Occupational Diseases Research Articles

Jurisdictional limitations on the configuration of the causal link between work and grievance

The present study aims to discuss a current and necessary topic in the field of law: jurisdiction and jurisdictional limits to establish the causal link between work and injury, which concerns both labor law and social security law. Although distinct. These sections of law have points of intersection that can generate doubts and conflicts in applying legal norms, compromising the legal security of relations between employees, employers, and the State. The social security reform, which changed important aspects of benefit rights, but did not modify the residual competence of ordinary justice to judge accidental actions, makes evident the need for unification and adequacy of the procedural means to resolve these demands. The study aims to clarify the constitutional rules that define the competence to process and judge matters related to accidents at work and occupational diseases of workers insured by the General Social Security System (RGPS), seeking to delimit the limits of this jurisdictional action.

Phenotypes of occupational bronchial asthma from the standpoint of molecular genetic typing (polymorphisms rs2069812 of the IL-5 gene and rs1837253 of the TSLP gene)

Introduction. Currently, occupational bronchial asthma is considered as a pheno typically and genetically heterogeneous disease. Molecular genotyping opens up new op portunities in assessing the development, predicting the characteristics of the course and personalized approach to pharmacotherapy of occupational bronchial asthma, as well as in developing an individual strategy for its prevention. The purpose of the study is to determine clinical, immunological and genetic markers of the risk of developing PrAD under conditions of exposure to sensitizing substances based on the results of assessing the rs2069812 polymorphic variants of the IL5 gene and the rs1837253 polymorphic variants of the TSLP gene. Materials and methods. The study included 170 patients with various phenotypes of PBA and 50 controls. Genotyping was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using primers and probes designed using PrimerQuest (Intergrated DNA Technologies, Inc.). Re sults. The study identified for the first time genetic markers of PBA risk under conditions of exposure to sensitizing substances: polymorphic variants rs2069812 of the IL-5 gene and polymorphic variants rs1837253 of the TSLP gene. This allows us to recommend the deter mination of these immunological parameters and genetic markers during in-depth periodic medical examinations of people working under conditions of exposure to sensitizing and irri tating substances, for differential diagnosis of various phenotypes of occupational bronchial asthma. Limitations of the study. The study has regional (Samara region) and professional (in terms of detailing working conditions in the comparison groups studied) limitations. Conclusion. Identified genotypic features in various phenotypes of occupational bronchial asthma, established profiles of genotypes of occupational bronchial asthma can optimize the approach to early diagnosis, prognosis and prevention and pharmacotherapy of this dis ease, as well as recommend a list of genetic studies for use during preliminary and periodic medical examinations, in-depth examination of patients occupational bronchial asthma in occupational disease clinics and occupational pathology centers, to establish a genetic pre disposition to the development of occupational bronchial asthma, rational employment in professions associated with sensitizing and irritating substances.

Mandated Rest Breaks and Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in Dallas County, Texas Construction Workers: A Quasi-Experimental, Comparative Interrupted Time Series Study.

We estimated associations of a rest break ordinance, implemented for construction workers in Dallas, Texas in 2016, with workplace injuries and illnesses. We used workers' compensation claims data to compare changes in rates of injuries and illnesses among Dallas County, Texas construction (ie, "treated") workers with changes in untreated workers, before (2013-2015) and after (2016-2018) a rest break ordinance was implemented. Immediately after the ordinance was implemented, rates of injuries/illnesses among treated workers were modestly lower than in comparison workers (rate ratio comparing postmandate vs premandate rates, treated vs comparison workers: 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.72-1.11). Postordinance versus preordinance slope trends were similar in the treated versus the comparison group. Ten-minute rest breaks were associated with modestly lower rates of workplace injury/illnesses. More comprehensive standards may be needed for protection.

Associations of the variable site rs2010963 of the VEGF-A gene with multifocal atherosclerosis in aluminum industry workers with chronic occupational intoxication with fluoride compounds

Introduction. The aluminum industry occupies a leading position among non-ferrous metallurgy industries in revealing somatic pathologies in workers that occur against the background of chronic fluoride intoxication. Long-term exposure to fluorides on the body has a cardiovasotoxic effect, leads to structural and functional disorders of the myocardium and the development of comorbid cardiovascular pathology. This dictates the need for a risk-oriented approach to its diagnosis, including one based on molecular genetic analysis, for the timely identification of risk groups for the development of atherosclerosis and the elaboration of preventive measures aimed at preserving the health and maintaining working longevity of the studied occupational cohort. Materials and methods. There were examined ninety seven metallurgists with a previously proven diagnosis of chronic occupational intoxication with fluoride compounds, engaged in aluminum production. The comparison group consisted of 33 workers of this enterprise without a proven occupational disease. All respondents underwent ultrasound investigation of the main arteries. Genotyping of the rs2010963 polymorphic locus of the VEGF-A gene was carried out in a 96-well format using TaqMan technology (allele-specific real-time PCR). Results. The associative connection of the G/G VEGF-A genotype is determined in metallurgists with the risk of developing chronic occupational intoxication with fluoride compounds and heterozygous G/C genotype in subjects with multifocal atherosclerosis. The high level of predictive value of the polymorphism -634 G/C (rs2010963) of the VEGF-A gene allows considering it a marker of the risk for the developing atherosclerosis in workers exposed to long-term impact to fluoride compounds on the body. Limitations. The study was limited to the number of long-term work experienced subjects undergoing periodic medical examinations and undergoing inpatient treatment at the Research Institute for Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases. Conclusion. It is recommended to conduct a screening molecular and genetic analysis in a clinical hospital setting for timely assessment of the prognostic significance of risk markers for the development of atherosclerosis and its complications in workers of basic occupations engaged in aluminum production.

Remodelling and functional features of the left ventricle in miners

Introduction. Diseases of the circulatory system are the main cause of mortality in the employable population. Preserving occupational longevity involves the identification of early signs of myocardial damage by modern techniques, which will allow taking a fresh look at the prevention of cardiovascular pathology in people engaged in harmful working conditions. Materials and methods. The study included two hundred thirty six miners of average age of 47.1±0.36 years who underwent periodic medical examination at the Institute clinic. The work experience in hazardous occupation conditions was 22.7±0.6 years. The study was based on transthoracic echocardiography using tissue Dopplerography and speckle tracking technology. Results. Concentric remodelling of the left ventricle was detected in 25.9% of the miners. Arterial hypertension was revealed in 65.6% of the miners with concentric remodelling of the left ventricle versus 34.3% of the miners with its normal geometry (p=0.00002). There were no significant differences in the left ventricular contractile function indices in the groups. In both groups, diastolic dysfunction type 1 was predominantly detected, which was significantly more common in the miners with concentric remodelling of the left ventricle (62.3% and 42.0%, p=0.006). Pseudonormal type of diastolic dysfunction occurred in 8.2% of the group with concentric remodelling versus 5.14% with normal left ventricular geometry, p= 0.38. Limitations. The study was limited by the number of the examined persons undergoing periodic medical examination at the Research Institute for Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases. Conclusion. Remodelling of the left ventricular myocardium in miners did not correlate with a decrease in the longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle, which indicates the possible influence of harmful occupational factors on the development of its systolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle had a clear relationship with remodelling of the left ventricular myocardium. In this regard, it is recommended to conduct echocardiography during an in-depth periodic medical examination of miners with long-term work experience to identify a risk group for developing cardiovascular accidents.

Adaptogenic correction of free radical processes in liver tissue under the exposure to coal-rock dust on the body (experimental study)

Introduction. Damage to the liver under the conditions of long-term exposure to coal-rock dust on the body leads to significant impairment of its metabolic, detoxification, synthetic, and other functions. In this regard, it is relevant to search for early methods of prevention and correction of developing pathological changes in this organ. The purpose of the study is to experimentally study the effect of a complex drug with dihydroquercetin on the activity of free radical processes in the liver of laboratory rats over the dynamics of long-term exposure to coal-rock dust. Materials and methods. The work was carried out on male white rats weighing 200–250 g. The control group was kept under the standard vivarium conditions. The experimental group included rats that inhaled coal-rock dust in a priming chamber daily for 4 hours for 1, 3, 6, and 9 weeks and rats that received a daily complex drug with dihydroquercetin immediately before dust exposure. In the liver tissue, the activity of free radical oxidation and antioxidant defense enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) was determined. Results. Priming rats with coal-rock dust for three weeks led to the gain in the intensity of free radical processes in the liver tissue: the initial level of accumulation of TBA-active oxidation products reliably raised by almost 2 times over the 1st week and 3 times over the 3rd week of the experiment compared to the control. An increase in the intensity of free radical oxidation was accompanied by activation of antioxidant defense enzymes - catalase - by 2.4 times at the 1st week and 1.6 times at the 3rd week of dust exposure. Raising the period of priming with dust up to 9 weeks led to multidirectional changes in oxidative metabolism in the liver tissue: at week 6, a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase was almost 3 times; at week 9, to a slight activation of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase by 55% and catalase by 36%.The most effective use of a complex drug with dihydroquercetin had been shown in short-term mode for three weeks, but not long-term (more than 6 weeks). The maximum antioxidant defense effect of dihydroquercetin was detected at the 3rd week of dust exposure – the level of free radical products decreased by 2 times and the activity of superoxide dismutase increased by 4 times. Limitations. Since the issue of organ-specific effects and the optimal duration of use of dihydroquercetin to increase resistance to free radical damage has been little elaborated, this imposes certain restrictions on its use for the correction and prevention of occupational diseases. Conclusion. The results obtained should be taken into account with long-term use of exogenous antioxidants in the correction and prevention of occupational diseases to support the level of endogenous antioxidant systems in the cell and the protective effect of dihydroquercetin for tissues most sensitive to the action of free radical processes.

Ensuring Sustainable Hospitality: A Case Study on Occupational Health and Safety Governance at Ros-In Hotel

Workplace accidents often stem from worker negligence, human error, and insufficient management, including substandard occupational health and safety measures. Case studies, a common qualitative research method, utilize interviews and observations for primary data collection. In a specific case study at Hotel Ros-In, Yogyakarta, the Human Resources Manager was the key informant, participating in a 60-minute interview with three sub-themes: Covid-19 Post-Pandemic Regulation, Occupational Health and Safety, and Environmental Health. During the interview, Ros-In Hotel exhibited a robust commitment to complying with Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy guidelines on hygiene, health, safety, and environmental sustainability. In the industrial sector, effective health and safety governance is crucial for maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring facilities meet stringent standards, protecting both consumers and workers. Strong safety protocols actively reduce workplace accidents and occupational diseases, fostering a safer work environment. This commitment not only benefits employees' well-being but enhances the company's overall reputation. Companies like Ros-In Hotel, through adherence to regulatory guidelines and robust safety measures, play a vital role in establishing a secure working atmosphere, instilling confidence in consumers and the broader community.

Cognitive function groups in older people and risk factors

Risk stratification for cognitive impairment in communities originated from autopsies in cognitively healthy individuals. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) incorporates subjective and objective cognitive function (CF) measures to explore neurocognitive disorders (NCD). It can be applied in communities to explore the factors that may influence positively or negatively. To obtain the relationship between groups of CF classified using the DSM-5 categories, and sociodemographic factors, habits, comorbidities and motor function in older people living in the community. Cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample (n = 347). The variables were sociodemographic, habits, comorbidities, and cognitive motor function. The participants were grouped considering subjective and objective CF, plus age, sex, and educational level, and defined according to NCD. 28.5% did not present cognitive disorder, 43.9% had mild disorder < 70 years (mildNCD < 70y), 19% with 70 years or more (mildNCD ≥ 70y), and with major disorder 8.6%. The associated factors for mildNCD < 70y were marital status (MS), physical activity (PA), diabetes mellitus, and frailty; for mildNCD > 70y: MS, occupation, living alone, and heart disease; for majorNCD: PA and grip strength. In the multivariate analysis it was observed greater likelihood in the mildNCD groups than in the non-NCD and majorNCD groups. 4 important groups were identified in a community. The mildNCD was mainly explained by sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, clinical conditions, and motor functionality.

The OCCHLTH Mnemonic-Construction and Content of a Tool for Increasing Awareness of Occupational Illness and Injury.

Unidentified or nonmitigated occupational illnesses and injuries can complicate disease management. The "occupational health" (OCCHLTH) mnemonic aims to raise awareness of work-related exposures and associated illnesses and injuries. Occupational safety and health history-taking elements were combined with peer-reviewed information [from the PubMed database (first review January 1, 2000, to February 8, 2016; updated to February 8, 2021)] about workplace exposure-outcome associations to create the mnemonic. Seven components constitute the OCCHLTH mnemonic. Literature results support its categories and subcategories. Three components represent symptom onset and health conditions. Four represent occupational exposures. Evaluating published occupational illness cases explored mnemonic applicability. Awareness of occupational risk factors can affect clinical decision-making. The OCCHLTH mnemonic encourages consideration of occupational causes of illness and injury to optimize patient care. Further evaluation of the utility of the OCCHLTH mnemonic is needed.

Occupational Diseases in Pyrometallurgical Nickel Refining Workers of Various Specialties

Occupational Diseases in Pyrometallurgical Nickel Refining Workers of Various Specialties

A Combination of eye exercises and warm compresses against eye fatigue in computer user employees

Using computers for long periods of time can cause various health problems, especially the eyes. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), the symptoms mentioned, such as eye strain and difficulty focusing, are common in people who frequently use computers for more than 2 hours at work. Therefore, it is important for workers who use computers as a primary aid to take steps to protect their eye health. This type of research is a type of quantitative research, namely quasi-experimental pre-test post-test one group design. This design uses only one group, namely the Experiment group without the Control group. Pre-test and post-test techniques will be carried out on employees using computers at BPJS Claims. The flow of this research is that the researcher conducts a pretest on the sample then is given treatment, after being given treatment then a post test is carried out. Based on the results of the Nonparametric Test using the Wilcoxon Test, the p value (0.001) ? (0.05) can be concluded that the hypothesis in the study is accepted, meaning that there are differences in the level of eye fatigue before and after Eye Exercises and Warm Compresses for Computer User Employees at Grandmed Lubuk Pakam Hospital . Based on the measurement results using the observation sheet, most of the employees experienced moderate eye fatigue as many as 12 people, therefore it is expected that computer users can apply the interventions provided and become input and increase workers' knowledge about occupational diseases that arise due to work and are also expected to reduce the level of eye fatigue that occurs in workers.

Occupational Lung Diseases — The Silent Epidemic of this Era

Occupational Lung Diseases — The Silent Epidemic of this Era

Assessment of the musculoskeletal discomfort scale for upper limb among workers in inner Brazil.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders for upper limbs (UL-WMSDs) form a complex of occupational diseases common to many professions worldwide. UL-WMSDs are manifested in most cases by pain, resulting in musculoskeletal discomfort. This research aimed to evaluate the perception of musculoskeletal discomfort in workers from the interior of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia through the construction of a scale to assess musculoskeletal discomfort for upper limb. The discomfort assessment scale was constructed from self-reported pain symptoms by 420 workers from the inner regions of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia. The reliability and dimensionality of the collected data were analyzed by McDonald's Omega and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Item Response Theory (IRT) was used to create parameters for the discomfort scale. The musculoskeletal discomfort metric was constructed from the workers' response with six levels (varying from minimum discomfort to maximum discomfort). At the lowest level of the scale, workers indicated symptoms in the shoulders and wrists were rare. At the highest level of the scale, daily pain symptoms are reported in all regions of the upper limbs. The shoulders are the last region to develop extreme pain symptoms. The metric was created to present satisfactory psychometric properties and capable measurement of the workers' level of musculoskeletal discomfort based on self-reported pain symptoms. Therefore, the metric can support measuring discomfort, contributing to decisions that improve a healthier occupational environment for the worker.

Artisanal gold mining in guinea and security concerns

One of the continents richest in gold reserves is Africa. According to the World Bank, about 20 % of gold in African countries is still mined using artisanal methods. There is no officially recognized, generally accepted definition of artisanal small-scale gold mining. In essence, artisanal or small-scale gold mining is a labor-intensive, financially and technologically underdeveloped gold mining activity. Artisanal gold mining can be either informal, illegal, without state permission, or formal (legalized, streamlined). In the modern world, artisanal mining in African countries is experiencing rapid growth after their liberation from colonial oppression. The paper examines the environmental costs or ecological footprint of artisanal gold mining, such as: mercury intoxication of ecosystems, gold miners and local populations; deforestation, destruction of ecosystems; pollution of watercourses; industrial injuries and occupational diseases of gold miners; crime and social instability. Practical recommendations for improving safety are given.

Evaluation of the Knowledge and Awareness of Firefighters in Turkey in Disaster Risk Management

Firefighters stand as one of the most effective task forces, striving to minimize losses incurred during disasters. Clarifying the present status of disaster risk management for firefighters can offer insights into the factors influencing response during disasters and how preparedness for such events can be enhanced. The aim of this study is to assess the current status of fire and rescue services, actively engage in crisis management during disaster risk management, to identify areas for improvement that enhance their involvement in preparatory stages, and to bolster their effectiveness in crisis management. This descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 772 firefighters who had prior experience in disaster response. The findings of this study revealed that firefighters who had undergone first aid training demonstrated the ability to anticipate hazardous situations and behaviors, regularly inspected their equipment, showed awareness of work-related accidents and occupational diseases, and scored statistically higher on the scales. These findings are expected to assist fire departments in establishing a sustainable and comprehensive disaster management cycle.

NURSES' PERCEPTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Aim: This study aims to determine nurses' perceptions of occupational safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This study was conducted based on cross-sectional research principles. The sample of the study includes 160 nurses working in three public hospitals in Sakarya province. The research data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of four parts about nurses' personal characteristics, working conditions, occupational diseases/complaints and occupational accidents/injuries, and occupational safety measures taken during the pandemic period. Results: In the study, more than half of the participants (66.4%) had COVID-19 disease, (71.3%) did not find the personal protective equipment of sufficient quality, (68.8%) the working environment was not adequately ventilated, (67.5%) stated that orientation training was not given to nurses assigned from different fields. The mean score for “occupational diseases and complaints” of participants was 29.4±16.2, and the mean score for “support given to employees” by the institution during the pandemic was 4.1±2.5. Nurses who worked continuously during the day shift did not have an accident at work, did not have COVID-19, studied occupational safety during the pandemic, and did not plan to leave jobs were found to have a significantly higher level of occupational safety measures than other nurses (p

Hand-Arm-Vibrationsdosis und arbeitstechnische Voraussetzungen für die Berufskrankheit Nr. 2103 – Eine epidemiologische Fall-Kontroll-Studie

Hand-arm vibration dose and work-related requirements for occupational disease no. 2103 – An epidemiological case-control study Background: An epidemiological case-control study of dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders of occupational disease no. 2103 (BK 2103) was carried out in order to provide evidence-based recommendations for the recognition of BK 2103. Methods: Male cases and controls were recruited and standardised personal interviews were conducted between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2021. In addition to leisure activities and comorbidities, work histories regarding the use of hand-operated and hand-held technical tools that can induce hand-arm vibrations were recorded in detail. To quantify the individual vibration exposure, a database of industrial hygiene measurements of vibration values of over 700 technical power tools was established (vibration register). The vibration measurements recorded in the database allows quantification of the daily dose and lifetime dose of the vibration exposure. The dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders as defined by BK 2103 were quantified for the various dose models using conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: In total, 209 cases and 614 controls were recruited. Compared to controls, cases suffered more frequently from gout, arm fractures, hip osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, spinal osteoarthritis and trauma injuries or inflammatory conditions of the finger, elbow and shoulder joints. After adjusting for relevant confounders, the study analyses demonstrate consistent and statistically significant dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders as defined by BK 2103. A vibration dose of Dhv = 142.331 m2/s4 x day or Dhw = 38.724 m2/s4 x day is associated with a doubling of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities as defined by BK 2103. Conclusions: These dose values serve as a guide and could also be applied in an assessment of the work-related requirements for the recognition of BK 2103. Sensitivity analyses indicate that an exposure duration with a defined threshold daily dose is not suitable for guiding the recognition of BK 2103. Keywords: hand-arm vibration – musculoskeletal disorders – dose-effect relationship – epidemiology – risk-doubling dose

Associations between Recognition and Behaviors Regarding the Use, Washing and Management of Firefighting Protection Suits and Public Health Awareness of Occupational Exposure Risks among Firefighters

The firefighting protective suits (FPSs) of firefighters at fire scenes affect their health and safety. However, the association between firefighters’ health awareness of occupational exposure risks and the FPS use, washing and management remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between firefighters’ health awareness of occupational exposure risks and their recognition, behaviors regarding the use, washing and management of FPSs. This study design is a cross-sectional study and used a web-based survey of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s electronic survey system. The survey was conducted on metropolitan firefighters performing shift work in charge of fire and rescue work for 21 days from 1 to 22 April 2019, with 1097 (40.3%) respondents. Characteristics of FPS use, washing and management and the association between thoughts and behaviors thereof and health awareness of occupational exposure risks were evaluated. Data of 1097 firefighters were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Firefighters’ fire scene awareness rate of possible carcinogens was 94.4%. There was an association between public health thinking of occupational exposure risks and the correct use of an FPS for one’s own safety (AOR 1.97. 95% CI 1.02–3.80). However, no association was shown between correct FPS use (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 0.48–4.59), washing (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 0.93–6.68) and management (AOR 1.38, 95% CI 0.75–2.50) behaviors. This study analyzed the relationship between the use, washing and management of personal protective equipment called firefighting clothing and firefighters perceived occupational exposure risks. This study found an association between the health awareness of occupational exposure risks and recognition of the correct use of FPSs at fire scenes but not between using, washing and managing behaviors of FPSs. This study is the first to analyze the relationship between firefighting clothing and occupational health awareness level. The results confirm that future interventions are required to help firefighters practice desirable behaviors toward FPSs and provided evidenced data for preventing occupational diseases among firefighters. Therefore, this study can be used to develop a firefighter occupational health curriculum and establish health and safety plans from mid- to long-term perspectives for firefighters’ safety against occupational exposure risks.

Occupational lung diseases from exposure to industrial fibrogenic aerosols of varying degrees of fibrogenicity: occupational risk assessment, features of immunopathogenesis, prediction

The purpose of the study is to assess occupational risk and study the characteristics of immunopathogenesis in occupational lung diseases from exposure to industrial aerosols. Material and research methods. The study included 304 people with over 10 years of work experience under conditions of exposure to high concentrations of industrial fi brogenic aerosols (above the permissible concentration), who underwent an in-depth periodic medical examination at the regional center of occupational pathology Samara City Hospital No. 5 with an assessment of the relative risk (RR), its etiologic fraction (EF), and odds ratio (OR) of the development of occupational respiratory diseases. The comparison group included 120 people. To assess the cytokine profile indices in occupational lung diseases (various degrees of severity of dust-induced occupational diseases, silicosis, and pneumoconiosis from exposure to highly dispersed welding aerosols), 161 people with occupational lung diseases and 60 people in the control group were examined. Levels of immunoglobulins A, M, and G in blood serum, hemolytic activity of complement, and the level of myeloperoxidase were determined using standard reactions. Determination of the levels of total IgE, fibronectin, cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IFNγ, and TNFα, growth factors FGF-2, VEGF in blood serum was carried out by enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The occupational risk of developing dust lung diseases from exposure to various types of fibrogenic industrial aerosols, as well as the features of the course of occupational lung diseases have been determined. The identified features of the immu nological profile allow establishing the features of the occurrence, course, and progres sion of occupational lung diseases and recommending changes to the National List of Occupational Diseases. Conclusions. Determining occupational risk and immunological profile allows not only improving the quality of early diagnosis, but optimizing primary and secondary prevention strategies for this pathology, predicting the course of the disease, and reducing the number of disabling forms.

Predictors of chronic heart failure in occupational pulmonology

The issue of occupational lung diseases, primarily dust lung diseases caused by exposure to industrial fibrogenic aerosols of varying degrees of fibrogenicity, remains relevant not only for the Russian Federation, but also for most of the world's leading economies. Purpose of the study: to investigate echocardiographic parameters and constitution features, assess the state of carbohydrate metabolism, and evaluate the concentration of leptin and resistin in patients with occupational respiratory diseases. Results of the study: fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed both subatrophic changes in the bronchial mucosa and phenomena of focal atrophy of the bronchial mucosa and diffuse atrophy in all study groups. According to the otorhinolaryngologist’s examination, there is a high detection rate of chronic atrophic rhino-pharyngolaryngitis in the study groups, which, taking into account the data of fiberop tic bronchoscopy, indicates the systemic and descending nature of the pathological process. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated the high informative value and diagnostic significance of computer spirography for occupational respiratory diseases. Conclusion. As a result of the study, novel clinical and pathogenetic features were identified, and myocardial con tractility was assessed in chronic dust bronchitis, occupational chronic obstructive pulmo nary disease, and interstitial pneumoconiosis. This allows recommending the determination of these indicators (leptin, resistin), as well as echocardiographic assessment of the state and function of the myocardium during periodic medical examinations of workers exposed to industrial fibrogenic aerosols of varying degrees of fibrogenicity in order to assess the risk of developing and predict chronic heart failure in occupational respiratory diseases associated with exposure to highly fibrogenic, moderately fibrogenic, and low fibrogenic industrial aerosols.