DOES STILL EXIST A CORRELATION BETWEEN X-RAYS OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AND BENIGN NODULAR THYROID DISEASE?

Objective: The prevalence of benign nodular thyroid disease in the general population is high, as shown by various studies, and the diagnosis is eased by the improved diagnostic capacity of the instruments used. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation as a possible significant risk factor in the determinism of this pathology. Method: A cross-sectional observational study in “A category” X-ray exposed workers (doctors, nurses, technicians) of the University Hospital of Palermo, compared with a sample of the general population, was carried out from June 2016 to June 2017. We evaluated data obtained from the Personal Health Records, including thyroid sonographic reports, assessed by 10-MHz neck ultrasonography: then were analyzed on the basis of statistical significance (p-value < 0.05, Odd ratios and 95% confidence interval), in order to identify possible relations with conditions who may become real risk factors, such as: occupational exposure, considering years and accumulated dose, age, gender, smoking habit. Result: Nodules were detected in 32/85 (37.6%) workers and in 31/90 (34.4%) subjects of the control group. None of the parameters examined in the two groups reached statistical significance as a risk factor, therefore not playing major role in the determinism of thyroid nodularitye. Conclusion: In this study, X-rays work-related exposure does not represent a risk factor of thyroid nodularity, although it would be opportune to know the reasons of the high prevalence of this pathology in general population

Casa e salute - rischi domestici e salute nelle casalinghe

This study discuss home security and shows that "the house" is very rich of dangers. In fact housewives are exposed to various risk factors and have a high incidence of physical and mental disorders

EFFECTS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND JOBS CRISIS ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE ITALIAN AND SICILIAN POPULATIONS: FROM THE OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE TO NOT OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE?

The economic crisis that started in 2008 in many countries of the world, has resulted in the reduction of many jobs in all the regions of Italy, most especially in the Southern part of the Country. The employment difficulties experienced by both the unemployed and employed workers, experiencing increasingly precarious conditions, will inevitably result in a worsening of psycho-physical conditions of the population; especially as an increase in stress-related diseases. Aims: The aim of this study is to point-out the possible effects of the economic crisis on the health status of the population resident in Italy and Sicily, evaluating data from years preceding and following the year 2008. Methods: We have selected two populations: the first comprising the inhabitants of the Italian territory, the second comprising the inhabitants in the Sicilian territory. We evaluated official statistical data regarding demographics, information about lifestyles that can cause cardiovascular diseases, and also statistical data about job accidents and occupational diseases. We also investigated the use of antidepressant drugs, as indicators of psychological distress and metabolic diseases in the two populations. Results: Data analysis shows an overall increase of people migrating to foreign countries, increased unemployment for all age groups, with dramatic spikes in Sicily, and degenerating lifestyles associated with increasing numbers of subjects suffering from depression, diabetes and ischemic heart disease, although treatments and prognosis have improved. Work-related accidents only have been significantly reduced, while at the same time reports of occupational diseases increase. Conclusions: It is necessary to change economic policies and development throughout the country; especially in the Southern regions, in order to substantially improve the mental and physical health of the population

Immunization against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in a Cohort of Nursing Students Two Decades after Vaccination: Surprising Feedback

Health-care students can be exposed to biological risks during university training. The persistence of long-term immunogenicity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was analyzed in a cohort of nursing students two decades after primary vaccination. A total of 520 students were enrolled at the University of Palermo and were evaluated for levels of anti-HBsAg antibodies. ThestudentswereexaminedduringthefirstyearoftheirDegreeCourseandwerecheckedtwoyears later. All students with anti-HBsAg <10 mIU/mL during their first or third year were boosted within onemonth. Theproportionofstudentsthatwerevaccinatedduringadolescenceshowinganti-HBsAg ≥10 mIU/mL was higher than that observed in students who were vaccinated during infancy (69% versus31.7%;p-value<0.001). ReceivingHBVvaccinationatadolescencewassignificantlyassociated with a fourfold increased possibility of having anti-HBsAg titers≥10 mIU/mL (adj-OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.43–7.30). Among the students who were checked at the third year and boosted after the first year (n = 279), those who were vaccinated during infancy showed a higher percentage of antibody titers <10 mIU/mL (20.3% versus 8.7% among vaccinated during adolescence; p < 0.01). This study confirms that HBV vaccination at adolescence might determine a higher long-term persistence of anti-HBsAg titers≥10 mIU/mL and that anti-HBV booster could increase levels of anti-HBsAg over a relatively short period, especially in subjects who were vaccinated during infancy

Cromemia e cromuria: valori a confronto tra soggetti professionalmente esposti al cromo e popolazione generale

Aim of present study is the valutation and quantification of chromium in blood and urine. We compared 3 groups of persons formed by building workers, in particular masons, because cement contains potassium chromate that is dangerous for health, and by common people: urban population and outside the town population. In fact, exposure to CrVI risk is high for people who live near chromate industries. We maked a medical examination, blood and instrumental tests, chromium measuring in blood (recent exposure indicator) and urine (recent and previous indicator). Then we used statistical methods to estimate obtained values of blood and urine chromium among professional exposed people and common people. At the end we think that preventive measures in working environment reduced exposure to CrVI but environmental exposure (for example road dust from catalytic converter erosion, from brake lining erosion, cement dust and tobacco smoke), in the last years, has increased. So there are no difference between urban population and outside the town population and there are also no difference with professional exposed people for work prevention according to law in force, that let down professional risk using safe limits

Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Students and Postgraduates in a Mediterranean Italian Area: What Correlation with Work Exposure?

Background: Tuberculosis screening is part of the standard protocol for evaluating the risk of infection in healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among students attending various healthcare profession degree courses and postgraduate medical courses at the School of Medicine of the University of Palermo, Italy, and assess the possible professional origin of infection. Methods: In total, 2946 students (2082 undergraduates and 864 postgraduates) took part in a screening program for LTBI between January 2014 to April 2019 using the tuberculin skin test (TST). Students with a positive TST result underwent a Quantiferon-TB test (QFT). Results: Among the 2082 undergraduates, 23 (1.1%) had a positiveTST;theresultwasconfirmedwithQFTfor13(0.62%)ofthem. Amongthe864postgraduate students,24(2.78%)hadapositiveTSTandonly18(2.08%)showedapositiveQTF.Latenttuberculosis infectionsweresignificantlymorefrequentamongpostgraduatesthanundergraduates(2.08% > 0.62%, p < 0.0001). There was a higher number of subjects previously vaccinated for TB (18.87% > 0.24%, p < 0.0001), and of vaccinated subjects found positive for TST and QTF (66.67% > 7.69%, p = 0.001) in the postgraduate group. Conclusion: Latent TB is relatively low among medical school students in our geographic area. Nevertheless, this infectious disease must be regarded as a re-emerging biohazard for which preventive strategies are required to limit the risk of infection, especially among exposed workers

Kinetics of Anti-Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Titers in Nurse Students after a Two-Year Follow-Up

Infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be prevented through a safe and effective vaccine. This study analysed the kinetics of serum antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (anti-HBs) titers in relation to previous vaccine boosters in Italian nursing students who were followed up for two years. Serum anti-HBs titers were evaluated at the first visit, after vaccine booster (if required) and at visit after two years. Overall, 483 students (mean age = 21.7 years; SD = 3.7) with median anti-HBs IgG titer of 6 mUI/mL (interquartile range (IQR) = 0-34) were enrolled. A total of 254 (52.5%) students with a titer lower than 10 mIU/mL were offered an anti-HBV booster at the first visit. Among these students, an exponential relation between anti-HBs IgG titer, one month after HBV booster and anti-HBs IgG titer two years later was found (y = 3.32 exp (0.0045x); R2 = 0.48; p < 0.001). Students with anti-HBV titer higher than 10 mIU/mL (N = 229) were followed up, and anti-HBs IgG titers at follow-up visit linearly correlated with anti-HBV baseline titers (y = 0.86x + 26.2; R2 = 0.67; p < 0.001). A decrease in anti-HBs titers can be expected a few years after the anti-HBV booster dose. This reduction is more pronounced than that observed in students not administered the booster dose and is exponential with respect to basal titers assessed after the booster dose

Cardiovascular effects of occupational exposure to urban airborne pollution on a group of newsagents in the city of Palermo

Aims: To verify the possible correlation between exposure to airborne particulate matter the average size less than 10 μm (PM 10) of a group of newsagents working in kiosks in Palermo and evidence of carotid intimal thickening. Materials and methods: data were collected relating to environmental monitoring of airborne pollutants. We have selected a sample of newsagents, who were submitted to some clinical investigations, including the carotid echo-color doppler examination. Results: The results show no correlation between the location of the kiosks, and the presence of intimal thickening. Conclusion: Exposition to urban pollutants in Palermo is likely homogenous in the different areas and can be considered an ubiquitous atherogenic risk factor

Mense e personale addetto alle cucine: valutazione dei rischi occupazionali

The aim of the study is to evaluate the occupational risks among food service workers and cooks. During the occupational risks assessment the following risk factors must be evaluated: musculoskeletal disorders, chemical risk (cleaning kitchen work surface, dishes, utensils ecc.) biological risk (contact with foods or biological agents) cancerogenic risk (by baking smoke inhalation), and psycho-social stress. In this study the preventive measures and protective equipment to prevent health hazards for these workers have been evaluated (i.e. aspiration hood, adapted ventilation, chosen of less harmful methods of baking, ecc.). In particular the performance of rigid behavioural norms and hygienic procedures is very important for cooks and food service workers to reduce the risk of occupational infections

Occupational exposure to home risk factors: analysis of physical and mental health condition of a group of Sicilian housewives.

INTRODUCTION: The work of housewives, in many ways, still lacks professional respect; particularly with respect to the neglect of exposure to risk factors such as: chemical, physical, biological, psychological and accidents. The purpose of this study is to analyze the possible impact of environmental risk factors on the physical and mental health of a group of Sicilian housewives. METHODS: We enrolled housewives living in Palermo and Catania and administered an anonymous questionnaire to obtain knowledge of three factors: (1) the habits of the respondents, (2) the type of house in which they lived and worked, (3) the diseases they suffered. We also administered them a hospital anxiety and depression scale questionnaire. A statistical analysis was performed calculating the p value and a Yates chi square test to compare the percentages of diseases that emerged in three different groups: (1) the sample, (2) an ISTAT report on women of the same average age performing various work tasks ‘other than housework’ and (3) an ISTAT nationwide report on the housewives of the same average age. Finally, we evaluated the average questionnaire scores measuring anxiety and depression, and correlated those scores with age. RESULTS: The sample group consisting of 468 housewives showed high percentage of allergic disorders (35.6%), which is statistically significant when compared to the ISTAT national data on women generally and housewives particularly of the same average age. The evaluation of data on anxiety and depression showed an average score indicating borderline pathology for both (anxiety and depression) and increasing proportionally with increasing age. DISCUSSION: It is considered appropriate to inform society and the scientific community about the issues concerning these housewife workers, who must be regarded as and recognized as workers