- Respiratory symptoms of exposure to substances in the workplace among dental laboratory technicians
As dental technicians are exposed to a variety of airborne chemicals that can act as irritants and sensitizers, and may give rise to work-related respiratory symptoms, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms of exposure to substances in the workplace and associated risk factors in dental laboratory technicians.
- Double practice of nurses in Poland against the background of current human resources
Employment of health care workers in two workplaces at the same time (the so-called double practice) is a common phenomenon in almost all countries. In Poland, the possibility of employment in ≥2 workplaces appeared along with political and social changes and the reform of the health care system. Despite the fact that this problem is subject to numerous studies, the scale of this phenomenon, motives and potential effects that could affect both employees and the entire healthcare system are still unknown in Poland.
- Assessment of the concentration of antioxidant vitamins in people with metabolic syndrome working in agriculture
Vitamins A, C and E constitute an important antioxidant barrier. There is little data on the nutritional status of the Polish population with antioxidant vitamins, and especially little applies to physically active people with metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of vitamins A, C and E in the blood serum and the frequency of their deficiencies in people with metabolic syndrome (MS) working in agriculture, and the relationship between serum antioxidant vitamin concentration and traditional biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases.
- Harmful biological agents intentionally used in workplaces in Poland on the basis of data from the National Register of Biological Factors
The article presents the intended use of harmful biological agents based on the National Register of Biological Factors (KRCB) as of July 2020.
- New method for determination of naphthylamines in air for occupational exposure assessment
Naphthylamine (NA), i.e. 1-naphthylamine (1-NA) and 2-naphthylamine (2-NA) and its salts (2-naphthylamine hydrochloride and acetate) are colorless crystalline solids. They have found application, among others in the production of paints and dyes. In the European Union, 1-NA is classified as toxic and 2-NA and its salts are classified as category 1A carcinogens. The aim of the study was to develop a new method of NA determination, which would enable their determination in the work environment in the concentration range of 0.3–6 μg / m3.
- Anxiety disorders and mood disorders in hospital doctors: a literature review
This paper is focused on mental health among hospital doctors. This is a review of the literature dated January 1, 2005–December 31, 2019, from the MedLine and Scopus databases. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders ranged 2.2–14.6% and 10.5–19.3%, respectively. Several risk factors were significant, such as having had blood exposure accidents, or the interaction between family and work life. The prevalence of mood disorders ranged 7.8–48%. Occupational constraints, such as night work or psychological demand, were related to the presence of mood disorders. This literature review showed the prevalence of disorders that can be reactive at work in hospital doctors. The risk factors studied can guide prevention policies within hospitals.
- Possibilities of practical application of new biochemical indicators of ethanol abuse
Alcohol is one of the main behavioral factors of loss of health and life in developed countries. Its abuse has serious social and economic consequences: it contributes to a greater number of accidents at work, road collisions and absences from workplaces. The diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism is very difficult, therefore the use of objective biochemical indicators of ethyl alcohol abuse can contribute to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment and reliable monitoring of the period of abstinence. The aim of the study is to present the sensitive and specific indicators of harmful alcohol consumption available in Poland, with particular emphasis on the possibility of their practical use. Such tests can be used, among others in programs for recovering driving licenses by drivers detained due to drunk driving, early detection of alcohol abusers among employees during routine tests at workplaces, to monitor abstinence during drug addiction treatment, before planned organ transplantation procedures, to detect harmful alcohol consumption among pregnant women and in forensic medical sections. It is necessary to standardize the methods for determining indicators in biological material, and comorbidities may be a significant problem in the correct interpretation of the results. Despite these limitations, objective biochemical markers of ethanol abuse can be helpful in patient care. They can play a special role in diagnostics in occupational medicine, contributing to the increase in safety on public roads and the safety of employees in workplaces.
- Bilateral areflexion of labyrinths: literature review and case report
Bilateral areflexia, or loss of labyrinthine functions, is a rare disease of the peripheral part of the equilibrium organ, the main symptoms of which are persistent, chronic vertigo and oscillopsia accompanying body movements. The chronic, bothersome nature of the symptoms and difficulties in maintaining balance and performing precise movements may cause the patient to quit professional activity. Often a long period from the onset of disease symptoms to diagnosis, which should be based on objective examinations of the peripheral part of the equilibrium organ, drastically reduces the chances of improving the patient's motor skills and significantly worsens their quality of life. The disease most often appears in professionally active patients in the 6th decade of life and may result in the loss of the source of income. The publication presents a case report and methodology of tests performed in a patient with bilateral labyrinthine areflexia, which occurred as a result of administering gentamicin in the course of phlegmon of the thumb. The case studies were made on the basis of a literature review on the diagnosis and treatment of bilateral labyrinthine isflexia.
- Epidemiology, diagnosis and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in Poland and selected European countries - the position of the Polish group of experts
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most frequently diagnosed viral neuroinfections in Poland. Determination of specific antibodies in the IgM and IgG classes in serum or cerebrospinal fluid using the ELISA method enables the diagnosis of TBE in the neurological phase and is the diagnostic method of choice. Antiviral therapy specific for the TBE virus is not available. Standard measures are recommended to control intracranial hypertension, epileptic seizures, and other neurological symptoms in the course of TBE. Corticosteroids should not be administered routinely. Adults with neurological deficits as a result of TBE should be physically improved and undergo periodic checks of their neurological status. All patients should be advised to have their mental state checked and to seek medical attention immediately if disturbing symptoms are noticed. Children with a history of TBE should be provided with psychological and otolaryngological care. TBE cases occur throughout Poland and the entire area must be treated as endangered with this disease. The degree of endogenicity may differ from one part of the country to another. TBE vaccinations containing the European type of virus are the most effective method of protection against the disease. People living in highly endemic areas according to the WHO definition (≥5 cases / 100,000 people / year) should be vaccinated in the field. Inhabitants of moderately endemic areas (1-5 cases / 100,000 people / year), vaccination against TBE is recommended, especially those at increased risk of TBE, as well as for children and the elderly. Vaccination can be offered to people living in areas of low endemicity (<1 case / 100,000 people / year), but with a high risk of developing TBE, who are considered to be: a) people practicing recreational activity in the open field, b) all professionally employed outdoors, especially in green areas, c) people traveling in the country and beyond in regions recognized as endemic, if the activities undertaken during their stay involve a risk of tick bites. Post-exposure vaccination is not recommended.
Medycyna Pracy (Occupational Medicine) - full list