Respiratory Health Associated with Systemic Metal Exposure in Post 9/11 Veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs Toxic Embedded Fragment Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse respiratory outcomes in post-9/11 Veterans with elevated urinary metal measures and enrolled in the VA's Toxic Embedded Fragment registry were compared to those without elevated urinary metals. METHODS: Veterans completed questionnaires, pulmonary physiology tests (pulmonary function and oscillometry) and provided urine samples for analysis of 13 metals. Respiratory symptoms, diagnoses and physiology measures were compared in Veterans with ≥1 urine metal elevation to those without metal elevations, adjusted for covariates, including smoking. RESULTS: Among 402 study participants, 24% had elevated urine metals, often just exceeding upper limits of reference values. Compared to Veterans without elevated metals, those with elevated metals had had higher FEV1 values but similar frequencies of respiratory symptoms and diagnoses and abnormalities on pulmonary physiology tests. CONCLUSIONS: Mild systemic metal elevations in post 9/11 Veterans are not associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes.

Elastomeric half-mask respirator disinfection practices among healthcare personnel.

BACKGROUND: Disposable N95 respirator shortages during the COVID-19 and 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemics highlighted the need for reusable alternatives, such as elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs). Two US medical organizations deployed reusable EHMRs during the COVID-19 response. In addition to wipe-based disinfection following patient care episodes expected per local policies at both organizations, postshift centralized cleaning and disinfection (C&D) was expected at one site (A), permitting shared-pool EHMR use, and optional at the other (Site B), where EHMRs were issued to individuals. Using a survey, we evaluated disinfection practices reported by EHMR users and predictors of disinfection behaviors and perceptions. METHODS: Surveys assessed EHMR disinfection practices, occupational characteristics, EHMR use frequency, training, and individual-issue versus shared-pool EHMR use. RESULTS: Of 1080 EHMR users completing the survey, 76% reported that they disinfect the EHMR after each patient encounter, which was the expected practice at both sites. Increasing EHMR use, recall of disinfection training, and work in intensive care or emergency settings significantly influenced higher reporting of this practice. 36% of respondents reported using centralized C&D, although reporting was higher at the site (A) where this was expected (53%). Confidence in cleanliness of the EHMR following centralized C&D was not influenced by individual versus shared-pool EHMR issue. CONCLUSIONS: Most EHMR users reported adherence with expected post-care individual-based disinfection of EHMRs but did not necessarily use standardized, centralized C&D. Future efforts to limit reliance on behavior related to respirator disinfection may improve EHMR implementation in healthcare to avert dependence on single-use, disposable N95 respirators.

Economic Impact of Insufficient and Disturbed Sleep in the Workplace.

OBJECTIVE: Insufficient and disturbed sleep are associated with significant morbidity among working-age adults. Poor sleep results in negative health outcomes and increases economic costs to employers. The current systematic review surveyed the peer-reviewed scientific literature and aggregated scientific evidence of sleep-related economic burdens borne by employers. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify peer-reviewed, English language studies evaluating the economic impact of insufficient and disturbed sleep among adult employee populations. An exhaustive literature search was performed using keywords related to sleep, economics, and the workplace. Included were scientific studies (randomized controlled trials, cohort and case control studies, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies) examining specific employee populations with relevant sleep and economic outcomes. Each included study was evaluated for risk of bias and relevant data was extracted and summarized. RESULTS: Sleep problems among employee populations are associated with worsened workplace outcomes, such as presenteeism, absenteeism, and accidents. Sleep problems also increased costs to employers, ranging from US$322 to US$1967 per employee. Interventions to improve sleep, such as the use of blue-light filtering glasses, strategic shift scheduling, and targeted interventions to treat insomnia, may improve workplace outcomes and reduce costs. CONCLUSIONS: This review synthesizes the existing data regarding the negative impacts of insufficient and disturbed sleep on the workplace, suggesting that employers have an economic stake in their employees' sleep. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42021224212.

Restrictive spirometry pattern among construction trade workers.

BACKGROUND: Spirometry-based studies of occupational lung disease have mostly focused on obstructive or mixed obstructive/restrictive outcomes. We wanted to determine if restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) is associated with occupation and increased mortality. METHODS: Study participants included 18,145 workers with demographic and smoking data and repeatable spirometry. The mortality analysis cohort included 15,445 workers with known vital status and cause of death through December 31, 2016. Stratified analyses explored RSP prevalence by demographic and clinical variables and trade. Log-binomial regression models explored RSP risk factors while controlling for important confounders such as smoking, obesity, and comorbidities. Cox regression models explored mortality risk by spirometry category. RESULTS: Prevalence of RSP was very high (28.6%). Mortality hazard ratios for RSP were 1.50 for all causes, 1.86 for cardiovascular diseases, 2.31 for respiratory diseases, and 1.66 for lung cancer. All construction trades except painters, machinists, and roofers had significantly elevated risk for RSP compared to our internal reference group. RSP was significantly associated with both parenchymal and pleural changes seen by chest X-ray. CONCLUSIONS: Construction trade workers are at significantly increased risk for RSP independent of obesity. Individuals with RSP are at increased risk for all-cause mortality as well as mortality attributable to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer. RSP deserves greater attention in occupational medicine and epidemiology.

Surface Contamination of Reusable Respirators and Face Shields During Care of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare workers (HCW) have relied on reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and face shields (FSs). The effectiveness of decontamination procedures outside experimental settings is unclear. We examined the prevalence of surface contamination on reusable PPE used by HCWs at a hospital incorporating daily centralized decontamination and post-use wiping by sampling for common pathogens. METHOD: Samples were collected from HCWs' CleanSpace Halo respirator face masks (FMs) and FSs at the start of shift, immediately after use, and after cleaning with disinfecting wipes. Samples were analyzed for pathogens using the Applied Biosystems™ TaqPath™ COVID-19 Combo Kit and ThermoFisher TaqMan Array Card. Patient charts were reviewed for clinical correlation. FINDINGS: Of the 89 samples, 51 from FMs and 38 from FSs, none tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, despite 58 being obtained from PPE used in the care of patients with COVID-19, many with recent aerosol-generating procedures. Four samples tested positive (4.5%) for Staphylococcus aureus, two each from FMs and FSs. FMs that tested positive were not worn concurrently with FSs that tested positive. The FM and FS samples testing positive were worn in the care of patients without diagnosed S. aureus infection. No FMs tested positive following wipe-based disinfection, but both positive FS samples were found after disinfection wiping. CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Contamination of reusable PPE appears uncommon, especially with SARS-CoV-2, when regular decontamination programs are in place. The rare presence of S. aureus highlights the importance of doffing procedures and hand hygiene by HCW to prevent surface contamination.

Consensus Statements on Deployment-Related Respiratory Disease, Inclusive of Constrictive Bronchiolitis: A Modified Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of constrictive bronchiolitis (CB) in previously deployed individuals, and evaluation of respiratory symptoms more broadly, presents considerable challenges, including using consistent histopathologic criteria and clinical assessments. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the recommended diagnostic workup and associated terminology of respiratory symptoms in previously deployed individuals? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nineteen experts participated in a three-round modified Delphi study, ranking their level of agreement for each statement with an a priori definition of consensus. Additionally, rank-order voting on the recommended diagnostic approach and terminology was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five of 28 statements reached consensus, including the definition of CB as a histologic pattern of lung injury that occurs in some previously deployed individuals while recognizing the importance of considering alternative diagnoses. Consensus statements also identified a diagnostic approach for the previously deployed individual with respiratory symptoms, distinguishing assessments best performed at a local or specialty referral center. Also, deployment-related respiratory disease (DRRD) was proposed as a broad term to subsume a wide range of potential syndromes and conditions identified through noninvasive evaluation or when surgical lung biopsy reveals evidence of multicompartmental lung injury that may include CB. INTERPRETATION: Using a modified Delphi technique, consensus statements provide a clinical approach to possible CB in previously deployed individuals. Use of DRRD provides a broad descriptor encompassing a range of postdeployment respiratory findings. Additional follow-up of individuals with DRRD is needed to assess disease progression and to define other features of its natural history, which could inform physicians better and lead to evolution in this nosology.

Tolerability, user acceptance and preference for a novel reusable respirator among health care workers.

BACKGROUND: The CleanSpace Technology Halo respirator combines a clear face mask and a powered air supply, without belts or hoses. Although providing higher protection than other respirators used in health care, user acceptance of this device has not been assessed with validated tools. METHODS: We surveyed healthcare workers (HCWs) within a US medical system using Halo respirators in 2021. Subjects completed 3 surveys over 8 weeks, which included the Respirator Comfort, Wearing Experience, and Function Instrument (R-COMFI), a validated tool to assess respirator tolerability. The survey included additional questions about user acceptability and respirator preference. Responses were evaluated for change over time and for significant predictors. RESULTS: Of 113 HCWs who completed the initial survey (29% response rate), mean ± SD R-COMFI score was 9.1± 5.1, (scale 0-47, lower = more tolerable) and did not change over time (P = .42). Fewer years in healthcare significantly predicted better R-COMFI score (P = .01). Many users preferred Halo in both usual care (45%-52%) and care of patients with COVID-19 (60%-64%). DISCUSSION: Halo respirators received favorable tolerability scores by HCWs, who often preferred them, especially during care of patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Given demand for respirator use in health care, the innovative design provides higher protection than other respirators with a favorable user experience.

Postdeployment Respiratory Health: The Roles of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and the Post-Deployment Cardiopulmonary Evaluation Network.

Background: Following deployment to the Southwest Asia theater of operations and Afghanistan, many service members and veterans report respiratory symptoms and concerns about their military and environmental exposures. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the national Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) in 2014 to help better understand long-term health conditions that may be related to these exposures. Observations: The AHOBPR provides an online questionnaire and optional health evaluation performed by a primary care or environmental health clinician. The clinical evaluation provides an opportunity for the service member or veteran to talk with a health care professional about their symptoms, exposures, and potential treatment. Data derived from questionnaire responses and health evaluations facilitate medical surveillance and research. The VA also established a network of specialists, referred to as the Post-Deployment Cardiopulmonary Evaluation Network (PDCEN). The PDCEN identifies veterans within the AHOBPR who self-report certain conditions or have unexplained dyspnea and conducts comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Primary objectives of PDCEN evaluations are to define respiratory and related conditions that are present, determine whether conditions are related to deployment, and work with the veteran's clinician to identify treatments and/or follow-up care to improve their health. We utilize a case example to illustrate the role of the primary care practitioner in connecting veterans to PDCEN clinical evaluations. Conclusions: AHOBPR clinical evaluations represent an initial step to better understand postdeployment health conditions. The PDCEN clinical evaluation extends the AHOBPR evaluation by providing specialty care for certain veterans requiring more comprehensive evaluation while systematically collecting and analyzing clinical data to advance the field.

Self-reported respiratory outcomes associated with blast exposure in post 9/11 veterans.

BACKGROUND: Blast lung overpressure has received interest as a cause of chronic respiratory disease in Service members who deployed in support of U.S. military operations in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan since 2001. We studied whether veterans who experienced blast exposure report more chronic respiratory symptoms and diagnoses compared to deployed veterans who did not. METHODS: 9,000 veterans included in the Department of Veterans Affairs Toxic Embedded Fragment Registry were invited to complete a survey assessing chronic respiratory symptoms, diagnoses, and exposures. Blast exposure was assessed using the Brief Traumatic Brain Injury Screen and by presence of other symptoms such as blast-induced loss of consciousness. RESULTS: Participants (n = 2147) were predominantly <40 years old, served in the Army, and injured on average 12.8 years previously. 91% reported blast exposure. Blast-exposed veterans were significantly more likely to report cough (OR 1.8), wheeze (OR 2.4), and dyspnea (OR 1.8), even after adjustment for covariates including smoking and occupational exposures to dust, fume, and gas. Veterans reporting higher severity of blast impact, such as traumatic brain injury or loss of consciousness, were more likely to report cough, wheeze, or dyspnea. Veterans with higher severity of blast impact by multiple measures were also more likely to report having COPD. Those reporting a physician-diagnosis of traumatic brain injury were significantly more likely to report having both asthma (OR 1.5) and COPD (OR 1.5). CONCLUSIONS: Blast exposure is associated with respiratory symptoms and COPD. Respiratory system evaluation may warrant inclusion as a standard part of barotrauma health assessment.

Characteristics Associated With Health Care Worker Knowledge and Confidence in Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator Use.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated health care workers' (HCWs') knowledge and confidence in using elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR) attributes known to influence usage. METHODS: Health care workers were surveyed regarding their EHMR donning and doffing experience. Respondents were categorized into competency categories based on their scores. Category differences were analyzed using χ 2 and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent showed high levels of EHMR donning and doffing knowledge and confidence (mastery); however, 21% had greater confidence than knowledge (misinformed). Respiratory therapists had greater odds of mastery than other HCWs ( P < 0.05), whereas those working in medical/surgical and pediatric units had greater odds of doubt than other HCWs ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although most HCWs show high knowledge and confidence with EHMR use, strategies to confirm respirator use competency may ensure greater HCWs protection.

Respiratory Protection Perceptions among Malian Health Workers: Insights from the Health Belief Model.

Reusable respiratory protective devices called elastomeric respirators have demonstrated their effectiveness and acceptability in well-resourced healthcare settings. Using standard qualitative research methods, we explored the feasibility of elastomeric respirator use in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We conducted interviews and focus groups with a convenience sample of health workers at one clinical center in Mali. Participants were users of elastomeric and/or traditional N95 respirators, their supervisors, and program leaders. Interview transcripts of participants were analyzed using a priori constructs from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and a previous study about healthcare respirator use. In addition to HBM constructs, the team identified two additional constructs impacting uptake of respirator use (system-level factors and cultural factors). Together, these framed the perceptions of Malian health workers and highlighted both facilitators of and barriers to respirator use uptake. As needs for respiratory protection from airborne infectious hazards become more commonly recognized, elastomeric respirators may be a sustainable and economic solution for health worker protection in LMIC.

Demystifying idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: time for more etiology-focused nomenclature in interstitial lung disease.

INTRODUCTION: A major focus of interstitial lung disease (ILD) has centered on disorders termed idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) which include, among others, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, and respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease. AREAS COVERED: We review the radiologic and histologic patterns for the nine disorders classified by multidisciplinary approach as IIP, and describe the remarkable amount of published epidemiologic, translational, and molecular studies demonstrating their associations with numerous yet definitive environmental exposures, occupational exposures, pulmonary diseases, systemic diseases, medication toxicities, and genetic variants. EXPERT OPINION: In the 21st century, these disorders termed IIPs are rarely idiopathic, but rather are well-described radiologic and histologic patterns of lung injury that are associated with a wide array of diverse etiologies. Accordingly, the idiopathic nomenclature is misleading and confusing, and may also promote a lack of inquisitiveness, suggesting the end rather than the beginning of a thorough diagnostic process to identify ILD etiology and initiate patient-centered management. A shift toward more etiology-focused nomenclature will be beneficial to all, including patients hoping for better life quality and disease outcome, general medicine and pulmonary physicians furthering their ILD knowledge, and expert ILD clinicians and researchers who are advancing the ILD field.

Physiological Impacts of Surgical Mask Coverage of Elastomeric Half-mask Respirator Exhalation Valves in Healthcare Workers.

OBJECTIVES: Elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR) use in healthcare increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concern for potential release of infectious aerosols from EHMR exhalation valves prompted recommendations to cover them with surgical masks (SMs), thereby improving source control. The physiological and subjective effects of wearing a SM over the exhalation valve of an EHMR, however, are unknown. METHODS: Twelve healthy healthcare worker volunteers completed a 30-min series of simulated healthcare-related tasks, including resting, talking, walking, and bending, proning and supinating a weighted manikin, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This series recurred three times with different mask configurations-SM only, EHMR only, or EHMR with SM covering the exhalation valve. A transcutaneous sensor continuously measured carbon dioxide (tcPCO2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate (HR) from each subject. Subjects scored their rates of perceived exertion (RPE) and levels of discomfort after each round. Physiological parameters and subjective scores were analyzed using mixed linear models with a fixed effect for mask type, activity, age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. Analysis also tested for interaction between mask type and activity. RESULTS: Physiological parameters remained within normal ranges for all mask configurations but varied by task. Statistically significant but small decreases in mean tcPCO2 (37.17 versus 37.88 mmHg, P < 0.001) and SpO2 (97.74 versus 97.94%, P < 0.001) were associated with wearing EHMR with SM over the exhalation valve compared with EHMR alone. Mean HR did not differ between these mask configurations. Wearing SM only was associated with lower RPE and level of discomfort compared with EHMR, but these subjective scores did not differ when comparing EHMR with SM to EHMR only. Age, BMI, and gender had no significant effect on any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Wearing a SM over an EHMR did not produce clinically significant changes in tcPCO2, SpO2, or HR compared with uncovered EHMR during healthcare-related tasks. Covered EHMR use also did not affect perceived exertion or discomfort compared with uncovered EHMR use. Covering the exhalation valve of an EHMR with a SM for source control purposes can be done safely.

Urine miRNAs as potential biomarkers for systemic reactions induced by exposure to embedded metal.

Aim: Explore the potential of urine microRNAs as biomarkers that may reflect the biological responses to pure metals embedded in skeletal muscle over time. Materials & methods: We tested a panel of military-relevant metals embedded in the gastrocnemius muscles of 3-month-old, male, Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8/group) for a duration of 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and performed small RNA-sequencing on the urine samples. Results: Results provide potential tissue targets affected by metal exposure and a list of unique or common urine microRNA biomarkers indicative of exposure to various metals, highlighting a complex systemic response. Conclusion: We have identified a panel of miRNAs as potential urine biomarkers to reflect the complex systemic response to embedded metal exposure.

A comprehensive assessment of environmental exposures and the medical history guides multidisciplinary discussion in interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) is widely recommended for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), but published primary data from MDD has been scarce, and factors influencing MDD other than chest computed tomography (CT) and lung histopathology interpretations have not been well-described. METHODS: Single institution MDD of 179 patients with ILD. RESULTS: MDD consensus clinical diagnoses included autoimmune-related ILD, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, smoking-related ILD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, medication-induced ILD, occupation-related ILD, unclassifiable ILD, and a few less common pulmonary disorders. In 168 of 179 patients, one or more environmental exposures or pertinent features of the medical history were identified, including recreational/avocational, residential, and occupational exposures, systemic autoimmune disease, malignancy, medication use, and family history. The MDD process demonstrated the importance of comprehensively assessing these exposures and features, beyond merely noting their presence, for rendering consensus clinical diagnoses. Precise, well-defined chest CT and lung histopathology interpretations were rendered at MDD, including usual interstitial pneumonia, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, and organizing pneumonia, but these interpretations were associated with a variety of MDD consensus clinical diagnoses, demonstrating their nonspecific nature in many instances. In 77 patients in which MDD consensus diagnosis differed from referring diagnosis, assessment of environmental exposures and medical history was found retrospectively to be the most impactful factor. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive assessment of environmental exposures and pertinent features of the medical history guided MDD. In addition to rendering consensus clinical diagnoses, MDD presented clinicians with opportunities to initiate environmental remediation, behavior modification, or medication alteration likely to benefit individual patients with ILD.

Characteristics and Prevalence of Domestic and Occupational Inhalational Exposures Across Interstitial Lung Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Inhalational exposures are increasingly recognized as contributing factors in interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the characteristics of both exposures and exposed patients are not well understood. We hypothesized that domestic and occupational inhalational exposures would be common and associated with differences in demographics, clinical characteristics, and transplant-free survival in patients with all forms of ILD. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the prevalence of inhalational exposures across all ILD diagnoses, and are these exposures associated with differences in demographics, clinical characteristics, and transplant-free survival? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients from a tertiary ILD clinic underwent an interview designed to capture inhalational exposures including occupational, home, hobbies, and tobacco. Demographic and survival data were collected from the electronic medical record. Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression to compare exposed vs unexposed patients and adjusted for gender-age-physiology score and smoking. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six patients seen between May and October 2018 were analyzed. Patients had a wide variety of multidisciplinary diagnoses, with a minority of patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (14%). One hundred and one patients (65%) had potentially relevant inhalational exposures. More men than women had a history of any exposure (82% vs 51%; P < .001), occupational exposure (66% vs 14%, P < .001), and multiple exposures (56% vs 26%, P < .001), respectively. White race was associated with bird and hobby exposure. Patients with any exposure had worse transplant-free survival (unadjusted hazard ratio, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.13-5.92; P = .025), but this was not statistically significant after adjustment (hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.77-4.27; P = .17). INTERPRETATION: A standardized interview revealed most patients across all types of ILD had potentially relevant inhalational exposures. Exposures were markedly different based on demographics and were associated with worse transplant-free survival, but this survival difference was not significant after multivariable adjustment. Identification and avoidance of exposures represent actionable targets in ILD management.

Can extraoral suction units minimize droplet spatter during a simulated dental procedure?

BACKGROUND: Aerosol and droplet production is inherent to dentistry. Potential for COVID-19 spread through aerosols and droplets characterizes dentistry as having a high risk of experiencing viral transmission, with necessity for aerosol and droplet mitigation. METHODS: Simulations of restorative treatment were completed on a dental manikin with a high-speed handpiece and high-volume evacuation suction. Variable experimental conditions with use of an extraoral vacuum suction at different distances from the simulated patient's mouth and different vacuum settings were tested to evaluate extraoral suction ability for droplet reduction. RESULTS: Using the extraoral suction unit during dental procedure simulations reduced droplet spatter at the dentist's eye level, as well as the level of the simulated patient's mouth. When the extraoral suction unit was used at level 10 and 4 inches from the simulated patient's mouth, less spatter was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Extraoral suction units are an effective method of reducing droplet spatter during operative dental procedures and can be useful in helping reduce risk of experiencing COVID-19 spread during dental procedures. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: During the pandemic, dentistry and its aerosol-generating procedures were placed on hold. The process to getting back to patient care is multifactorial, including personal protective equipment, patient screening, and mitigating aerosol spread.

Trends in Moral Injury, Distress, and Resilience Factors among Healthcare Workers at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) pandemic has placed increased stress on healthcare workers (HCWs). While anxiety and post-traumatic stress have been evaluated in HCWs during previous pandemics, moral injury, a construct historically evaluated in military populations, has not. We hypothesized that the experience of moral injury and psychiatric distress among HCWs would increase over time during the pandemic and vary with resiliency factors. From a convenience sample, we performed an email-based, longitudinal survey of HCWs at a tertiary care hospital between March and July 2020. Surveys measured occupational and resilience factors and psychiatric distress and moral injury, assessed by the Impact of Events Scale-Revised and the Moral Injury Events Scale, respectively. Responses were assessed at baseline, 1-month, and 3-month time points. Moral injury remained stable over three months, while distress declined. A supportive workplace environment was related to lower moral injury whereas a stressful, less supportive environment was associated with increased moral injury. Distress was not affected by any baseline occupational or resiliency factors, though poor sleep at baseline predicted more distress. Overall, our data suggest that attention to improving workplace support and lowering workplace stress may protect HCWs from adverse emotional outcomes.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Lung Function in Gulf War I Veterans Exposed to Depleted Uranium.

OBJECTIVE: Gulf War I (GWI) Veterans exposed to depleted uranium (DU) have undergone biennial surveillance to assess for DU-related health effects. No DU-specific respiratory effects have been observed cross-sectionally, but longitudinal lung function decline has not been assessed. METHODS: A dynamic cohort of 71 Veterans underwent spirometry testing between 1999 and 2019. Longitudinal rates of decline of spirometry values were compared among Veterans with high versus low uranium levels using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in rate of decline of spirometry values between Veterans with high versus low uranium levels. The overall rate of decline was similar to that of the general population. CONCLUSIONS: In 20 years of follow-up, there does not appear to be an accelerated rate of decline of lung function among veterans exposed to depleted uranium.