Periodic Medical Examinations Research Articles

Criteria for identifying the risk group for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in operator professions

Relevance. The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is important in occupational health. The syndrome is accompanied by drowsiness during work and, thereby, creates serious prerequisites for reducing professional ability to work, the occurrence of production errors, accidents. The OSAS is closely related to clinical conditions: obesity, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes mellitus, which doctors take into account during periodic medical examinations when determining admission to work with harmful and/or dangerous production factors. For specialists in the operator professions, researchers consider OSAS as a threat to the health of employees and others.
 The study aims is to explore a set of criteria-based signs of OSAS risk for the scientific justification of the identification of target groups of workers subject to in-depth examination to establish/exclude this diagnosis.
 Materials and methods. We have conducted a comprehensive clinical and instrumental examination of 204 railway transport employees out of 986 examined in the hospital for expert purposes to detect increased daytime sleepiness (according to the Epworth index), OSAS, including polysomnography, cardiorespiratory monitoring (CRM). The specialists have analyzed the structure of the criteria risk signs by the method of the main components in the groups of workers of operator and non-operator professions.
 Results. According to polysomnography or CRM data, 118 employees had OSAS, including 51% of them with moderate to severe severity. Along with drowsiness and snoring , scientists have identified two groups of risk factors: 1) clinical — obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart rhythm disturbances at night, gender; 2) professional — work experience, high intensity of work, work in night shifts. The sign of daytime sleepiness (according to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale) was insufficiently informative in both study groups. In the structure of clinical signs, the largest leading factors were: obesity, hypertension.
 Limitations. To assess drowsiness as a marker of OSAS, scientists used only the Epworth sleepiness scale; other questionnaires (for example, STOP-Bang, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) were not used in this work.
 Conclusions. In operator professions, when conducting mandatory medical examinations, it is necessary to determine the risk of OSAS by a set of certain clinical and professional signs. When concluding that there is a risk of developing this condition, further in-depth examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
 Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with the Ethical principles of conducting medical research with the participation of a person as a subject, set out in the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association of the last revision.

Типизация фиксаций глазодвигательных реакций при восприятии аддиктивно значимых стимулов пациентами с алкогольной зависимостью

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The relevance</strong> of the study is due to the need to search for objectivizing methods for identifying signs and manifestations of dependence, both for diagnostic purposes and for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process at its various stages. <strong>Purpose:</strong> to identify typical strategies for the distribution of fixations of oculomotor reactions during the perception of addictively significant stimuli by patients with alcohol dependence. <strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>The total sample size was 73 people. The experimental group included 37 subjects (23 men and 14 women) with alcohol dependence (diagnosed as F10.2 according to ICD 10 – Alcohol dependence). The control group consisted of 36 subjects (22 men and 14 women) with a “healthy” conclusion based on the results of periodic medical examinations. The study was carried out on the basis of written informed consent from the subjects. The study included two stages: an assessment of the neurocognitive status of the subjects (Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment (MoCA) and an experimental study of fixations of oculomotor reactions during the perception of addictively significant stimuli (the hardware complex for assessing oculomotor reactions Tobii EyeX and the GazeControll software). <strong>Results.</strong> Specific features of fixations of oculomotor reactions during the perception of addictively significant stimuli by patients with alcohol dependence make it possible to typify the strategies of oculomotor reactions. on an empty background field outside the depicted objects) may be due to the actualization of a pathological craving for alcohol caused by the demonstration of addictively significant stimuli.</p>

Occupational multimorbidity in the nickel industry workers

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to obtain new data on the causes, development, prevalence and nature of occupational multimorbidity in the nickel industry workers. We extracted data from the register of occupational disease and intoxication cases in the population of the Murmansk region and the Krasnoyarsk Territory in 2007–2021. In 2007–2021, 24.6% of nickel industry workers with newly diagnosed occupational diseases developed a multimorbid pathology. Its prevalence rose from 0% in 2007 to 83.3% in 2021, and the number of occupational diseases increased by 3.17 times. Two diagnoses were found in 66 (14.9%), three in 22 (5.0%), four in fifteen (3.4%), five in eleven (2.5%), and six in three (0.7%) employees. Respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases were the most prevalent disorders, accounting for 31.5% and 23.0% of cases, respectively. Occupational multimorbidity resulted from the increased combined exposure to occupational hazards, outdated technological processes, and the working conditions in the finished product cleaners and crane operators. Multimorbid diseases can be better prevented with improvement in working conditions and better quality of periodic medical examinations.

Periodic Medical Examination: A Systematic Review

A periodic medical examination is also referred to as a health screening, an annual health checkup, a preventive health check or a general health checkup. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review in order to identify the techniques, their origin, and conceptual foundation, as well as the instruments or items that were utilised in evaluating views about periodic medical examinations. Three databases were searched using the PRISMA checklist for publication searches from inception to April 2019. Some of the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) acronym selection criteria that were looked for included: focusing on general health check-ups and involving adults; and is published in peer-reviewed journals from inception to April 2019, with full-text papers available in English. Of the 2,445 articles identified, 340 were examined, and only 15 were finally included in this review. One study used a mixed method and another two qualitative methods, while the rest were quantitative in nature. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to evaluate the overall quality of each item that was kept. A multi-factorial impact on periodic medical examination is seen in the practice of periodic medical examination. Lack of awareness, self-practice, and compliance with suggestions from healthcare experts might be responsible. As a medical examination is the initial step of a healthcare intervention, action taken at this stage may help in management later, thus maximising the advantages of health check-ups. In order to get the full benefits of periodic health checks, a wide variety of techniques will be required.

The results of periodic and dispensary medical examination of Kursk Region population in 2022

Objective: to analysis of indicators of preventive medical examinations and dispenserization of the adult population of Kursk, districts and the Kursk region as a whole, development of medical and organizational measures to achieve planned indicators. Material and methods. Analysis of data from form 131 and copying of information from the summary reports of medical institutions by cluster analysis and grouping of indicators depending on the achievement of the plan, extensive indicators were calculated, the results are presented in bar charts. Results. All districts and cities of the Kursk region are divided into three clusters. The first cluster (at least one of the features must reach 100% fulfillment) included 6 districts. The second cluster (districts with the implementation of the plan from 50%) included 21 districts and three cities of the Kursk region. The third cluster (districts with the implementation of the plan up to 50%) included 1 district. Conclusion. The analysis made it possible to identify areas with a low level of completeness of coverage of the adult population with preventive medical examinations and dispenserization. In these areas, it is necessary to resume the work of volunteer detachments with the population to educate them in order to achieve the planned indicators.

Occupational health issues and respiratory toxicity of a complex of harmful factors in electrolytic and hydrometallurgical copper production

Introduction. In recent decades, there has been a decrease in occupational morbidity at enterprises producing rough and refined copper, in the structure of which, nevertheless, bronchopulmonary pathology retains a leading position.The aim is to study the occupational risk of developing respiratory pathology in workers engaged in obtaining cathode copper by electrolysis and electorowinning methods, based on the study of working conditions of workplaces and clinical observation.Materials and methods. The object of the study were: Uralelectromed, V. Pyshma (UEM); Uralhydromed, Polevskoy (RMK). The subject of the study were 100 employees of the electrolysis shop of UEM – the 1st observation group; 102 people of the auxiliary workshops of UEM – the 2nd observation group; 92 workers of the extraction and electorowinning department of UGM – the 3rd observation group.Results. During electrolytic refining of copper, the leading harmful factors with respiratory toxicity are sulfuric acid aerosol, selenium dioxide, nickel, arsenic, and during electrovinig – sulfuric acid aerosol. Violations of ventilation function and pulmonary gas exchange were observed in 21.0 % of cases in persons of the 1st and in 15.7% of cases in patients of the 3rd observation group).Discussion. Changes in the function of external respiration (FVD) were established mainly by the obstructive type, namely, an increase in RV, FRC and RV/TLC and a decrease in FEV1, VC, FEV1/VC, FEV25-75 of mild and moderate severity were noted. The bronchodilation test revealed the reversibility of bronchial obstruction in both groups 1 and 3. Obstructive disorders and dynamic hyperventilation of the lungs in copper refining workers are probably a consequence of hyperreactivity of the bronchi in response to the irritating properties of sulfur-containing gases, arsenic and nickel compounds.Conclusion. The results of the study indicate respiratory toxicity of harmful factors in workers of electrolysis and electrovining, which corresponds to a high and average occupational risk of class 3.3 and class 3.2 assessment of working conditions and the results of mandatory periodic medical examinations.

Особенности параметров объемной сфигмографии у мужчин, работающих в условиях воздействия производственного шума

INTRODUCTION: Noise is one of the most common hazardous physical factors that a person is exposed to at the workplace. It is important to study changes in the cardiovascular system induced by exposure to industrial noise. AIM: To evaluate the effect of industrial noise on the parameters of volume sphygmography in men of working age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 205 men of the working age undergoing periodic medical examinations at the polyclinic of the Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Hygiene and Occupational Pathology of Rospotrebnadzor. Two groups of the subjects were identified: the main group (150 people) — working under the influence of industrial noise exceeding the maximum permissible level, and the comparison group (55 people) — working out of contact with hazardous industrial factors. To assess the stiffness of the vascular wall, all patients underwent volume sphygmography on VaSera VS-1500N device (FukudaDenshi, Japan). RESULTS: The formed groups were comparable in the main cardiovascular risk factors. However, of attention was the trend towards an increase in the share of smoking patients in the control group. The analysis of the parameters. of volume sphygmography showed a statistically significant increase in the stiffness index of the vascular wall on the right and left, in the estimated age of the arteries and also frequent (7.5 times) detection of syndrome of early vascular aging in the main group. CONCLUSION: The identified deviations of sphygmography parameters are a marker of early changes in the vascular wall in people working with noise. It is advisable that an in-depth study of the state of the cardiovascular system be conducted including assessment of vascular rigidity, in persons exposed to this industrial factor.

Associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with serum folate, cobalanin, and homocysteine concentrations and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms in healthy adults.

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with various demographic, anthropometric, and genetic characteristics and biochemical parameters in healthy Greek adults. Demographic (age and sex), anthropometric (body mass index/BMI), and genetic (MTHFR gene polymorphisms) characteristics and biochemical parameters (serum folate, cobalamin/Cbl, and total homocysteine/tHcy concentrations), which had been recorded and measured, among others, in the framework of periodic medical examination (military personnel) or check-up (non-military personnel) of 383 healthy Greek adults (199 men and 184 women) were analyzed. Serum 25(OH)D, tHcy, folate, and Cbl levels were determined using immunoassay methods. The MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were correlated with Cbl levels and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, while they had a reverse correlation with serum tHcy levels, age, and BMI. There was no significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and sex, serum folate levels, and smoking status. Individuals with the 677TT genotype had statistically significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels than those with the 677CC or 677CT genotype, while individuals with the 1298CC genotype had statistically significantly higher serum 25(OH)D levels than those with 1298AA or 1298AC genotype. Moreover, the reverse correlation between the serum 25(OH)D and tHcy levels was statistically significant in all six MTHFR genotypes. Serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with age, BMI, serum tHcy, and Cbl levels and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism. The most significant finding of our study is the observed reverse correlation of serum 25(OH)D levels with serum tHcy levels. Considering that vitamin D deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), we suggest that individuals with high serum tHcy levels should be further investigated for, inter alia, their serum 25(OH)D levels.

Health status of coal industry workers

Health status of coal industry workers

Prevalence and correlates of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among workers in the steel industry

BackgroundThe steel industry is one of the noisiest industries, which can predispose workers to hearing loss. In Egypt, the demand for steel is increasing due to the construction of new infrastructures as bridges, flyover roads, buildings, and towers; however, little is known about the prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among steel workers. Understanding the distribution of the affected workers is crucial for planning prevention strategies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational NIHL among Egyptian steel workers and identify its correlates.MethodsThis study was conducted at two steel factories in Egypt in November 2021. It involved an initial retrospective review of the factory medical records of the latest periodic medical examination conducted on workers from July to September in the year 2021 representing workers’ health status in that year. Then, a case–control approach analysis was carried out. Eligible workers (n = 606) were enrolled and divided into two groups: noise-exposed workers (n = 396) and unexposed workers (n = 210). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.ResultsOccupational exposure to hazardous A-weighted equivalent noise level (> 85 dB) was associated with higher hearing thresholds at all frequencies (highest at 4 kHz followed by 6 kHz), particularly in younger workers below the age of 40 years. Nearly 71% of noise-exposed workers had hearing impairment, and 47% had NIHL compared with unexposed workers (45.7% and 11.9%, respectively). The probability of NIHL in noise-exposed workers was 6.55 times higher than that in unexposed workers (OR = 6.55, 95%CI = 4.13, 10.40; p < 0.001). In noise-exposed workers, age and tinnitus were independent predictors of hearing thresholds, while tinnitus was found to be an independent predictor of NIHL after adjusting for age and job duration (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.01, 4.20; p = 0.045).ConclusionAlmost half of noise-exposed workers had NIHL. Tinnitus was found to be an independent predictor of NIHL. Decreasing noise exposure levels in steel plants is recommended to reduce hearing loss. Future research is required to study the effect of tinnitus on audiometry measurements among workers with NIHL.

Equalizing The Third Gender Health a Lived Experience Phenomenological Study - A Qualitative Approach

Background: The transgender population is a marginalized social group often targeted for mistreatment and discrimination. This study specifically examined the experiences of transgender people across a range of categories such as: education, employment outcomes, health awareness and mental health status. The study aimed to gain an understanding about the respondents’ unique experiences of discrimination being transgender and health awareness. Materials and Methods: The research applied descriptive qualitative phenomenology design. The study was conducted at Department of Community Medicine, Government Omandurar Medical College and Hospital, Chennai on Trans genders using in-depth interview with an open-ended question semi structured Questionnaire after obtaining the informed consent among 4 Transgenders till the data saturation happens. The Transcriptions Data were then analyzed using the Colaizzi method. Results: Marginalized socially and economically, Family and peer rejections, Lack of Job opportunities, Continuous rejection and omission leads to Begging and Active Night life (Survival Sex). Health Care Professionals has less knowledge about the transgender health, sex affirmation surgery is still least preferred among doctors. NGOs roles are very significant in their quality of life, Periodic medical examination including HIV. Conclusion: Transgender’s and the word are to be transformed as Third Gender. The Social acceptance from the public will do wonders in their life.

Polymorphism of antioxidant defense enzyme genes as the risk &#x0D; for formation of chronic dust bronchitis in long-term labour experience coal mine workers

Introduction. The antioxidant defense system is involved in protecting the body from long-term exposure to harmful damaging factors. Polymorphisms in the genes of antioxidant defense enzymes change the response to oxidative stress in occupational respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, occupational asthma, and others.&#x0D; The aim was to study the polymorphism of the MnSOD (rs4880) and GPX1 (rs1050450) genes to predict the risk of developing chronic dust bronchitis in miners of the main occupations of coal enterprises in the South of Kuzbass.&#x0D; Materials and methods. One hundred eighty two coal mine workers with long-term exposure to high concentrations of coal-rock dust (exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations by up to 35 times), including 116 people with a previously proven diagnosis of chronic dust bronchitis, were examined. The comparison group (66 workers) consisted of the persons without a proven diagnosis, working in the same sanitary and hygienic conditions. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes using phenol-chloroform extraction method. Typing of the MnSOD (rs4880) and GPX1 (rs1050450) genes was performed using the Real-Time method.&#x0D; Results. The chance of detecting the AA genotype of the MnSOD gene and the GG genotype of the GPX1 gene in long-term labour experience miners with chronic dust bronchitis was found to be 2 times and 6 times higher than in the comparison group, respectively. The AA GPX1 genotype had been shown to be a factor in resistance to the development of this disease. The combination of AA/GG genotypes of the MnSOD/GPX1 genes was statistically significantly associated with a 1.5-fold risk of developing chronic dust bronchitis. Combinations of genotypes of the MnSOD/GPX1 GG/AA, AA/AA, and AG/AA genes were associated with the resistance to the development of chronic dust bronchitis. The data obtained can be used for personalized prediction of the risk of developing chronic dust bronchitis in long-term labour experience miners of the main occupations.&#x0D; Limitations. The study was limited to the number of miners who underwent periodic medical examinations and were hospitalized at the Research Institute for Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases.&#x0D; Conclusion. The results obtained indicate to the contribution of the polymorphism of the MnSOD (rs4880) and GPX1 (rs1050450) genes to the development of chronic dust bronchitis.

The role of abdominal obesity in the development of cardiopulmonary disorders in aluminum industry workers

Introduction. Cardiopulmonary disorders should be considered as a complex process, in the pathogenesis of which excess body weight can play an important role. Without timely prevention, the processes of inflammation and hypoxia, characteristic of abdominal obesity, can accelerate the development of cardiopulmonary insufficiency. This is especially relevant for workers in metallurgical industries with harmful working conditions.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included one hundred thirteen long-term labour experience workers of the main occupations of aluminum production and 66 workers of the paramilitary mine rescue brigade. The average age of metallurgists was 47.81±0.43 years, mine rescuers – 46.91± 0.53 years, p=0.213.&#x0D; All the subjects underwent a study of the external respiration function and echocardiography according to standard methods.&#x0D; Results. In persons with abdominal obesity the average values of the vital lung capacity were significantly lower: 83.59±2.19% vs. 91.16±1.31% (p=0.0021) among metallurgists and 86.43±2.67% vs. 94.63±1.43% (p=0.0041) among the workers of the paramilitary mine rescue brigade, a similar pattern was revealed in terms of the forced exhalation volume for the first second – 77.1±2.41 vs. 88.24±1.38% (p=0.00003) and 85.6±3.13% vs. 93.34±1.31% (p=0.0094), respectively.&#x0D; The studied average values of the indices of diastolic function of the right ventricle were typical for the development of its dysfunction in metallurgists, and also indicated the absence of the influence of abdominal obesity on them in all examined subjects.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; Conclusion. Lower respiratory indices were recorded in persons with abdominal obesity, while obstructive ventilation disorders were detected only in aluminum production workers. Abdominal obesity was not associated with the indices of diastolic function of the right ventricle. The tendency to the formation of diastolic dysfunction of the right ventricle had been noted in the workers of the main occupations of aluminum production.

Assessment of the toxic effect of 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride on the body

Introduction. In modern medical practice, fluoxetine hydrochloride (prozac), referred to the group of highly effective antidepressants, is widely used for the treatment of mental disorders. In Russia, the domestic production of the drug with an economically feasible production technology has been managed. In the synthesis of fluoxetine, the most important stage is the preparation of the main intermediate – 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride. Data on the toxic effect of this substance on the body in the open press, including in the international database PubChem, are not available. The research aim was the study on the toxic effect of 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride on the body of laboratory animals. Materials and methods. When studying the toxic effect of 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride in experiments on rats, the modes of single inhalation and subacute intragastric methods of exposure were reproduced. The effect of the substance on the condition of animals was assessed by the results of peripheral blood studies, biochemical blood serum parameters, morphological changes in internal organs including liver, kidneys, heart, stomach, pancreas and thyroid glands. Integral parameters were also used. Results. The results of the examination of animals subjected to acute inhalation intoxication and subacute intragastric exposure showed the same type of the changes in the peripheral blood and biochemical profile. The intake of 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride did not cause significant changes in the peripheral blood. The biochemical profile of the animals showed an increased activity of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase. In the blood serum of the primed rats, an increased content of total cholesterol, triglycerides and urea with a reduced content of protein and bilirubin was found. The impact of 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride at the morphological level revealed vascular disorders in all internal organs and moderately severe fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys. In some parts of the liver, there was small-focus multi-lacular necrosis which covered groups of hepatocytes. Limitations. The investigation is limited to the study on the toxicological characteristics of 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride. In accordance with the directive documents on the protection of experimental animals, the number of in vivo experiments is limited which is connected with the dangers of animals and with public ethical views on in vivo experiments. Conclusion. Different methods of intake of 3-methylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride under the conditions of acute inhalation and subacute intragastric experiments lead to a number of disorders of the hepatobiliary system with a negative impact on the common health status of the body. As an additional preventive measure to minimize the risk of acute and chronic intoxication in industries where contact with the substance is possible, including those involved in the synthesis of fluoxetine, an extended list of biochemical blood tests, ultrasound obsservation of the liver as part of periodic medical examinations of workers can be offered.

Genotypes and frequencies of the TSLP gene variant rs1837253 in different occupational asthma phenotypes

Introduction. Currently, despite the fact that occupational asthma has long been considered as a separate, independent disease, recent studies pay more and more attention to its heterogeneity. Occupational asthma phenotyping was originally based on the identification of combinations of clinical characteristics of the disease, but now more and more data that allow understanding the cause of clinical differences at the molecular genetic level are emerging. Thus, molecular genotyping opens up new opportunities in the search for a more targeted and personalized approach to the treatment of occupational asthma, as well as in the development of an individual strategy for its prevention. The aim of the study was to determine the genetic risk markers for the development of oc cupational asthma under the influence of sensitizers by assessing the TSLP gene polymor phism rs1837253. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Department of Occupational Diseases and Clinical Pharmacology named after honored scientist of the Russian Federation professor V. V. Kosarev, FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and the Department of Occupational Pathology, SBHI SR Samara Medical and Sanitary Unit No. 5 of the Kirovsky District. The study involved 170 patients with various phenotypes of occupational bronchial asthma (OBA) and 50 people in the control group: group 1 (42 people) — the phenotype «allergic occupational bronchial asthma», group 2 (36 people) — the phenotype «non-allergic occupational bronchial asthma», group 3 (58 people) — the phenotype «occupational bronchial asthma — occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease», group 4 (34 people) — the phenotype «occupational bronchial asthma — metabolic syndrome», group 5 (50 people) — the control group (healthy). As part of the study of genetic predisposition to occupational bronchial asthma,genetic polymorphisms of the rs1837253 TSLP gene were determined. DNA samples were isolated from peripheral venous blood lymphocytes by phenol-chloroform extraction. Genotyping was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using primers and probes developed with the PrimerQuest tool (Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.). Results. Thus, for the first time, genetic risk markers for the development of occupational asthma under the influence of sensitizers have been identified: the TSLP gene polymorphisms rs1837253, which makes it possible to recommend determining these genetic markers during in-depth periodic medical examinations in persons working under exposure to sensitizing and irritating substances in the presence of clinical, functional, and immunological changes. Conclusion. The identified marker profiles of OBA genotypes can optimize the approach to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this pathology, as well as expand the range of criteria for predicting the course of the disease. If polymorphisms of the TSLP gene are detected during molecular genetic studies, patients need to be registered with a dispensary and require repeated examinations of the function of external respiration once every 6 months and in-depth periodic medical examinations in a specialized center of occupational pathology with the obligatory participation of a pulmonologist, an allergist-immunologist, an occupational pathologist, as well as conducting extended functional and immunological studies once every 2 years.

Profile of Dermatological Disorders among Construction Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The construction industry is a growing industry worldwide, including India, employing a large population. Construction workers perform a variety of work including mixing concrete and carrying heavy objects. Occupational contact dermatitis is a significant occupational dermatosis, cement being the most important agent and is an occupational hazard. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of occupational skin diseases among construction workers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Manipal, Karnataka, among 300 construction workers. A detailed inquiry was made on demographic parameters such as age, sex, nature of work, duration of the job, chemicals exposed to, symptoms, and use of protective devices. They were examined to note the symptoms, clinical pattern, and distribution of lesions. Results: The majority of the workers belonged to the age group between 20 and 29 years. The common skin disorders noticed were callosities (17.33%), traumatic injuries (10%), dermatophyte infections (8.33%), and dermatitis (5.7%) along with few other dermatoses encountered due to increased exposure to heat and due to increased wet work in workers who did not wear protective devices. Conclusions: There is a lack of preemployment and periodic medical examinations for construction workers. Common dermatoses seen among the construction workers were mainly due to the lack of preventive measures. Hence, it is important to raise health awareness to recognize early signs and symptoms of various dermatoses and educate regarding the use of personal protective equipment.

Biological effects of exposure to copper nanoparticles: markers of exposure

Introduction. Aerosol nanoparticles at operating metallurgical plants are potent of the significant risk factor that needs to be studied.&#x0D; The purpose of the work was to study biological effects of exposure to copper nanoparticles compared to microparticles and identify potential markers of the exposure.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Two experimental groups of rats, twelve animals each, were subchronically exposed to copper-containing nanoparticles and microparticles injected intraperitoneally. Changes in their biochemical parameters, tissues, and organs were then compared to those in the control rats administered with deionized water. During periodic medical examinations of workers occupationally exposed to copper-containing aerosols with different particle size distribution, additional laboratory and instrumental methods of testing were used to identify possible exposure effects to health manifested by changes in biochemical parameters.&#x0D; Results. The experimental study showed that in liver, the exposure to copper nanoparticles, compared to microparticles, induced a more significant inhibition of replication of hepatocytes in regeneration, as demonstrated by the number of binuclear cells, and an increase in the number of Kupffer cells (tissue macrophages), while in kidney, it caused a more pronounced convoluted tubule brush border loss. The exposure to both micro- and nano-sized copper particles was found to induce pathological changes in neurons of the ganglionic layer of the cortex and basal nuclei. Test results showed a significant increase in the blood concentration of ceruloplasmin in the core personnel of the metallurgical plant following the exposure to copper aerosols rich in nanoparticles.&#x0D; Limitations. The assessment of the results of the impact of copper nanoparticles in the composition of the aerosol on the health of 224 employees of the enterprise and the results of the experiment obtained on 36 animals corresponded to the current social and ethical standards and norms.&#x0D; Conclusion. Specifics of the exposure to nanoparticles require a revision of approaches to regulating aerosols with account for particle size distribution.

Molecular and genetic features in various phenotypes of occupational bronchial asthma

Introduction. Occupational asthma has long been considered as a separate, independent disease, but in recent years, more and more attention is paid to its heterogeneity. Molecular genotyping opens up new possibilities in the search for a more targeted and personalized approach to the treatment of occupational asthma, and in the development of an individual strategy for its prevention.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to determine genetic markers of the risk of developing occupational bronchial asthma under exposure to sensitizing substances by assessing polymorphic variants rs2069812 of the IL-5 gene and polymorphic variants rs1837253 of the TSLP gene.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study was conducted in one hundred seventy patients with various phenotypes of occupational bronchial asthma and 50 people in the control group. Genotyping was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using primers and probes developed using the PrimerQuest program (Intergrated DNA Technologies, Inc.).&#x0D; Results. For the first time, genetic markers of the risk for occupational bronchial asthma under exposure to sensitizing substances were identified to include polymorphic variants rs2069812 of the IL-5 gene and polymorphic variants rs1837253 of the TSLP gene. It makes it possible to recommend the determination of these genetic markers during in-depth periodic medical examinations in people working under conditions of exposure to sensitizing and irritating substances in the presence of clinical and functional, immunological changes.&#x0D; Limitations. The study has regional (Samara region) and occupational (detailed working conditions in the studied comparison groups) limitations.&#x0D; Conclusion. The identified marker profiles of occupational asthma genotypes can optimize the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this pathology, and expand the range of criteria for predicting the course of the disease.

Rapidly progressive silicosis: clinical observations

Diseases arising from exposure to industrial aerosols remain an urgent problem and occupy a leading position among all occupational diseases.&#x0D; Scientists present clinical observations demonstrating the development of pneumoconiosis with a relatively short work experience in contact with fibrogenic dust slightly exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations. The rapidly progressing course is characterized by the development of the disease by the type of complicated pneumoconiosis with the formation of nodular fibrosis or an increase in profusion (severity) by more than one subcategory for five years. As a rule, it develops after ten or less years of work experience in contact with high concentrations of quartz dust.&#x0D; Researchers have considered the features of the occurrence and course of silicosis in persons in contact with industrial aerosols with a high mass fraction of silicon dioxide in production conditions.We have analyzed the situations demonstrating the development of pneumoconiosis with a professional experience of less than five years in persons who come into contact with industrial aerosol in low excess of the maximum permissible concentration of quartz dust, but with a very high mass fraction of silicon dioxide.&#x0D; An important condition in the prevention of pneumoconiosis should be mandatory periodic medical examinations with digital radiography of the lungs in two projections. &#x0D; The authors recommend performing computed tomography (CT) of the chest to persons working in contact with fibrogenic dust with a frequency of once every five years due to the fact that CT has a higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting reticular and focal seals in the lungs, as well as initial changes in the pleura.&#x0D; Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with ethical principles and with the voluntary informed consent of the participants.

СИСТЕМНЫЕ КРИТЕРИИ ДИФФЕРЕНЦИАЛЬНОЙ ЭКСПРЕСС-ДИАГНОСТИКИ ДОНОЗОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ НАРУШЕНИЙ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОГО ЗДОРОВЬЯ РАБОТНИКОВ ОБЪЕКТОВ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ АТОМНОЙ ЭНЕРГИИ

Purpose: Development of complex criteria of differential express-diagnostics of pre-dosological disorders of occupational health of employees of nuclear facilities. Material and methods: The study object was male workers of the main production facilities of the Electrohimpribor Combine undergoing periodic medical examinations and psychophysiological examinations. The state of health was assessed according to the employee’s belonging to the dispensary observation group in accordance with Order No. 404n of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation of April 27, 2021. The psychophysiological state was assessed using a hardware-software complex for group psychophysiological examination APK PFS-CONTROL. Additional testing techniques included assessment of vibraimage parameters, evaluated using computer programs HealthTest and VibraMI, developed in ELSIS (St. Petersburg). Totally 943 man-surveys were carried out with different combination of testing methods. The average age of the workers was (42.0 ± 1.7) years, total work experience was (23 ± 1.3) years, and work experience in the specialty was (13.0 ± 1.8) years. Results: As a criteria of prenosological health disorders we used the characteristics of the worker’s adaptation to the factors of life activity. Adaptation disorders are evaluated according to three specific criteria: 1) assessment of the functional state of the cardiovascular system according to HRV data; 2) rapid assessment of the psychophysiological state according to vibraimage parameters; 3) assessment of personal and special abilities according to multiple intelligence assessment. For each of the criteria a “traffic light” of states and decisive rules of their formalized identification were developed. Characteristics of unfavorable states are given. Complex express-diagnostics of pre-dosological disorders of occupational health is carried out using integral index, which is a weighted sum of private “traffic light” indexes with a ball score. The formalized express-diagnostics of premalignant disorders is carried out using linear discriminant functions with an average recognition accuracy of 96.4 % or a probabilistic nomogram, which allows to graphically estimate the risk level of health disorders. Conclusion: Improvement of medical-psychophysiological support of employees of nuclear facilities is connected with introduction of methods and criteria of differential express-diagnosis of prenosological disorders of health. The developed criteria of express-diagnostics of pre-dosological disorders of occupational health expand the existing methodological and criteria base of periodic medical examinations of nuclear industry workers, strengthen their preventive orientation with the purpose of timely application of medical, psychophysiological, organizational and other measures on preservation and maintenance of occupational health of personnel.