Individual Protective Measures Research Articles

Update on Monkeypox Virus Infection

The World Health Organization declared the 2022 Monkeypox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, reflecting the rapid spread of infections in non-endemic countries. Since 2022, more than 95,000 confirmed cases with 185 deaths were reported in at least 117 countries, most of them in Europe and USA. Gender-based studies documented preponderance in men (96.8%). Most of them were men who have sex with men (MSM) suggesting the sexual route as the main way of transmission. Mpox infection is usually transmitted by close contact through body fluids, and genital secretions. Exposure to infected respiratory droplets occurs after prolonged exposure. Indirect contact is less frequent. Incubation period is in average 12 days. Prodromal symptoms are systemic and nonspecific succeed with lymphadenopathy. Eruptive rash is changing from macules-papules-blisters-pustules to scabs. Diagnosis is based on clinical occurrence of typical skin and/or mucosal lesions, systemic symptoms, and potential contact to a Mpox-infected individual. The preferred diagnostic test is real-time or conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Laboratory tests based on the detection of antigens or antibodies are not used due to serological cross-reactivity with other orthopoxviruses. The world health authorities agree that smallpox vaccines protect against Mpox infection due to the antigenic similarity between both viruses. New vaccine approved is MVA-BN which contain an attenuated form of vaccinia virus “Ankara” related to the smallpox virus. Antivirals are used to treat Mpox infection, namely cidofovir, tecovirimat and brincidofovir. Individual and universal protective measures should be used to prevent the spread of Mpox viral infection.

Adherence to social distancing measures in southern Brazil, 2020/2021: a cross-sectional study.

We aimed to analyze the frequency of adherence to social distancing and individual protection measures of adult and older populations in two cities in southern Brazil and to characterize the sociodemographic aspects of these individuals. This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the cities of Rio Grande, RS, and Criciúma, SC, Brazil. The outcome measure was the frequency of adherence to social distancing measures. Fisher's exact test (5% significance) was used to calculate the differences in prevalence according to exposure variables. Among the 2,170 participants over the age of 18, the prevalence of adherence to social distancing was 18.5%. Adherence was significantly higher among women; older adults; single, divorced, or widowed people with a low educational level; people of lower socioeconomic status; and people affected by multiple chronic diseases. Approximately one in five respondents adhered to measures of social distancing, and adherence was more prevalent among the risk groups.

Introduction to Guidelines for public health protection against high temperature and heatwaves

In recent years, the high temperature and heatwaves have seriously affected the health of Chinese residents, and there is an important need for public health protection guidelines for high temperature and heatwaves in China. The National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention has organized experts to fully investigate the evidence from epidemiological research on the health of populations in high temperature and heatwaves globally and in China, analyze the health hazards and protection needs of different populations, and put forward practical and effective individual protection measures and health recommendations. For this reason, the "Guideline for Public Health Protection against High Temperature and Heatwaves" (referred to as the "Guideline") was officially issued in June 2023. This article interprets the background and significance of the Guideline, the principles of compilation, the main considerations, the main contents, the implementations and promotions and other aspects, to improve the understanding of the content of the Guideline and strengthen the publicity and implementations.

Did the prolonged residual efficacy of clothianidin products lead to a greater reduction in vector populations and subsequent malaria transmission compared to the shorter residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl?

BackgroundThe residual activity of a clothianidin + deltamethrin mixture and clothianidin alone in IRS covered more than the period of malaria transmission in northern Benin. The aim of this study was to show whether the prolonged residual efficacy of clothianidin-based products resulted in a greater reduction in vector populations and subsequent malaria transmission compared with the shorter residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl.MethodsHuman bait mosquito collections by local volunteers and pyrethrum spray collections were used in 6 communes under IRS monitoring and evaluation from 2019 to 2021. ELISA/CSP and species PCR tests were performed on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to determine the infectivity rate and subspecies by commune and year. The decrease in biting rate, entomological inoculation rate, incidence, inhibition of blood feeding, resting density of An. gambiae s.l. were studied and compared between insecticides per commune.ResultsThe An. gambiae complex was the major vector throughout the study area, acounting for 98.71% (19,660/19,917) of all Anopheles mosquitoes collected. Anopheles gambiae s.l. collected was lower inside treated houses (45.19%: 4,630/10,245) than outside (54.73%: 5,607/10,245) after IRS (p < 0.001). A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the biting rate was observed after IRS in all departments except Donga in 2021 after IRS with clothianidin 50 WG. The impact of insecticides on EIR reduction was most noticeable with pirimiphos-methyl 300 CS, followed by the clothianidin + deltamethrin mixture and finally clothianidin 50 WG. A reduction in new cases of malaria was observed in 2020, the year of mass distribution of LLINs and IRS, as well as individual and collective protection measures linked to COVID-19. Anopheles gambiae s.l. blood-feeding rates and parous were high and similar for all insecticides in treated houses.ConclusionTo achieve the goal of zero malaria, the optimal choice of vector control tools plays an important role. Compared with pirimiphos-methyl, clothianidin-based insecticides induced a lower reductions in entomological indicators of malaria transmission.

Ticks - public health risks in urban green spaces

BackgroundUrban green spaces are important for human health, but they may expose visitors to tick-borne diseases. This not only presents a potential public health challenge but also undermines the expected public health gains from urban green spaces. The aim of this study is to assess the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in an urban green space used for recreation in Stockholm, Sweden.MethodsWe used a mixed method approach identifying both the magnitude of the tick hazard and the extent of the human exposure to tick-borne diseases. At six entry points to an urban green space, we sampled ticks and documented microhabitat conditions from five randomly assigned 2 m × 2 m plots. Surrounding habitat data was analyzed using geographical information system (GIS). Nymphs and adult ticks were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum using TaqMan qPCR. Positive B. burgdorferi (s.l.) ticks were further analyzed by nested PCR amplification and sequence analysis. Population census data and visitor count data were used to estimate the degree of human exposure to tick-borne diseases. To further understand the degree to which visitors get in contact with infected ticks we also conducted interviews with visitors to green spaces.ResultsHigh tick densities were commonly found in humid broadleaved forest with low field vegetation. High pathogen prevalence was significantly correlated with increasing proportions of artificial areas. Integrating the tick hazard with human exposure we found that the public health risk of tick-borne diseases was moderate to high at most of the studied entry points. Many of the visitors frequently used urban green spaces. Walking was the most common activity, but visitors also engaged in activities with higher risk for tick encounters. Individual protective measures were connected to specific recreational activities such as picking berries or mushrooms.ConclusionsThe number of visitors can be combined with tick inventory data and molecular analyses of pathogen prevalence to make crude estimations of the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in urban green spaces. The risk of encountering infected ticks is omnipresent during recreational activities in urban green spaces, highlighting the need for public health campaigns to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.

Personal protective measures and settings on the risk of SARS-COV-2 community transmission: a case-control study.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, nurses of primary health care has been an important role in Spain. Even so, the data obtained in the tracing have been scarcely used to investigate the possible mechanisms of transmission. Few studies focused on community transmission, evaluating the effectiveness of individual protective measures and exposure environment. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the association between individual protective measures and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community and to compare secondary attack rates in different exposure settings. A case-control study from contact tracing of SARS-CoV-2 index patients. COVID-19 contact tracing was led by nurses at the COVID-19 Coordinating Centre in Majorca (Spain). During the systematic tracing, additional information for this study was collected from the index patient (social-demographic variables, symptoms, the number of close contacts). And also, the following variables from their close contacts: contact place, ventilation characteristics mask-wearing, type of mask, duration of contact, shortest distance, case-contact relationship, household members, and handwashing, the test result for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic. Close contacts with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 were classified as "cases" and those negative as "controls." A total of 1,778 close contacts from 463 index patients were identified. No significant differences were observed between the sexes but between age groups. Overall Secondary Attack Rate (SAR) was 24.0% (95% CI: 22.0-26.0%), 36.9% (95% CI: 33.2-40.6%) in closed spaces without ventilation and 50.7% (95% CI: 45.6-55.8%) in exposure time > 24 h. A total of 49.2% of infections occurred among household members. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that open-air setting (OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27-0.71), exposure for less than 1 h (OR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11-0.32), and wearing a mask (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85) had a protective effect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Ventilation of the space, mask-wearing and shorter exposure time were associated with a lower risk of transmission in the community. The data obtained allowed an assessment of community transmission mechanisms and could have helped to improve and streamline tracing by identifying close contacts at higher risk.

Identifying the interplay between protective measures and settings on the SARS-CoV-2 transmission using a Bayesian network.

Contact tracing played a crucial role in minimizing the onward dissemination of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the recent pandemic. Previous studies had also shown the effectiveness of preventive measures such as mask-wearing, physical distancing, and exposure duration in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the impact of various exposure settings on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within the community, as well as the most effective preventive measures, considering the preventive measures adherence in different daily scenarios. We aimed to evaluate the effect of individual protective measures and exposure settings on the community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the interaction between different exposure settings and preventive measures in relation to such SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Routine SARS-CoV-2 contact tracing information was supplemented with additional data on individual measures and exposure settings collected from index patients and their close contacts. We used a case-control study design, where close contacts with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 were classified as cases, and those with negative results classified as controls. We used the data collected from the case-control study to construct a Bayesian network (BN). BNs enable predictions for new scenarios when hypothetical information is introduced, making them particularly valuable in epidemiological studies. Our results showed that ventilation and time of exposure were the main factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In long time exposure, ventilation was the most effective factor in reducing SARS-CoV-2, while masks and physical distance had on the other hand a minimal effect in this ventilation spaces. However, face masks and physical distance did reduce the risk in enclosed and unventilated spaces. Distance did not reduce the risk of infection when close contacts wore a mask. Home exposure presented a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and any preventive measures posed a similar risk across all exposure settings analyzed. Bayesian network analysis can assist decision-makers in refining public health campaigns, prioritizing resources for individuals at higher risk, and offering personalized guidance on specific protective measures tailored to different settings or environments.

Hospital Pharmacy in the multidisciplinary team of COVID inpatient units

Since the implementation of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs, hospital pharmacy specialists have collaborated with infectious disease specialists on a regular basis in most hospitals in Spain. Cooperation between these professionals ensures the integrated management of patients with infectious diseases and the appropriate use of antimicrobials in hospitals.The COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital pharmacists to abruptly suspend all their structured activities and concentrate on the health crisis. Real-time information sharing between different medicine specialties is an effective strategy to generate and maintain treatment protocols adapted to each center, with continuous evidence-based modifications as new publications appear.Hospital pharmacies had to reorganize their activities to respond to the pandemic. On the one side were patients with COVID-19, and on the other were routine hospital pharmacy tasks, with the added difficulty of adapting to individual protection measures. New communication and collaboration strategies were adopted. Protocols were established for the management of COVID-19 patients, with continuous changes; special medications had to be prepared and distributed; circuits were designed for the home- or institution-based care of patients; internal circuits were created to minimize the movements of hospital staff and professionals caring for COVID-19 patients.The most effective antiviral drug and anti inflammatory therapy remains elusive. In this scenario, hospital pharmacists emerge as a key player, as they have a deep understanding of the mechanisms of action of drugs and potential interactions. In a setting where experimental drugs preferably tested in clinical trials are being used, the role of hospital pharmacists in interdisciplinary teams has become essential for the optimization of clinical outcomes.

Smart City and the digital measurement of solar ultraviolet radiation in Outdoor workers in the City of Lisbon

Abstract The growing incidence of skin cancer over the years has made it a significant public health problem. However, technology can be used to tackle the skin cancer which is highly preventable, mainly through reduced exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Digital services can be used to promote individual and collective protective measures and interventions. Specifically, there is an opportunity when the exposure is intermittent or continuous, and occurs in an occupational or leisure setting. We are using a digital platform to contribute to raising public and policy awareness on solar UVR-inflicted occupational skin cancers in the municipality of Lisbon. The digital platform is performing direct measurements of the solar UVR dose received by outdoor workers. Results will likely contribute to further understanding the risk estimates for keratinocyte cancer estimations in this population. The digital platform integrates a personal electronic dosimeter (GENESIS-UV system) to assess occupational solar UVR doses of gardeners, masons, and gravediggers of the municipality of Lisbon. Two hundred and ten outdoor workers were selected to wear the dosimeter for 1 month each, between April and October during their daily working hours. The digital platform that offers private access to information through dashboard visualization provided information for the outdoor workers and facilitate communication with the participants. Study data provides the outdoor workers with information on their personal solar UVR exposure during their working hours and an estimate of their risk of developing skin cancer. The results prospectively should flow into the design of adequate prevention campaigns for skin cancer in outdoor workers.

Individual protective measures for air pollution and cardiopulmonary health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Individual protective measures for air pollution and cardiopulmonary health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Calibration of the Deposited Energy in CMOS Imagers for Particle Detection on Nanosatellites

Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) CMOS sensors are increasingly used in scientific applications on nanosatellites. Applying a software-based approach and in addition to their image acquisitions tasks, these CMOS sensors can be used to detect ionizing particles to improve the fault tolerance of imaging instruments on nanosatellites without the need for additional hardware. A challenge in using COTS components for this approach is that essential radiation test data and important parameters such as the thickness of the sensitive epitaxial layer are typically not available. With a simplified calibration approach, we determine the epitaxial layer thickness and calibrate the deposited energy sensitivity with minimal measurement time and steps and minor requirements on the test facility. A forward model for particle track length determination with an increased angle scattering of incident protons is used to handle stronger parameter uncertainties of the test setup. It is shown that the currently used CMOS sensor (HWK1910A) is a suitable candidate for a radiation monitor, based on the determined epitaxial layer thickness and the deposited energy calibration factor, in combination with the in-orbit mission data. This enables capabilities for more individual protection measures in case of unexpected radiation environments.

Cancro da Laringe associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Evidence that Laryngeal Cancer may originate at work or be influenced by behaviors carried out in the workplace has been increasing, although this relationship is still undervalued by health professionals. In this sense, the aim of this study is to identify occupational risk factors for laryngeal cancer, so that occupational health professionals can have information available to facilitate workers’ health promotion and disease prevention tasks or, at the limit, suspect the problem earlier. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content Laryngeal Cancer is the most prevalent at the aerodigestive level; that is, about 130.000 new cases per year worldwide in males and 21.000 in females, although with some differences between countries. Although the main risk factors are alcohol and tobacco consumption, which contribute synergistically to the problem, there are activities, mainly in the primary and secondary sectors, which, due to their exposure to physical and chemical agents (such as silica, asbestos, asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other components of paints and cement, for example). Discussion and Conclusions There are some risk factors with suspected or proven association with the etiology of Laryngeal Cancer. It is essential that professionals in the sector acquire a minimum of knowledge regarding what the bibliography describes, to be able to take collective and individual protection measures that can mitigate the risk. It is essential that professionals in the sector acquire a minimum of knowledge regarding what the bibliography describes, to be able to implement collective and individual protection measures that manage to mitigate the risk. It would also be desirable for occupational health teams, with workers exposed to these working conditions, to be able to investigate the topic, releasing innovative and/or more complete data to the bibliography than what is currently published, including giving a perspective of the state of the art in our country.

Cancro Testicular associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Testicular Cancer usually appears at earlier ages than other oncological pathologies, therefore, it is more likely to be diagnosed in the active population. It is suspected that part of the cases may have an occupational etiology, so it will be relevant to develop efforts for its early diagnosis and prevention. In this sense, this review intends to highlight the most relevant publications on the subject, to facilitate the work of occupational health teams. Methodology The research and bibliographic review were carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content It is most frequent in developed countries; corresponds to 1% of all cancers diagnosed in men, considering all age groups. Incidences have been increasing to nearly double over the last four decades in most countries, possibly due to some occupational and/or environmental exposures. Discussion and Conclusions Occupational issues that seem to be more related to this cancer are contact with some chemical agents (namely pesticides, asbestos, solvents and heavy metals); as well as ionizing radiation. Thus, some of the most relevant sectors will be agriculture, civil construction, demolitions, industry with the production of chemical agentes, paper and plastics, laundries and firefighters. It would be relevant for some Occupational Health and Safety teams to dedicate some time to investigating these issues, enhancing global scientific knowledge on this topic and, in particular, deepening the national level (global incidence, more relevant sectors/professions/tasks, as well as collective and individual protection measures most used and effective). KEYWORDS: testicular cancer, asbestos, pesticides, occupational health, occupational medicine, occupational safety.

Cancro do Pulmão associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Lung Cancer is fairly common and usually very lethal. Part of the cases seems to have an occupational etiology, so it will be relevant for professionals in the area to have some notions on the subject. The aim of this review was to summarize what was most recent and pertinent published on this subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content It is the deadliest cancer worldwide; it is the most frequent in males and the third most prevalent in females. Some researchers consider that it is possible that some hormonal issues can boost the number of cases in females. In this last ones, the most frequent is adenocarcinoma, less associated with tobacco. It is believed that the occupational origin can explain almost a third of the cases. In this context, asbestos are the most relevant factor (responsible for 55 to 85% of cases with occupational etiology), according to some authors. Discussion and Conclusions In the literature, there is reasonable evidence that Lung Cancer is more likely to occur in situations where there is exposure to Radon, Asbestos/Silica, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Fiberglass, Diesel, Aluminum, Sulfur Dioxide and/or Particulate Matter. Thus, some of the professional sectors highlighted in this context will be Construction (General and Naval), Foundries and Mines. Despite this, there is little available literature that demonstrates the study of this phenomenon in national companies, so it would be relevant for some Occupational Health and Safety teams to dedicate some time to investigating these issues, enhancing global scientific knowledge on this topic and, in particular, epidemiologically characterizing the national panorama (incidence, most affected sectors/professions/tasks, as well as most used and/or effective collective and individual protection measures). Keywords: lung cancer, asbestos, silica, radon, occupational health, occupational medicine and occupational security.

Cancro Hematopoiético associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Hematopoietic oncological pathologies may be associated with some work conditions. The bibliography on the subject is not very exhaustive and, therefore, the associated knowledge is not very developed among professionals in the area and/or workers/managers/employers. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent and relevant publications on the subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content In the work environment, the most relevant chemical agents in relation to leukemia are benzene, tetrachlorethylene, styrene, chlorophenols, aromatic amines, creosote, chromium, arsenic, ethylene oxide, asbestos, antineoplastic agents and pesticides. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified more than one hundred chemical carcinogens and, of these, about a quarter increase the risk of leukemia and lymphoma. This entity classifies butadiene and formaldehyde (used in the plastic, rubber and textile production industry, for example) as included in group 1, that is, carcinogenic to humans; she further published that benzene, ethylene oxide, some pesticides and formaldehyde as probably linked to leukemia (group 2a); as well as some types of radiation. This institution highlighted the existence of a greater hematopoietic risk related to professional activities associated with shipbuilding, footwear and rubber production, although the conclusions are not consensual among researchers. In turn, chimney sweeping work has been shown to be associated with all types of hematopoietic cancer. Discussion and Conclusions There are some risk factors with suspected or proven association with the etiology of some hematopoietic oncological pathologies. It is essential that professionals in the sector acquire a minimum of knowledge regarding what the scarce bibliography describes, so that it is possible to plan collective and individual protection measures that manage to mitigate the risk. It would also be interesting if some occupational health and safety teams, working in institutions with workers exposed to these working conditions, were able to investigate the topic, releasing innovative and/or more complete data to the bibliography than what is currently published. KEYWORDS: hematopoietic cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, occupational health and occupational medicine.

Cancro do Pulmão associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Lung Cancer is fairly common and usually very lethal. Part of the cases seems to have an occupational etiology, so it will be relevant for professionals in the area to have some notions on the subject. The aim of this review was to summarize what was most recent and pertinent published on this subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content It is the deadliest cancer worldwide; it is the most frequent in males and the third most prevalent in females. Some researchers consider that it is possible that some hormonal issues can boost the number of cases in females. In this last ones, the most frequent is adenocarcinoma, less associated with tobacco. It is believed that the occupational origin can explain almost a third of the cases. In this context, asbestos are the most relevant factor (responsible for 55 to 85% of cases with occupational etiology), according to some authors. Discussion and Conclusions In the literature, there is reasonable evidence that Lung Cancer is more likely to occur in situations where there is exposure to Radon, Asbestos/Silica, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Fiberglass, Diesel, Aluminum, Sulfur Dioxide and/or Particulate Matter. Thus, some of the professional sectors highlighted in this context will be Construction (General and Naval), Foundries and Mines. Despite this, there is little available literature that demonstrates the study of this phenomenon in national companies, so it would be relevant for some Occupational Health and Safety teams to dedicate some time to investigating these issues, enhancing global scientific knowledge on this topic and, in particular, epidemiologically characterizing the national panorama (incidence, most affected sectors/professions/tasks, as well as most used and/or effective collective and individual protection measures). Keywords: lung cancer, asbestos, silica, radon, occupational health, occupational medicine and occupational security.

Cancro da Bexiga associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Bladder cancer is reasonably prevalent, and in some cases it may be related to work characteristics. It would be relevant for most professionals to have some knowledge of what is published on this topic. Methodology This is a bibliographic review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content Bladder Cancer is the most frequent or the second most prevalent among genito-urinary neoplasms and the second most deadly in that context. Considering all oncological pathologies, it is estimated that it is the 7th or 9th most prevalent. By sex, it is two to four times more frequent in males. It arises from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, namely occupational. Some researchers argue that, in developed countries, occupational exposure is the main cause, followed by smoking; however, most studies claim the opposite. The most relevant chemical agents are aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides; as well as combustion products/diesel emissions and heavy metals. Discussion and Conclusions There are some risk factors with suspected or proven association with the etiology of Bladder Cancer. It is important to disclose these, so that occupational health and safety teams can take collective and individual protection measures to mitigate this. It would also be interesting for these companies to carry out more research on the subject, adding evidence to what has already been published or providing an overview of the state of the art in Portugal. Keywords: bladder cancer, occupational health, occupational medicine and safety at work.

Результаты клинического исследования пациентов с инородными телами переднего отдела глаза

The eye is a very complex and delicate organ, but under adverse conditions and without appropriate preventive measures, it is susceptible to damage that can lead to a sharp decrease in vision, partial or complete blindness. In 2021–2022, 197,773 patients with injuries of the organ of vision were diagnosed in the Republic of Uzbekistan, of which 117,605 patients were diagnosed with foreign bodies of the cornea and conjunctiva, which amounted to 59.46%. Clinical analysis of the condition of these patients is important in the prevention of injuries of the organ of vision. Purpose. Determine the main risk factors for non-penetrating eye injuries with foreign bodies. Material and methods. In 2021–2022, 823 patients turned to the Republican Clinical Ophthalmological Hospital with foreign bodies in the cornea and conjunctiva while working with an angle grinder, or “grinder”. Results. 99.51% of patients were male. Of these, 325 were between the ages of 19 and 30, reflecting the medical, social and economic significance of the problem. In the majority of patients with foreign bodies of the cornea and conjunctiva, the contributing factors to the occurrence of damage were the non-use of goggles by workers during work and poor control by workers of the rules of individual and collective eye protection measures. Conclusion. It can be seen from the results of the analysis that the majority of patients with foreign bodies of the anterior part of the eye are people of working age who use an angle grinder. Metal shavings got into the eyes due to non-compliance with technical safety rules. In order to prevent such injuries, it is necessary to create safe working conditions and conduct explanatory work with employees. Keywords: ophthalmology, emergency ophthalmic care, injuries of the organ of vision, foreign body of the eye, angle grinder.

88 Occupational Exposure to Metals Among Battery Recyclers in France: Biomonitoring and External Dose Measurements

Abstract In battery-recycling facilities, exposure to trace elements may occur through inhalation of contaminated dust or vapor emanating from the treatment processes. Thus, biomonitoring coupled with air measurements, appeared to be a relevant approach to assess exposure of battery recyclers. While lead exposure has been quite well covered in the literature, in contrast, data on exposure to other elements contained in batteries are lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize the exposure of French battery recyclers to multiple elements using biomonitoring and airborne measurements. Eighty-six workers participated in the study. Pre-shift and post-shift urine samples and personal airborne samples were collected during the working week. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze 7 trace elements in both type of sample: Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb. Results showed battery recyclers to be mostly exposed to Cd, Co, Li, Mn and Ni. Urinary sample analysis indicated exposure to Cd and Co, with levels measured at up to 27.6 and 3.34 µg/g of creatinine, respectively. Cd, Co, Li, Mn, and Ni were detected at high levels in air samples, especially near the treatment facilities, with airborne cadmium levels of up to 79.4 µg/m3. Administrative and sorting workers were exposed at lower levels than maintenance, treatment, and dismantling workers. The data presented provide valuable information on exposure to trace elements for battery recyclers. They also highlight the need to improve both collective and individual protective measures, which were not sufficient in the participating companies.

Coping during COVID-19: how attitudinal, efficacy, and personality differences drive adherence to protective measures

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on people’s lives since its initial outbreak and global spread in 2020. While the U.S. government and public health officials have recommended best practices such as social distancing, wearing a mask, and avoiding large public gatherings, these orders have been met with varying levels of acceptance from the public. Given the disparate compliance, this study builds on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to explore individual differences and personal motivation factors in order to better understand what may influence one’s likelihood to adhere to COVID-19 protective measures. Methods: A U.S. national survey (N = 2,049) was conducted April–May 2020, roughly one month after stay-at-home orders were issued in some states. Participants were asked to report their likelihood of taking individual and community protective measures. Multivariate hierarchical linear regressions were run to analyze the extent to which participants’ concerns about COVID-19’s impact, individual and collective self-efficacy, coping behaviors, and personality traits influenced the dependent variables. Results: Findings showed that COVID-19-related health concerns, collective efficacy, and proactive coping strategies were positively related to participants’ likelihood of taking protective measures. Those with greater concerns about their general well-being and the economy, adverse coping strategies like denial and joking, as well as sensation-seeking personalities, were less likely to take protective measures. Conclusion: The discussion considers how individual differences fit into broader global efforts to stem COVID-19. Practical implications for public health messaging are that communication may focus on facilitating efficacy in order to boost compliance with protective measures.