Occupational medicine (OM) is a small field in Canada. Due to various routes of entry, accurate depictions of the field are challenging and have been conducted twice previously. To assess the profile of OM practice in Canada and distinguish between subgroups of interest (by years of practice and training routes). A 66-item survey was distributed by three national and four provincial organizations with OM physician members, asking about demographic information, qualifications and education, and characteristics of practice, duties and compensation. 107 surveys were received. More than half (52%) of respondents declared being >55 years old, and 67% identified as male. Eighteen per cent reported having specialist credentials in OM, while the majority reported other backgrounds, and nearly 25% had no formal qualifications in OM. Those with >15 years of work in OM were more likely to be specialists, have a graduate degree relevant to OM and have core duties related to addiction medicine, workplace health and safety (e.g. training, hygiene evaluation) and leadership duties. Compared to respondents with no formal training, those with formal training were more likely to report adequate education in OM and more likely to work in management/administrative roles. This is the first survey to seek input from a broad variety of OM-focused organizations in Canada. While the field is ageing overall, other demographic changes and newer pathways to certification show a change in the landscape from previous surveys.

Tamarindus indica is the sole member of the genus Tamarindus of the Leguminosae family. It is a multipurpose horticultural plant, with every part of the plant finding importance in food, medicine, and other industries. To gain an understanding of genome structure and evolution, we reported the first high-quality genome assembly of T. indica anchored to 12 chromosomes with an N50 of 56.6 Mb. Supported by comprehensive transcriptome data, we reported 48,867 protein-coding genes. Through phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis, we uncovered an independent whole-genome duplication event in T. indica and highlighted the expression divergence of segmentally duplicated genes and their role in the better adaptivity of the plant. Further, we observed a high expansion of the terpene cyclase mutase (oxidosqualene cyclase, OSCs) gene family and identified nine OSCs and their putative functions in T. indica. In addition, by employing integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analysis, we identified the putative L-Idonate dehydrogenase (L-IDH) gene in T. indica and provided evidence about its possible role in the accumulation of high tartaric acid content in this plant. Our study thus provides an important resource for future genetic and biotechnological studies to understand essential pathways and assist breeding programs for trait enhancements.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43897-025-00222-7.

ESWT is asafe, evidence-based, and effective procedure that has proven itself in almost all areas of medical care. To ensure high-quality use of this effective method, it is essential that it is applied in accordance with the applicable standards. Traditional, narrative review. The increasing proportion of physically demanding occupations, increasing lack of exercise, (over)aging of the population, and work intensification are leading to an increasing number of tendinopathies, myofascial dysfunctions, and chronic pain conditions. In this context, ESWT is becoming a relevant tool in modern, function-oriented occupational, preventive, rehabilitative, and geriatric medicine. ESWT usually acts as an "enabler" and "accelerator", i.e., a biological activator of functional processes. ESWT is not a passive procedure, but rather an activator that often enables functional treatments through pain reduction and regenerative effects. ESWT combines regeneration, prevention, rehabilitation, mobility, participation, and economic sustainability and will continue to gain importance in an aging society. ESWT can be highly relevant in multimodal applications in prevention, rehabilitation, occupational medicine, geriatrics, and nursing care. Increased use of ESWT in prevention, rehabilitation, occupational medicine, and geriatrics, with reimbursement by the public health system, should be encouraged.

Reconstruction of the radiological component of the exposome in the CONSTANCES cohort.

This study aimed to characterize long-term labor market participation from five years before to five years after assessment at departments of occupational medicine among patients referred with low-back pain (LBP) and to compare these patterns with those in a matched general working population. Secondary objectives were to assess subgroup differences and time to return to work. In this nationwide register-based cohort study, we included Danish residents aged 18-60 years referred for assessment (N=8256) and matched comparators (1:5 on sex, age, and calendar year; N=41 280). Using weekly register data, we calculated the prevalence of different labor market states before and after assessment as well as propensity score-weighted prevalence differences and ratios, and we performed stratified analyses. We estimated the five-year cumulative incidence of return to work among individuals on temporary public benefits using the Aalen-Johansen estimator. At assessment, 37% of patients were working versus 83% of comparators. Five years post-assessment, 40% of patients were working and 32% received permanent health-related public benefits. We observed substantial heterogeneity, with larger deficits in work participation in several subgroups. Among patients on temporary public benefits at assessment, the five-year cumulative incidence of return to work was 42%, with no increase in overall work prevalence. LBP patients had persistently poorer labor market participation than matched comparators, with declines already evident one year before assessment. Prognosis was particularly poor among older patients, those with weaker labor market participation at assessment, and those with comorbidities. These findings highlight the need for early identification and timely intervention and referral.

Abstract Edonwhii Beach, located within a major oil- and gas-influenced coastal corridor, is increasingly vulnerable to atmospheric contamination from heavy metals and total hydrocarbon content (THC). This study assessed seasonal and spatial variations of Pb, As, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, and THC, and evaluated the influence of meteorological parameters on pollutant behaviour. Air samples were collected from ten stations using Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) samplers. Heavy metals were quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy, while THC and field meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and pressure) were concurrently measured. Dry-season concentrations were markedly higher, with mean values (µg/m 3 ) of Pb (1.935 ± 0.41), As (0.036 ± 0.02), Ni (1.083 ± 0.50), and THC (1.788 ± 0.48), compared to wet-season levels of Pb (0.207 ± 0.10), As (0.007 ± 0.004), Ni (0.211 ± 0.09), and THC (0.585 ± 0.20). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships (r = 0.667–0.927, p < 0.01) among Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, THC, temperature, and relative humidity, suggesting shared combustion-related and anthropogenic sources, whereas weaker correlations for As (r = 0.126–0.451) indicate partial geogenic contributions. Analysis of variance demonstrated pronounced seasonal variability, particularly for THC (F = 112.478) and Cr (F = 52.208). Health risk assessment showed hazard quotients (HQs) exceeding unity for all assessed pollutants in both seasons, with significantly elevated dry-season risks driven by Ni, As, Cd, and THC (HQ range: 4–9). Although wet-season rainfall reduced exposure levels substantially, risk thresholds remained above recommended safety limits. Meteorological conditions strongly governed pollutant dynamics: elevated temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall during the dry season enhanced atmospheric stability, dust resuspension, and hydrocarbon volatilization, while wet-season precipitation and stronger winds facilitated dispersion and removal. The findings underscore the need for meteorology-responsive emission control and targeted mitigation strategies in coastal fishing communities exposed to cumulative combustion-related pollution.

Comparative study of physicochemical and gut microbiota fermentation properties of fingered citron polysaccharides at different solvent extractions.

Nondestructive detection of ganoderic acids based on short-wave infrared hyperspectral and machine learning

Abstract Introduction Maritime occupational medicine spirometric profiles (SP) protects the seafarers health.The main objective was to describe the spirometric profiles of seafarers previously examined between 2016 and 2018. in the Analakininina University Hospital of Toamasina, a big harbor located on the Madagascar East Coast.Spirometry pulmonary functional test (PFT), according to the global lung function initiative ( GLI ) recommendations, was performed for assessing lung capacity and screening respiratory disorders. Methodology This was a cross-sectional, descriptive observational study of 1005 spirometry records of seafarers. Each subject underwent a pre-departure medical examination including usual spirometric parameters between 2016 and 2018., Results Our study population was predominantly male (86.7%) with a mean age of 40.5 ± 7.5 years. The mean BMI was 25.6 ± 4.0 kg/m². Smoking prevalence was 13%, with a mean consumption of 4.5 pack-years. Spirometric profiles showed that 81.4% were normal and 18.6% showed abnormalities including 10.5% with small airways obstructive syndrome and only 1.99% with obstructive ventilatory impairment. A statistically significant correlation was observed between smoking and spirometric values abnormalities, with a p-value < 0.05. 0.0001 and an OR of 12.26. Overweight and obesity were also associated with increased severity of the observed obstructive disorders, with a p-value of 0.01. Conclusion Spirometry is an essential and useful diagnostic and preventive tool in maritime medicine for the early detection of respiratory illness and for the fitness assessment for seafaring. This abstract is funded by: none

Transgender people in Poland face numerous legal challenges and problems arising from functioning in the professional environment. The procedure for legal gender recognition is not governed by uniform procedural regulations, which causes a high level of stress and uncertainty relating to the final court decision. Even in cases where the ruling is favourable to the applicant, there is a lack of consistent administrative guidelines enabling prompt and safe updating of personal data in official documents. Additionally, before completing the legal transition process, transgender individuals often cannot use their preferred name or pronouns in internal company documents, which may exacerbate gender dysphoria. Ambiguous occupational medicine standards further intensify employment-related difficulties, allowing for interpretative arbitrariness and hindering the ability to obtain a medical certificate of fitness for work. Moreover, in the workplace, transgender people are often exposed to pathological phenomena such as microaggressions and discrimination, which constitute a significant risk factor for the deterioration of their mental health. In light of these challenges, this article addresses the situation of transgender employees in Poland. The authors focus on the analysis of legal barriers, occupational health assessment difficulties, and negative workplace phenomena that may lead to serious consequences for mental health. The aim of this paper is to highlight key problems and indicate possible directions for action to improve the professional situation of transgender individuals. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(2):163-178.

Teachers play a key role in society and make up ~1.5-2.5% of the working population. Yet, there is a teacher shortage in many countries and preventive occupational medicine strategies are called for. The primary objective of this project is to explore single and joint associations of the diurnal distributions of light, activity, meal, and sleep timing and work-related exposures with severity scores of burnout, anxiety, and depression in a cross-sectional study of secondary school teachers in Germany. The study will involve a one-time collection of questionnaire-based data on sleep, burnout, anxiety, and depression, sensor-based data on light and activity over one week, and diary-based data on work, sleep, and meals over one week. time. The protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U4R5M). From a preventive occupational medicine perspective, identifying where and how light, activity, meal, and sleep timing may be targeted to mitigate burnout, anxiety, and depression could inform measures to be tested not only at the individual (micro) level, but also at systems (meso-institutions; macro-policy and society) levels.

Persistent subjective symptom reporting in the absence of concordant objective findings remains a significant challenge in occupational and workers’ compensation medicine. This paper introduces and elaborates upon a proposed clinical phenomenon termed the therapeutic threat of injection (TTI), defined as the rapid resolution or marked improvement of symptoms following the recommendation—rather than administration —of an invasive intervention such as an injection. We situate TTI within established frameworks including secondary gain, illness behavior, expectancy theory, and the placebo–nocebo spectrum. We further explore its relevance to disability determination, clinical ethics, and healthcare utilization. Through synthesis of existing literature and clinical reasoning, TTI is proposed as a recognizable behavioral response pattern that may assist clinicians in distinguishing persistent pathology from non-organic symptom maintenance. Recognition of this phenomenon has implications for reducing unnecessary procedures, improving communication strategies, and refining impairment evaluation. Future empirical research is needed to validate its prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical utility.

Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Medicine: Upholding Disciplinary Integrity and Editorial Standards.

The orchid Dendrobium devonianum Paxt., valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties, is widely used in horticulture, medicine, and food industries. This study investigated dynamic changes in aroma-active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and associated gene expression in D. devonianum flowers across four developmental stages (bud, half bloom, full bloom, and aging) using headspace solid-phase microextraction, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and transcriptome analysis. Floral VOCs, particularly volatile terpenoids and esters, were most abundant at full bloom. Among the 664 VOCs identified, α-hemelene, β-bisabolene, δ-naphthalene, perillyl alcohol, L-perillyl alcohol, terpinen-4-ol, 2-(4-methylphenyl)propan-2-ol, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, and α-pinene were likely to contribute to floral scent. Terpene biosynthesis pathways played a pivotal role in floral fragrance formation. A comprehensive terpenoid biosynthesis pathway for D. devonianum floral scent was proposed, and eight genes encoding key regulatory enzymes were identified. These results provide new insights into terpenoid metabolism in Dendrobium and may guide future research on the utilization of floral scent.

Metallothionein (MT) is a multifunctional metal-binding protein with broad applications in medicine, healthcare, and food industries, but its large-scale use is limited by inefficient industrial synthesis. To address this and obtain optimal fermentation parameters for large-scale MT production, this study used the recombinant marine-derived MT-producing Pichia pastoris strain SMD1168-MT. We first optimized the strain’s growth and induced fermentation conditions, then constructed a Back Propagation (BP) neural network model for in-depth parameter optimization and accurate MT expression prediction. Results showed the optimal growth conditions for SMD1168-MT were: 30 °C, initial pH 8.0, shaking speed 220 r/min, and 4% inoculum size. The BP model exhibited high accuracy (training set: R2 = 0.8430, MAE = 0.0129, RMSE = 0.0175; validation set: R2 = 0.8337, MAE = 0.0144, RMSE = 0.0174). Combined with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), the optimal fermentation conditions were: 7.7% methanol, initial OD600 8.2, 240 r/min, 50 h induction, and 125 μmol/L Zn2+. Validation confirmed MT expression reached 0.2141 mg/mL (2.93-fold). This study demonstrates that the BP neural network effectively optimizes recombinant P. pastoris-based marine-derived MT fermentation, improving yield and providing a basis for industrial scale-up.

Introduction. Chronic stress and paracetamol exposure are among the most relevant factors affecting neurochemical and molecular processes in the brain in modern humans. Excessive activation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways during chronic psychosocial stress can lead to a decrease in the expression of neuroprotective and antioxidant genes, exacerbating the neurotoxic effects of drugs such as paracetamol.Objective. To assess the effect of chronic unpredictable stress and oral administration of paracetamol, as well as their combined effect on the morphological state of the brain and on the expression of genes of the antioxidant system and neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus in rats.Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted on forty eight rats (males and females in equal numbers), divided into four groups: control, chronic stress, paracetamol, combined exposure to stress and paracetamol. A complex of various stressors was used to model chronic stress. Paracetamol was administered orally at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. The morphological state of the hippocampus was assessed histologically, gene expression - by quantitative real-time PCR. Statistical analysis included bootstrapping and correction for multiple comparisons using the Holm-Bonferroni method.Results. Macroscopic and histological examination of the rat brain showed the preservation of the normal anatomical structure and integrity of the hippocampal tissues in all groups. Statistical analysis of gene expression showed animals treated with paracetamol (groups III and IV) to show a significant decrease in the mRNA levels in the Sod1 and Bdnf genes in the hippocampus compared to the control and the group exposed to stress only (group II). The expression level of Sod1 and Bdnf was significantly lower in both males and females in these groups (p = 0.001). For the Hmox1 gene, a significant decrease in expression was found only in males in the paracetamol-treated group, while no changes were noted in females.Limitations. Laboratory animals of the same biological species were used for the experiment, and the toxicant was used in only one concentration.Conclusion. Thus, paracetamol, both in isolated use and in combination with chronic stress, has a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the expression of key genes of antioxidant protection and neurotrophic support than stress alone.Compliance with ethical standards. Date of the meeting of the bioethics commission of theUfa Research Institute of Occupational Medicine and Human Ecology dated 02/08/2024 No. 01–02. Throughout the study, the animals were kept in standard conditions with 12-hour artificial lighting during the daytime, a relatively constant level of humidity (30–70%) and an air temperature of 20–25 °C. All animal manipulations were carried out in strict compliance with the rules prescribed in the basic regulatory documents, including the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes (Strasbourg, 1986) and the Helsinki Declaration on the Humane Treatment of Animals.Contributions: Gizatullina A.A. – concept and study design, material collection and processing, statistical analysis, manuscript writing; Valova Ya.V. – material collection and processing, statistical analysis; Mukhamadieva G.F. – editing; Karimov D.O. – concept and study design, statistical analysis; Karimov D.D. – material collection and processing; Ryabova Yu.V. – material collection and processing; Khusnutdinova N.Yu. – material collection and processing; Khmel A.O. – material collection and processing. All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.Funding. Industry research program of Rospotrebnadzor for 2021–2025 “Scientific substantiation of the national system for ensuring sanitary and epidemiological welfare, managing health risks and improving the quality of life of the population of Russia”, on the topic: 6.9.1.2 “Study of the impact of chemical production factors under conditions of chronic stress” No. NIOKTR I124021200153-3.Received: April 30, 2025 / Revised: July 9, 2025 / Accepted: October 15, 2025 / Published: April 17, 2026

Manual dexterity can be assessed using the Purdue Pegboard test (PPT) and used for staging of hand-arm vibration (HAV) syndrome. To describe PPT results among HAV-exposed workers and investigate what factors influence the results. We recruited workers from companies and an occupational medicine clinic in Sweden. They responded to a survey, underwent neurosensory testing and completed the PPT. The study recruited 225 workers with a mean (SD) HAV exposure duration of 16.7 (13.4) years. The mean (SD) result of the PPT was 12.8 (2.1) pins for the dominant hand, 12.7 (1.9) pins for the non-dominant hand and 10.6 (1.9) pins for both hands. Older age was consistently associated with poorer results (P < 0.001). Male sex was associated with lower scores for the dominant hand (P = 0.020) but not the non-dominant hand (P = 0.269) or both hands (P = 0.218). Current smoking was associated with poorer results for the dominant hand (P = 0.003) and both hands (P = 0.025), but not the non-dominant hand (P = 0.803). Self-reported reduced manual dexterity was associated with lower scores for the dominant hand (P < 0.001) and both hands (P < 0.001) but not the non-dominant hand (P = 0.070). Reduced two-point discrimination was consistently associated with poorer PPT results (P < 0.001). Low grip strength was associated with lower scores for the non-dominant hand (P = 0.008) and both hands (P = 0.025), but not the dominant hand (P = 0.310). Researchers noted lower scores on the PPT among older workers, men and smokers. Self-reported reduced manual dexterity, reduced two-point discrimination and low grip strength were also associated with poorer results.

Stress is a growing health issue in Denmark, but public treatment options are fragmented and lack clear evidence of effectiveness. Most interventions are offered locally by municipalities or occupational medicine departments, often with different content and access. International studies suggest modest symptom relief from cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness, but uncertain effects on sick leave or return to work. Danish data are limited and contradictory. There is no national strategy, and this review finds that further research is warranted to identify effective approaches.

Restorative sleep and morning sleepiness are essential factors associated with daytime functioning among workers, yet their variability and determinants remain unclear. Previous studies have primarily focused on either subjective or objective sleep measures, with many cross-sectional investigations, although fewer longitudinal studies have considered the interaction with psychological and chronobiological factors. The aim of this study was to investigate both subjective and objective sleep parameters, along with psychological and chronobiological factors, and examine their influence on daily restorative sleep and morning sleepiness in healthy workers. Thirty-seven participants wore portable sleep monitoring devices over multiple days and completed daily subjective sleep assessments. Using multilevel linear mixed-effects models, we examined associations between sleep parameters and next-morning outcomes. The results indicated that longer subjective and objective total sleep time were associated with greater restorative sleep, while longer subjective and objective sleep onset latency were negatively associated with restorative sleep. Regarding morning sleepiness, longer subjective and objective total sleep time, as well as a higher proportion of deep sleep, were associated with reduced morning sleepiness. In contrast, a greater severity of depressive symptoms was associated with increased morning sleepiness. These findings highlight the value of considering both subjective and objective sleep parameters when evaluating daily sleep outcomes. In occupational medicine, assessing workers' sleep using both subjective and objective measures, while also considering depressive symptoms, could be beneficial.

With a limited range of alpine and sub-alpine vegetation in the Himalayas, Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) is an endangered species. Due to its limited range of distribution, small population size, and high value, it is one of the most sought-after medicinal plants in the world and was listed as one of the 37 species with the highest priority for conservation and cultivation in the Western Himalayas. Due to its growing demand in the herbal medicine sector, growing kutki can be a lucrative endeavor for farmers and business owners. The Uttarakhand government is encouraging the state to grow medicinal plants. In Uttarakhand, the government has also developed several policies to support the conservation and cultivation of significant medicinal plants. The Herbal Research and Development Institute (HRDI) in Mandal, Gopeshwar (Chamoli), is the state's nodal agency for the medicinal plant industry. It is also developing cutting-edge initiatives to support the cultivation of different species of medicinal plants, which is raising public awareness and encouraging an increasing number of people to adopt the practice. From 2022 to 2025, the kutki crop was studied in seven blocks of the Chamoli district: Dewal, Nanda Nagar (Ghat), Joshimath, Gairsain, Tharali, and Dasholi. The average yield of kutki in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, was 865.24 kg/ha. The blocks of District Chamoli, viz., Dewal (349.60 qt.), Nanda Nagar (77.01 qt.), Gairsain (12.40 qt.), Joshimath (10.70 qt.), Dasholi (8.9 qt.), and Tharali (8.45 qt.), had the highest kutki production in the Chamoli district in 2022–2025. Currently, the average yield of kutki (865.24 kg/ha) is higher than previously reported. The work done by organizations such as HRDI is commendable, but to ensure the crop's sustainability, more organizations should step up and provide funding for medicinal plant projects.