Health and Indoor Climate Complaints of 7043 office Workers in 61 Buildings in the Netherlands

During the winter of 1988/1989, the relationships between the prevalence of work-related health and indoor climate complaints and a number of building, management, workplace and personal characteristics have been investigated in a study in more than 60 office buildings located throughout the Netherlands. To collect the information, a questionnaire was prepared on health and indoor climate complaints and personal and workplace characteristics. A checklist was used to obtain information on building characteristics More than 7000 questionnaires were completed by the regular users of the buildings investigated. The results showed that the prevalence of symptoms was higher in air-conditioned buildings than in naturally or mechanically ventilated buildings. some other variables were also related with most work-related complaints after adjustment for selected management, personal, workplace and job characteristics. These included gender, work satisfaction in general, presence of allergies and/or respiratory symptoms, and personal control over temperature at the workplace. No differences were found in symptom prevalences between buildings with spray and steam humidification. The combination of air-conditioning and humidification did not lead to further increases in the prevalence of complaints as compared to buildings with only airconditioning or only humidification.     

A critical review on physical factors and functional characteristics that may explain a sex/gender difference in work-related neck/shoulder disorders

The objective of this paper is to critically review recent literature on physical and functional sex/gender (s/g) differences, with focus on physical determinants associated with neck/shoulder musculoskeletal injuries. It is well known that there are s/g differences in anthropometrical and functional body characteristics (e.g. size and strength). However, s/g differences may be wrongly attributed if data analysis does not include appropriate corrections (e.g. by strength for endurance). Recent literature on motor control shows that there may indeed be s/g differences in muscle coordination and movement strategies during upper limb tasks that are not currently explained by methodological inadequacies. Moreover, recent studies have shown differences between men and women in sensory hypersensitivity characteristics associated with neck/shoulder injuries. Taken together, the literature points to the importance of accounting for possible s/g differences at all levels of the biopsychosocial system in order to better understand sex- and gender-specific issues relevant to workplace health. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This article critically reviews recent literature and a conceptual model highlighting s/g differences in physical and functional characteristics related to neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (NSMSD). Findings have implications on understanding how personal factors may affect NSMSD risk. With better understanding, practitioners can make more appropriate decisions to prevent work-related NSMSD.     

Does an on-road motorcycle coaching program reduce crashes in novice riders? A randomised control trial

ObjectivesMotorcycle riding is increasing globally and confers a high risk of crash-related injury and death. There is community demand for investment in rider training programs but no high-quality evidence about its effectiveness in preventing crashes. This randomised trial of an on-road rider coaching program aimed to determine its effectiveness in reducing crashes in novice motorcycle riders.MethodsBetween May 2010 and October 2012, 2399 newly-licensed provisional riders were recruited in Victoria, Australia and completed a telephone interview before randomisation to intervention or control groups. Riders in the intervention group were offered an on-road motorcycle rider coaching program which involved pre-program activities, 4 h riding and facilitated discussion in small groups with a riding coach. Outcome measures were collected for all participants via telephone interviews at 3 and 12 months after program delivery (or equivalent for controls), and via linkage to police-recorded crash and offence data. The primary outcome was a composite measure of police-recorded and self-reported crashes; secondary outcomes included traffic offences, near crashes, riding exposure, and riding behaviours and motivations.ResultsFollow-up was 89% at 3 months and 88% at 12 months; 60% of the intervention group completed the program. Intention-to-treat analyses conducted in 2014 indicated no effect on crash risk at 3 months (adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.65–1.27) or 12 months (adjusted OR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.78–1.29). Riders in the intervention group reported increased riding exposure, speeding behaviours and rider confidence.ConclusionsThere was no evidence that this on-road motorcycle rider coaching program reduced the risk of crash, and we found an increase in crash-related risk factors.     

Occupational slip,trip, and fall-related injuries can the contribution of slipperiness be isolated?

To determine if the contribution of slipperiness to occupational slip, trip and fall (STF)-related injuries could be isolated from injury surveillance systems in the USA, the UK and Sweden, six governmental systems and one industrial system were consulted. The systems varied in their capture approaches and the degree of documentation of exposure to slipping. The burden of STF-related occupational injury ranged from 20 to 40% of disabling occupational injuries in the developed countries studied. The annual direct cost of fall-related occupational injuries in the USA alone was estimated to be approximately US$6 billion. Slipperiness or slipping were found to contribute to between 40 and 50% of fall-related injuries. Slipperiness was more often a factor in same level falls than in falls to lower levels. The evaluation of the burden of slipperiness was hampered by design limitations in many of the data systems utilized. The resolution of large-scale injury registries should be improved by collecting more detailed incident sequence information to better define the full scope and contribution of slipperiness to occupational STF-related injuries. Such improvements would facilitate the allocation of prevention resources towards reduction of first-event risk factors such as slipping.     

Urban crash-related child pedestrian injury incidence and characteristics associated with injury severity

Objective

Describe age-based urban pedestrian versus auto crash characteristics and identify crash characteristics associated with injury severity.

Materials and methods

Secondary analysis of the 2004–2010 National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration database for Illinois. All persons in Chicago crashes with age data who were listed as pedestrians (n = 7175 child age ≤19 yo, n = 16,398 adult age ≥20 yo) were included. Incidence and crash characteristics were analyzed by age groups and year. Main outcome measures were incidence, crash setting, and injury severity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate injury severity by crash characteristics.

Results

Overall incidence was higher for child (146.6 per 100,000) versus adult (117.3 per 100,000) pedestrians but case fatality rate was lower (0.7% for children, 1.7% for adults). Child but not adult pedestrian injury incidence declined over time (trend test p < 0.0001 for <5 yo, 5–9 yo, and 10–14 yo; p < 0.05 for 15–19 yo, p = 0.96 for ≥20 yo). Most crashes for both children and adults took place during optimal driving conditions. Injuries were more frequent during warmer months for younger age groups compared to older (χ²p < 0.001). Midblock crashes increased as age decreased (p < 0.0001 for trend). Most crashes occurred at sites with sub-optimal traffic controls but varied by age (p < 0.0001 for trend). Crashes were more likely to be during daylight on dry roads in clear weather conditions for younger age groups compared to older (χ²p < 0.001). Daylight was associated with less severe injury (child OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.98; adult OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87–0.93).

Conclusion

The incidence of urban pedestrian crashes declined over time for child subgroups but not for adults. The setting of pedestrian crashes in Chicago today varies by age but is similar to that seen in other urban locales previously. Injuries for all age groups tend to be less severe during daylight conditions. Age-based prevention efforts may prove beneficial.     

2018年湖南省祁阳县96例登革热病例临床及实验室特征分析

目的分析2018年湖南省祁阳县96例登革热病例的临床及实验室特征。方法回顾性分析2018年9月湖南省永州市祁阳县各医院收治的96例登革热住院病例的流行病学特征、临床特点及实验室检查结果。结果流行病学调查显示,96例中无输入性病例。临床特征为发热(94. 79%)、乏力(76. 04%)、全身酸痛(48. 96%)、腹泻(32. 29%)、关节痛(32. 29%)、腰痛(30. 21%)、呕吐(28. 13%)、头痛(17. 71%)、皮疹(14. 58%)、皮肤发红(13. 54%)、出血(13. 54%)、眼眶痛(3. 13%),另外伴有畏寒、肌肉疼痛,恶心、喉痛、流鼻涕、鼻塞、纳差、咳嗽、头晕、食欲下降、口苦等症状。白细胞下降和血小板计数减少病例分别占78. 13%和55. 21%;患者均有不同程度的肝功能(54. 17%)、肾功能(20. 83%)和心肌(36. 45%)损伤。96例病例血清分型结果提示,均为DENV-2感染。结论2018年湖南省永州市祁阳县登革热病例均为本土病例,流行型别为DENV-2。部分登革热患者除了表现出典型的临床症状,还有不同程度的肝功能、肾功能或心肌受损,提示患者一旦出现上述情况,医疗部门应高度重视,防控病情进一步恶化,防止重症或死亡发生。     

2010~2019年云南省野生蜂蜜中毒事件分析

目的 分析2010-2019年云南省野生蜂蜜中毒发生的流行特点,为制定野生蜂蜜中毒的预防措施提供依据。方法 根据云南省食源性疾病暴发资料和统计报告资料,分析2010年1月-2019年12月野生蜂蜜中毒暴发事件发生情况。 结果 云南省2010-2019年野生蜂蜜中毒共报告27起,中毒94人,死亡17人,病死率18.09%,分别占云南省2010-2019食物中毒总起数、总中毒人数和总死亡人数的0.53%(27/5068)、 0.25%(94/37743)和11.94%(61/511)。野生蜂蜜食物中毒好发于6-7月份;主要分布于迪庆、临沧、楚雄、怒江和大理所辖的山区县(区);中毒人群以18～59岁青壮年和农民为主,分别占总中毒人数的69.15%和76.60%。结论 野生蜂蜜中毒是云南省食物中毒引起死亡的重要原因之一。6-7月份是野生蜂蜜中毒的好发时间。18～59岁青壮年和农民是野生蜂蜜中毒的高发人群。根据野生蜂蜜食物中毒发生的流行病学特点,加强预防野生蜂蜜中毒知识的宣传教育,提高防范意识,提高医务人员蜂蜜中毒等救治能力是减少蜂蜜中毒发生和降低危害的必要措施。     

Prevalence and characterization of Salmonella enterica serovar Weltevreden from imported seafood

During 2001-2005, 210 Salmonella enterica strains were isolated from seafood samples imported into US. Strains of S. enterica serovar Weltevreden were the most predominantly found among the 64 different serovars isolated. A total of 37 Salmonella Weltevreden isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), plasmid profiles and antibiotic susceptibility to assess genetic diversity. Our results showed a low frequency of antibiotic resistance; 35 of the 37 isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, sulfisoxazole, streptomycin and kanamycin. Only two isolates, from samples originating in the Philippines and India, showed resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline and to streptomycin, sulfisoxazole and tetracycline, respectively. Of the 37 isolates, two isolates did not carry any plasmid and 35 isolates harbored several small and mega-plasmids. These isolates were differentiated into 10 distinct types based on plasmid profiles. Four different PFGE clusters were obtained with a genetic similarity of 66-76%. Four groups of isolates (formed by two or three isolates each) showed 100% similarity in the PFGE profiles. One of these groups included strains isolated in Vietnam in 2003, 2004 and 2005 from fish and shrimp. The other groups included strains isolated in Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand in 2000, 2004 and 2005 from snail, shrimp and fish. Our findings show genetic diversity and temporal persistence of S. enterica serovar Weltevreden in recently monitored seafood imports.     

Health effects of exposure to nano-TiO2: a meta-analysis of experimental studies

The paper is aimed to investigate the toxicity of nano-TiO₂ and its potential harmful impact on human health using meta-analysis of in vitro and short-time animal studies. Data were retrieved according to included and excluded criteria from 1994 to 2011. The combined toxic effects of nano-TiO₂ were calculated by the different endpoints by cell and animal models. From analysis of the experimental studies, more than 50% showed positive statistical significance except the apoptosis group, and the cytotoxicity was in a dose-dependent but was not clear in size-dependent manner. Nano-TiO₂ was detained in several important organs including the liver, spleen, kidney, and brain after entering the blood through different exposure routes, but the coefficient of the target organs was altered slightly from animal models. It is possible that nano-TiO₂ can induce cell damage related to exposure size and dose. Further studies will be needed to demonstrate that nanoparticles have toxic effects on human body, especially in epidemiological studies.     

The time variation pattern of mechanical exposure and the reporting of low back pain

Creating mechanical exposure profiles for multi-component jobs for use in epidemiological studies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is challenging but becoming more common. Once time-varying mechanical exposure profiles are created, some form of exposure index must be derived. Available techniques typically provide information about the relative amount of time exposed to different levels and durations of stressors. Little or no information concerning the sequence or history of exposure delivery is maintained. The current paper examines an approach to the processing of time varying exposures for epidemiological studies. Shift-long exposure data of 68 production operators (34 cases; 34 controls) from a large epidemiological study of low back pain reporting were used to create individual shift-long internal mechanical exposure profiles. These were processed through a first-order system with varying time constants to generate a range of modelled responses from which two exposure indices were then created. The utility of these mechanical exposure indices was evaluated using low back pain reporting as the health outcome from the same epidemiological study. The modelled response using the first-order system appeared to provide additional exposure information, perhaps time-history sensitive exposure information that was not captured by the unprocessed exposure profiles. Risk estimates from the peak value exposure index derived from an internal exposure processed with a time constant of 2?s were almost doubled compared with the risk estimates of the unprocessed peak value, and the final value, taken from the internal exposure processed with a time constant of 5?000?s, generated higher risk estimates over the cumulative/average exposures. This study suggests a potential analysis approach for epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal disorders where long-duration mechanical exposure data is available.