Safety of surgical masks during physical activity evaluated with graded cycle ergometry test.

BACKGROUND: At the time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wearing surgical mask (SM) is recommended for the prevention of contracting or exposing others to airborne transmission of COVID-19. It is somewhat controversial whether wearing SM during exercise affects performance and health status and/or may influence the results. In order to give an answer we planned a prospective, randomized, crossover study to evaluate the effects of wearing a SM or no-SM in 33 (17 male) physically active healthy subjects during a graded exercise cycle ergometry test. METHODS: The two tests were performed in random order in the same subjects. The participants were all tested the same day, after a recovery time of at least of one hour, in order to avoid interferences on physical performances. Arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate and arterial blood pressure were assessed throughout the exercise tests every step of two minutes, at the end of exercise, performed at the same time with and without mask. RESULTS: Wearing SM had no effect on performance, since the duration of cycle ergometry test with SM and without SM median, respectively, was 14.2 (lower-upper quartile 13.9-14.8) versus 14.3 (13.9-15.5) minutes (P=0.094), and median peak power was 150 W (150-180) versus 150 W (120-180) (P=0.754). CONCLUSIONS: When expressed relative to peak exercise performance, no differences were found between wearing or not wearing SM regarding arterial oxygen saturation, or heart rate at any time during the exercise tests. Wearing SM during vigorous exercise had no detrimental effect on cardiovascular parameters, as well as on exercise metrics in all participants. No ventricular repolarization abnormalities and no arrhythmias were reported on the electrocardiograms.

Anatomic features in SCAD assessed by CCT: A propensity score matching case control study.

PURPOSE: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) may occur in middle age population without any cardiovascular risk factor. We retrospectively evaluated anatomic features of 11 patients with SCAD using a coronary arteries computed tomography (CCT), compared to age and sex balanced patients who underwent CCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CCT was performed in 11 patients (7 females and 4 males) as follow-up in patients with SCAD (left anterior descending - LAD or circumflex artery - Cx) and compared, using the propensity score matching analysis, with 11 healthy patients. Several anatomic features were evaluated: Left main (LM) length, angle between descending coronary artery (LAD) and its first branch, angle between LAD and LM, distance from the annulus to RCA (a-RCA distance) and LM (a-LM distance) ostia and their ratio; ratio between LM length and length a-LM and tortuosity score of the vessel with SCAD. A fluid dynamic analysis has been performed to evaluate the effects on shear stress of vessels wall. RESULTS: LM length was significantly shorter in patients with SCAD versus healthy subjects (P=0.01) as well as LM length/a-LM (P=0.03) and the angle between LAD and the first adjacent branch was sharper (P<0.01). Tortuosity score showed a statistically significant difference between groups (P<0.001). Fluid dynamic analysis demonstrates that, in SCAD group, an angle<90 degree is present at the first bifurcation and it can be a cause of increased strain on vessel wall in patients with high tortuosity of coronary artery. CONCLUSION: Tortuosity and angle between the LAD and the adjacent arterial branch combined may determine increased shear stress on the vessel wall that increases the risk of SCAD.

[Results of a health education program on smoking for trainee workers]. / Risultati conseguiti con un'azione di educazione alla salute sul fumo di sigaretta rivolta a lavoratori apprendisti.

BACKGROUND: Social costs of smoking behaviour are remarkable. Although smoking is an individual choice, it is strongly influenced by a social contest where it is widespread. OBJECTIVES: To induce young non-smoking apprentices to continue as such and smokers to give up smoking. METHODS: During 1999, a specific health education programme on smoking was carried out for a group of 1083 young apprentices, 531 females and 552 males, who came to the occupational health unit in Venice for a check on work fitness. This programme was part of a larger global programme concerning health hazards prevention where apprentices received various information about health and safety at work. Smoking habits were compared to a control group of 312 females and 458 males after a one year follow-up. RESULTS: The females' chance of giving up smoking was three times higher than controls; while the chance of becoming a smoker was 70% lower. The males' chance of giving up smoking was double; while the chance of becoming a smoker was 60% lower. The health education programme decreased the trend of becoming a smoker in cases and increased non-smoking, especially in females. In females, there was also a significant prevalence who reduced cigarette consumption. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of health education programmes on smoking directed to young people and stresses the role of public health units in the involvement of the users of such services in prevention programmes. An occupational health service has specific prevention objectives here, since promoting healthy attitudes affects motivation of individual behaviour. This is the reason why initiatives on a single specific prevention objective, like smoking, become significant in every context of people's lives. Such attitudes are a significant resource which people can use to protect themselves from hazards, with a resulting safe, aware and active behaviour as regards occupational risks.