ABSTRACT
Background: Headache is considered a common health problem affecting physicians during Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic and has direct impact on their productivity. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), stress and lack of sleep are common factors affecting their headache. Results: Out of 165 participants, 38(23%) experienced new onset headache. Participants using Combined Face and eye PPE usage were at higher risk of developing headache compared to single PPE users, Participants wearing face shield were at higher risk of developing headache compared to eyewear non users. Conclusion: COVID-19 hospital's physicians may experience new-onset headache or change in their previously existing headache, mostly disposed by PPE eyewear and combined face and eye PPE.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The etiological factors involved in the etiology of autism remain elusive and controversial, but both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. The aim of this study was to assess the levels and possible environmental risk factors and sources of exposure to mercury, lead, and aluminum in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as compared to their matched controls. METHODS: One hundred ASD children were studied in comparison to 100 controls. All participants were subjected to clinical evaluation and measurement of mercury, lead, and aluminum through hair analysis which reflects past exposure. RESULTS: The mean Levels of mercury, lead, and aluminum in hair of the autistic patients were significantly higher than controls. Mercury, lead, and aluminum levels were positively correlated with maternal fish consumptions, living nearby gasoline stations, and the usage of aluminum pans, respectively. CONCLUSION: Levels of mercury, lead, and aluminum in the hair of autistic children are higher than controls. Environmental exposure to these toxic heavy metals, at key times in development, may play a causal role in autism.
Subject(s)
Aluminum/analysis , Autistic Disorder/diagnosis , Hair/chemistry , Lead/analysis , Mercury/analysis , Adolescent , Autistic Disorder/etiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Egypt , Environmental Exposure , Female , Heavy Metal Poisoning , Humans , Male , Poisoning/complications , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Occupational injuries can have severe socioeconomic consequences; however, little research has examined the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of workers following occupational injuries, especially in developing countries. This study was to employ the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) tool to measure HRQoL 6 months following serious occupational injury sustained by insured workers in the East Delta Region of Egypt. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2008 among workers injured severely enough to be off work for at least 6 months after an occupational injury. SETTING: The Nile Insurance Hospital in Qalyubia, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS: Adult workers returning for follow-up evaluation after being given 6 months off work by a physician for an occupational injury. OUTCOMES: The workers described their health and quality of life using the EQ-5D instrument. RESULTS: Most study participants were male (n=118 (90%)), with mean age of 41.5 years. Fractures were the most common type of injury (n=96 (73%)), mostly involving the lower limbs (n=70 (53%)). Participants identified persistent problems related to mobility (n=78 (60%)), self-care (n=69 (53%)), performing usual activities (n=109 (83%)), pain/discomfort (n=119 (91%)) and anxiety/depression (n=51 (40%)). The perceived HRQoL estimated by the mean (±SD) visual analogue scale (VAS) score among injured workers was 61.6±17.9. Multivariate linear regression showed an association between poor VAS score and amputations, mobility limitation, self-care problems, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. CONCLUSIONS: Some people with occupational injuries experience significant problems such as pain/discomfort, functional limitations and anxiety/depression, long after the injury. Improvement in pain management strategies and physical and psychological rehabilitation may improve their health-related quality of life.
