Evaluation of occupational allergic contact dermatitis and its related factors in Iran

Background: Occupational contact dermatitis, especially in hand, is one of the most common occupational disorders. The present study aimed at evaluating patients with occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by common allergens based on occupation type and disease history. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the data of the patients with probable diagnosis of ACD in Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy (CRTSDL) in Iran. In the present study, 946 patients were assessed from different regions of Iran. One hundred fifty-one cases with positive patch test and relevant exposure were entered into the study; data related to their occupation and disease activity history were evaluated and recorded. Then, factors related to disease activity history were assessed considering the occupational groups and common exposures. Results: Nickel sulphate was the most common allergen in the 151 patients. Disease activity was constant in 29.8 of the patients; it increased in 27.8, and decreased just before doing the patch test in 42.4. Of the patients, 52.3 were getting worse during the working days. Occupational groups were significantly different in age and gender. Disease duration was also different in the occupational groups (p=0.001). The least disease duration was observed in healthcare workers, and the most in service workers. Lesions in the foot were related to period of employment. In administrative work group, (teachers, technicians and housewives) disease activity was decreased in the most cases, while it was increased in most patients of service workers (p=0.086). Conclusion: The present study, similar to previous reports, revealed that nickel sulphate is the most common allergen in ACD cases. Moreover, it was found that the symptoms of disease activity remained constant or increased in a significant proportion of the cases during the working days. Therefore, these workers should seriously follow up on this matter and change their occupation, or limit the exposure to allergens

The effect of a multifaceted ergonomic intervention program on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in dentists

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational injuries in dentists. These disorders occur due to the specific characteristics of dentistry occupation such as the use of tools and instruments and awkward posture. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of multifaceted ergonomic program on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. Methods: One hundred-two male dentists who worked in dentistry clinics of Tehran's hospitals participated in this interventional study. Participants were randomly divided into control (n=50) and intervention (n=52) groups. Dentists in the intervention group (n=52) underwent multifaceted ergonomic intervention program for 8 weeks and dentists in the control group (n=50) only received the measurements. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was evaluated in each of the 2 groups at 3 time points before the intervention, 3, and 6 months after the intervention using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Paired t-test was used to compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders before and after the ergonomic intervention program at the end of 3 and 6 months. Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reduced after the intervention in the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, back, thigh, knees, and feet (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders increased in the control group in the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, thigh, and knee, respectively. The survey results revealed that 98 of the participants agreed with this intervention program. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the multifaceted ergonomic intervention program, which included improving working conditions, identifying ergonomic risk factors, regular exercise, and discussion group meetings, could decrease the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists

Assessment of pulmonary function parameters and respiratory symptoms in shipyard workers of Asaluyeh city, Iran

Background: Workers in shipyard companies are exposed to different respiratory hazards. The present case-control study was designed to evaluate pulmonary function tests and respiratory symptoms among shipyard workers in Asaluyeh city in Southwest Iran. Material and Method: Between March and October 2015 we recruited participants from two separate populations: shipyard workers as cases and office workers from the same shipyard company, who are not exposed to the same respiratory hazards, as controls. History was obtained from all participants and they all underwent physical examination and spirometry. Results: Respiratory signs and symptoms were present in a significantly higher number of shipyard workers compared to the unexposed office workers. Similarly, there were significant spirometric differences between cases and controls. Conclusion: It seems that workplace hazards play a more significant role than other factors such as air pollution in development of respiratory diseases, and future studies for investigating respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function parameters, biological monitoring and measurement of respiratory hazard need to be performed. � 2016 NRITLD, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Iran

Assessment of pulmonary function parameters, signs, and symptoms in the employee of a dairy products company in Tehran, Iran

Background: Workers in dairy products companies are exposed to different respiratory hazards. The current study aimed at investigating and comparing the prevalence of pulmonary function parameters, signs, and symptoms in the exposed workers and office staff. Materials and Methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted in 2015 on 864 employees working in a dairy products company in Tehran, Iran. The subjects included 646 employees exposed to respiratory hazards at the production line and the other group consisted of 218 staff not exposed to respiratory hazards in the production line as the unexposed group. Demographic characteristics and the presence of respiratory symptoms and signs were gathered using a checklist. Spirometric indices including FEV1, forced volume vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC were measured for the study participants. Results: Although exposure to the respiratory hazards among participants of the exposed group was lower than permitted limits, the frequency of respiratory signs and symptoms were significantly higher than those of the unexposed staff. In the current study, mean percentage of FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEV1 were significantly less than the predicted amount in the exposed group than in the unexposed group. Conclusion: Although the frequency of respiratory signs and symptoms was lower than those of other similar studies, abnormal spirometric patterns were common; hence, it can be pointed out that even in the work environments, such as dairy products industry with below the permissible exposure limit of respiratory risks, multiple spirometric disorders can be observed. In other words, the absence of respiratory signs and symptoms are insufficient and application of different pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry, seem essential for assessment. © 2018 NRITLD, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Iran

Combination of azelaic acid 5 and erythromycin 2 in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common problem, particularly among adolescents, which is usually resistant to monotherapy. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of azelaic acid (AA) 5 and erythromycin 2 gel (AzE) compared with AA 20 or erythromycin 2 gels in facial acne vulgaris.Methods: We conducted a 12-week, multicenter, randomized double-blind study on 147 patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Four treatment group were determined (placebo, erythromycin, AA and AzE) and followed in 4-week intervals for 12 weeks, except the placebo group which was changed to routine treatment after 4 weeks.Results: The combination of AA 5 and erythromycin 2 gel significantly reduced the number of papules, pustules and comedones compared with placebo (p <0.001), erythromycin 2 (p <0.01) or AA 20 (p <0.05). The incidence of adverse effects observed in patients treated with AzE (27) was less than that with erythromycin 2 (54) and AA 20 (45).Conclusions: The combination of AA 5 and erythromycin 2 produced more potent therapeutic effects in comparison with erythromycin 2 or AA 20 alone, and with fewer side effects. © 2010 Informa UK Ltd

Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study.

Here, we assessed the efficacy and safety of Nano lipid carrier (NLC) drug delivery system containing tretinoin (NLC-TRE) in comparison with the conventional 0.05% tretinoin cream (TRE cream) in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. A stable and appropriate NLC-TRE formulation was prepared using a high-pressure homogenizer and particle characterization and physicochemical properties were evaluated under accelerated conditions. Efficacy assessment was performed via a split-face clinical study, by comparing the number of acne lesions, porphyrin production and skin biophysical parameters in both sides of the face randomly treated with NLC-TRE and TRE cream. Plasma concentration of tretinoin after topical application of NLC-TRE was measured for primary safety evaluation. We acquired a stable, spherical nanoparticles with particle size of 118.5 nm, PI equal to 0.485 and ZP of - 44.7 mV. The rate of decrease of acne lesions was significantly higher in NLC- TRE side (p value < 0.001). The size and intensity of porphyrin production in pilosebaceous follicles were significantly reduced only on NLC-TRE side (p value < 0.01). The plasma concentration of the tretinoin, after 8 weeks' application remained lower than the toxic levels. The NLC-TRE formula provides better efficiency and good loading capacity of TRE in the drug delivery system