Evaluating awareness of health risks and self-reported symptoms among nail technicians in Johannesburg, South Africa ­ a pilot study

Background: The professional nailcare industry is expanding rapidly in South Africa. Nail treatment involves the use of solvents and acrylates. Exposure to these chemicals is associated with skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation, and neurological and reproductive health effects. Objective: To test the feasibility of conducting a study on formal and informal nail technicians, which included testing a self-developed questionnaire, and to collect preliminary data about their knowledge and awareness of health risks associated with exposure to chemicals in nail products, and associated symptoms. Methods: A self-developed questionnaire was administered to 10 formal and 10 informal nail technicians working in conveniently selected nail salons in Johannesburg. Work practices and exposure control measures were observed. Demographic characteristics, working conditions, awareness of health risks, and self-reported symptoms in the two groups are presented as frequency distributions. Results: Poor phrasing was identified in some of the questions. Participants provided the correct terminology to describe nail services. The revised questionnaire comprised 39 questions. Seven of the informal nail technicians were male while all the formal nail technicians were female. Informal nail technicians worked longer hours per week than formal nail technicians (median of 61.5 and 46.5 hours, respectively) and reported more symptoms. Informal nail technicians used a wider range of nail products than formal nail technicians and used some unknown brands. Although all participants indicated that they were aware of health risks associated with nail products, only four of the formal nail technicians and one informal nail technician reported receiving training (although not specific to health and safety). Informal nail technicians reported using personal protective equipment (PPE); however, this practice was inconsistent, and they used the incorrect PPE. Conclusions: We showed that conducting a larger study in nail technicians is feasible. The questionnaire was revised to include more information about the chemical content of nail products, a wider range of symptoms, the frequency of their occurrence, and the work-relatedness nature of the self-reported symptoms. A knowledge gap was identified among nail technicians relating to risks associated with exposure to chemicals in nail products. The questionnaire was refined to assess more accurately nail technicians' understanding of exposure and awareness of health risks associated with chemicals in nail products.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss in platinum miners: what do the data tell us?

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is one of the most common occupational health diseases affecting miners in South Africa. Accurate and appropriate medical data are essential for making valid diagnoses. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the electronic records of a South African platinum mine's audiometry medical surveillance system and their role in early diagnosis of ONIHL. Ear-related conditions of affected miners, occupations, and noise levels were concurrently reviewed, and the characteristics of miners with and without ONIHL were described. Methods: This was an analysis of secondary data from the electronic audiometry and employee occupational records of 305 platinum mine workers for the period 2014 to 2017. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Although the audiometry records contained appropriate and relevant data, including annual hearing screening percentage loss of hearing (PLH) shifts, there was evidence of inaccurate and insufficient recording of risk factors for hearing loss in the medical surveillance records. The records indicated that the miners in some occupations were exposed to dangerously high noise levels, exceeding 85 dB(A). Miners as young as 21 years of age were diagnosed with ONIHL. Conclusion: The insufficient and inaccurate data captured in the miners' records has important implications for the mine's efficient implementation of hearing conservation programme (HCP) elements aimed at mitigating ONIHL. The hazardous noise levels recorded call for increased attempts to meet noise level regulations, while the presence of conditions such as pseudohypacusis highlights the need for exploration of more reliable assessment measures

Sugars levels of four sugarcane genotypes in different stem portions during the maturation phase

ABSTRACT Maturation is a characteristic of sugarcane plant (Saccharum spp.) and even when grown under the same soil and climate conditions the varieties differ on the maturation curve. Thus, studies that allow establishing maturation curves of different sugarcane genotypes in the local soil and climate may indicate the proper harvesting period to ensure better quality of the raw material. This study aimed to analyze the levels of soluble sugars during the maturation phase and assess the technological and productivity indexes of four irrigated sugarcane genotypes in the region of Rio Largo, Alagoas. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks in a 4 x 2 x 5 factorial: four genotypes (RB92579, RB98710, RB99395 and RB961003), two stem portions (internodes 1-4 and internodes 5-8) and five seasons (82, 49, 25, 13 and 3 days before harvesting), each treatment with three replications. Internodes 1-4 showed the highest levels of reducing sugars, while the largest accumulation of sucrose and total soluble solids occurred in internodes 5-8. RB99395 genotype showed more stability in the sugar levels during sugarcane maturation, which can indicate early maturation and high agricultural yield.

Consumer practices for purchase, storage, and preparation of poultry and eggs in selected north and South American countries: a pilot study / Comportamiento de los consumidores durante la compra, almacenamiento y preparación de carne de ave y huevos en países seleccionados de Norte y Sur América: un estudio piloto

Background: Poultry, eggs, and their products represent a potential food safety hazard. Although consumer practices related to these foods have been studied in various countries, little data exists from Latin America. Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to provide initial data to characterize consumers' purchase, storage, handling, and preparation of poultry products and eggs in three countries: Argentina, Colombia, and USA. Methods: Consumers (n = 425 total) in each location completed a questionnaire about poultry products and egg purchase locations, storage conditions (i.e. refrigerator or freezer), preparation and handling practices, and managing leftovers. Results: The results indicated that in the USA most surveyed consumers purchased refrigerated eggs, whereas in Argentina (91%) and Colombia (84%) eggs typically were purchased at room temperature. Furthermore, almost all consumers in the USA stored eggs in the refrigerator, but 23% of Argentinian and 45.9% of Colombian consumers stored eggs at room temperature, which is potentially an unsafe practice. Some practices supported possible cross-contamination, for example washing raw eggs and poultry prior to cooking. Conclusions: These results are a first comparison across countries in the Americas of consumer poultry and egg practices and can serve as the basis for further research and development of food safety educational messages.

Antecedentes: Aves de corral, huevos, y sus productos representan un potencial peligro en la seguridad alimentaria. Prácticas de consumo relacionadas con estos alimentos han sido estudiadas en varios países, pero pocos datos existen de Latinoamérica. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio piloto fue proveer información de manera de caracterizar la compra, almacenaje, y preparación de aves de corral y huevos en tres países: Argentina, Colombia, y Estados Unidos. Métodos: Consumidores (n=425 en total) en cada locación, completaron cuestionarios acerca del comercio de compra de aves de corral y huevos, condiciones de almacenamiento (e.j. refrigerador o freezer), preparación y prácticas de manipulación, y manipulación de sobras. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que en Estados Unidos, la mayoría de los consumidores encuestados adquiere huevos almacenados en refrigeración, mientras que en Argentina (91%) y Colombia (84%) los huevos adquiridos estaban almacenados a temperatura ambiente. Asimismo, casi la totalidad de los consumidores en Estados Unidos almacenan los huevos en refrigeración, mientras que un 23% y un 45.9% de consumidores Argentinos y Colombianos, respectivamente almacenan huevos a temperatura ambiente, lo cual potencialmente significa una práctica no segura. Algunas prácticas sostienen posible contaminación cruzada, por ejemplo el lavado de aves y huevos previos a la cocción. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran una primera comparación entre países de América sobre las prácticas de consumo de aves de corral y huevos, que servirán como base para futuras investigaciones y desarrollos de mensajes educacionales sobre seguridad alimentaria.

A South African database of samples analysed for the presence of asbestos

Background: Asbestos mining and other activities have left a legacy of environmental contamination. Asbestos was used in a large number of manufactured products but little is documented about the nature and location of these products. Compliance with asbestos regulations depends on accurate identification of the presence of asbestos. The National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) has been identifying asbestos for regulatory purposes since 2003. Objective: To analyse a database of samples submitted for asbestos analysis to the NIOH. Methods: Asbestos was identified using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The data were analysed using STATISTICA version 11. Results: From 2003 to 2012; 1514 samples were analysed. Asbestos was identified in 59.9 of the bulk samples and crocidolite was present in 45.4 of these. Information about samples containing asbestos; including their origin and associated activities; are described. Conclusions: Although asbestos is no longer mined or used in South Africa; workers remain at risk of exposure due to asbestos-containing materials which persist in the environment. Knowledge of these materials gained from routinely collected data may assist in the safe removal of asbestos and prevent further adverse health =effects

Profile of dual tobacco users in India: An analysis from Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2009-10.

Introduction: Individuals who use both smoked and smokeless tobacco products (dual tobacco users) form a special group about which little is known. This group is especially relevant to India, where smokeless tobacco use is very common. The aim of this study was to characterise the profile of dual users, study their pattern of initiation to the second product, their attitudes toward quittingas well as their cessation profile. Methods and Materials: The GATS dataset for India was analyzed using SPSS; . Results: In India, dual tobacco users (42.3 million; 5.3% of all adults; 15.4% of all tobacco users) have a profile similar to that of smokers. Some 52.6% of dual users started both practices within 2 years. The most prevalent product combination was bidi-khaini (1.79%) followed by bidi-gutka (1.50%), cigarette-khaini (1.28%), and cigarette-gutka (1.22%). Among daily users, the correlation between the daily frequencies of the use of each product was very high for most product combinations. While 36.7% of dual users were interested in quitting, only 5.0% of dual users could do so. The prevalence of ex-dual users was 0.4%. Conclusion: Dual users constitute a large, high-risk group that requires special attention.

The effect of aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Sorrel) calyces on heamatological profile and organ pathological changes in Trypanasoma congolense ­ infected rat

Abstract: The effects of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces on haematology and pathological changes in some selected organs during experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection of rats were investigated. Three groups of rats were intraperitoneally infected with T. congolense (Karu stock). One group was administered with the aqueous extract and another given a solution of vitamin C in drinking water; the remaining infected group was left untreated. Data from these groups were compared with those of two groups of healthy rats, one of which was similarly treated with the aqueous extract. The experiment was terminated three weeks, post-infection (pi). The uninfected and infected rats administered the extract consumed the equivalent of 9.94 mg ­ and 9.61 mg ascorbic acid / 100g / day during the experiment. Consumption of the extract significantly (p<0.01) retarded the rate of weight gain in both healthy and infected rats; even though the feed-intake was not significantly affected. After two weeks of infection the extract and vitamin C kept the parasitaemia significantly (p<0.01) lower than the untreated infected group. The anaemia in the untreated infected group was significantly (p<0.01) more severe than that of the corresponding extract- or vitamin-treated groups. Trypanosoma congolense infection caused significant (p<0.01) decreases in serum total proteins and albumin; serum and organ ascorbic acid as well as significant (p<0.01) elevation of serum alanine amino transferase levels in untreated rats. Consumption of the extract or vitamin C, however, prevented these disease­induced anomalies in the treated infected rats. Serum creatinine and urea levels were not affected by infection but the extract elevated these parameters significantly (p<0.01) above infection levels. It was concluded that consumption of the extract ameliorated the pathological changes in blood and organs of T. congolense-infected rats

Fuentes de poder de las aseguradoras frente a las prestadoras hospitalarias en el sistema de salud colombiano: el caso de la concentración industrial / Insurance power sources facing hospital providers in the colombian health system: the case of the industrial concentration

El sistema de salud colombiano presenta evidencia del poder de mercado de las entidades promotoras de salud (EPS) con respecto a las instituciones prestadoras de salud (IPS) hospitalarias. El trabajo pone esta hipótesis sobre un piso de la evidencia empírica y muestra que la concentración de las EPS hoy en día es más alta que la de las IPS. Los hospitales tratan de defenderse, construyendo - islas- de concentración en unas especialidades selectas. Sin embargo, las especialidades más concentradas no llegan al nivel de la concentración de las aseguradoras. El desequilibrio en el grado de la concentración explica el poder de mercado ejercido por las EPS respecto a las IPS. El poder de mercado funciona como una de las causas que explican la difícil situación financiera de las IPS. Se sugieren medidas para corregir dicha situación.

The Colombian health system illustrates evidence of the market power of health insurance entities (EPS) with respect to hospital institutions (IPS). The study illustrates this hypothesis with empiric evidence and shows that the concentration of EPS entities is higher than that of IPS entities. Hospitals try to defend themselves, building concentration “islands” in select specialties. However, this concentration of specialties does not reach the level of concentration of the insurance entities. This lack of balance in the degree of concentration explains the marketpower executed by EPS entities in respect with IPS entities. The market power functions as one of the causes that explain the difficult financial situation of IPSs. It is recommended to find measures to correct this situation.

La incertidumbre del entorno en que trabaja la cadena de prestación de servicios de salud / The uncertainty of the environment at which there is employed the chain of health care services

El trabajo aplica el marco conceptual de la incertidumbre, desarrollado por la teoría organizacional, al sector salud en Colombia. Las fuentes primarias y secundarias de información permiten realizar la caracterización y la descripción de la incertidumbre del ambiente. Se encuentra que el ambiente en que trabaja la cadena de salud, es incierto. Se formulan las propuestas y sugerencias para la futura investigación.

Alianza sin confianza: lecciones de la cadena de salud en Colombia / Alliance without confidence: lessons of the chain health in Colombia

Está establecido en la literatura que las relaciones cooperativas entre los proveedores y compradores son fuente de la ventaja competitiva sostenible (Johnson y Scholes, 2001; Lambert, et al., 2005). Esta tendencia es especialmente visible en el sector salud (Torres y Ángel, 2004). Pero aquí ocurre algo raro. La tendencia hacia los híbridos coexiste con una baja confianza (Mudambi y Helper, 1998; Grupo, 2003; Torres, et al., 2004). El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el papel de la confianza dentro de la red de servicios de la salud y explicar la aparente contradicción entre las tendencias a la colaboración y la competencia que se observan en la cadena.

Prioridades en la definición de límites entre aseguradores y prestadores de servicios de salud: aproximación preliminar al régimen contributivo en Bogotá / Priorities in the definition of limits between insurers and lenders of services of health: preliminary approximation to the contributing regime in Bogota

En este artículo se exploran cuáles son los criterios que usan los agentes para la determinación de las formas de gobernación del intercambio económico entre prestadores y aseguradores de servicios de salud en el régimen contributivo en Bogotá. Soportado en : la perspectiva de posicionamiento de la dirección estratégica, la economía de los costos de transacción, la teoría de la contingencia y la teoría institucional.

Prevalence and molecular analysis of Anaplasma platys in dogs in Lara, Venezuela

Amostras de sangue coletadas de cães clinicamente sadios pertencentes ao exército da Venezuela e de seus treinadores foram analisadas pela técnica de PCR 16S rRNA específica para Anaplasma platys, A. phagocytophilum ou Ehrlichia ewingii. Dezesseis por cento (7/43) dos cães foram positivos, enquanto que todas as amostras de origem humana [25] foram negativas para A. platys. Todas as amostras, tanto de humanos quanto de caninos, foram negativas para E. ewingii ou A. phagocytophilum. Doze carrapatos da espécie Rhipicephalus sanguineus, coletados dos cães, foram negativos para A. platys pelo teste de PCR de transcricão reversa. As seqüênciasquase inteiras do gene 16S rRNA (1.364 pb) e do operon groESL (1.646 pb) de A. platys isolado de um cão foram determinadas, revelando que ambas as seqüências estão estreitamente relacionadas às seqüências de A. platys detectadas em carrapatos R. sanguineus na República Democrática do Congo.

Tipificación de las formas de intercambio de servicios de salud: un estudio exploratorio del régimen contributivo en Bogotá / Definition of the forms of interchange health services: an exploratory study of the contributing regime in Bogota

Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar los límites y forma de relación entre aseguradores y prestadores del régimen contributivo en Bogotá, así como relacionar la manera como se organiza el intercambio de servicios de salud con los resultados percibidos por las instituciones prestadoras de servicios de salud /(IPS).

Modified low temp ophthalmic cautery for capsulorhexis

Purpose: To study the use of low temp ophthalmic cautery tip in performing continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and the effect of heat produced by cautery on the corneal endothelium Materials and Methods: The tip of an ordinary low temp ophthalmic cautery was improvised with the use of stylet of a Simcoe I&A, fashioned like a Sinskey IOL manipulator. 20 rabbits were used in this experiment -10 right eyes served as cases and 10 left eyes as controls. In the experimental eyes, viscoelastic was injected prior to a 7mm capsulorhexis; in the control eyes, no capsulorhexis was done. The cornea of both experimental and control were removed in toto and submitted for histopathologic studies Results: A complete capsulorhexis was performed in all 10 experimental eyes. The anterior capsular flap adheres to the advancing cautery tip; continuous and circular capsulorhexis was observed. There was no significant difference observed between the experimental and control groups regarding endothelial cell loss Conclusion: The modified low temp ophthalmic cautery tip produced a complete capsulorhexis, with no effect on the corneal endothelium.

Trombocitopenia induzida por heparina / Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

O objetivo deste relato é fazer uma revisão a fim de obter informações atualizadas sobre trombocitopenia induzida por heparina, suas manifestações clínicas, seu diagnóstico e seu manejo terapêutico. Após, concluímos que a trombocitopenia induzida por heparina é uma complicação comum em pacientes submetidos a tratamento com heparina, indiferentemente da doença de base. Complicações trombóticas potencialmente fatais têm sido descritas. Por essa razão, se houver suspeita de trombocitopenia induzida por heparina, uma abordagem adequada incluindo suspensão precoce da heparina é mandatória. Produtos que substituem a heparina incluem hirudina e danaparóide sódico. Heparina de baixo peso molecular é contra-indicada

The aim of this paper isto review current information about the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. This was achieved by a bibliographic review using Public Medline and consulting Hematology textbooks. From this study we concluded that heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a common complication of patients exposed to heparin herapy regardless of underlying conditions. Potentially fatal thrombotic complications have been reported. Terefore, if heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is suspected, and adequate approach including early heparin discontinuation is mandatory. Alternative danaparoid sodium. Low-molecular-weight heparin is contratindicated.

Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (tanglad; lemon grass) as a potential antifungal topical eye medication: In vivo study

Preparation of the essential oil of lemon grass was done in collaboration with the Chemical and Minerals Department of DOST. Properly washed and air dried mature leaves of lemon grass were used. Essential oil was extracted by means of hydrodistillation wherein the cut leaves were placed in a 4 liter erlenmeyer flask filled with tap water which was sealed and connected to a Clevenger tube for collection. This was then dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate (Na2SO4). The percentage oil yield of the sample was computed in terms of volume per weight percent. Moisture of free oils were stored in amber colored bottles at 4 degrees centigrade A 1.17 percent has been extracted through this process. The oil obtained was subjected to bioassay gas chromatography. The gas chromatogram found that Citral was the major component with a concentration of 69.39 percent. The physical properties of lemon grass essential oil in Table 1 Antifungal sensitivities were determined with tube dilution methods. The MIC for Fusarium solani was determined at 625 ug/ml and the MFC was at 700 ug/ml. The MIC of Aspergillus was at 500 ug/ml and MFC was at 570 ug/ml.