Impact of Job Types on Plasma Neurotrophins Levels: A Preliminary Study in Airline Pilots, Construction Workers, and Fitness Instructors.

BACKGROUND: Neurotrophins (NTs) encompass a group of closely associated proteins regulating various aspects of neuronal growth and survival. The potential association between work-related factors and the levels of circulating NTs has not been extensively examined. In this preliminary investigation, we evaluated plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) in a cohort of healthy individuals from three distinct professional categories, each with unique work environments and lifestyle factors. METHODS: The study involved 60 men from three professional fields: airline pilots, construction laborers, and fitness trainers (20 participants per category) recruited during routine occupational health appointments. Plasma levels of NTs were measured using commercially available immunoassays and compared in the three professional groups. RESULTS: Among the professions studied, fitness instructors displayed the highest concentrations of BDNF and NGF, with airline pilots ranking second, and construction workers showing the lowest levels. Significantly decreased NT-3 levels were observed in airline pilots compared to fitness instructors and construction workers, but no differences were found between the latter two occupations. NT-4 levels were similar across all three occupational groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot results suggest that plasma concentrations of NTs, which are involved in various aspects of neuronal and cognitive functioning, may display significant differences among healthy individuals depending on their occupation. These observations warrant additional research to explore potential implications for the field of occupational medicine.

Mild Depressive Symptoms in Airline Pilots Associated With Impaired Executive Functions.

INTRODUCTION: While significant efforts have been made to understand the influence of depression-related impairments on executive functioning within the general population, the specific impact on airline pilots remains largely unexplored. Considering the crucial role that cognitive abilities play in the realm of aircraft piloting, it is imperative to probe into the potential repercussions of depressive symptoms on executive functions (EFs) among this professional cohort. OBJECTIVES:  This study aims to explore the associations between depressive symptoms and EFs in a convenience sample of airline pilots. METHODS:  Male airline pilots (n = 100) underwent the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) to gauge both the presence and intensity of depressive symptoms. The Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), the Digit Span Task (DST), and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to assess EFs. RESULTS:  Of the entire sample of pilots, 88% (n = 88) demonstrated minimal depressive symptoms with a BDI-II score ranging from 0 to 13. The remaining 12% (n = 12) exhibited mild depression, with scores between 14 and 19. Pilots suffering from mild depression demonstrated prolonged color and word times and a higher time interference (TI) score on the SCWT. Moreover, these individuals exhibited lower scores on the DST across both the forward digit span (FDS) and backward digit span (BDS) subtests. Finally, the presence of mild depression correlated with an increased number of total errors, encompassing both perseverative and non-perseverative errors, in the WCST. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, we found an independent association between BDI-II scores and total errors in the WCST. CONCLUSION: Our research points to substantial differences in EFs between airline pilots demonstrating mild depression and those exhibiting minimal depressive symptoms. This information can catalyze heightened consciousness about the psychological welfare of pilots.

Impact of different job types on serum cytokine levels in apparently healthy individuals: A comparative study among airline pilots, construction workers, and fitness instructors.

BACKGROUND: The impact of occupational factors on serum cytokine concentrations has not been extensively explored. In this preliminary investigation, we measured the amounts of 12 cytokines in the serum of healthy individuals, comparing three diverse professional categories (aviation pilots, building laborers, and exercise trainers) with distinct work settings and lifestyle factors. METHODS: The study sample comprised 60 men from three distinct professional fields - airline pilots, construction laborers, and fitness trainers (20 participants per category) - who were enlisted during regular outpatient occupational health appointments. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-α, and IFN-γ were measured on a Luminex® platform using a specific kit. Cytokine levels were compared among the three professional groups to determine any significant differences. RESULTS: Among the three occupational groups, fitness instructors demonstrated elevated IL-4 concentrations in comparison to both airline pilots and construction laborers, with no significant difference between the latter two professions. Additionally, a stepwise increase in IL-6 levels was identified, commencing with fitness instructors presenting the lowest quantities, succeeded by construction workers, and culminating with airline pilots, who displayed the most elevated concentrations. CONCLUSION: Serum cytokine levels in healthy individuals can exhibit variations based on their occupation. Given the unfavorable cytokine profile detected in airline pilots, it is crucial for the aviation sector to tackle potential health concerns within their employees.

Immediate adverse reactions in the chemotherapy treatment of patients with cancer at an oncology day hospital.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed to characterize the degree of immediate adverse reaction and the type of causative antineoplastic drug presented by 371 different patients treated for cancer at the oncology day hospital unit of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (Madrid, Spain), during the period between January 2015 and December 2019. In the case series, 488 immediate adverse reactions secondary to chemotherapy toxicity were detected. The dominating factors were: Female sex, age from 51-70 years old, skin melanoma and the use of vinca alkaloids and analogs. Among the most frequent adverse reactions, the following stood out: Disorders of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and of the connective tissue. There was a higher number of moderate adverse reactions (grade 2 according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0) between the first and third chemotherapy cycles, with a latency period of between 6 and 15 min., generally lasting less than 30 min. Association with the degree of immediate adverse reaction (grade) has been observed in male subjects over 71 years of age, with soft tissue neoplasm type and monoclonal antibodies therapeutic group.

Analysis of aerosol production and aerosol dispersion during otologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: As a respiratory disease, the transmission of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is mainly caused by small droplets and aerosols. Healthcare personnel are particularly exposed during otologic surgery given the continuity with the nasopharynx, where the viral load is high, and the use of high-speed instruments. The purpose of the present study is to test a model of droplet dispersion produced in the performance of a drilling procedure on human bone to provide information about its distribution and size of the deposit in similar conditions to those of an operating theatre, to design different preventive measures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A mastoidectomy and trans-labyrinthine approach were performed on an embalmed human corpse using for irrigation during drilling methylene blue dye in physiological saline solution (pss) at a concentration of 0.324 mg/mL. The distribution of the drops was stablished using semi-absorbent papers of size 52 cm × 42 cm covering the area around the dissection field to a radius of 150 cm and on the corpse at different heights to check vertical dispersion. The collected deposit material was analysed with the microscope at different magnification objectives. RESULTS: Droplets between 2 µm and 2.6 cm were obtained. The visualization of the coloured droplets in the horizontal plane at a magnification of 1.5 was detected at 150 cm from the focus of emission of milling particles. DISCUSSION: According to our study, bone drilling with high speed motors under continuous saline irrigation in a haemorrhagic surgical field increases the amount of aerosols exposing healthcare personnel to additional airbone particles. This risk does not end in the operating rooms as particles smaller than 2 µm can be suspended in the air for hours and could exit the operating theatre due to the use of positive pressure systems. Thus, the use of N95, FFP2, FFP3 or PAPRS should be considered and the development of hood systems to prevent the dispersion of aerosols during these procedures should be considered.

Balance del asesoramiento médico-legal hospitalario mediante análisis factorial exploratorio / Balance of hospital legal medical counselling through exploratory factor analysis

Introducción: El estudio de los enfoques de la medicina legal ha sido ampliamente afrontado en publicaciones en el ámbito de la justicia. Sin embargo, la temática de los servicios de medicina legal hospitalaria ha sido escasamente abordada en investigaciones; no atendiendo a la importancia que tienen estos servicios para el perfeccionamiento de la gestión del riesgo legal de los sistemas sanitarios. Objetivo: Reconocer la estructura factorial de las prestaciones del servicio de medicina legal en un hospital de alto nivel, entre los demandantes de consulta por problemas derivados de la actividad asistencial del hospital. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con una muestra de 1.213 expedientes abiertos durante los años 2007 y 2017. Se efectuó un análisis factorial exploratorio por extracción de componentes principales con Rotación Varimax. Resultados: La media de expedientes fue de 110,27 por año con una desviación típica de 39,51. El análisis factorial mostró la bidimensionalidad de la utilidad del registro (carta de servicios de medicina legal y fundamento médico-legal de las consultas), con la existencia de dos factores subyacentes que, sumados, explicaron el 68,04% de la varianza total. Conclusiones: Se ha obtenido una estructura factorial simplificada a dos factores con una confiabilidad elevada del cuestionario de registro. Por su naturaleza registral y facilidad de empleo, es aconsejable considerar su utilización en la evaluación de la demanda de asesoramiento al servicio de medicina legal hospitalaria por parte de los diferentes usuarios que acuden por problemas relacionados con las actividades habituales del hospital. (AU)

Introduction: The study of legal medicine approaches has been widely addressed in publications in the field of justice. However, the subject of hospital legal medicine services has been scarcely addressed in research; not attending to the importance of these services for the improvement of the legal risk management of health systems. Objective: To recognize the factorial structure of the benefits of the legal medicine service in a high-level hospital, among those seeking consultation for problems arising from the hospital's healthcare activity. Material and method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 1213 files opened during the years 2007 and 2017. An exploratory factor analysis was performed by extraction of main components with varimax rotation. Results: The average of records was 110.27 per year with a standard deviation of 39.51. The factorial analysis showed the two-dimensionality of the usefulness of the registry (letter of legal medicine services and medical-legal basis of the consultations), with the existence of two underlying factors that, added together, explained 68.04% of the total variance. Conclusions: A simplified factor structure to two factors has been obtained with a high reliability of the registration questionnaire. Due to its registry nature and ease of use, it is advisable to consider its use in evaluating the demand for advice to the hospital legal medicine service by the different users who come for problems related to the usual activities of the hospital. (AU)

[Defensive medicine in hospital emergency services.] / Medicina defensiva en los Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias.

OBJECTIVE: Hospital emergency services have specific care characteristics that make them more vulnerable to the risk of legal claims. The fact of suffering a legal claim for professional practice is a very traumatic event. The objective of this study was to find out the opinion of the professionals of the hospital emergency services in Spain on the importance of practices associated with defensive medicine. METHODS: Survey of 1,449 professionals from public and private hospital emergency services throughout the national territory was made, in the period between March 13th and April 3rd, 2017. A univariate analysis was performed to identify variables in relation to the practice of defensive medicine, and the determination of the groups of greater association (chi2 test) to evaluate these variables. RESULTS: 96.1% expressed the need to strengthen their medical-legal training. 91.3% of the cases felt more legal pressure and 88.7% declared that they act conditioned by the threat of judicial claim. Regarding patient treatments, 89.8% stated that they perform diagnostic tests that may not be necessary and 63% of professionals stated that they extend the stay of patients in the emergency department. As for the healthcare organization, 88% declared that they do not feel protected by the structure and 79.1% do not felt support from the center's management. CONCLUSIONS: Practices associated with defensive medicine are frequent in our country, with a high proportion of criminal proceedings, and the two main causes are dispensable diagnostic tests and unnecessary prolongation of length of stay.

OBJETIVO: Los Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias presentan características asistenciales específicas que los hacen más vulnerables al riesgo de reclamaciones legales. El hecho de sufrir una reclamación judicial por la praxis profesional es un evento muy traumático. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la opinión de los profesionales de los Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias en España sobre la importancia de las prácticas asociadas a la medicina defensiva. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio mediante encuesta a 1.449 profesionales de Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias públicas y privadas de todo el territorio nacional, en el periodo comprendido entre el 13 de marzo y el 3 de abril de 2017. Se realizó un análisis univariante para la identificación de variables en relación con la práctica de la medicina defensiva, así como la determinación de los grupos de mayor asociación (test χ2) para evaluar estas variables. RESULTADOS: Un 96,1% expresaron la necesidad de fortalecer su formación médico-legal. Un 91,3% de los casos sintió mayor presión legal y un 88,7% declaró actuar condicionado por la amenaza de reclamación judicial. En lo referente a los tratamientos a los pacientes, un 89,8% afirmó realizar pruebas diagnósticas que podrían no ser necesarias y un 63% de los profesionales declaró alargar la estancia de los pacientes en las Urgencias. En cuanto a la organización sanitaria, un 88% manifestó no sentirse protegido por la estructuray un 79,1% no sintió el respaldo de la dirección del centro. CONCLUSIONES: Las prácticas asociadas a la medicina defensiva son frecuentes en nuestro país, con una alta proporción de procedimientos penales, y las dos causas principales son las pruebas diagnósticas prescindibles y la prolongación innecesaria de los tiempos de estancia.

[Utility of the classification analysis in the typology of the the suicide attempt in a hospital population.] / Utilidad del análisis de clasificación en la tipología del intento de suicidio en una población hospitalaria.

OBJECTIVE: Subjects who attempt suicide are not a homogeneous group. Numerous studies accredit different subtypes of individuals with suicide attempts. One of the main applications of classification analysis is the segmentation and selection of the subject's characteristics. The objective of this study is to identify groups of subjects with a suicide attempt and to discover the relationships between them in the hospital population of an area of the Community of Madrid. METHODS: In a case-control study, the classification tree technique based on the CHAID (Chi-square automatic interaction detector) algorithm, included in the SPSS 23.0 program, was applied to a sample of 201 subjects admitted to a highly complex hospital of Madrid. Impulsiveness, couple conflict, psychiatric history and depression were evaluated. RESULTS: Three subtypes or differentiable profiles of the subject related to the suicide attempt have been obtained, (high profile 144 cases 71.64%, medium 35 cases 17.41% and low 22 cases 10.94% of basic risk patterns) with high application value to the clinical setting. CONCLUSIONS: The typologies found allow us to adapt preventive measures on the suicide attempt and carry out focused clinical interventions of a preventive and predictive nature.

OBJETIVO: Las personas que intentan suicidarse no constituyen un grupo homogéneo. Numerosos estudios acreditan distintos subtipos de individuos con intentos de suicidio. Una de las principales aplicaciones del análisis de clasificación es la segmentación y selección de las características del sujeto. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar grupos de sujetos con intentos de suicidio y descubrir las relaciones entre ellos en la población hospitalaria de un área de la Comunidad de Madrid. METODOS: En un estudio de caso-control se aplicó la técnica de árbol de clasificación basado en el algoritmo CHAID (Chi-square automatic interaction detector), incluido en el programa SPSS 23.0, sobre una muestra de 201 sujetos ingresados en un hospital de alta complejidad de Madrid. Se evaluaron la impulsividad, la conflictividad de pareja, los antecedentes psiquiátricos y la depresión. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron tres subtipos o perfiles diferenciables del sujeto vinculados al intento de suicidio (perfil alto 144 casos 71,64%, medio 35 casos 17,41% y bajo 22 casos 10,94% de patrones básicos de riesgo), con alto valor de aplicación al ámbito clínico. CONCLUSIONES: Las tipologías encontradas permiten adecuar medidas preventivas sobre el intento de suicidio y realizar intervenciones clínicas focalizadas de carácter preventivo y predictor.

Actividad de un servicio de medicina legal hospitalaria del siglo XXI / Activity of a 21st century hospital medico-legal department

INTRODUCCIÓN: La implantación de un Servicio de medicina legal hospitalaria, como asesor y consultor en aspectos médico-legales, éticos y deontológicos de la práctica asistencial, se ha consolidado en el Hospital Clínico de San Carlos de Madrid. Una cartera de servicios sencilla basada en la prevención de riesgos legales, ha permitido que los profesionales, la administración sanitaria y los propios pacientes confíen en él. RESULTADOS: En el período 2007-2017 se gestionaron 1.213 expedientes, aumentando de forma progresiva y destacando los años 2009 y 2017 con un 13,8 y 12,3% de la actividad total, respectivamente. Las unidades que más consultaron fueron el equipo directivo 158 (13%), el Instituto de la Mujer 144 (11,9%) y el Servicio de Atención al Paciente 116 (9,6%). DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES: El servicio participa en múltiples comisiones y grupos de trabajo elaborando guías, documentos y protocolos, abordando conflictos, dudas normativas, deficiencias formativas, recomendando cursos de acción, e intermediando con pacientes y familiares para disminuir la incertidumbre del profesional

INTRODUCTION: A hospital legal medicine department, to advice and consult on the legal, ethical and deontological aspects of healthcare practice, has been implemented in our centre, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid Spain). A simple service portfolio based on the prevention of legal risks, has allowed professionals, health service and patients to place their trust in it. RESULTS: The number of cases over the period 2007-2017 reflects major activity, and 2009 and 2017 are highlighted with 13.8% and 12.3% of the total activity respectively. The units that consulted the most were the management team 158 (13%), the Institute for Women's Affairs 144 (11.9%) and the Patient Care Service 116 (9.6%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The department participates in multiple committees and working groups preparing guidelines, documents and protocols, addressing conflicts, regulatory doubts, training deficiencies, recommending courses of action, and mediating with patients and family members to reduce professional uncertainty

Utilidad del análisis de clasificación en la tipología del intento de suicidio en una población hospitalaria / Utility of the classification analysis in the typology of the the suicide attempt in a hospital population

OBJETIVO: Las personas que intentan suicidarse no constituyen un grupo homogéneo. Numerosos estudios acreditan distintos subtipos de individuos con intentos de suicidio. Una de las principales aplicaciones del análisis de clasificación es la segmentación y selección de las características del sujeto. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar grupos de sujetos con intentos de suicidio y descubrir las relaciones entre ellos en la población hospitalaria de un área de la Comunidad de Madrid. MÉTODOS: En un estudio de caso-control se aplicó la técnica de árbol de clasificación basado en el algoritmo CHAID (Chi-square automatic interaction detector), incluido en el programa SPSS 23.0, sobre una muestra de 201 sujetos ingresados en un hospital de alta complejidad de Madrid. Se evaluaron la impulsividad, la conflictividad de pareja, los antecedentes psiquiátricos y la depresión. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron tres subtipos o perfiles diferenciables del sujeto vinculados al intento de suicidio (perfil alto 144 casos 71,64%, medio 35 casos 17,41% y bajo 22 casos 10,94% de patrones básicos de riesgo), con alto valor de aplicación al ámbito clínico. CONCLUSIONES: Las tipologías encontradas permiten adecuar medidas preventivas sobre el intento de suicidio y realizar intervenciones clínicas focalizadas de carácter preventivo y predicto

OBJECTIVE: Subjects who attempt suicide are not a homogeneous group. Numerous studies accredit different subtypes of individuals with suicide attempts. One of the main applications of classification analysis is the segmentation and selection of the subject's characteristics. The objective of this study is to identify groups of subjects with a suicide attempt and to discover the relationships between them in the hospital population of an area of the Community of Madrid. METHODS: In a case-control study, the classification tree technique based on the CHAID (Chi-square automatic interaction detector) algorithm, included in the SPSS 23.0 program, was applied to a sample of 201 subjects admitted to a highly complex hospital of Madrid. Impulsiveness, couple conflict, psychiatric history and depression were evaluated. RESULTS: Three subtypes or differentiable profiles of the subject related to the suicide attempt have been obtained, (high profile 144 cases 71.64%, medium 35 cases 17.41% and low 22 cases 10.94% of basic risk patterns) with high application value to the clinical setting. CONCLUSIONS: The typologies found allow us to adapt preventive measures on the suicide attempt and carry out focused clinical interventions of a preventive and predictive nature

El listado de verificación como herramienta para la realización de informes periciales a particulares en las reclamaciones por hechos relativos a los accidentes de tráfico / The checklist as a tool for drawing up expert reports issued to individuals concerning road traffic accident claims

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