Colombia. IgM and IgG serum antibodies against C. psittaci were detected by microimmunofluorescence. The sociodemographic and exposure characteristics were expressed as frequencies and summary measures. Associated factors were explored by bivariate and multivariate analysis. The scientific and gray literature review was done with a structured search. Results. We analyzed 54 workers in contact with birds. Antibody prevalence was 31.5%. Slaughtering and evisceration by non-veterinarians was a risk factor for antibody presence. There are only four previous studies on C. psittaci in Colombia. Conclusions. Here, we present the first evidence of C. psittaci circulation among workers exposed to birds in Antioquia and the second report in the country. These findings contribute to the "One Health" public health strategy.

Internal occupational dosimetry for the occupational worker exposed to [18F] FDG from the Cyclotron-PET/CT Laboratory of the Universidad de Costa Rica / Dosimetría ocupacional interna para el personal trabajador expuesto a [18F] FDG del ciclotrón-PET/CT en el Laboratorio de la Universidad de Costa Rica

ABSTRACT: The aim of this work is to provide a methodology for evaluating the committed effective dose E(50) due to the incorporation of [18F] FDG in the occupationally exposed worker (OEW) of the Cyclotron-PET/CT Laboratory of the Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Atómicas, Nucleares y Moleculares (CICANUM) at Universidad de Costa Rica using in vivo measurements. The measurement system was calibrated to perform in vivo measurements and defined as the corresponding bioassay function for the radiopharmaceutical used. The conversion factor was assessed with a known activity of 18F in the geometry and measurement time established. Among the most relevant results, the measurement parameters and the calibration procedure were defined. A value of 1.73 x 103 Bq/cps for in vivo brain measurements was obtained as a conversion factor. This study provides a methodology, to evaluate the committed effective dose due to the incorporation of 18F-FDG in a radionuclide production and diagnostic center

Is chemical exposure present in informal work associated with Sars-CoV-2 infection?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of covid-19 symptoms between informal home-based workers and a control group and to assess the association of these cases with blood elements concentrations and other relevant risk factors for Sars-Cov-2 infection. METHODS Welders chemically exposed to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (n = 26) and control participants (n = 25) answered questionnaires on adherence to social distancing and signs and symptoms of the disease for five months during the covid-19 pandemic. After follow-up, covid-19 serology tests were performed on a subsample of 12 chemically exposed workers and 20 control participants. Before the pandemic, PTE concentrations in blood (As, Mn, Ni, Cd, Hg, Sb, Sn, Cu, Zn, and Pb) were measured by ICP-MS. RESULTS The chemically exposed group had higher lead and cadmium levels in blood (p < 0.01). The control group presented lower adherence to social distancing (p = 0.016). Although not significant, welders had a 74% greater chance of having at least one covid-19 symptom compared with control participants, but their adherence to social distancing decreased this chance by 20%. The use of taxis for transportation was a risk factor significantly associated with covid-19 symptoms. CONCLUSION The lower adherence to social distancing among the control group greatly influences the development of covid-19. The literature lacks data linking exposure to PTEs and Sars-Cov-2 infection and/or severity. In this study, despite chemical exposure, working from home may have protected welders against covid-19, considering that they maintained greater social distancing than control participants.

Fatores associados à percepção do risco biológico e aos acidentes com material biológico em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde / Factors associated with the perception of biological risk and accidents with biological material in community health workers / Factores asociados a la percepción del riesgo biológico y de los accidentes con material biológico en los agentes comunitarios de salud

Objetivos: identificar fatores associados à acidentes com material biológico e à percepção do risco biológico entre Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS). Métodos: estudo transversal analítico realizado com ACS, mediante aplicação de questionário e consulta de registros no cartão de vacinas. Regressão múltipla de Poisson com variância robusta foi realizada para analisar os fatores associados aos acidentes com material biológico e à percepção do risco biológico. Resultados: dos 207 participantes, 50,24% (IC 95% = 43,4 - 56,9) apresentou autorrelato de acidentes com material biológico, tendo como fatores associados possuir formação de nível superior [RP ajustada = 2,2 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 4,7)], ter outro vínculo empregatício [RP ajustada = 1,5 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 2,3)] e conhecimento quanto às vacinas necessárias ao ACS [RP ajustada = 0,7 (0,5 - 0,9)]. Constatou-se que 74,39% dos ACS tinham percepção de algum risco biológico, mesmo de forma limitada. Entre as variáveis investigadas, na análise ajustada, nenhuma mostrou associação com a percepção de risco biológico pelos ACS. Conclusão: a prevalência de acidentes com material biológico em ACS é elevada, sendo fatores associados possuir formação de nível superior, ter outro vínculo empregatício e apresentar conhecimento quanto as vacinas necessárias para a atividade laboral. Há limitada percepção de risco pela maioria dos ACS. Não foram encontrados fatores associados à esta variável.

Objectives: to identify factors associated with accidents involving biological material and the perception of biological risk among community health workers (CHWs). Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with CHWs using a questionnaire and consultation of vaccination card records. Poisson multiple regression with robust variance was conducted to analyze the factors associated with accidents involving biological material and perception of biological risk. Results: of the 207 participants, 50.24% (95% CI = 43.4 - 56.9) self-reported accidents with biological material, and the associated factors were having a university degree [adjusted PR = 2.2 (95% CI = 1.0 - 4.7)], having another job [adjusted PR = 1.5 (95% CI = 1.0 - 2.3)] and knowledge of the vaccines needed by CHWs [adjusted PR = 0.7 (0.5 - 0.9)]. It was found that 74.39% of CHWs were aware of some biological risk, even to a limited extent. Among the variables investigated, in the adjusted analysis, none showed an association with the perception of biological risk by CHWs. Conclusion: the prevalence of accidents involving biological material among CHWs is high, and the associated factors are having a university degree, having another job, and having knowledge of the vaccines required for the job. Most CHWs have a limited perception of the risk. No factors were associated with this variable.

Objetivos: identificar los factores asociados a los accidentes con material biológico y la percepción del riesgo biológico entre agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS). Métodos: estudio transversal analítico realizado con los ACS mediante cuestionario y consulta de los registros de las cartillas de vacunación. Se realizó una regresión múltiple de Poisson con varianza robusta para analizar los factores asociados a los accidentes con material biológico y la percepción del riesgo biológico. Resultados: de los 207 participantes, el 50,24% (IC 95% = 43,4 - 56,9) declararon haber sufrido accidentes con material biológico, y los factores asociados fueron tener un título universitario [PR ajustado = 2,2 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 4,7)], tener otro trabajo [PR ajustado = 1,5 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 2,3)] y conocer las vacunas que necesitan los ACS [PR ajustado = 0,7 (0,5 - 0,9)]. Se observó que el 74,39% de los ACS conocían algún riesgo biológico, aunque fuera de forma limitada. De las variables investigadas en el análisis ajustado, ninguna mostró una asociación con la percepción del riesgo biológico por parte de los ACS. Conclusión: la prevalencia de accidentes con material biológico entre los ACS es alta, y los factores asociados son tener un título universitario, tener otro trabajo y tener conocimientos sobre las vacunas necesarias para el trabajo. La mayoría de los ACS tienen una percepción limitada del riesgo. No se encontraron factores asociados a esta variable.

Trabalho, exploração e suicídio de fumicultores no Rio Grande do Sul / Work, exploitation, and suicide of tobacco farmers in Rio Grande do Sul

O Rio Grande do Sul se destaca no cultivo do fumo, sendo o estado brasileiro responsável pela maior produção de tabaco do país. Pesquisas apontam que o cultivo do tabaco pode ser bastante insalubre, levando os fumicultores a sofrerem com doenças decorrentes da produção de fumo. Dentre esses problemas de saúde, o suicídio é alarmante. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar como as relações econômicas com as fumageiras podem impactar a saúde mental de fumicultores, contribuindo para desfechos desfavoráveis no caso das famílias entrevistadas. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com familiares de fumicultores que cometeram suicídio e atores sociais que acompanham esses agricultores. As entrevistas foram analisadas de acordo com o método fenomenológico interpretativo e os resultados foram agrupados em duas categorias de análise: 1) fumicultura como parte constituinte de uma cultura e identidade local; e 2) relação de trabalho entre fumicultores e fumageiras. Os fumicultores apresentam dificuldades na comercialização do tabaco, devido a problemas com suas instituições representativas, além do endividamento provocado por um sistema opressor que mantém os fumicultores subordinados às indústrias de beneficiamento de tabaco em nível técnico e de capital

Rio Grande do Sul stands out in tobacco cultivation, and is the Brazilian state responsible for the largest tobacco production in the country. Research shows that tobacco cultivation can be quite unhealthy, leading farmers to suffer from diseases resulting from tobacco production. Among these health problems, the suicide is alarming. This research aimed to analyze how economic relationships with tobacco companies can impact the mental health of tobacco farmers, contributing to unfavorable outcomes in the case of the families interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with family members of tobacco farmers that committed suicide and social actors that follow up these farmers. The interviews were analyzed according to the interpretive phenomenological method and the results were grouped into two categories of analysis: 1) tobacco growing as part of a local culture and identity, and 2) the working relationship between tobacco farmers and tobacco industries. Tobacco farmers have difficulties in selling tobacco due to problems with their representative institutions, in addition to indebtedness, caused by an oppressive system that keeps tobacco farmers subordinate to tobacco processing industries at a technical and capital level

O impacto da exposição química sobre o transcriptoma de trabalhadores formais e informais / The impact of chemical exposure on the transcriptome of formal and informal workers

Introdução: Exposições químicas podem variar em populações geograficamente distintas, com diferentes hábitos, estilos de vida e características individuais. Alguns elementos químicos encontrados no ambiente são capazes de alterar a expressão gênica humana. Objetivos: a) quantificar as concentrações de elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPTs: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, e Zn) na urina da população de Limeira, e nas peças de joias e pó de solda; b) quantificar as concentrações de EPTs no sangue dos participantes de Limeira e Volta Redonda; c) avaliar os riscos de doenças associadas à exposição ocupacional; d) avaliar o impacto da exposição ocupacional na expressão gênica de trabalhadores formais e informais. Métodos: O grupo Exposto foi composto por trabalhadores informais que realizam soldagem de joias e bijuterias em ambiente domiciliar na cidade de Limeira, SP; e por trabalhadores formais da Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional, em Volta Redonda, RJ. O grupo Controle incluiu moradores dos mesmos bairros dos trabalhadores, mas que não desenvolviam nenhuma atividade diretamente relacionada à exposição química. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para quantificação de glicose, insulina, perfil lipídico, EPTs e para análise transcriptômica. Em Limeira, também foi quantificada a concentração de EPTs na urina. Para transcriptômica, o RNA foi extraído e hibridizado com Agilent SurePrint G3 Human Gene Expression 8x60K v2 Microarray. O pré-processamento, análise estatística e de vias de interesse foram realizados no software GeneSpring GX. Todos os participantes preencheram questionários sobre hábitos, percepção de risco, morbidade referida e exposição ocupacional. A associação entre exposição a EPTs e desfechos de saúde foi testada por modelo de regressão de Poisson multivariado. Resultados: Nos trabalhadores informais, foram detectados 16 genes superexpressos e 33 subexpressos em comparação com os controles (fold-change > 2). A análise de vias indicou genes enriquecidos em vias do processo inflamatório (quimiocinas MAPK, receptor Toll-like e NF-kappa B). Nos trabalhadores formais, foram encontrados 20 genes superexpressos e 50 subexpressos, com vias relacionadas à resposta imune e ao processo de aterosclerose. O único gene diferencialmente expresso (DEG) em comum nas duas populações foi o IFI27 relacionado na literatura a diferentes tipos de câncer. A produção informal de joias de Limeira foi associada a exposição dos trabalhadores ao Cd, com concentrações significativamente maiores na urina e no sangue dos trabalhadores comparado aos controles. Além disso, foi observada uma associação positiva entre as concentrações de Cd no sangue e a glicemia. As concentrações de As e Pb também foram maiores no sangue dos trabalhadores informais comparado aos controles, sendo que participantes com concentrações de Pb superiores a 2,6 µg dL-1 apresentaram prevalência de manifestações neurológicas 2,3 vezes maior (IC 95%: 1,17 - 4,58; p = 0,02). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas nos EPTs entre os grupos de Volta Redonda, provavelmente devido ao uso de equipamentos de proteção individual e à poluição ambiental na região. Conclusão: As diferenças na expressão gênica relacionadas à exposição ocupacional estão associadas, principalmente, à inflamação e à resposta imune. Os resultados sugerem que a exposição ocupacional prolongada a elementos tóxicos pode levar a consequências negativas para a saúde, como por exemplo, um aumento da prevalência de manifestações neurológicas. Os resultados exploratórios desta tese são um ponto de partida para estudos em populações sensíveis e pouco estudadas, especialmente, de países em desenvolvimento. Análises adicionais devem ser realizadas para investigar efeitos diretos e validar associações causais.

Introduction: Chemical exposures may vary in geographically distinct populations, with different habits, lifestyles, and individual characteristics. Objectives: a) to determine potentially toxic elements' (EPTs: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn) in the urine of the population of Limeira, and in jewelry pieces and soldering powder; b) determine the PTEs concentrations in the participants' blood from Limeira and Volta Redonda municipalities; c) investigate disease risks associated with occupational exposure; d) to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure on gene expression profile. Methods: The exposed group was composed of informal workers who perform soldering of jewelry inside their houses in the city of Limeira, SP; and formal workers from a steel company in the city of Volta Redonda, RJ. Control participants were recruited from the same neighborhoods without occupational chemical exposure. Blood samples were collected for blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and PTE determinations, and for transcriptomic analysis. In Limeira, PTE concentration in urine was also determined. RNA was extracted and hybridized to Agilent SurePrint G3 Human Gene Expression 8x60K v2 Microarray for transcriptomics analysis. Pre-processing, statistical, and pathway analysis were performed in GeneSpring GX software. All participants completed questionnaires about household risk, reported morbidity, and occupational exposure. The association between PTEs exposure and health outcomes was tested by a multivariable robust Poisson regression model. Results: 16 up- and 33 down-regulated genes (fold-change > 2) were observed in the informal workers. Pathway analysis revealed genes enriched in inflammatory process (MAPK, Toll-like receptor, and NF-kappa B chemokine signaling pathways). In formal workers, 20 up- and 50 down-regulated genes were found with pathways related to immune response and atherosclerosis development. The gene IFI27 which has been associated with various types of cancer was the only one commonly differentially expressed between informal and formal workers. Informal jewelry production in Limeira increased exposure to Cd, with significantly higher concentrations in the urine and blood of informal exposed workers compared to controls. Furthermore, a positive association was observed between blood Cd concentrations and glycemia. The blood concentration of As and Pb were also Participants with Pb concentrations higher than 2.6 µg dL-1 showed a prevalence of neurological manifestations 2.3 times higher (95% CI: 1.17 - 4.58; p = 0.02) than those with lower lead concentrations. No significant differences were observed between formal workers from Volta Redonda and their control group, probably, because of the use of individual protection equipment and the environmental pollution in the region. Conclusion: Differences in gene expression related to occupational exposure are mainly associated with inflammation and immune response. The results suggest that prolonged occupational exposure to toxic elements could lead to negative health outcomes, such as higher prevalence of neurological manifestations. These exploratory results are a starting point for analysis in sensitive and understudied populations, especially in developing countries. Further analysis should be carried out to investigate its direct effects and to validate causal associations.

Fatores associados a acidentes com exposição a material biológico de trabalhadores da saúde da atenção básica e da média complexidade em cinco municípios baianos / Factors associated with occupational accidents involving exposure to biological material in primary care and medium complexity among workers in five municipalities in Bahia, Brazil

Resumo Introdução no trabalho em saúde podem ocorrer os acidentes de trabalho com exposição a material biológico, potencial fonte de infecção para doenças graves. Objetivo estimar os fatores associados aos acidentes com exposição a material biológico entre trabalhadores da saúde da atenção básica e da média complexidade. Método estudo transversal, exploratório, realizado com trabalhadores da atenção básica e da média complexidade em cinco municípios baianos. O processamento dos dados incluiu análises descritivas, uni e multivariadas. Resultados a incidência dos acidentes de trabalho com exposição a material biológico foi de 3,4%, atingindo a faixa etária entre 19 a 33 anos (RR: 2,06; IC 95%: 1,2 - 3,4), revelando ausência de prática regular de atividade de lazer (RR: 1,8; IC 95%:1,1-2,8), atuação na média complexidade (RR: 1,8; IC 95%: 1,2-2,8), exposição a agentes biológicos (RR: 3,7; IC 95%: 2,4 - 5,9) e trabalho de alta exigência (RR: 1,9; IC 95%: 1,1 - 3,3). Conclusão verifica-se ser necessária a priorização dos trabalhadores da saúde em ações de vigilância em ambientes de trabalho e programas voltados à prevenção dos acidentes como compromisso da área de saúde do trabalhador no Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract Background: i n health work, work accidents may occur with exposure to biological material, a potential source of infection for serious diseases. Objective To estimate the factors associated with occupational accidents with exposure to biological material among health workers in primary care and medium complexity. Method A cross-sectional and exploratory study was carried out with primary care and medium complexity workers in five municipalities in Bahia, Brazil. Data processing included descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses. Results The incidence of occupational accidents with exposure to biological material was 3.4%. The associated factors were age group of 19 to33 years (RR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.2 - 3.4), absence of regular leisure activity (RR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1- 2.8), acting in medium complexity (RR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.8), exposure to biological agents (RR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.4 - 5, 9), and high-strain jobs (RR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1 - 3.3). Conclusion It is necessary to prioritize workers' health in actions to monitor work environments and programs aimed at preventing accidents as a commitment in occupational health, in the Unified Health System (SUS).

Protecting healthcare workers during a pandemic: what can a WHO collaborating centre research partnership contribute? / Protección de los trabajadores de salud durante una pandemia: ¿qué puede aportar una alianza para la investigación entre centros colaboradores de la OMS? / Proteção dos trabalhadores da saúde em uma pandemia: qual seria a contribuição de uma parceria de pesquisa entre centros colaboradores da OMS?

ABSTRACT Objectives. To ascertain whether and how working as a partnership of two World Health Organization collaborating centres (WHOCCs), based respectively in the Global North and Global South, can add insights on "what works to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) during a pandemic, in what contexts, using what mechanism, to achieve what outcome". Methods. A realist synthesis of seven projects in this research program was carried out to characterize context (C) (including researcher positionality), mechanism (M) (including service relationships) and outcome (O) in each project. An assessment was then conducted of the role of the WHOCC partnership in each study and overall. Results. The research found that lower-resourced countries with higher economic disparity, including South Africa, incurred greater occupational health risk and had less acceptable measures to protect HCWs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic than higher-income more-equal counterpart countries. It showed that rigorously adopting occupational health measures can indeed protect the healthcare workforce; training and preventive initiatives can reduce workplace stress; information systems are valued; and HCWs most at-risk (including care aides in the Canadian setting) can be readily identified to trigger adoption of protective actions. The C-M-O analysis showed that various ways of working through a WHOCC partnership not only enabled knowledge sharing, but allowed for triangulating results and, ultimately, initiatives for worker protection. Conclusions. The value of an international partnership on a North-South axis especially lies in providing contextualized global evidence regarding protecting HCWs as a pandemic emerges, particularly with bi-directional cross-jurisdiction participation by researchers working with practitioners.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar si la asociación de dos centros colaboradores de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, ubicados uno en el hemisferio norte y el otro en el hemisferio sur, puede aportar información sobre "qué es necesario para proteger a los trabajadores de salud durante una pandemia, en qué contextos, con qué mecanismos, con el objetivo de lograr qué resultados". Métodos. Se realizó una síntesis realista de siete proyectos en este programa de investigación para caracterizar el contexto (C) (incluida la posición del investigador), el mecanismo (M) (incluidas las relaciones de servicio) y el resultado (R) en cada proyecto. A continuación, se realizó una evaluación del papel que desempeñó la alianza de centros colaboradores de la OMS en términos generales y en cada estudio. Resultados. En la investigación se encontró que los países de escasos recursos con mayor disparidad económica, como Sudáfrica, incurrieron en un mayor riesgo para la salud ocupacional y tenían medidas menos aceptables para proteger a los trabajadores de salud al inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19 que los países homólogos de mayores ingresos y mayor equidad. Se de mostró que la adopción rigurosa de medidas de salud ocupacional puede proteger al personal de salud; la capacitación y las iniciativas preventivas pueden reducir el estrés en el lugar de trabajo; los sistemas de información se consideran valiosos; y los trabajadores de salud de mayor riesgo (como los asistentes de atención en el entorno canadiense) pueden identificarse con facilidad para la adopción de medidas de protección. El análisis de C-M-R mostró que las diferentes formas de trabajar por medio de una alianza de centros colaboradores de la OMS no solo facilitaron el intercambio de conocimientos, sino que además permitieron triangular los resultados y, en última instancia, las iniciativas para la protección de los trabajadores. Conclusiones. El valor de una alianza internacional radica especialmente en proporcionar evidencia mundial contextualizada sobre la protección de los trabajadores de salud cuando surge una situación de pandemia, particularmente con la participación bidireccional entre distintas jurisdicciones de investigadores que trabajan con el personal de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo. Determinar se, e como, o trabalho em parceria entre dois centros colaboradores da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), localizados no Norte e no Sul global, pode contribuir com conhecimento sobre "o que é eficaz para proteger os trabalhadores da saúde em uma pandemia, em que contextos, com que mecanismos e para obter quais resultados". Métodos. Foi realizada uma síntese realista de sete projetos de pesquisa do programa da OMS para determinar o contexto (C) (incluindo a posicionalidade dos pesquisadores), o mecanismo (M) (incluindo as relações entre os serviços) e o resultado (O, do inglês outcome) de cada projeto e avaliar o papel da parceria entre os centros colaboradores em cada estudo e em geral. Resultados. Este estudo demonstrou que, nos países de baixa renda com maior desigualdade econômica (por exemplo, na África do Sul), o risco à saúde ocupacional foi maior e as medidas adotadas para proteger os trabalhadores da saúde na pandemia de COVID-19 foram menos adequadas em comparação ao observado em países comparáveis de alta renda com menor desigualdade. Verificou-se que a adoção rigorosa de medidas de saúde ocupacional efetivamente protege os trabalhadores da saúde, e que iniciativas de prevenção e capacitação dos profissionais reduzem o estresse no trabalho. Também se reconhece a importância dos sistemas de informação e que o pessoal com maior risco de exposição ao vírus (incluindo os cuidadores auxiliares, no caso do Canadá) pode ser prontamente identificado para que sejam adotadas medidas de proteção. A análise do tipo C-M-O indicou que as diferentes formas de trabalho em parceria entre os centros colaboradores possibilitaram não apenas dividir conhecimentos, mas também compartilhar resultados e, sobretudo, iniciativas para a proteção dos trabalhadores da saúde. Conclusões. A parceria internacional no eixo Norte-Sul é particularmente importante para obter evidências globais contextualizadas relativas à proteção dos trabalhadores da saúde em uma situação de pandemia, com a participação bidirecional entre foros de pesquisadores que trabalham com o pessoal da saúde.

Tendência dos acidentes de trabalho no agronegócio em Mato Grosso, Brasil, 2008 a 2017 / Agribusiness occupational accidents trend in Mato Grosso, Brazil, 2008 to 2017

Objetivo: analisar a distribuição espacial e temporal dos indicadores de acidentes de trabalho (AT) e de outros agravos à saúde relacionados à produção agropecuária de Mato Grosso, no período de 2008 a 2017. Métodos: trata-se de estudo ecológico, com análise de tendência e correlação entre indicadores de produção agropecuária, florestal, mineral e AT. Resultados: as atividades econômicas do agronegócio com maior contribuição aos AT foram: abate e fabricação de produtos de carnes (16,9%) e agricultura (12,3%). Taxas de AT mais elevadas foram observadas nos municípios considerados os maiores produtores agropecuários (Paranatinga, Barra do Garças, Alta Floresta e Sorriso). Evidenciou-se que 58,4% dos AT no estado foram relacionados ao agronegócio. Foi encontrada correlação positiva e significativa entre o valor adicionado bruto e a taxa de incidência (r = 0,303; p < 0,001), mortalidade (r = 0,368; p < 0,001) e letalidade (r = 0,390; p < 0,001) por AT. Identificou-se tendência crescente na variação percentual anual de 7,3% (IC95%: 6,1;8,6) do esforço produtivo (hectare/habitante), de 6,2% (IC95%: 5,2;7,3) do esforço produtivo (exposição agrotóxico/habitante) e de 6,2% (IC95%: 4,1;8,3) das internações por neoplasias, bem como do crescimento da produção agrícola, dos insumos agrícolas e dos agravos à saúde. Conclusão: a maioria dos AT foram relacionados ao agronegócio, predominantemente nas atividades de frigoríficos e agricultura. Houve correlação positiva entre indicadores de produção agropecuária e de ocorrências e mortes por AT.

Objective: to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of occupational accident (OA) indicators and other agribusiness-related health issues in Mato Grosso, Brazil, from 2008 to 2017. Methods: ecological study using trend analysis and correlation calculation between agricultural, forestry, mineral production and OA indicators. Results: slaughtering and meat production (16.9%) and agriculture (12.3%) were the agribusiness activities with the highest contribution to OA. Municipalities considered the largest agricultural producers (Paratininga, Barra do Garças, Alta Floresta and Sorriso) showed the highest OA rates. Of the OA registered in the state, 58.4% were agribusiness-related. Gross value added presented a positive and significant correlation with the incidence rate (r = 0.303; p < 0.001), mortality (r = 0.368; p < 0.001) and lethality (r = 0.390; p < 0.001) by OA. Analysis showed an increasing trend in the annual percentage variation of 7.3% (95%CI: 6.1;8.6) in productive effort (hectare/ inhabitant), 6.2% (95%CI: 5.2;7.3) in productive effort (pesticide exposure/inhabitant), and 6.2% (95%CI: 4.1;8.3) in hospitalizations for neoplasms, as well as the growth of agricultural production, agricultural inputs, and health problems. Conclusion: most OAs were related to agribusiness, mainly in meatpacking plants and agriculture. There was a positive correlation between indicators of agricultural production and occupational-related accidents and deaths.

Risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a tertiary health institution in Lagos, Nigeria

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and identifiable risk factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a real-world clinical setting. Design: Cross-sectional study among patients with COPD. Setting: The Respiratory clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Participants: Consecutive patients with spirometry confirmed COPD on follow-up for ≥3 months. There were 79 participants. Intervention: None Main outcome measure: COPD risk factors, disease severity, comorbidities, and the severity of airflow limitation. Results: The mean age of the participants was 63.3± 12.4 years, and 47 (59.5) were male. There was a high symptom burden (73.4% had COPD assessment test (CAT) score >10), 33 (41.8%) and 4 (5.1%) had GOLD 3 and GOLD 4 airflow limitation, respectively. Risk factors were identified for 96.2% of the participants: history of asthma in 37 (46.8%), tobacco smoking 22 (27.8%), occupational exposure 15 (19%), biomass exposure 5 (6.6%), post-tuberculosis 3 (3.8%), old age (3.8%), and prematurity 1 (1.3%). Fifty-nine (74.7%) had Asthma COPD Overlap (ACO). There were no significant associations between the risk factors and disease severity. Participants with ACO had lower lung function and a high frequency of allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: Asthma was the most commonly identifiable risk factor for COPD, underscoring asthma risk reduction and management optimisation as priorities toward COPD burden mitigation. Future studies need to validate these findings and identify the predominant COPD phenotypes in our setting.

Investigation on health status of workers exposed to glyphosate / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To analyze the concentrations of glyphosate and its metabolites in occupational exposed workers and their possible effects on human health, so as to provide a reference for improving the safe use of glyphosate and toxicity research. Methods: From April to December 2020, 247 workers directly exposed to glyphosate in 5 enterprises were selected as the contact group, and 237 workers who were not exposed to glyphosate and other pesticides in the same enterprise were selected as the control group. Questionnaire survey and occupational health examination were conducted on objects, and the concentrations of glyphosate and its metabolites in the air of workplaces and biological samples were detected. The correlation between the concentrations and the difference of health examination between the two groups were analyzed. Results: The urine glyphosate concentration (0.022-47.668 mg/L), the rate of exceeding the standard (60.32%, 149/247) and the urine aminomethyl phosphonic acid concentration (<0.010-1.624 mg/L) in the contact group were higher than those in the control group [urine glyphosate concentration (<0.020-4.482 mg/L), the rate of exceeding the standard (2.53%, 6/237) and the urine aminomethyl phosphonic acid concentration (<0.010-0.524 mg/L) ], respectively (P<0.001). The exceeding standard rate of glyphosate concentration in the workplace was 33.67% (33/98). The concentration of glyphosate in the workplace was positively correlated with the concentrations of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in urine (r(s)=0.804, 0.238, P<0.001), and the concentration of glyphosate in urine was positively correlated with the concentration of aminomethylphosphonic acid in urine (r(s)=0.549, P<0.001). The alanine aminotransferase (ALT), white cell ratio, creatinine, uric acid, the abnormal rates of ALT and total protein (TP) in the contact group were higher than those in the control group, and TP was lower than that in the control group, the differences were statistically different (P<0.05). The abnormal rates of overall liver function, overall renal function, blood routine test, urine routine test, electrocardiogram, liver B ultrasound and blood lipid in the contact group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The concentration of glyphosate in the workplace is related to the concentrations of glyphosate and aminomethyl phosphonic acid in the urine of workers, and exposure to glyphosate may have some harmful effects on human health.

Research progress of occupational hazards in plywood manufacturing / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Occupational disease hazards in plywood manufacturing mainly include wood dust, formaldehyde, phenol, ammonia, noise, terpene, microorganisms, etc. The exposure is complex with multiple factors accompanied or coexisted. In the production process, these factors are exceeded, and mass occupational disease hazard events occurred among workers. Exposure to wood dust, formaldehyde, terpene, etc., put workers at increased risk of cancer. This article provides a review of this issue in order to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of occupational disease hazards in plywood manufacturing.

41 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritating chemicals / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To analyze the case characteristics of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritant chemicals (OI-COPD). To provide basis for revising its diagnostic criteria. Methods: From June to December 2021, we investigated the information of OI-COPD patients confirmed by Shandong Institute of Occupational Health and Prevention of Occupational Diseases, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Control, Qingdao Central Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University and other diagnostic institutions in the past five years, a total of 41 cases. The basic information of OI-COPD cases, occupational risk factors exposure information, medical history, smoking history and clinical symptoms were analyzed retrospectively. The measurement data were tested for normal distribution, which was described by x±s, and compared between groups by t test; Those who do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] and analyzed by nonparametric test; The counting data were expressed in frequency and rate (% ), and the comparison between groups was tested. Results: Of the 41 cases, 33 were male and 8 were female. The age of the patient diagnosed with OI-COPD was (49.5±10.3) years old, and the minimum age was 30 years old; Among them, 8 patients had a definite long-term smoking history (more than 5 years) ; The exposure duration of occupational risk factors was (18.6±10.3) years, of which 3 patients had exposure duration of less than 5 years; The occupational risk factors leading to OI-COPD include acids and acid-forming compounds, bases, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, chlorine and its compounds, etc. The exposure level of occupational risk factors is related to the degree of COPD airflow restriction (χ(2)=6.17, P <0.05). 18 patients with diagnosis age <50 years old were diagnosed as early-onset COPD. The incidence of respiratory symptoms in the early diagnosis COPD group was lower than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group, and the FEV1% pred was significantly higher than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01 ) . Conclusion: The exposure level of occupational risk factors may be the risk factor affecting the degree of COPD airflow restriction. With the increase of the exposure level of COPD patients, the proportion of respiratory symptoms will also increase accordingly.

Analysis of dust and noise exposure levels in the mining industry from the national surveillance program in 2019 / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To understand the exposure level of dust and noise in the mining industry and provide data support for revising policy for the prevention and control of occupational diseases. Methods: In May 2022, Data was collected through the National Surveillance Program for Occupational Hazards in the Workplace. Descriptive analysis was conducted for dust and noise levels by industry type and enterprise size from 7, 679 enterprises in the mining industry among 29 provincial regions nationwide. Results: The enterprises in the mining industry included in the National Surveillance Program for Occupational Hazards in the Workplace are mainly small and micro, accounting for 47.97% (3684/7679) and 30.00% (230/7679) respectively. The industry is mainly compred of employers in the non-metallic ming and beneficiation industry, accounting for 50.25% (3859/7679). Among the enterprises with silica dust, coal dust, and noise hazards, the proportion of enterprises where total dust concentration and noise intensity exceed the standard is higher than 50%. 30% of the posts are with an exposure level of silica dust, coal dust, and noise that exceeds the standard. The exceedance rate and the median of the time-weighted average concentration of total coal dust among large and medium-sized enterprises are higher than those among small and micro-sized enterprises (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The dust and noise hazards in the mining industry are lower than in the past in China, but more than 25% of workers are still at a high risk of occupational pneumoconiosis and noise deafness. Therefore, intervention and surveillance strategies should be strengthened in the future.