The prevalence of helmet use in motorcyclists around the world: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5,006,476 participants.

Road traffic injuries present a significant public health burden, especially in developing countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized global evidence on motorcycle helmet use prevalence by including 299 records across 249 articles involving 5,006,476 participants from 1982 to 2022. The findings revealed a declining trend in helmet use prevalence over the past four decades, with an overall prevalence of 48.71%. The meta-regression analysis did not find any statistically significant change in the overall prevalence. Subgroup analysis showed higher helmet use prevalence in observation/survey records (54.29%) compared to crashed patient records (44.84%). Riders/Motorcyclists demonstrated a higher likelihood of wearing helmets than passengers in both observation/survey records (62.61 vs. 28.23%) and crashed patient records (47.76 vs. 26.61%). Countries with mandatory helmet use laws had higher helmet usage prevalence compared to those without (52.26 vs. 37.21%). The African continent had the lowest helmet use rates, while Latin America and the Caribbean regions had higher rates. This study provides a comprehensive overview of global helmet use prevalence, emphasizing disparities between high and low-income countries, variations in law enforcement, and trends over four decades. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve helmet-wearing habits, especially among passengers and regions with low usage rates. Effective legislation and awareness campaigns are crucial for promoting helmet use and reducing road traffic injuries burden.

An Individual Barrier Enclosure Actively Removing Aerosols for Airborne Isolation: A Vacuum Tent.

BACKGROUND: Aerosol barrier enclosure systems have been designed to prevent airborne contamination, but their safety has been questioned. A vacuum tent was designed with active continuous suctioning to minimize risks of aerosol dispersion. We tested its efficacy, risk of rebreathing, and usability on a bench, in healthy volunteers, and in an ergonomic clinical assessment study. METHODS: First, a manikin with airway connected to a breathing simulator was placed inside the vacuum tent to generate active breathing, cough, and CO2 production; high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) was applied in the manikin's nares. Negative pressure was applied in the vacuum tent's apex port using wall suction. Fluorescent microparticles were aerosolized in the vacuum tent for qualitative assessment. To quantify particles inside and around vacuum tent (aerosol retention), an airtight aerosol chamber with aerosolized latex microparticles was used. The vacuum tent was tested on healthy volunteers breathing with and without HFNC. Last, its usability was assessed in 5 subjects by 5 different anesthesiologists for delivery of full anesthesia, including intubation and extubation. RESULTS: The vacuum tent was adjusted until no leak was visualized using fluorescent particles. The efficacy in retaining microparticles was confirmed quantitatively. CO2 accumulation inside the vacuum tent showed an inverse correlation with the suction flow in all conditions (normal breathing and HFNC 30 or 60 L/min) in bench and healthy volunteers. Particle removal efficacy and safe breathing conditions (CO2, temperature) were reached when suctioning was at least 60 L/min or 20 L/min > HFNC flow. Five subjects were successfully intubated and anesthetized without ergonomic difficulties and with minimal interference with workflow and an excellent overall assessment by the anesthesiologists. CONCLUSIONS: The vacuum tent effectively minimized aerosol dispersion. Its continuous suction system set at a high suction flow was crucial to avoid the spread of aerosol particles and CO2 rebreathing.

[Study on the fit testing for the workers wearing hearing protection device in machinery manufacturing enterprises].

Objective: To investigate the occupational noise hazards in five machinery manufacturing enterprises, and to evaluate the individual noise reduction values and influencing factors of workers wearing hearing protection device (HPD) by individual fit testing. Methods: From November 2021 to January 2022, 5 machinery manufacturing enterprises in Bao'an District of Shenzhen were selected to conduct an occupational health survey to understand the noise exposure level of workers. The 3MTM E-A-RfitTM fitness test system was used to test the baseline individual sound attenuation value level (PAR) of the daily wear of the ear protecters for 485 workers in typical noise working positions. Workers whose PAR values could not meet the requirements of noise reduction at work were instructed to wear and repeated tests were conducted. PAR results of the workers before and after the intervention were collected and analyzed. Results: The noise workers who received the suitability test were mainly distributed in 24 types of work, the job noise exposure level was 80.2 dB (A) ~ 95.0 dB (A), and the job noise excess rate was 52.5% (138/263). The median baseline PAR [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] for 485 workers was 6.0 (0.0, 14.0) dB. The baseline PAR of male workers, those with more than 15 years of working experience, those with more than 15 years of using ear guards, those who considered ear guards comfortable to wear, those with college degree or above, and those exposed to noise level 90 dB (A) were higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). A total of 275 workers (56.7%) did not pass the baseline PAR test, and there was no statistically significant difference in the intervention rate of workers in different noise groups (P>0.05). PAR in subjects who did not pass baseline after intervention increased from 0.0 (0.0, 3.0) dB to 15.0 (12.0, 18.2) dB. Conclusion: The workplace noise hazard of machinery manufacturing enterprises is serious, and there is a great difference between the baseline PAR and the nominal value of the hearing guard worn by the noise exposed workers. The intervention measures can effectively improve the protective effect of wearing ear protectors.

Effect of helmet use on maxillofacial injuries due to bicycle and scooter accidents: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Maxillofacial injury is a common injury resulting from bicycle (including e-bike) and scooter accidents. With 80,000 admissions to emergency departments in 2019, bicycle accidents account for more than half of all traffic-related emergency department visits in the Netherlands. The United States reports approximately 130,000 injuries and 1000 fatalities related to cycling annually. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to examine the protective effect of helmets against maxillofacial injuries resulting from bicycle and scooter (including e-bike and e-scooter) accidents. After a systematic literature search, 14 studies were found to be eligible for this systematic review. Of these, 11 were included in the meta-analysis. None of the included studies focused on vehicles with motors (e-bikes and e-scooters); all focused only on non-motorized vehicles. All included studies were non-randomized, which could have led to bias in the pooled results. Data from the included studies were tested for heterogeneity using the binary random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird method), and the odds ratio for the occurrence of maxillofacial injury in cyclists wearing a helmet versus those not wearing a helmet was calculated by random-effects meta-analysis. Patients who had worn a helmet suffered significantly fewer maxillofacial injuries than patients who had not, in bicycle accidents (odds ratio 0.682). In conclusion, wearing a helmet has a significant protective effect against maxillofacial injury, indicating the need for strict helmet legislation.

P2/N95 fit testing and the risk of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend healthcare workers (HCWs) undertake fit testing of P2/N95 respirators to mitigate the risk of infectious aerosols, however few studies have assessed whether fit testing reduces COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted amongst HCWs across two tertiary health services in Melbourne, Australia during a period of low community transmission. Institution-wide quantitative fit testing and detailed questionnaires assessing COVID-19 acquisition risk factors were undertaken from September 2020. HCWs diagnosed with COVID-19 in the period prior to the fit testing program (February 1st - August 31st 2020) were matched on a 1:3 ratio to HCWs who had not been diagnosed with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19 acquisition, including fit testing outcome, were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 1571 HCWs took part in fit testing programs. Seventy-two (4.6%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 within the study period. Younger age, nursing staff, close contact with a COVID-19 case, and working longer periods in wards with COVID-19 patients, were associated with COVID-19 infection. After matching for intensity of occupational exposure to infectious aerosols, close contact was the only independent variable associated with COVID-19 infection (OR 3.50, 95% CI:1.65-7.44, p = 0.001). Adequate fit test for the respirator predominately worn before the fit testing period was not associated with COVID-19 (OR 1.08, 95% CI:0.59-1.98, p = 0.815). CONCLUSION: After controlling for intensity of occupational exposure to infectious aerosols, P2/N95 respirator fit testing was not associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 infection. The utility of widespread fit testing to reduce HCW COVID-19 infections should be reconsidered.

E-Scooters and Craniofacial Trauma: A Systematic Review.

Study Design: Systematic review. Objective: Standing electric scooters (e-scooters) provide a cheap and environmentally friendly transport alternative, but also elicit substantial concern regarding their volume of associated injuries especially in the craniofacial region. This review aims to explore the demographics, risk factors, types of injury and surgical management of craniofacial trauma associated with e-scooters. Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were systematically searched. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies investigating craniofacial trauma associated with e-scooters. Exclusion criteria were duplicates; non-English publications; non-full-text publications; studies with insufficient data. Results: Of the 73 articles identified, 10 eligible articles representing 539 patients were included. The mean age was 31.5 years. Most cases were male (63.7%). Common risk factors were alcohol/drug intoxication, absence of distal extremity injuries and lack of helmet use. The most common mechanism of injury was mechanical falls (72.4%). The most common facial fracture pattern was middle third fractures (58.3%). Surgical management was required for 43.3% of fractures. Other types of injuries reported were traumatic brain injuries (17.6%), soft tissue injuries (58.3%), dental injuries (32.9%) and ophthalmological injuries (20.6%). Conclusions: The findings of this review suggest common presentations for craniofacial trauma associated with e-scooters. Robust longitudinal evaluations with standardised descriptions of types of injuries are required. Gaps in knowledge relate to surgical management, post-operative complications and associated risk factors.

Personalized Nasal Protective Devices: Importance and Perspectives.

Nowadays, in addition to diseases caused by environmental pollution, the importance of personalized protection against various infectious agents has become of paramount importance. Besides medicine, several technical and technological studies have been carried out to develop suitable devices. One such revolutionary solution is the use of personalized nasal filters, which allow our body to defend itself more effectively against external environmental damage and pathogens. These filters are small devices that are placed in the nose and specifically filter the inhaled environmental contaminants, allergens, and microorganisms according to individual needs. These devices not only play a key role in maintaining our health but also contribute to environmental protection, reducing the inhalation of pollutants and their harmful impact on the natural environment. Another advantage of personalized filters is that they also provide an opportunity to strengthen our individual immune systems. The use of personalized filters allows medicine to provide optimized protection for everyone, focusing on individual genetic and immunological conditions. The momentum behind the development and research of personalized nasal filters has reached astonishing proportions today. Nowadays, many research groups and medical institutions are working to create new materials, nanotechnologies, and bioinformatics solutions in order to create even more effective personalized nasal filters that can also be shaped easily and safely. Considering the needs of the users is at least as important during development as the efficiency of the device. These two properties together determine the success of the product. Industry research focuses not only on improving the efficiency of devices, but also on making them more responsive to user needs, comfort, and portability. Based on all this, it can be concluded that personalized nasal filters can be a promising and innovative solution for protection against environmental pollutants and pathogens. Through a commitment to the research and development of technology, the long-term impact of such devices on our health and the environment can be significant, contributing to improving people's quality of life and creating a sustainable future. With unique solutions and continuous research, we give hope that in the future, despite the environmental challenges, we can enjoy the protection of our health with even more efficient and sophisticated devices.

Personal protective equipment during COVID-19: A natural history of dental and dental hygiene regulatory guidance in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, there is evidence that COVID-19-specific infection prevention and control guideline (IPCG) documents formulated for oral health care settings are also changing rapidly. To better inform future policies, a comprehensive review of all IPCG documents across different phases of restrictions for oral health care practitioners is required. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: A search was performed for documents shared from March 2020 through January 2022 on websites of oral health regulatory authorities in Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories. The authors performed a narrative review of the identified IPCG documents for dentists (n = 78) and dental hygienists (n = 57). RESULTS: Overall findings from more than 100 IPCG documents distributed during a period of 23 months revealed that the frequency of these updates differed among jurisdictions and between the 2 oral health care practitioners (ie, dentists and dental hygienists) within the same jurisdiction. The most notable observation was the different face-covering recommendations for dentists and dental hygienists within the same jurisdiction during the same timeframe. A common document was sometimes observed for dentists and dental hygienists, however, most jurisdictions had separate IPCG documents. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The different approaches could have been justified on the basis of prevalence of COVID-19 and availability of personal protective equipment; however, there was a risk of creating confusion about IPCG best practices. The findings of this review will support decision makers when planning future development and dissemination of regulations for all oral health care practitioners.

[The facility design and operation effect of control vehicle emissions hazard in test section of automobile assembly workshop].

The hazard of vehicle emissions mainly come from the four wheel positioning, drum test and vehicle emissions test sections in automobile assembly workshop, which can lead to abnormal hemoglobin and hepatic insufficiency in workers. We researched on preventing toxic gases technologies for the vehicle emissions generated by these three sections, designed the ventilation facilities, and then detected and evaluated the operation effect, thereby improving the working environment, ensuring the occupational health of workers, and providing scientific basis for the control of vehicle emissions hazards.

Effectiveness of fit testing versus fit checking for healthcare workers respiratory protective equipment: A systematic review.

Objectives: Respiratory protection is critical in healthcare to minimise the risk of airborne infections for healthcare workers (HCWs). It emphasizes the use of proper fitting of particulate filter respirators and equivalent respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to ensure a good facial seal. The systematic review aimed to compare the effectiveness of fit testing and fit checking for HCWs' respiratory protective equipment. Methods: A systematic review of the literature exploring RPE for HCWs to determine the effectiveness of fit-testing versus fit-checking from January 2003 to April 2022 was identified using CINAHL Complete via EBSCO Host, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE via Ovid electronic databases, and grey literature. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020213968). Results: Of the 561 articles identified in the search, 25 articles (22 quantitative studies and three guidelines) were included in this review. Overall, these studies suggest fit-testing as a method that is more effective, widely adopted, and reliable in assessing the effectiveness of RPE; however, a respiratory program should include both fit-testing and fit-checking to maximise effectiveness of the RPE. The COVID-19 epidemic highlighted a lack of knowledge among HCWs regarding fit-checking and fit-testing, and relevant education increased the effectiveness of respiratory equipment protection. Conclusion: It is imperative that both fit-testing and fit-checking is implemented in order to ensure HCW safety. It is recommended to integrate education, fit-testing and fit-checking into a comprehensive respiratory protective program run by trained fit-testers. There is also a need for practical testing methods that incorporate the clinical environment.

[Occupational protection effect of two protective devices for manual cleaning and oiling of dental handpieces on operators].

Objective: To explore the occupational protective effect of different protective devices on the operators during manual cleaning and oiling of dental handpieces, and to provide a basis for the selection of appropriate protective methods. Methods: From November 2020 to December 2021, 20 high-speed dental handpieces of the same brand were selected and randomly divided into disposable protective bag group and small aerosol safety cabinet group by drawing lots, with 10 in each group. After recording the model, they were distributed to the clinical fixed consulting room for use, and were collected by specially-assigned personnel every day for manual cleaning under the protection of the two devices. By measuring the number of airborne colonies, the concentrations of particulate matter and the satisfaction of operators, the occupational protection effect of the two protective devices on operators was evaluated. Results: Under the protection of the two devices, the average number of airborne colonies after operation was less than 1 CFU/ml. When no protective device was used, the number concentration of particulate matter produced during operation was (21595.70±8164.26) pieces/cm(3). The number concentrations of particles produced by disposable protective bag group [ (6800.24±515.05) pieces/cm(3)] and small aerosol safety cabinet group [ (5797.15±790.50) pieces/cm(3)] were significantly lower than those without any protective device (P<0.001). The number concentration of particle matter of small aerosol safety cabinet group was significantly lower than that of disposable protective bag group (P<0.001). In the satisfaction evaluation of operators, small aerosol safety cabinet group [ (3.53±0.82) points] was significantly better than disposable protective bag group [ (2.23±1.10) points] (P<0.001) . Conclusion: The use of small aerosol safety cabinet during manual cleaning and oiling of dental handpieces has good protective effect, superior safety performance and strong clinical applicability, and has advantages in occupational protection of clinical operators.

[Active and passive safety systems (not only) for senior citizens : Systems to increase road safety]. / Passive und aktive Sicherheitssysteme (nicht nur) für Senioren : Systeme zur Erhöhung der Verkehrssicherheit.

BACKGROUND: Due to a constantly increasing life expectancy and the need to stay mobile at a high age, the proportion of over 65-year-olds in traffic accidents is increasing from year to year. METHOD: In order to identify potentials for increasing the safety of seniors in road traffic, accident data were analyzed with respect to the categories of road users and accident types of this age group. Based on the accident data analysis, active and passive safety systems are described that could increase the road safety particular for senior citizens. RESULTS: It was found that older road users are frequently involved in accidents as car occupants, cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, car drivers and cyclists aged 65 years and older are frequently involved in driving, turning and crossing accidents. Lane departure warning and emergency braking assistants have a high potential for accident avoidance as they can defuse critical situations at the last moment. Restraint systems (airbags, seat belts) adapted to physical characteristics could minimize the severity of injuries to older car occupants.

Patterns of Maxillofacial Injures Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Abstract Introduction Motorcycles are used as a common means of transportation, and motorcycle accidents are responsible for a major portion of trauma injuries. Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of facial injuries in motorcyclists, to evaluate the types of injuries, and to investigate if the accidentrelated factors had any impact on the characteristics of the injuries. Methods This retrospective observational study included 74 patients with maxillofacial injuries following motorcycle-related accidents. Investigated data were divided into four main categories: sociodemographic, accident-related, injury-related, and treatment-related. Results All the patients were males with a mean age (±SD) of 25.03 (±9.986) years. Most accidents (n = 44, 59.4%) occurred in the evening. Most of the patients (n = 40, 54%) were traveling on motorcycle models that had maximum speed of over 120 km/h. Furthermore, 15 patients (18.9%) were under the influence of alcohol during the crashes and only one patient was wearing a helmet. Fractures of the maxillofacial bones were observed in 50 (67.5%) crash victims; 24 of them (48%) had middle third fractures, 11 (22%) had mandibular fractures, and 15 patients (30%) presented with a combination of lower, middle, and upper third fractures. Conclusion Almost all patients were not wearing helmets at the moment of the crash. The most common fractured site was the maxilla. The majority of the patients received surgical treatment. Increased enforcement of safety measures for riders and raising awareness about the dangers of motorcycle crashes are required measures to improve traffic safety and, ultimately, population health.

Patterns of Maxillofacial Injures Caused by Motorcycle Accidents.

Introduction Motorcycles are used as a common means of transportation, and motorcycle accidents are responsible for a major portion of trauma injuries. Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of facial injuries in motorcyclists, to evaluate the types of injuries, and to investigate if the accident-related factors had any impact on the characteristics of the injuries. Methods This retrospective observational study included 74 patients with maxillofacial injuries following motorcycle-related accidents. Investigated data were divided into four main categories: sociodemographic, accident-related, injury-related, and treatment-related. Results All the patients were males with a mean age (±SD) of 25.03 (±9.986) years. Most accidents ( n = 44, 59.4%) occurred in the evening. Most of the patients ( n = 40, 54%) were traveling on motorcycle models that had maximum speed of over 120 km/h. Furthermore, 15 patients (18.9%) were under the influence of alcohol during the crashes and only one patient was wearing a helmet. Fractures of the maxillofacial bones were observed in 50 (67.5%) crash victims; 24 of them (48%) had middle third fractures, 11 (22%) had mandibular fractures, and 15 patients (30%) presented with a combination of lower, middle, and upper third fractures. Conclusion Almost all patients were not wearing helmets at the moment of the crash. The most common fractured site was the maxilla. The majority of the patients received surgical treatment. Increased enforcement of safety measures for riders and raising awareness about the dangers of motorcycle crashes are required measures to improve traffic safety and, ultimately, population health.

Condições de trabalho, adoecimento e enfrentamento da enfermagem na pandemia de covid-19 em uma capital brasileira / Working conditions, illness and nursing coping in the covid-19 pandemic in a brazilian capital / Condiciones de trabajo, enfermedades y enfermería enfrentando la pandemia del covid-19 en una capital brasileña

Objetivo: Descrever as condições de trabalho, adoecimento e o enfrentamento da enfermagem na pandemia de COVID-19 em uma capital brasileira. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto e setembro de 2021, de forma on-line. A análise foi realizada por meio do BioEstat 5.0, com técnicas de estatística descritiva e analítica a partir do teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e do Exato de Fisher, sendo calculado o Odds Ratio nas variáveis em que houve associação significativa. Resultados: Dos 121 participantes do estudo, 106 eram do sexo feminino e mais de 50% possuíam dois vínculos de trabalho. 102 profissionais referiram receber baixos salários pela complexidade do trabalho desenvolvido e 46 apontaram condições precárias para o exercício profissional. Foi encontrada associação estatística na variável referente às orientações de como inspecionar as máscaras N95/PFF2 ou equivalente (p=0.017; OR=0.31; IC 95%=0.13-0.77) e na variável acerca dos profissionais que já apresentaram sintomas de COVID-19 e/ou tiveram diagnóstico confirmado (p=0.047; OR=0.43; IC 95%=0.20-0.93). Conclusão: O presente estudo aponta a necessidade de melhor organização e condições de trabalho nos serviços de saúde de forma que os profissionais de enfermagem possam prestar uma assistência de qualidade. (AU)

Objective: To describe the working conditions, illness and nursing coping in the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian capital. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected between August and September 2021, online. The analysis was performed using BioEstat 5.0, with descriptive and analytical statistical techniques from Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with the Odds Ratio being adequate for the variables in which there was a linked association. Results: Of the 121 study participants, 106 were female and more than 50% had two jobs. 102 professionals reported salaries earned due to the complexity of the work performed and 46 indicated precarious conditions for professional practice. A statistical association was found regarding the guidelines on how to inspect with masks N95 / PFF2 or equivalent (p = 0.017; OR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.13-0.77) and the relative variable of professionals who are already associated students of COVID-19 and/or had a confirmed diagnosis (p = 0.047; OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.20-0.93). Conclusion: This study points to the need for better organization and working conditions in health services so that nursing professionals must provide quality care. (AU)

Objetivo: Describir las condiciones de trabajo, enfermedad y afrontamiento de enfermería en la pandemia de COVID-19 en una capital brasileña. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, transversal con enfoque cuantitativo. Los datos se recopilaron entre agosto y septiembre de 2021, en línea. El análisis se realizó mediante BioEstat 5.0, con técnicas estadísticas descriptivas y analíticas de la prueba chi-cuadrado de Pearson y la prueba exacta de Fisher, siendo la Odds Ratio adecuada para las variables en las que existía asociación ligada. Resultados: De los 121 participantes del estudio, 106 eran mujeres y más del 50% tenían dos trabajos. 102 profesionales reportaron sueldos percibidos por la complejidad del trabajo realizado y 46 señalaron condiciones precarias para el ejercicio profesional. Se encontró asociación estadística con respecto a las guías sobre cómo inspeccionar con mascarilla N95 / PFF2 o equivalente (p = 0.017; OR = 0.31; IC 95% = 0.13-0.77) y la variable relativa de profesionales que ya son estudiantes asociados de COVID- 19 y / o tenían un diagnóstico confirmado (p = 0,047; OR = 0,43; IC 95% = 0,20-0,93). Conclusión: Este estudio apunta a la necesidad de una mejor organización y condiciones de trabajo en los servicios de salud para que los profesionales de enfermería deban brindar una atención de calidad. (AU)

The effects of personal protective equipment on heart rate, oxygen consumption and body temperature of firefighters: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fire extinguishing operations are carried out by firefighters equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) in dangerous environments. Although PPE protects firefighters, it can affect many physiological parameters. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of PPE on firefighters' heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (OC) and body temperature (BT). METHODS: This systematic review thoroughly reviewed relevant articles in the reliable databases "Web of Science", "Embase", "IranDoc", "IranMedex", "SID", "Magiran", "Google Scholar", "PubMed" and "Scopus" from 2010 to 2021. Some of the used search terms were "firefighters", "personal protective equipment", "heart rate" and "oxygen consumption". RESULTS: Out of the 405 studies identified through the systematic search, 18 articles were eligible according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, among which 11 studies were conducted in North America, three in Asia, two in Europe, and two studies in Oceania. According to the review of studies, PPE increased HR, BT, and OC. The type of PPE components, the weight of the equipment, the kind of activity of firefighters, and weather conditions were among the influencing parameters on the extent of PPE's influence on these physiological parameters. CONCLUSION: The results of the studies show that PPE separately and collectively affects the physiological parameters of HR, BT and OC. To reduce these effects, it is necessary to pay attention to several items, including the weight of PPE, the type of PPE ingredients in different weather conditions, and the type of activities of firefighters in PPE design.

Characterization of dental dust particles and their pathogenicity to respiratory system: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: Dental professionals are exposed to large amounts of dust particles during routine treatment and denture processing. This article provides a narrative review to investigate the most prevalent dust-related respiratory diseases among dental professionals and to discuss the effects of dental dust on human respiratory health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase for articles published between 1990 and 2022. Any articles on the occupational respiratory health effects of dental dust were included. RESULTS: The characterization and toxicity evaluation of dental dust show a correlation between dust exposure and respiratory system injury, and the possible pathogenic mechanism of dust is to cause lung injury and abnormal repair processes. The combination use of personal protective equipment and particle removal devices can effectively reduce the adverse health effects of dust exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Dental dust should be considered an additional occupational hazard in dental practice. However, clinical data and scientific evidence on this topic are still scarce. Further research is required to quantify dust in the dental work environment and clarify its pathogenicity and potential toxicological pathways. Nonetheless, the prevention of dust exposure should become a consensus among dental practitioners. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This review provides dental practitioners with a comprehensive understanding and preventive advice on respiratory health problems associated with dust exposure.

Effective factors of improved helmet use in motorcyclists: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic injuries (RTI) are one of the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among children and young adults. Motorcycle crashes constitute a significant part of RTIs. Policymakers believe that safety helmets are the single most important protection against motorcycle-related injuries. However, motorcyclists are not wearing helmets at desirable rates. This study systematically investigated factors that are positively associated with helmet usage among two-wheeled motorcycle riders. METHODS: We performed a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library with relevant keywords. No language, date of publication, or methodological restrictions were applied. All the articles that had evaluated the factors associated with helmet-wearing behavior and were published before December 31, 2021, were included in our study and underwent data extraction. We assessed the quality of the included articles using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for observational studies. RESULTS: A total of 50 articles were included. Most evidence suggests that helmet usage is more common among drivers (compared to passengers), women, middle-aged adults, those with higher educations, married individuals, license holders, and helmet owners. Moreover, the helmet usage rate is higher on highways and central city roads and during mornings and weekdays. Travelers of longer distances, more frequent users, and riders of motorcycles with larger engines use safety helmets more commonly. Non-helmet-using drivers seem to have acceptable awareness of mandatory helmet laws and knowledge about their protective role against head injuries. Importantly, complaint about helmet discomfort is somehow common among helmet-using drivers. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance helmet usage, policymakers should emphasize the vulnerability of passengers and children to RTIs, and that fatal crashes occur on low-capacity roads and during cruising at low speeds. Monitoring by police should expand to late hours of the day, weekends, and lower capacity and less-trafficked roads. Aiming to enhance the acceptance of other law-abiding behaviors (e.g., wearing seat belts, riding within the speed limits, etc.), especially among youth and young adults, will enhance the prevalence of helmet-wearing behavior among motorcycle riders. Interventions should put their focus on improving the attitudes of riders regarding safety helmets, as there is acceptable knowledge of their benefits.

Parental beliefs regarding adult and child motorcycle helmet-wearing practices in Vietnam.

From a global perspective, low helmet-wearing rates in children are an ongoing concern. International studies show adult helmet-wearing rates are consistently higher than those of children. Research also shows parents are highly influential in promoting healthy behavior in their children. Parent-focused helmet-wearing campaigns are a practical way to actively feature parents influencing helmet-wearing in children. The current study obtained anonymous parent-focused survey data on parent and child helmet-wearing practices, perceived affects of helmet use on children's health, and beliefs about brain injury prevention from a sample of Vietnams parents. Findings from this study are consistent with previous international research that shows adults wear helmets at higher rates than children. Data from this study may help those responsible for child helmet safety campaigns develop more effective child helmet-wearing campaigns, particularly in Southeast Asian countries.

Measuring the effects of respiratory protective equipment and other protectors in preventing the scattering of vocalization droplets.

This study was conducted to quantitatively examine the effects of respiratory protective equipment (respirators) and various other types of protectors in preventing the scattering of vocalization droplets. Each of 12 adult male volunteers was asked to vocalize intermittently for 1 min at a target intensity of approximately 100 dBA in an experimental room adjusted to a humidity of approximately 60-70%. The subjects vocalized while wearing respirators, other types of protectors, or no protectors at all. The droplet concentration in a particle size range of 0.3 to 10 µm was measured under each experimental condition, and the transmitted particle concentration and penetration were calculated. The concentration and penetration of particles transmitted from the respirators were lower than those transmitted from the other protectors examined. The probability of infection reduction through the use of the protectors was estimated from the data obtained on the effectiveness of the protectors in preventing the scattering of droplets. We concluded that there is no need for additional droplet scattering prevention in various work settings when appropriate respirators are used under optimal conditions.