Modular Toolbox as Snap Jewelry for Biomimetic Synthesis of Multifunctional Amino Acid Surfactants Inspired by Melanin.

Amino acid surfactants have gained significant importance in overcoming the limitations of conventional surfactants, notably, their low biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the current amino acid surfactants lack multifunctional properties due to the nonreactivity of their aliphatic chains, necessitating the development of a new type of amino acid surfactant. A novel melanin-like amino acid surfactant and a biomimetic synthesis route were devised by mimicking the biosynthesis of melanin. Renewable natural polyphenol compounds with catechol moieties were utilized as building blocks for the hydrophobic group. In a proof-of-concept experiment, ethyl protocatechuate was oxidized to o-quinone and subsequently covalently linked to the amino group of lysine via Michael addition. The chemical structure was verified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy. The melanin-like amino acid surfactant exhibited excellent surface-active properties, with a critical micelle concentration of 1.59 mN m-1. Furthermore, it demonstrated remarkable emulsifying, foaming, solubilizing, dispersing, and wetting capabilities. Notably, it also possessed multifunctionality, including antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, robustness, and mildness. These outstanding properties indicate significant potential for various applications. This strategy offers innovative insights and a versatile, modular toolbox for synthesizing multifunctional amino acid surfactants that mimic melanin. The approach allows for the easy interchange of o-quinone building blocks, which is akin to snap jewelry.

Gold: not just jewelry .

Plain language summary From jewels and coinage to anticancer and antiviral agents, the peculiar 'soft' character as well as physicochemical, redox and ligand exchange properties of gold can be exploited to design novel bioactive complexes, which may open up new perspectives to the development of drugs for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

From jewels and coinage to anticancer and antiviral agents, the peculiar 'soft' character as well as physicochemical, redox and ligand exchange properties of gold can be exploited to design novel bioactive complexes, which may open up new perspectives to the development of drugs for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Environmental assessment in fine jewelry in the U.S.-Mexico's Paso del Norte region: A qualitative study via X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.

Heavy metal contamination in raw materials has spread widely in the United States. The high increased number of recalls in consumer products and the lack of stricter regulations in the raw materials to be used in the jewelry industry have raised concerns among consumers. Studies in low-cost jewelry have shown the presence and high content of heavy metals; this environmental problem led to a child's death after swallowing a charm containing elevated levels of lead (Pb). Exposure to heavy metals, through inhalation, mouth, and skin contact, causes adverse health effects in children and adults. Exposure to lead affects mainly the nervous system and brain development; exposure to cadmium (Cd) causes damage to liver, kidneys, and lungs, and potentially leads to cancer; exposure to nickel (Ni) causes severe dermatitis. Thus, the importance and impact of studies of this nature cannot be overstated. As heavy metal contamination has increased in the United States, this research fills an important knowledge gap between previous studies conducted on low-cost jewelry and fine jewelry. In this study, conducted in the Paso del Norte region, one hundred and forty-three pieces of fine jewelry were evaluated for the presence of heavy metals using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Our study showed that 61 samples (42.7 %) exhibited the presence of Ni in the metal alloy, prevailing in jewelry pieces with lower percentage of gold. Eighteen samples showed the presence of Pb in gemstones, 11 pieces of these samples (7.7 % total) had <33.3 % gold (≤10 K); however, none of the samples showed the presence of Pb in the metal alloy. Further research is needed to evaluate the bioaccessibility of Pb in these gemstones, which may pose a potential health hazard to children and adults in the US Paso del Norte region and throughout the world.

Concentrações de metais em poeira depositada em casas de trabalhadores informais e domiciliares da cadeia produtiva de joias e bijuterias de Limeira, SP: avaliação de risco à saúde infantil / Metal concentrations in dust deposited in the homes of informal and home-based workers in the jewelry and fashion jewelry production of Limeira, SP: risk assessment for children's health

Introdução: O trabalho informal é acompanhado de diversas particularidades, além do manuseio de produtos químicos sem equipamentos adequados, pode acontecer a exposição passiva de familiares ou amigos próximos, como por exemplo as crianças. Na cidade de Limeira, no interior de São Paulo, há a produção informal de joias e bijuterias, envolvendo atividades que vão desde a montagem de peças até a solda. Objetivos: este estudo avaliou a exposição de crianças à poeiras contendo metais, nas residências de trabalhadores informais e domiciliares da cadeia produtiva de joias e bijuterias de Limeira. Método: foram coletadas amostras de poeira com lenços eletrostáticos em 21 domicílios do grupo exposto e 23 do grupo controle e determinados os Elementos Potencialmente Tóxicos (EPT) Cr, Sn, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb e As, nos ambientes. As análises foram realizadas no Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo (IPT), por ICP-MS. Também, foram cedidos os resultados das concentrações de EPT no sangue de uma subamostra de crianças, presentes na população de estudo, pela coordenadora do projeto (KPKO). Resultados: As concentrações de Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd e Sn na poeira doméstica foram significativamente maiores no grupo exposto (<0,05), assim como as concentrações de Pb e Cd no sangue das crianças do grupo exposto (<0,05). As concentrações de EPT na poeira doméstica e no sangue das crianças apresentaram correlação moderada para Cr (Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman (Rho) 0,40), Zn (Rho -0,43) e As (Rho 0,40), e uma forte correlação para Cd (Rho 0,80) (p <0,05). Conclusões: Os resultados do estudo apontaram riscos para a exposição infantil ao Cd, As e Cr durante a produção informal e doméstica de joias e bijuterias, salientando a importância de proteger a saúde infantil através da promoção de ações de segurança. Adicionalmente, os lenços eletrostáticos se mostraram ferramentas de baixo custo e eficazes para avaliação da exposição a EPT.

Introduction: Informal work is followed by several particularities, besides the handling of chemicals without proper equipment, there may happen the passive exposure of family members or close friends, such as children. In the city of Limeira, in the interior of São Paulo, there is informal jewelry production, involving activities ranging from assembling pieces to welding. Objectives: This study evaluated the exposure of children to dust containing metals in the homes of informal and home-based workers in the jewelry production industry in Limeira. Method: dust samples were collected with electrostatic cloths from 21 households in the exposed group and 23 in the control group, and the Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) Cr, Sn, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and As were determined in the environments. The analyses were carried out at the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo (IPT), by ICP-MS. Also, the results of PTE concentrations in the blood of a subsample of children, present in the study population, were provided by the project coordinator (KPKO). Results: Concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Sn in household dust were significantly higher in the exposed group (<0.05), as were concentrations of Pb and Cd in the blood of children in the exposed group (<0.05). PTE concentrations in house dust and children's blood showed moderate correlation for Cr (Spearman's Correlation Coefficient (Rho) 0.40), Zn (Rho -0.43) and As (Rho 0.40), and a strong correlation for Cd (Rho 0.80) (p <0.05). Conclusions: The results of the study indicated risks for children's exposure to Cd, As and Cr during informal, domestic jewelry production, highlighting the importance of protecting children's health by promoting safety actions. Additionally, electrostatic cloths proved to be low-cost and effective tools for assessing exposure to PTE.

The Effects of the Activity of Making Jewelry From Beads on the Anxiety Levels of Children With Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Study.

Background: Children hospitalized for cancer treatment are known to experience high levels of anxiety. This study aimed to examine the effects of making jewelry from beads on the state and trait anxiety levels of children with cancer. Methods: This parallel group, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 62 children aged 7-18 who were being treated for cancer. The children were selected using the random sampling method. The jewelry-making sessions with the children in the intervention group were held twice a week for four weeks. Data were analysed using the chi-square test, the Student's t-test, the independent samples t-test and linear regression. Results: The state anxiety levels of the children in the intervention group decreased both in the first week and the fourth week after making jewelry. The difference in the average post-test scores between the two groups was found to be significant (p < .05). The fourth week average trait anxiety score of the children in the intervention group decreased (M = 33.2) in comparison to the average score of the control group (M = 36.5). The difference between the two groups was found to be significant (p < .001). Discussion: This study found that the activity of making jewelry from beads was effective in reducing the state and trait anxiety levels of children with cancer.

Nickel release from metal items in contact with skin: a comparison of methods and practical implications for regulation in Europe.

Contact allergy to Nickel is the most prevalent contact allergy in western societies. This has led to regulation for metallic items that come into prolonged and direct contact with the skin, such as buttons on clothing, belt buckles, jewelry and watches. In Europe, the legal provision is based on a test in which there is a limit to the amount of nickel that may be released from the item to an artificial sweat solution (EN 1811). This test is costly and has reproducibility issues. The resulting undertesting of items placed on the market, leads to many nickel releasing non-compliant articles being available in spite of the regulations that are in place. In this study, the performance of the standard release test is compared to the performance of a rapid nickel spot test based on dimethylglyoxime (DMG-test). The data suggest that using the rapid DMG-test for compliance testing is sufficiently equivalent to the current gold standard of EN 1811. Previously published comparisons between the DMG-test and EN 1811 did not consider the effect of accelerated wear and corrosion testing according to EN 12472. This study shows that by applying EN 12472, the number of deviating results between the DMG-test and EN 1811 decreases significantly. Regarding consumer protection, it is necessary for wear and corrosion resistance to be considered.

Contact allergy to nickel: still #1 after all these years.

Nickel is ubiquitous in our daily environment and remains the most common cause of contact allergy worldwide. Regulation of nickel release exists in Europe but unfortunately continues to be absent in the United States. Nickel contact allergy most often is associated with earrings and other jewelry; however, novel exposures to nickel through diet and electronic devices and other materials also occur. Once diagnosed, allergen avoidance is key for improvement of symptoms.

Buyer beware: Inexpensive, high cadmium jewelry can pose severe health risks.

The use of cadmium to produce inexpensive jewelry has recently been documented. Governments have adopted varying standards, with US states focused on either total cadmium content or extractable cadmium from children's jewelry, while the European Union has adopted a limit of 100 mg/kg cadmium for all jewelry. This study evaluated 80 items purchased at a discount jewelry store. The objective was to determine prevalence of cadmium in this jewelry, the amount of cadmium released by simulated mouthing or ingestion, and to confirm previous reports that damage to jewelry can increase cadmium release. Finally, a modified toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) assessed the potential for jewelry to release cadmium after disposal. Thirty-two (40%) items showed detectable cadmium by X-ray fluorescence. Nine high­cadmium pendants and rings with cadmium content ranging from 31.3 to 89.2% were subjected to extractions simulating mouthing or ingestion. Seven of nine items extracted in dilute saline to simulate mouthing released more than the US recommended maximum of 18 micrograms. Damaged jewelry released more cadmium for most items tested, with one ring yielding an average of 10,600 micrograms. Two pendants small enough to be swallowed were tested using dilute HCl to simulate ingestion. While one pendant did not release cadmium in excess of the US recommended maximum of 200 micrograms even when damaged, the other released an average of 63,100 micrograms after being damaged. Fourteen of fifteen samples of two high cadmium charms extracted using a modified TCLP extraction exceeded the 1.0 mg/L TCLP limit for cadmium, averaging 13.1 and 9.6 mg/L respectively for the two charms. These results demonstrate that high­cadmium jewelry may pose a serious hazard if mouthed or ingested, and that regulatory standards that do not take into account the potential for increased release of cadmium resulting from damage to jewelry electroplating are inadequate.

Occupational Localized Cutaneous Argyria With Pseudo-Ochronosis in a Jeweler.

ABSTRACT: A case of localized argyria in a 36-year-old female jeweler is described who presented with 2 discrete and asymptomatic bluish-black pigmented macules on the pulp of her left middle finger. A skin biopsy from both lesions demonstrated deposition of brown/black pigmented granules along the basement membrane zone of eccrine glands, blood vessels, nerves, and the dermo-epidermal junction fully in keeping with silver deposition. In addition, there was yellow-brown deposition seen within the interstitial dermis mimicking an early form of ochronosis, so called "pseudo-ochronosis." This latter feature is rarely described in cases of argyria. Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of electron dense particles up to 150 nm in diameter and the presence of silver, respectively. On further questioning, the patient had a history of localized and chronic exposure to silver, which specifically involved holding and manipulating silver wires and rings over the left middle finger. This case highlights an unusual and rare presentation of localized argyria in a jeweler. In addition, our case showed preferential silver deposition on dermal elastic fibers which has not been previously described in the literature.

A woman and her breathtaking jewelry.

We present the case of a 45-year-old woman, working as a silver polisher since 11 years, complaining of dyspnea on exertion and dry cough. Intensive diagnostic workup, including high-resolution CT scan of the chest and lung biopsy by VATS led to the diagnosis of pulmonary siderosis. Pulmonary siderosis is a benign, non-fibrotic type of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of iron oxide, which is generally asymptomatic (except in concurrent smoking or concurrent silicosis). Combination of relevant exposure and the typical findings on CT-imaging (centrilobular nodules without cranio-caudal gradient) usually strongly suggest the diagnosis, but this should always be discussed at a multidisciplinary consultation. This includes discussing whether to perform a lung biopsy for histological confirmation. Cessation of the causative exposure is the only-treatment one can take and then radiological features can improve and even disappear of time. Unfortunately, this treatment has an enormous impact on patient's life because it implies changing profession. Preventive measures can be taken by employers (respiratory equipment and ventilation). This case illustrates that physicians should stay vigilant about occupational exposures in clinical practice as well as the need for multidisciplinary consult in patients suspected of having interstitial lung disease.

Implicações do uso de adornos por profissionais de saúde na biossegurança da assistência ao paciente / Implication of the use of adornments by health professionals in the biosafety of patient care

Introdução: as infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS) são consideradas um problema de saúde global, pois colocam em risco a segurança do paciente e a qualidade assistencial. Considera-se que a principal via de disseminação de microrganismos relacionados a IRAS ocorre pelas mãos dos trabalhadores de saúde, destacando-se a utilização de adornos por profissionais de saúde como um agravante no âmbito a disseminação de microrganismos. Estudos revelam que a utilização desses objetos, principalmente anéis e alianças, propiciam maior impacto na carga bacteriana nas mãos dos trabalhadores. A Norma Regulamentadora 32 (NR32) visa estabelecer as diretrizes básicas para a implementação de medidas de proteção à segurança e à saúde dos trabalhadores dos serviços de saúde, dentre essas medidas está a proibição do uso de adornos por profissionais de saúde que prestam cuidados aos pacientes, principalmente profissionais que mantem contato com materiais biológicos. Objetivos: Analisar o uso de adornos por profissionais de saúde e as suas implicações na carga bacteriana das mãos e anéis após a realização de técnicas de higienização das mãos com uso de preparação alcoólica em gel a 70% ou com água e sabonete líquido. Método: Trata-se de um estudo, realizado em duas etapas. Na primeira realizou-se um estudo observacional e de prevalência por meio de inquérito realizado via mídia social para determinar se o uso de adornos por profissionais de enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar relaciona-se as variáveis sociodemográficas e ocupacionais, e os motivos da não adesão a NR32 por esses profissionais. Na segunda etapa realizou-se um experimento microbiológico por meio de contaminação artificial das mãos e alianças com Lactobacilos casei e posteriormente o protocolo de higienização das mãos para verificar a carga bactéria encontrada nas mãos e anéis de profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde. Resultados: A utilização de adornos por profissionais de enfermagem é frequente, pincipalmente o uso de aliança, relógio e brincos. Embora a 85% dos participantes conheça as normativas da NR32 referentes a remoção de adornos para a realização das atividades laborais, 15% profissionais informaram desconhecimento total ou parcial dessa recomendação o que remete a necessidade de revisão das práticas formativas e do frequente oferecimento de capacitação em serviço/treinamento. Com relação os resultados do experimento sobre o uso de alianças por profissionais de saúde constataram-se que não houve diferença entre a contaminação bacteriana das mãos dos participantes com e sem aliança. Porém, verificou-se que entre os grupos que higienizaram as mãos com o uso de preparação alcoólica em gel a 70% ou com água e sabonete líquido houve redução na carga bacteriana das mãos quando comparados ao grupo controle, grupo que higienizou as mãos com água e sabonete líquido demonstrou uma redução ainda maior das Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFC) Conclusão: A utilização de adornos por profissionais da enfermagem ainda é fonte de preocupação para as instituições de saúde devido a frequência do uso desses objetos mesmo diante do desencorajamento de uso e das recomendações legais. Pode-se perceber que a falta de capacitação em serviço/treinamento e de cobrança para remoção dos adornos são fatores dificultadores nesse processo. No que diz respeito ao uso de aliança por profissionais de saúde durante o procedimento de higienização das mãos fica evidente as implicações do seu uso principalmente quando a higienização não é realizada por remoção mecânica da sujidade, como é o caso da higienização das mãos com preparação alcoólica em gel a 70%.

Introduction: healthcare-related infections (HAI) are considered a global health problem, as they put patient safety and quality of care at risk. It is considered that the main way of dissemination of microorganisms related to HAI occurs through the hands of health workers, highlighting the use of adornments by health professionals as an aggravating factor in the scope of the spread of microorganisms. Studies reveal that the use of these objects, especially rings and wedding rings, provide a greater impact on the bacterial load on workers' hands. Regulatory Standard 32 aims to establish the basic guidelines for the implementation of measures to protect the safety and health of workers in health services, among these measures is the prohibition of the use of adornments by health professionals who provide care to patients, especially professionals that maintains contact with biological materials. Objectives: To analyze the use of adornments by health professionals and its implications on the bacterial load on hands and rings after performing hand hygiene techniques with the use of an alcoholic preparation in gel at 70% or with water and liquid soap. Method: This is a carried out in two stages. In the first, an observational and prevalence study was carried out through a survey conducted via social media to determine whether the use of adornments by nursing professionals in the hospital environment is related to sociodemographic and occupational variables, and the reasons for non-adherence to NR32 by these professionals. In the second stage, a microbiological experiment was carried out through artificial contamination of the hands and alliances with Lactobacilli casei and later the hand hygiene protocol to verify the bacterial load found in the hands and rings of health professionals and students. Results: The use of adornments by nursing professionals is frequent, especially the use of wedding rings, watches and earrings. Although 85% of the participants are aware of the NR32 regulations regarding the removal of adornments for the performance of work activities, 15% professionals reported total or partial lack of knowledge of this recommendation, which points to the need to review training practices and the frequent offer of training in service/training. Regarding the results of the experiment on the use of rings by health professionals, it was found that there was no difference between bacterial contamination of the hands of participants with and without rings. However, it was found that among the groups that cleaned their hands using an alcoholic preparation in gel at 70% or with water and liquid soap, there was a reduction in the bacterial load on the hands when compared to the control group, a group that cleaned their hands with water and liquid soap showed an even greater reduction in Colony Forming Units (CFU). Conclusion: The use of adornments by nursing professionals is still a source of concern for health institutions due to the frequency of use of these objects even in the face of discouragement of use and of the legal recommendations. It can be seen that the lack of in-service training/training and charging for the removal of adornments are hindering factors in this process. With regard to the use of a wedding band by health professionals during the hand hygiene procedure, the implications of its use are evident, especially when the cleaning is not carried out by mechanical removal of dirt, as is the case of hand hygiene with alcoholic preparation in 70% gel

Avaliação de saúde e do perfil metabólico de mulheres trabalhadoras inseridas no arranjo produtivo domiciliar e informal de joias e bijuterias de Limeira, SP / Evaluation of health and metabolic profile of working women inserted in the local productive, home based and informal arrangement of jewelry and fashion jewelry

Introdução: A cidade de Limeira-SP contempla um relevante polo produtivo de joias e bijuterias, bem como um cenário de flexibilização do trabalho, por meio da informalidade e terceirização. Os trabalhadores, assim como a população podem ser expostos a diversos elementos, dentre eles, a elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPT), como o Arsênio (As), Chumbo (Pb), Mercúrio (Hg), Cádmio (Cd), Níquel (Ni), Zinco (Zn), Cromo (Cr), Cobre (Cu) e Estanho (Sn). Esses EPTs podem ser identificados e quantificados no organismo humano, por meio da análise metabolômica, a qual quantifica os metabólitos relacionados ao metabolismo humano. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil de saúde de trabalhadoras e perfil metabolômico por HPLC-MS de soldadoras inseridas no arranjo produtivo local, informal e domiciliar da produção de joias e bijuterias na cidade de Limeira, SP, e identificar as doenças associadas aos metabólitos encontrados. Metodologia: Este estudo de delineamento transversal incluiu 129 participantes, sendo divididas em dois grupos, denominado "Exposto" (n=72) e "Controle" (n=57). A partir da amostra inicial, foi selecionada uma sub amostra de 15 participantes de cada grupo, "Exposto" e "Controle", para o desenvolvimento da análise metabolômica untargeted no plasma. Todas as participantes responderam questionários de doenças referidas, adaptados do Inquérito Domiciliar sobre Comportamentos de Risco e Morbidade Referida de Agravos não Transmissíveis para coletar informações sobre saúde, hábitos de vida e informações gestacionais. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise de metais e uma subamostra foi selecionada para análise metabolômica untargeted por HPLC-MS. Testes exatos de Fischer foram aplicados aos dados de doenças autorreferidas e consumo de grupos alimentares (p<0,05), bem como teste de comparação de médias para as concentrações de EPT. Para os dados cromatográficos foram aplicados a análise multivariada pelos métodos de análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) e a análise discriminante por mínimos quadrados e parciais (PLS-DA). Resultados: Ao analisar todas as mulheres do estudo, foi encontrada uma diferença estatisticamente significante das doenças respiratórias (p=0,04) para o grupo Exposto, enquanto as mulheres do grupo Controle referiram mais frequentemente tosse seca (p=0,02) e diabetes gestacional (p=0,02). A análise das condições socioeconômicas mostrou que as mulheres de ambos os grupos têm remuneração abaixo do salário-mínimo da época da coleta (2017), embora as mulheres do grupo Exposto apresentem maior remuneração. Para o grupo de soldadoras foi identificada uma maior concentração de Pb no sangue (mediana Exposto= 13,8 µg L-1; mediana Controle=8,3 chumbo µg L-1; p= 0,02; U=58). Conclusão: O total de pessoas do sexo feminino do grupo Exposto referiu doenças respiratórias, enquanto a análise estatística realizada para as amostras metabolômicas não foi capaz de mostrar qualquer padrão de diferenciação entre os grupos de mulheres soldadoras e não soldadoras.

Introduction: The city of Limeira-SP includes a relevant production chain for jewelry and fashions jewelry, as well as a homebase work scenario, through informality and outsourcing. Workers as well as the population can be exposed to various elements, including potentially toxic elements (PTE), such as Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu) and Tin (Sn). These PTEs can be identified and quantified in the human body, through metabolomic analysis, which quantifies metabolites related to human metabolism. Objective: To describe the health profile of female workers and the metabolic profile by HPLC-MS of welders inserted in the local, informal and household production arrangement for the production of jewelry and fashion jewelry in the city of Limeira, SP, and to identify the diseases associated with the metabolites found. Method: This cross- sectional study included 129 participants, being divided into two groups, called "Exposed" (n = 72) and "Control" (n = 57). From the initial sample, a sub-sample of 15 participants from each group, "Exposed" and "Control", was selected for the development of untargeted metabolomic analysis in plasma. All participants answered questionnaires on referred diseases, adapted from the Household Survey on Risk Behaviors and Referred Morbidity of Non- Communicable Diseases to collect information on health, lifestyle and gestational information. Blood samples were collected for metals analysis and a subsample was selected for untargeted metabolomic analysis by HPLC-MS. Fischer's exact tests were applied to data on self-reported diseases and consumption of food groups (p <0.05), as well as a means comparison test for PTE concentrations. For the chromatographic data, multivariate analysis using the Principal Component analysis methods (PCA) and the discriminant analysis by least squares and partials (PLS-DA) were applied. Results: When analyzing all the women in the study, a statistically significant difference was found in respiratory diseases (p = 0.04) for the Exposed group, while women in the Control group reported more frequently dry cough (p = 0.02) and gestational diabetes (p = 0.02). The analysis of socioeconomic conditions showed that women in both groups have remuneration below the minimum wage at the time of collection (2017), although women in the Exposed group have higher remuneration. For the welders' group, a higher concentration of Pb in the blood was identified (median Exposed = 13.8; median Control = 8.3; p = 0.02; U = 58). Conclusion: The total number of females in the Exposed group reported respiratory diseases, while the statistical analysis performed for the metabolomic samples was not able to show any pattern of differentiation between the groups of welder and non-welder women.

DNA damage analysis concerning GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism in gold jewellery workers from Peshawar Pakistan.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the genotoxic effects of gold jewellery fumes and its association with GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 94 subjects including 54 gold jewellery workers and 40 controls. The DNA damage was evaluated by alkaline comet assay and genotyping by PCR. RESULTS: The mean total comet score (TCS) in gold jewellery workers was significantly higher as compared to the control subjects (128.0 ± 60.6 versus 47.7 ± 21.4; p = 0.0001). Duration of occupational exposure had positive correlation (r = 0.453, p < 0.01) with DNA damage. Age and tobacco use had significant effects on the TCS of the exposed group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype in the exposed group was significant (p = 0.004) as compared to the control group. No significant association (p > 0.05) between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes and DNA damage was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there is increased DNA damage in gold jewellery workers due to their occupational surroundings. Hence there is a strong need to educate the workers about the adverse health effects of potentially hazardous chemicals and highlight the importance of using protective measures.

Impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en el personal de salud / Impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud son un problema frecuente en el ambiente hospitalario. La higiene de manos es la medida más efectiva para su prevención. El uso de ciertos accesorios en las manos podría disminuir su efectividad y favorecer la transmisión horizontal de agentes infecciosos. Objetivo: Revisar los estudios publicados que evalúan el impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en trabajadores de la salud. Métodos: Búsqueda no sistemática en base de datos PUBMED/MEDLINE (1978-2018) de estudios en los cuales se mide la calidad de la higiene de manos o lavado quirúrgico, mediante cultivos cuantitativos o tinciones fluorescentes. Resultados: Uso de anillos: Trece de 51 artículos cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Siete fueron realizados en unidades clínicas, y en todos ellos éste se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos (la mayoría de baja calidad). Contrariamente, en tres de cuatro estudios primarios realizados en pabellón (de baja calidad), su uso no impactó en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico. Igualmente, dos revisiones sistemáticas obtuvieron similares conclusiones. Uñas esmaltadas: siete de 54 artículos fueron incluidos. En cuatro hubo resultados discordantes (la mayoría de baja calidad). En un estudio controlado se observó reducción en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico sólo cuando el esmalte estaba dañado. El esmalte gel se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos en dos estudios experimentales. Conclusiones: No existe evidencia de calidad suficiente para asociar el uso de estos accesorios con reducción en la calidad de la higiene de manos. Tampoco queda demostrada su inocuidad. En base a la evidencia disponible (la mayoría de baja calidad), se observó un impacto negativo del uso de anillos en unidades clínicas y también de uñas con esmalte dañado en pabellones quirúrgicos. Se requieren estudios de mejor calidad para abordar estos relevantes tópicos.

Abstract Background: Health-care-associated infections are a frequent problem in hospital environments. Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks. The use of certain accessories could decrease its effectiveness, facilitating horizontal transmission of pathogens. Objective: Analyze the evidence that assess the impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers. Methods: Non-systematic search in PUBMED/MEDLINE database (1978-2018) of studies in which the quality of hand hygiene or surgical washing is measured, using quantitative cultures or fluorescent stains. Results: Wearing rings: 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven were carried out in general wards. In all of them the use of rings was associated with lower quality of hand hygiene (the majority of low quality). Contrarily, in 3 of 4 primary studies carried out in the operating rooms (of low quality), their use did not affect the quality of surgical washing. Similarly, two systematic reviews obtained similar conclusions. Nail polish: 7 of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria. In four of them there were discordant results (the majority of low quality). One RCT showed a reduction in the quality of surgical washing only when the nail polish was damaged. Gel nail polish was associated with lower quality in two experimental studies. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to associate the use of these accessories with the reduction in the quality of hand hygiene. Its safety was not proven neither. Based on the available evidence (the majority of low quality), a negative impact of the use of rings in clinical units and also of damaged nail polish in operating rooms was observed. Better quality studies are required to address these relevant issues.