Abstract: Introduction: Welding fumes are made up of a variety of metal oxides, fumes, andgases, and many of these metals have been linked to diverse fertility issues. Aim ofWork: To determine the blood levels of metals among welders and to investigate theirimpact on male reproductive health. Materials and Methods: The study included142 male employees in a stainless steel manufacturing facility, wherein 71 weldingworkers serve as a vulnerable group and 71 administrative persons served as the controlgroup. All participants underwent a thorough medical history, a detailed reproductivequestionnaire, including an erectile function test using the international index oferectile function (IIEF-5), and a full clinical examination. An atomic absorptionspectrophotometer was used to determine blood lead (Pb), serum aluminum (Al),manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) levels. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizinghormone (LH), testosterone, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluatedusing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The exposed group had a lowerIIEF-5 score, lower libido, and a higher blood Al, Pb, and Mn compared to the controlgroup. Welders had higher levels of reproductive hormones (FSH and LH) and lowerlevels of testosterone and antioxidant enzyme SOD compared to controls. A positivecorrelation was detected between the level of Al, Pb, Mn, FSH, LH, age, and duration ofemployment among the exposed group, but a negative correlation between Al, Pb, Mn,testosterone, SOD levels, and IIEF-5. Conclusion and Recommendations: Welders’metal levels affect reproductive hormones and lead to oxidative stress alterations, bothof which could impair male reproductive health. To reduce exposure to welding fumes,it is strongly advised to regularly wear high-quality personal protective equipment,particularly masks and gloves. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: Introduction: The immune functions could be altered due to the exposure to heavymetals. Although the impact of heavy metals on the immune system among humanpopulations is poorly understood, however, several recent studies illustrated theimmunological changes due to human exposure to Aluminum (Al) and Lead (Pb). Aimof Work: to study the alteration in some cellular and humoral immune componentsamong some Egyptian Al smelter workers. Materials and Methods: The studiedgroup was composed of 55 exposed male workers in Al smelter and a matched controlgroup of 55 administrative subjects. Full medical and occupational histories, clinicalexamination, and laboratory investigations including (levels of serum Al, blood Pb,serum neopterin, TNF-α, IL-2, C3, C4, IgM, IgG, total IgE, and count of CD4+ and CD8+T-lymphocytes) were performed for the Al smelter’s workers and their matched controls.Results: Clinically, the exposed smelter workers showed a significant prevalence ofsome manifestations as allergy, inflammation, and infections, when compared with thecontrol group. Besides, significantly elevated levels of Al, Pb, neopterin, total IgE, andCD8+ T-lymphocytes count in addition to significantly diminished levels of TNF-α, IL-2, C3, C4, IgM, IgG, and CD4+ T-lymphocytes count were detected among the exposedgroup compared to their controls. Moreover, all the investigated immune parameterswere significantly correlated to the duration /years of employment and the levels of bothstudied heavy metals in the exposed smelter’s workers. Moreover, the neopterin levelswere significantly correlated with the parameters of cellular immunity (CD4+, CD8+cells, and cytokines). Conclusion: There was a significant alteration in the cellularand humoral immune functions among the smelter workers occupationally exposed toAl and Pb. Additionally; neopterin could be considered a significant biomarker for theresponse of cell-mediated immunity. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: Introduction: Sleep deprivation is a severe health issue for health-care personnel, especiallyduring the COVID-19 pandemic. It affects their physical, emotional, psychologicalwell-being, as well as their work performance. Aim of Work: To measure thepercentage of poor sleep among physicians during COVID-19 pandemic, to identify itsrisk factors and to determine the association between it and the occurrence of medicalerrors. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among physiciansworking at different hospitals and medical centers in Cairo, Egypt. A total of 260physicians were included in the study through sending online self-administered questionnaire.The questionnaire including items about sociodemographic, work relatedcharacteristics, COVID 19 associated risks, items assessed the sleep quality throughusing validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and assessment of medical errorsrelated to COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Most of the participants (65.4%) werefemales, 79.2% were married, 76.9% had children and 93.5% don’t live alone. Themean age was 36.23±5.7. As regard work-related characteristics, 45.6% of participantsworked equal or more than 48 hours weekly, 38.8% had night shifts and 66.5% hadequal or more than 10 years’ experience. Only (26.2%) are working in COVID-19 isolationhospitals. The percentage of poor sleep quality among physicians was 79.6%. Theglobal PSQI mean score was 7.54 ± 3.5 while the worst components’ mean scores werethe sleep latency, sleep duration and sleep disturbance scores (1.59 ± 1.02, 1.41 ± 0.87and 1.29 ± 0.6 respectively). Poor sleep quality was associated with having chronic diseases,being night shifters, working equal to or more than 48 hours weekly, satisfactionwith the availability of personal protective equipments (PPEs), and with COVID-19management protocols. Medical errors were performed by 30.4% of the studied physicians.There was a significant association between poor sleep quality and giving thepatients incorrect doses or overdose. Conclusion: There was a high percentage of poorsleep among the studied physicians. Having chronic diseases, working equal to or morethan 48 hours weekly, and having night shifts were identified as significant predictorsof poor sleep quality among them. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: Introduction: Contamination of operating theaters with the waste anesthetic gases(WAGs) is unavoidable. Halogenated anesthetics namely halothane, isoflurane,desflurane, and sevoflurane are the major constituents of WAGs. Medical personnel areexposed to lower WAGs concentrations than patients, yet their extended exposure overyears magnifies the risk of WAGs-associated toxicity. Aim of Work: To investigatethe possible toxic effects of exposure to the halogenated inhalational anesthetics onthe general health, liver functions, oxidative parameters, and cognitive functions ofoccupationally exposed personnel, and to study the effect of exposure duration / yearson such effects. Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on 56healthcare workers (HCW) (28 exposed and 28 non-exposed) who were subjected toa questionnaire, medical examination, liver function tests, oxidative stress analysis,and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). Results: Clinical evaluation of bothgroups revealed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of headache,dizziness, and fatigue among the exposed group compared to the non-exposed. Also, asignificant elevation in the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalinephosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, along withreduction in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), attention, language, delayed recall,and total MOCA score were noticed among the exposed group compared to the nonexposed.A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the durationof exposure / years and levels of ALP, bilirubin, and MDA in serum, while a statisticallysignificant negative correlation was detected between the exposure duration / yearsand TAC and total MOCA score as well, among the exposed group. Conclusion andRecommendations: Occupational exposure to inhalation halogenated anesthetics isassociated with adverse health effects like headache, dizziness, fatigue, altered hepaticfunctions, impaired redox balance, and disturbed cognitive functions. In addition,exposure duration / years positively correlates with the hepatic dysfunction and lipidperoxidation and negatively with the TAC and total MOCA score in the occupationallyexposed personnel. A central high-flow scavenging system and low leakage anesthesiamachines are strongly required in all the operating theaters. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare workers have an increased risk of COVID- 19 infection eitherdue to their contact with infectious known cases, or due to exposure to subclinical orundiagnosed patients. In cases of mild to moderate pneumonia, the pulmonary functiontests (PFTs) should be carried out following abnormal chest x-rays. Aim of Work: Toevaluate the respiratory impairment in healthcare workers after COVID-19 infectionusing chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests in relation to their age and diseaseduration. Materials and Methods: The study included 87 healthcare workers at El-Nasr Hospital for Health Insurance, Helwan, Cairo. They all had recovered from aproved COVID-19 infection 3 months at least prior to the assessment. The studiedgroup was subjected to full medical and occupational history taking, plain chest X-ray,pulmonary function testing and Whole Person Impairment (WPI) rating using AmericanMedical Association Guides, 5th Edition, 2000. Results: the mean age of the studiedgroup was 41.26 years, most of them were females (87.3%) and 52.9% were nurses,88.5% had respiratory impairment. X-Ray findings were detected in 94.2%, mainlyin the form of reticulonodular opacities (58%), most commonly affecting both lungs(95.1%), mainly the basal parts (51%). The mean FVC of the studied group is 64.12%of predicted indicating moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment. WPI classificationshowed that about half of the patients have class 3 respiratory impairment. Conclusionand Recommendations: Evaluation WPI using pulmonary functions should be donefor healthcare workers after recovery from COVID-19 infection and before they returnto work in order to determine their ability to practice their jobs. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: Introduction: COVID-19 infection is the most critical ongoing global health problemwith more outstanding effects on health care workers (HCWs) as they are the firstline of defense against any disease outbreak. Aim of Work: To assess the ventilatorypulmonary functions and the immunological response by detection of SARS-CoV-2specific immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) among HCWs recovered from COVID-19infection and compare the results with those of their counterparts with no previousinfection. Materials and Methods: The exposed group involved 60 previously infectedCOVID-19 HCWs confirmed by positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests fromMarch till June 2020. A matched control group was selected to involve 60 PCR-negativeHCWs from the same clinical departments and during the same period. Ventilatorypulmonary function tests (PFTs) were carried out together with the detection of specificserum IgM and IgG antibodies. Results: All clinical manifestations of COVID-19infection were significantly prevalent among previously infected HCWs compared totheir controls with a significant continuation of dyspnea and fatigue 3 months afterinfection. Restrictive and obstructive patterns were significantly observed amongpreviously infected HCWs. IgM and IgG were detected in previously infected HCWs3 months after infection with a significant prevalence of IgG. The study also showedstatistically significant negative correlations between all parameters of ventilatory PFTsand PCR conversion duration. Conclusion: Previously infected HCWs with COVID-19are at higher risk to develop complications in the form of continuation of some clinicalmanifestations (as dyspnea and fatigue) and ventilatory impairment mainly; in the formof restrictive patterns. Serum IgG antibodies could also persist for several months afterCOVID-19 infection reflecting the development of humoral immunity against the novelvirus. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a serious health issue that affects peopleall over the world. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is one of thecommonest occupational diseases. Several factors have been revealed to producehearing loss including diabetes mellitus (DM). Aim of Work: To study the relationbetween type II DM and ONIHL. Materials and Methods: A total of 1292 workersfrom 3 companies, occupationally exposed to noise, were categorized into normal andhearing impairment groups by pure tone audiometry (PTA). The studied group wassubjected to a specially designed detailed questionnaire about noise exposure at workand hearing problems. Blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum urea, creatinine,and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured. Body mass index was calculated.Results: DM was more frequent among workers with NIHL (13.2%) than those without(4.8%). Diabetic workers tended to be significantly older than the non-diabetics (50.6±7.2 compared with 40.9 ± 9.6 years, p < 0.001), they also spend longer time exposedto noise at work (9.2 ± 6.6 years compared with 6.6 ± 5.7 years, p= 0.002). Bothsystolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher among diabetic thannon-diabetic workers. Diabetic workers had a higher loss of hearing levels at all studiedfrequencies. By multiple logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus, noise exposureyears, and age were significant predictors of NIHL. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)had a significant positive correlation with the overall hearing loss. Conclusion andRecommendations: Diabetes mellitus increase the risk of developing noise inducedhearing loss among workers exposed to noise at the workplace. Diabetic workers innoisy occupations should undergo frequent audiological assessments, should haveeasier access to healthcare facilities and their blood glucose levels checked regularlyincluding HbA1c testing. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
Abstract: Introduction: Social isolation began in 2020 because of the new coronavirus pandemic,and online classes began as a distant learning strategy to replace classroom-basedstudy routines. As a result, over a longer period, medical students adopted a differentphysical posture than usual, potentially raising the risk of musculoskeletal pain. Aimof Work: To calculate the percentage of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and itsassociated factors among undergraduate Ain Shams medical students subjected toonline learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to find out the association betweenMSD, and psychological distress including anxiety, depression and stress. Materialsand Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18 yearsold or more from both genders. A convenience sample of 340 medical students wereincluded in the study through an anonymous English self-administered questionnaire.The questionnaire was divided into five sections: sociodemographic characteristics,academic related and health related conditions, Standardized Nordic Questionnaire andDepression, Anxiety and Stress Scale -21 items (DASS-21). Results: The participantsmean age was 21.38 ± 1.6. Among the participants, 59.4% were females, all of themwere single, and 80.7% were from urban areas. The percentage of students withmusculoskeletal complaints was (53.8%) before the COVID-19 pandemic but increasedto 73.1% during the pandemic. Neck pain was the most common musculoskeletaldisorder with 50.6%, followed by low back pain (8.2%) in the studied sample. Therewere statistically significant associations between age, female gender, residence,depression, anxiety and occurrence of MSDS (p < 0.05). As regards academic relatedcharacteristics, longer sitting hours per day for online studying, static head posture, andawkward posture in which the back was bent or twisted were statistically significantlyassociated with MSDs (p < 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendations: There was anincreased incidence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate medical studentssubjected to remote learning. Authorities must be aware of this health issue to develop < br />strategies and effective initiatives, and programs. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +010
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