[Workplace-associated fever]. / Arbeitsplatzassoziiertes Fieber oder wenn es doch das Zebra ist .

INTRODUCTION: Febrile conditions often have an infectious etiology. However, there are also fevers associated with occupational exposures. A detailed occupational history can hold the key to the diagnosis. In the case of exposure to organic dusts, the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is possible. Thus, HP should be considered in the presence of interstitial lung disease of unclear etiology. Failure to recognize this can have dramatic consequences and, in extreme cases, lead to lung transplantation. Differentially, organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) must be considered. The syndrome of metal fume fever provoked by inhalation of inorganic substances is usually benign and self-limiting. The disease manifests with fever, cough, and flu-like sensations.

Recognition of COVID-19 with occupational origin: a comparison between European countries.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present an overview of the formal recognition of COVID-19 as occupational disease (OD) or injury (OI) across Europe. METHODS: A COVID-19 questionnaire was designed by a task group within COST-funded OMEGA-NET and sent to occupational health experts of 37 countries in WHO European region, with a last update in April 2022. RESULTS: The questionnaire was filled out by experts from 35 countries. There are large differences between national systems regarding the recognition of OD and OI: 40% of countries have a list system, 57% a mixed system and one country an open system. In most countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as an OD (57%). In four countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as OI (11%) and in seven countries as either OD or OI (20%). In two countries, there is no recognition possible to date. Thirty-two countries (91%) recognise COVID-19 as OD/OI among healthcare workers. Working in certain jobs is considered proof of occupational exposure in 25 countries, contact with a colleague with confirmed infection in 19 countries, and contact with clients with confirmed infection in 21 countries. In most countries (57%), a positive PCR test is considered proof of disease. The three most common compensation benefits for COVID-19 as OI/OD are disability pension, treatment and rehabilitation. Long COVID is included in 26 countries. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 can be recognised as OD or OI in 94% of the European countries completing this survey, across different social security and embedded occupational health systems.

Standardised 25-Step Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) Protocol for Treating Office Syndrome (OS).

Traditional Thai massage (TTM) is a unique form of whole body massage practiced to promote health and well-being in Thailand since ancient times. The goal of the present study was to create a standardised TTM protocol to treat office syndrome (OS) diagnosed based on the identification of the palpation of at least one so-called myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the upper trapezius muscle. The new 90 min TTM protocol, which was developed following appropriate review of the literature and in consultation with relevant experts, has 25 distinct steps (20 pressing steps, 2 artery occlusion steps, and 3 stretching steps). Eleven TTM therapists treated three patients each using the new 90 min TTM protocol. All of the therapists reported scores greater than 80% in respect to their satisfaction and confidence to deliver the protocol, and all of the patients gave the treatment a satisfaction score of greater than 80%. The treatment produced a significant reduction in pain intensity measured on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), with minimum and maximum values of 0 and 10 cm, of 2.33 cm (95% CI (1.76, 2.89 cm), p < 0.001) and significant increase in pain pressure threshold (PPT) of 0.37 kg/cm2 (95% CI (0.10, 0.64 kg/cm2), p < 0.05). The protocol was revised based on the feedback and the results obtained, and the new standardised TTM protocol will be applied in a randomised control trial (RCT) to compare the efficacy of TTM and conventional physical therapy (PT) for treating OS.

The quality of occupational healthcare for carpal tunnel syndrome, healthcare expenditures, and disability outcomes: A prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: In prior work, higher quality care for work-associated carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was associated with improved symptoms, functional status, and overall health. We sought to examine whether quality of care is associated with healthcare expenditures or disability. METHODS: Among 343 adults with workers' compensation claims for CTS, we created patient-level aggregate quality scores for underuse (not receiving highly beneficial care) and overuse (receiving care for which risks exceed benefits). We assessed whether each aggregate quality score (0%-100%, 100% = better care) was associated with healthcare expenditures (18-mo expenditures, any anticipated need for future expenditures) or disability (days on temporary disability, permanent impairment rating at 18 mo). RESULTS: Mean aggregate quality scores were 77.8% (standard deviation [SD] 16.5%) for underuse and 89.2% (SD 11.0%) for overuse. An underuse score of 100% was associated with higher risk-adjusted 18-mo expenditures ($3672; 95% confidence interval [CI] $324 to $7021) but not with future expenditures (-0.07 percentage points; 95% CI -0.48 to 0.34), relative to a score of 0%. An overuse score of 100% was associated with lower 18-mo expenditures (-$4549, 95% CI -$8792 to -$306) and a modestly lower likelihood of future expenditures (-0.62 percentage points, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.02). Quality of care was not associated with disability. DISCUSSION: Improving quality of care could increase or lower short-term healthcare expenditures, depending on how often care is currently underused or overused. Future research is needed on quality of care in varied workers' compensation contexts, as well as effective and economical strategies for improving quality.

Riscos, acidentes e doenças profissionais no bloco operatório central do hospital central de Maputo, no período de outubro a dezembro de 2021 / Risks, accidents and occupational diseases in the central operating theatre of the central hospital of Maputo, from october to december 2021

Introdução: Os riscos, acidentes e doenças profissionais a que os trabalhadores de saúde estão expostos no ambiente hospitalar, constitui um problema de saúde pública reconhecido mundialmente, em particular em Moçambique. Objectivo: analisar os riscos, acidentes e doenças profissionais dos trabalhadores da saúde afectos no Bloco Operatório Central do Hospital Central de Maputo. Métodos: É um estudo descritivo e transversal observacional no Bloco Operatório Central do HCM. A recolha de dados foi feita através de um questionário aos trabalhadores de saúde, no período de Outubro a Dezembro de 2021. Os dados foram analisados usando o programa SPSS versão 21 e aplicados testes de qui-quadrado. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 196 trabalhadores da saúde, dos quais 101 do sexo feminino e 95 do sexo masculino. 50% dos inqueridos sofreram riscos (biológicos, químicos, físicos e ergonómicos), dos quais 51% do sexo feminino e 49% do sexo masculino. Os médicos residentes foram os que mais se destacaram no grupo dos trabalhadores que sofreram acidentes, com 30,6% de casos, seguido por enfermeiros com 20,4%, médicos anestesistas 16,3%, agentes de serviço 11,2% e administrativos com 10,2%. Dos acidentes, os ricos biológicos foram os mais frequentes; sendo com fluidos Biológicos foi registo 46,9% e picada com agulha e outros instrumentos contundentes 53,1%, os acidentes com material biológico foram os mais frequentes entre os trabalhadores com idade inferior a 30 anos e em indivíduos do sexo feminino. Conclusão: As condições de trabalho do BOC do HCM são inseguras onde se destacam: a degradação da estrutura física das salas de operações, a fraca qualidade de alguns equipamentos de protecção individual, a insuficiência de iluminação e a falta de climatização do local. Durante o estudo não foi possível identificar doenças profissionais, pois, após a exposição por riscos ou acidente de trabalho, os trabalhadores fazem a profilaxia, e ao terminarem os mesmos não voltam para o seguimento clinico.

Introduction: Health workers in their workplace are exposed to risks of accidents or get diseases, because the hospital environment is a healthy place, insofar as it provides an exposure of workers to physical, chemical, chemical risks, mechanical and, mainly, biological. This study addresses the risks and occupational diseases in the Central Operating Room Service of the Maputo Central Hospital, located in Maputo City, in Mozambique. Objective: The present research aims to analyze the occupational risks and illnesses of health workers assigned to the Central Operating Room of the MCH. Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study, based on data collected at the Central Operating Room Service of the MCH. October data collection was done through an October 2 data collection period. For data collection use data from the Reported Case Report Form. The SPSS version 21 program and chi-square tests were used to analyze the results. Results: 196 health workers were interviewed, of which 101 were female and 95 were male. 50% of respondents suffered from Risks (Biological, Chemical, Physical and Ergonomic), of which 51% were female and 49% male. Resident physicians stood out the most in the group of workers who suffered accidents, with 30.6% of cases, followed by nurses with 20.4%, anesthesiologists with 16.3%, service agents with 11.2% and administrative with 10.2%. In the Central Operating Room Service, biological riches were the most frequent, with Biological fluids recording 46.9% and pricking with needles and other blunt instruments 53.1%. Conclusion: The working conditions of the BOC of the MCH are unsafe, where the following stand out: the degradation of the physical structure of the operating rooms, the poor quality of some personal protective equipment, insufficient lighting and lack of air conditioning in the place. Accidents with biological material were the most frequent among workers under the age of 30 years and among female individuals. The most affected categories were Resident Physicians, Nurses, Service Agents, Anesthesiologists and Administrative Physicians. Additionally, the group of employees with previous PCI training was the one most involved in accidents.

Medium-chain triglycerides reduce diarrhea with improved immune status and gut microbiomics in tunnel workers in China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adverse environmental factors in tunnels increase the occurrence of respiratory and intestinal inflammatory disease, which is seriously harmful to worker health. It is reported that medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) can improve immune status and alter the gut microflora. This study investigates MCT effects on immune status and gut microbiota among tunnel workers. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Forty-five workers were randomly divided into an MCT group (n=30) and control group (n=15), where they ingested MCT-milk or a placebo milk for 12 weeks, respectively. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of respiratory infection and diarrhea. Secondary outcomes were changes in serum immune-related markers and changes in gut microbiota. RESULTS: The incidence of diarrhea in MCT group was significantly decreased after 4 weeks (p<0.01), with no significant differences in the control group. MCT reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6) and enhanced the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, C3, C4, IgA, IgG, and IgM), respectively (p<0.01). The Chao index was reduced (p<0.01) and microbiota composition changed significantly after 12 weeks of MCT intervention. MCT reduced the abundance of Bacteroides, Roseburia, Ruminococcus_1, Lachnospira and increased that of Blautia and Fusicatenibacter at the genus level (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of MCT reduces diarrhea occurrence and improves serum immune profiles together with gut microbiomics in tunnel workers.

The effect of weight loss interventions in truck drivers: Systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Truck driving is the most common vocation among males internationally with a high proportion overweight/obese due to a combination of work and lifestyle factors leading to health complications. With limited studies in this area, this systematic review aimed to identify and describe interventions addressing weight reduction in truck drivers. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched, January 2000 to June 2020 (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus). Inclusion criteria: experimental primary studies, long-distance (≥500 kms) truck drivers, peer reviewed publications in English. Weight loss interventions included physical activity, diet, behavioral therapy, or health promotion/education programs. Exclusions: non-interventional studies, medications or surgical interventions. Two independent researchers completed screening, risk of bias (RoB) and data extraction with discrepancies managed by a third. Study descriptors, intervention details and outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: Seven studies (two RCTs, five non-RCTs,) from three countries were included. Six provided either counselling/coaching or motivational interviewing in combination with other components e.g. written resources, online training, provision of exercise equipment. Four studies demonstrated significant effects with a combined approach, however, three had small sample sizes (<29). The effect sizes for 5/7 studies were medium to large size (5/7 studies), indicating likely clinical significance. RoB assessment revealed some concerns (RCTs), and for non-RCTs; one moderate, two serious and two with critical concerns. Based on the small number of RCTs and the biases they contain, the overall level of evidence in this topic is weak. CONCLUSION: Interventions that include a combination of coaching and other resources may provide successful weight reduction for truck drivers and holds clinical significance in guiding the development of future interventions in this industry. However, additional trials across varied contexts with larger sample populations are needed.

Fifty years of woodworkers' nasal adenocarcinoma in High Wycombe.

BACKGROUND: Since adenocarcinoma of the ethmoid sinuses was first described as an occupational disease in the woodworkers of High Wycombe, over the 50 subsequent years there has been a gradual decrease in the numbers to none over the last 12 years. Although this mirrored the decline in local industry, it seems the causative factor was first seen and then disappears over a 50-year period. METHODS: A total of 146 cases have been traced historically over this time as well as personal experience of 33 cases; these cases are reviewed and success with a new modality of treatment is discussed. CONCLUSION: This paper outlines how the disease was initially recognised, both its diagnosis and treatment development. It also describes how both the appearance and disappearance were seemingly caused by changes in manufacturing practice.

[Approximation to the cost of occupational diseases treated in seven hospitals in Spain]. / Aproximación al coste de enfermedades profesionales atendidas en siete hospitales en España.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the hospital cost of a sample of cases treated in seven hospitals of the National Health System in several Spanish cities. METHOD: Study based on 78 cases of occupational disease recognized by the social security, and previously treated in hospitals in Badalona, Barcelona, Ferrol, Gijón, Girona, Madrid and Vigo between 2017 and 2019. RESULTS: The healthcare activity generated by these hospitals to attend these processes involved a total cost of 282,927€. CONCLUSIONS: It is urgent to improve the coordination between the two public health systems, the social security health care system and the National Health System.

Musculoskeletal diseases among French military high-speed boat pilots.

In 2016, the French Navy acquired a new high-speed boat, called ECUME. It exposes crewmembers to significant Whole Body Vibrations. This work explores the musculoskeletal diseases among this population. We conducted a retrospective declarative epidemiologic study using anonymous questionnaires. Eighty-four sailors were included. Fifty-six (66.7%) report acute traumas during a nautical raid during the 12 months study period. Sixty (71.4%) report chronic pains, which they associate with their nautical activity. Among them, only 16 (26.7%) have consulted a doctor, but 32 (53.3%) report consuming medication, including 18 through selfmedication. More than half rely to alternatives medicine, especially osteopathy. The traumatic risk of ECUME riding is obvious. Many crewmembers minimize their symptoms, and consult rarely a physician. They give preference to selfmedication and alternative medicines.

Voice-Related Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Female Teachers: Finger Kazoo Intensive Short-Term Vocal Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Among professional voice users, teachers are subject to higher risks of developing occupational dysphonia due to their abusive use of the voice, usually under unfavorable conditions. OBJECTIVES: Quantify the vocal self-perception, the voice-related quality of life, and the anxiety, and depression symptoms, of dysphonic female teachers, after a brief and intensive short-term voice therapy using the finger kazoo technique. METHODS: Blinded, randomized, and controlled clinical trial. Questionnaires applied to two study groups (15 subjects without structural laryngeal disorder in one group, and nine subjects with vocal nodules in the other), and to two control groups (9 subjects without structural laryngeal disorder in one group, and eight subjects with vocal nodules in the other). RESULTS: The Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale, the Voice Activity and Participation Profile, the Voice Symptom Scale, and the Voice-Related Quality of Life Protocol, showed significant improvement in both study groups. The Vocal Perception Protocol showed that negative vocal self-perception reduced significantly in subjects without structural alteration of the vocal folds in the study group. Anxiety symptoms improved significantly in subjects with vocal nodules in the study group; depression symptoms improved significantly in subjects with vocal nodules in the control group, and in subjects without structural alteration of the vocal folds in the study group. CONCLUSION: Brief and intensive short-term voice therapy using the finger kazoo technique provided improvement in the vocal self-perception, the voice-related quality of life, and in the symptoms of anxiety and depression in dysphonic teachers, more evidently in teachers with vocal nodules.

The effect of strategies to prevent and manage musicians' musculoskeletal symptoms: A systematic review.

The objective of this systematic review was to determine the safety and effectiveness of any public health intervention designed to prevent and/or manage musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) in any type of musician. A total of 14 studies were included. Studies investigated exercise and/or education programs, and changes to equipment, with a range of musicians. There was some evidence to suggest that smaller piano keyboards, and exercise programs may be effective. Studies suggesting a benefit of exercise programs typically had lower level designs and higher risk of methodological bias, compared with those that reported no benefit. Future research should use more robust methods to reduce bias and come to definitive conclusions regarding the safety and effectiveness of interventions prior to implementation, to reduce the burden of MSSs for musicians.

Mental health care of health workers during Covid-19: Recommendations based on evidence and expert consensus.

INTRODUCTION: The crisis situation generated by COVID-19 and the measures adopted have generated social changes in the normal dynamics of the general population and especially for health workers, who find themselves caring for patients with suspected or confirmed infection. Recent studies have detected in them depression and anxiety symptoms and burnout syndrome, with personal and social conditions impacting their response capacity during the health emergency. Our aim was to generate recommendations for the promotion and protection of the mental health of health workers and teams in the first line of care in the health emergency due to COVID-19. METHODS: A rapid literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar, and an iterative expert consensus and through electronic consultation, with 13 participants from the areas of psychology, psychiatry and medicine; the grading of its strength and directionality was carried out according to the international standards of the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS: Thirty-one recommendations were generated on self-care of health workers, community care among health teams, screening for alarm signs in mental health and for health institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The promotion and protection activities in mental health to face the health emergency generated by COVID-19 worldwide can include coordinated actions between workers, health teams and health institutions as part of a comprehensive, community care, co-responsible and sustained over time.

Returning to Work After an Injury or Illness.

When we experience an injury or illness, it can affect our ability to work. Work rehabilitation helps people return to work after an illness or injury. When possible, work rehabilitation can also help people stay at work as they manage their illness or injury. To understand how physical therapists can best support people as they return to work, experts in work rehabilitation reviewed all the available research and discussed what the research means. These experts shared their findings and recommendations in "Clinical Guidance to Optimize Work Participation After Injury or Illness: The Role of Physical Therapists," published in JOSPT in August 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(8):382. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0506.

Clinical Guidance to Optimize Work Participation After Injury or Illness: Using the Evidence to Guide Physical Therapist Practice.

Work rehabilitation refers to the process of assisting workers to remain at work or return to work (RTW) in a safe and productive manner, while limiting the negative impact of work restriction, unemployment, and work disability. The clinical practice guideline (CPG) published in the August 2021 issue of JOSPT provides guidance for physical therapy clinicians when evaluating, treating, and managing individuals who experience limitations in the ability to participate in work following injury or illness. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(8):380-381. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0505.

Clinical Guidance to Optimize Work Participation After Injury or Illness: The Role of Physical Therapists.

Work rehabilitation refers to the process of assisting workers to remain at work or return to work (RTW) in a safe and productive manner, while limiting the negative impact of restricted work, unemployment, and work disability. The primary purpose of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) is to systematically review available scientific evidence and provide a set of evidence-based recommendations for effective physical therapy evaluation, treatment, and management of individuals experiencing limitations in the ability to participate in work following injury or illness. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(8):CPG1-CPG102. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0303.

[Occupational diseases of the airways and the lungs]. / Berufskrankheiten der Atemwege und der Lunge.

The attributable proportion of occupation-related influences on airway and lung diseases is 10-30%. In patients with obstructive airway diseases it is extremely important to sufficiently document findings during the period of activities burdening the airway as compared to periods off work. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can have a work-related (partial) cause even in smokers. Regarding occupational infectious diseases, the main cause up to 2019 was tuberculosis but the corona pandemic has led to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) being the most frequent occupational disease. For the occupational medical assessment of interstitial and malignant pulmonary diseases, checklists can be helpful to support the medical history.