Synergic control in asymptomatic welders during multi-finger force exertion and load releasing while standing.

Motor synergies, i.e., neural mechanisms that organize multiple motor elements to ensure stability of actions, are affected by several neurological condition. Asymptomatic welders showed impaired synergy controlling the stability of multi-finger action compared to non-welders and this impairment was associated with microstructural damage in the globus pallidus. We further explored the effect of welding-related metal exposure on multi-finger synergy and extended our investigation to posture-stabilizing synergy during a standing task. Occupational, MRI, and performance-stabilizing synergies during multi-finger accurate force production and load releasing while standing were obtained from 29 welders and 19 age- and sex-matched controls. R2* and R1 relaxation rate values were used to estimate brain iron and manganese content, respectively, and diffusion tensor imaging was used to reflect brain microstructural integrity. Associations of brain MRI (caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and red nucleus), and motor synergy were explored by group status. The results revealed that welders had higher R2* values in the caudate (p = 0.03), putamen (p = 0.01), and red nucleus (p = 0.08, trend) than controls. No group effect was revealed on multi-finger synergy index during steady-state phase of action (ΔVZss). Compared to controls, welders exhibited lower ΔVZss (-0.106 ± 0.084 vs. 0.160 ± 0.092, p = 0.04) and variance that did not affect the performance variable (VUCM, 0.022 ± 0.003 vs. 0.038 ± 0.007, p = 0.03) in the load releasing, postural task. The postural synergy index, ΔVZss, was associated negatively with higher R2* in the red nucleus in welders (r = -0.44, p = 0.03), but not in controls. These results suggest that the synergy index in the load releasing during a standing task may reflect welding-related neurotoxicity in workers with chronic metals exposure. This finding may have important clinical and occupational health implications.

Mild Steel GMA Welds Microstructural Analysis and Estimation Using Sensor Fusion and Neural Network Modeling.

This study aims at evaluating the efficiency of sensor fusion, based on neural networks, to estimate the microstructural characteristics of both the weld bead and base material in GMAW processes. The weld beads of AWS ER70S-6 wire were deposited on SAE 1020 steel plates varying welding voltage, welding speed, and wire-feed speed. The thermal behavior of the material during the process execution was analyzed using thermographic information gathered by an infrared camera. The microstructure was characterized by optical (confocal) microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray Diffraction tests. Finally, models for estimating the weld bead microstructure were developed by fusing all the information through a neural network modeling approach. A R value of 0.99472 was observed for modelling all zones of microstructure in the same ANN using Bayesian Regularization with 17 and 15 neurons in the first and second hidden layers, respectively, with 4 training runs (which was the lowest R value among all tested configurations). The results obtained prove that RNAs can be used to assist the project of welded joints as they make it possible to estimate the extension of HAZ.

Comparison between traditional and alternative biocompatible welding techniques used in orthodontic devices.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical strength of joints made by conventional soldering with those made by alternative, more biocompatible, methods (spot, tungsten inert gas [TIG] and laser welding), and to compare the microstructural morphology of wires welded with these techniques. DESIGN: In vitro, laboratory study. METHODS: Forty stainless-steel wire segments with 0.8-mm diameter were joined by silver soldering, spot, laser and TIG welding. Ten specimens were produced for each one. Tensile strength test was performed 24 h after welding on the Emic DL2000™ universal testing machine, using a load cell of 1000 N with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. RESULTS: The highest tensile strength mean values were obtained with silver soldering (532 N), next were laser (420 N), spot (301 N) and TIG (296 N) welding. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups; the Dunn post-hoc test revealed differences between laser and spot welding (p=0.046), laser and TIG (p = 0.016), spot and silver (p <0.001), and silver and TIG (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Laser welding strength is high, and comparable to silver welding. Spot and TIG techniques present comparable and significantly lower strengths. The four methods presented resistance values compatible with orthodontic use. The microstructural morphology is different for each technique. The association between the mechanical performance and the microstructure evaluation shows that laser presented the highest quality joint.

Cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-CYT) assay biomarkers and telomere length analysis in relation to inorganic elements in individuals exposed to welding fumes.

During the welding activities many compounds are released, several of these cause oxidative stress and inflammation and some are considered carcinogenic, in fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer established that welding fumes are carcinogenic to humans. The aim of the present study was to analyze the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of exposure to welding fumes and to determine concentrations of metals in blood and urine of occupationally exposed workers. We included 98 welders and 100 non-exposed individuals. Our results show significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD) and necrotic cells (NECR) in cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay, as well as in the telomere length (TL) of the exposed individuals with respect to the non-exposed group. In the analysis of the concentrations of inorganic elements using PIXE method, were found higher concentrations of Cr, Fe and Cu in the urine, and Cr, Fe, Mg, Al, S, and Mn in the blood in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. A significant correlation was observed between MN and age and between NPB and years of exposure. Additionally, we found a significant correlation for TL in relation to MN, NPB, age and years of exposure in the exposed group. Interestingly, a significant correlation between MN and the increase in the concentration of Mg, S, Fe and Cu in blood samples of the exposed group, and between MN and Cr, Fe, Ni and Cu in urine. Thus, our findings may be associated with oxidative and inflammatory damage processes generated by the components contained in welding fumes, suggesting a high occupational risk in welding workers.

Distinct Profiles in Microbial Diversity on Carbon Steel and Different Welds in Simulated Marine Microcosm.

The main studies on the corrosion of metals induced by microorganisms are directed only to the surface of the metal, without considering the presence of welds between these surfaces. For this reason, we evaluated the difference of microbial community grown in carbon steel coupons, and two different types of welds, E7018 and Tungsten electrodes, exposed under simulated microcosm. After 30 days, they were recovered, the biofilms scraped and the microbial communities analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that there was a differentiated distribution among the three samples collected. Proteobacteria phylum composed most of the species described in all samples. At the class level, Gammaproteobacteria was the most detected, followed by Alphaproteobacteria and Flavobacteriia. The most prevalent order was Alteromonadales, which was present in Weld2, followed by Rhodobacteriales, which was more prevalent in Fe1020 and Weld1. The orders Cytophagales, Sphingomonadales, and Burkholderiales were described in higher number in Fe1020, whereas Oceanospirillales, Thiotrichales, Flavobacteriales, Rhodospirillales, and Kordiimonadales were higher in samples Weld1 and Weld2. The analyses between the three evaluated conditions show the presences of bacterial groups preferred by different types of metal, suggesting that approaches in the control of biocorrosion should take into account the chemical composition of the metal.

Metal ion quantification in the saliva of patients with lingual arch appliances using silver solder, laser, or TIG welding.

OBJECTIVES: Quantify metal ion release in the saliva, considering that orthodontic appliances with soldered or welded parts may suffer corrosion and release metal ions into saliva, which can trigger adverse effects, such as hypersensitivity. METHODS: Sixty-four patients were distributed into four groups: G1 (control), G2 (silver-soldered lingual arch), G3 (laser-welded lingual arch), and G4 (TIG-welded lingual arch). Saliva samples were collected at four different points and were analyzed for ion release with ICP-MS. RESULTS: For Cr, Fe, Cu, and Sn ion concentrations among groups, there was no difference along collections and no statistically significant difference throughout collections for any group (P > 0.05, with release values between 3.3 and 4.2 µg/L for Cr, 201 and 314.8 µg/L for Fe, 23.1 and 40.7 µg/L for Cu, and 13 and 27.7 µg/L for Sn). For Ni, G4 showed an increased ion release at T2 (14.3 µg/L) and T4 (34.5 µg/L), values with an interaction effect (P < 0.001) comparing the groups and the points of collection. For Zn, Ag, and Cd ions there was no difference along the points in time (P > 0.05). For Zn ions, there was a statistic difference from G4 to G1 and G2 (P = 0.007 and P = 0.019), with median values ranging from 741.7 to 963.4 µg/L for G4, and for Ag ions, from G4 to G2 and G3 (P < 0.001 for both), with lower medians for G4 (3.7-6.1 µg/L). For Cd ions there was a statistic difference from T1 to T4 in all groups (P = 0.016), with lower values for T4. CONCLUSIONS: Different welding procedures may affect salivary ion concentrations. For most ions there was no significant increase comparing welding and comparing throughout points in the same group. Although TIG welding presented greater Ni ion release, this possibly occurred due to a bigger corrosion of the welded. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Determining the amount of released metal ions from the use of orthodontic appliances is relevant to ensure the safest method for patients. Welding procedures affect salivary ion concentrations, when comparing ion release triggered by one of the most common devices used for preventive/interceptive orthodontic treatments.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of welding procedures in one-piece cast implant-supported frameworks.

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of welding techniques on implant-supported prostheses and determine whether they contribute to a better adaptation compared with a one-piece cast. A search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and articles published until November 2017 were obtained from these databases. This review followed the PRISMA criteria and is registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42017081865). The PICO question was "Do welding procedures in one-piece cast implant-supported frameworks influence implant/abutment-framework marginal misfits?" Eleven studies were selected for a qualitative analysis, and seven studies were selected for a quantitative analysis. A total of 189 specimens were fabricated using different materials (cp-Ti, Ni-Cr, Cr-Co, and noble alloys), and welding techniques such as laser welding, conventional welding, tungsten inert gas, and brazing were applied. A vertical marginal misfit was measured using an optical microscope, a stereomicroscope, and/or a scanning electron microscopy. The qualitative analysis in the studies demonstrated a positive effect of the welding techniques on the adaptation of the infrastructures. The meta-analysis confirmed the results (p < 0.00001; MD: -36.14; 95%CI: -48.69 to -23.59). Within the limitations of this study and regarding the heterogeneity of the samples, we conclude that the soldering point technique is effective for obtaining relatively low values of marginal misfit, with laser welding as the most effective technique. However, additional studies were recommended due to the heterogeneity of different variables (alloys, connection, and misfit evaluation) in the included studies.

Computational modeling of fatigue crack propagation in butt welded joints subjected to axial load.

This article addresses the study of crack behavior elicited on axial fatigue in specimens joined by butt weld made of steel ASTM A36 by using fracture mechanics and simulation software of finite elements (Ansys APDL, Franc3D). The computational model was initially to define the geometry model by using CAD software. Specimens with Weld Reinforcement of 2 mm and 3mm were simulated. Subsequently, the type of element for the mesh, the information inclusion concerning material mechanical properties and load conditions were selected. By using Franc3D software, the crack propagation phenomenon is analyzed, and its growth parameters have been established. In this way, it is possible to calculate the magnitude of stress intensity factor (SIF) along the crack front. It is concluded that the stress located in the weld toe is maximized proportionately to the size of the weld reinforcement due to the concentration effect of geometric stress. In addition, it is observed that the propagation rate obtained from Paris law has a similar behavior for the studied weld reinforcements; the latter as there were short cracks.

Pneumococcal vaccination for welders: Global deployment within a multi-national corporation.

BACKGROUND: Lobar pneumonia is an occupational disease of welders. This is the first report of global deployment of a pneumococcal vaccination program for welders within a multi-national corporation. METHODS: Global webinars were conducted to introduce the program. Communication packages translated into all location languages were deployed. All employee welders who had not previously been vaccinated were offered a free single dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) by on-site location medical centers during normal working hours. Numbers of vaccinated welders were reported by each location each month. RESULTS: Twelve months after starting the program, 241 of 767 welders have been vaccinated (31%) across six countries. CONCLUSIONS: Global deployment of pneumococcal vaccination for welders can be successfully undertaken by a multi-national corporation. Adoption of this practice by corporations could reduce the incidence and mortality of pneumonia among welders globally.

Welding strength of NiTi wires.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the appropriate power level for electric welding of three commercial brands of nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires. METHODS: Ninety pairs of 0.018-in and 0.017 × 0.025-in NiTi wires were divided into three groups according to their manufacturers - GI (Orthometric, Marília, Brazil), GII (3M OralCare, St. Paul, CA) and GIII (GAC,York, PA) - and welded by electrical resistance. Each group was divided into subgroups of 5 pairs of wires, in which welding was done with different power levels. In GI and GII, power levels of 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 and 5 were used, while in GIII 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 were used (each unit of power of the welding machine representing 500W). The pairs of welded wires underwent a tensile strength test on an universal testing machine until rupture and the maximum forces were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were conducted to determine which subgroup within each brand group had the greatest resistance to rupture. RESULTS: The 2.5 power exhibited the lowest resistance to rupture in all groups (43.75N for GI, 28.41N for GII and 47.57N for GIII) while the 4.0 power provided the highest resistance in GI and GII (97.90N and 99.61N, respectively), while in GIII (79.28N) the highest resistance was achieved with a 3.5 power welding. CONCLUSIONS: The most appropriate power for welding varied for each brand, being 4.0 for Orthometric and 3M, and 3.5 for GAC NiTi wires.

Welding strength of NiTi wires

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the appropriate power level for electric welding of three commercial brands of nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires. Methods: Ninety pairs of 0.018-in and 0.017 × 0.025-in NiTi wires were divided into three groups according to their manufacturers - GI (Orthometric, Marília, Brazil), GII (3M OralCare, St. Paul, CA) and GIII (GAC,York, PA) - and welded by electrical resistance. Each group was divided into subgroups of 5 pairs of wires, in which welding was done with different power levels. In GI and GII, power levels of 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 and 5 were used, while in GIII 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 were used (each unit of power of the welding machine representing 500W). The pairs of welded wires underwent a tensile strength test on an universal testing machine until rupture and the maximum forces were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were conducted to determine which subgroup within each brand group had the greatest resistance to rupture. Results: The 2.5 power exhibited the lowest resistance to rupture in all groups (43.75N for GI, 28.41N for GII and 47.57N for GIII) while the 4.0 power provided the highest resistance in GI and GII (97.90N and 99.61N, respectively), while in GIII (79.28N) the highest resistance was achieved with a 3.5 power welding. Conclusions: The most appropriate power for welding varied for each brand, being 4.0 for Orthometric and 3M, and 3.5 for GAC NiTi wires.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a potência mais adequada para solda elétrica em três marcas comerciais de fios de níquel-titânio (NiTi). Métodos: noventa pares de fios ortodônticos de NiTi, de dimensões 0,018" e 0,017" × 0,025'', foram soldados por resistência elétrica e distribuídos em três grupos: GI (Orthometric, Marília, São Paulo, Brasil), GII (3M, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil) e GIII (GAC, Yorque, Pensilvânia, Estados Unidos). Cada grupo foi dividido em subgrupos de cinco pares de fios soldados com diferentes níveis de potência. Nos GI e GII, os fios foram soldados com níveis de potência de 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 e 5; enquanto no GIII as potências utilizadas foram de 2.5, 3, 3.5 e 4. Os pares de fios foram submetidos a um teste de tração até sua ruptura, com registro das forças máximas. Análises de variância (ANOVA) e testes post-hoc foram realizados para determinar qual subgrupo, dentro de cada grupo, obteve a maior força de resistência. Resultados: a potência 2.5 exibiu a menor resistência à ruptura para todos os grupos (43,75 N para o GI; 28,41 N para o GII e 47,57 N para o GIII). A potência 4 mostrou maior resistência à ruptura nos GI e GII (97,90 N e 99,61 N, respectivamente), enquanto no GIII (79,28 N) foi a potência 3.5. Conclusões: os níveis de potência mais adequados variaram para as marcas comerciais, sendo identificados como 4 para Orthometric e 3M, e 3.5 para GAC.

The role of welding techniques in the biomechanical behavior of implant-supported prostheses.

This in vitro study investigated the role of welding techniques of implant-supported prostheses in the 2D and 3D marginal misfits of prosthetic frameworks, strain induced on the mini abutment, and detorque of prosthetic screws. The correlations between the analyzed variables were also investigated. Frameworks were cast in commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti). A marginal misfit of 200µm was simulated in the working models (control group) (n=20). The 2D marginal misfit was analyzed according to the single-screw test protocol using a precision optical microscope. The 3D marginal misfit was performed by X-ray microtomography. Strain gauge analysis was performed to investigate the strain induced on the mini abutment. A digital torque meter was used for analysis of the detorque and the mean value was calculated for each framework. Afterwards, the frameworks were divided into two experimental groups (n=10): Laser (L) and TIG (T). The welding techniques were performed according to the following parameters: L (390V/9ms); T (36A/60ms). The L and T groups were reevaluated according to the marginal misfit, strain, and detorque. The results were submitted to one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD test and Person correlation analysis (α=0.05). Welding techniques statistically reduced the 2D and 3D marginal misfits of prosthetic frameworks (p<0.001), the strain induced on the mini abutment replicas (p=0.006), and improved the screw torque maintenance (p<0.001). Similar behavior was noted between L and T groups for all dependent variables (p>0.05). Positive correlations were observed between 2D and 3D marginal misfit reading methods (r=0.943, p<0.0001) and between misfit and strain (2D r=0.844, p<0.0001 and 3D r=0.864, p<0.0001). Negative correlation was observed between misfit and detorque (2D r=-0.823, p=0.003 and 3D r=-0.811, p=0.005). In conclusion, the welding techniques improved the biomechanical behavior of the implant-supported system. TIG can be an acceptable and affordable technique to reduce the misfit of 3-unit Ti frameworks.

Avaliação da resistência flexural em diferentes métodos de soldagem / Evaluation of flexural resistance in different welding methods

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar três diferentes tipos de soldagem: Chama Direta a maçarico (convencional\brasagem), Solda Mista representada por fixação de dois pontos (Solda Elétrica Fixator - Kernit, Brasil), e completada com solda convencional, e o método de Solda a Laser (Soldadora Desktop - Sisma LM 500, Itália). Dois implantes plataforma Bränemark 4.1 mm (Neodent, Curitiba/Brasil) foram fixados em uma matriz de alumínio para simular uma ponte fixa implanto-suportada de três elementos. Os espécimes foram obtidos a partir de um bloco de cera CAD-CAM (Ceramill-Amammgirrbarch). Trinta e duas UCLAs hexágono externo foram fresadas e posteriormente unidas a uma barra pré-fabricada em cera com 2,5mm. Os corpos de prova foram fundidos em liga de cobalto-cromo simulando uma prótese fixa de três elementos. Esses espécimes foram divididos aleatoriamente e separados em três grupos (n=6): grupo A (solda chama direta), grupo B (solda mista), grupo C (solda laser). Os espécimes foram seccionados ao meio e unidos com resina acrílica para simular uma soldagem em prótese fixa. Os corpos foram soldados e tratados de acordo com a proposição. Após a soldagem os corpos de prova foram usinados e levados ao teste de flexão na técnica de três pontos. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes estatísticos de Tukey. Os cálculos estatísticos foram conduzidos adotando-se o nível de significância de 5% (α = 0,05). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos soldados. Os resultados demonstraram valores mais elevados nos grupos A e B, solda convencional e solda mista, e menor valor no grupo C, solda a laser. No entanto, considerando a metodologia aplicada, a solda a laser mostrou uma menor resistência flexural comparada à soldagem convencional e mista, e a fixação prévia de solda elétrica com complemento de solda convencional (solda mista) não alterou a resistência flexural, produzindo resultado semelhante à solda convencional

The objective of this study was to evaluate three different types of welding, blowtorch; (conventional/brazing), welder Joint; represented by securing two points (Arc Welding Fixator - Kernit, Brazil), and supplemented with conventional welding), and Laser welding method (welder Desktop - Sisma LM 500, Italy). Two implants Bränemark 4.1 mm platform (Neodent, Curitiba/Brazil) were fixed in an aluminum matrix. Specimens were obtained from a CAD-CAM wax block (Ceramill - Amammgirrbarch) were milled 32 UCLAs (external hexagon, Bränemark platform), and subsequently joined to a prefabricated bar also wax 2.5 mm, the specimens were casted in cobalt-chromium alloy. These specimens were randomly divided and separated into 3 groups: group A (welding direct flame), Group B (mixed welding), C (laser welding), with 6 samples for each group. The specimens of each group were cut in half to simulate a fixed prosthesis in welding, and put together with acrylic resin. The bodies were welded and treated according to the statement. After the specimens were welded, they were manually grinded and submitted to the 3 points bending test technique. Data were subjected to statistical tests of Tukey. Statistical calculations were performed adopting the significance level of 5% (α = 0.05), using SPSS 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). There were differences between the soldered groups. The data showed the highest values obtained in groups A and B, conventional welding and soldering joint, and lower in group C, the laser welding. However, within the applied methodology, the laser welding showed a lower flexural strength compared to conventional and mixed welding, and that the advance fixing of electric welding, conventional welding complement (mixed welding), does not change its flexural strength, producing results similar to conventional welding

Welding, a risk factor of lung cancer: the ICARE study.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between lung cancer and occupational exposure to welding activity in ICARE, a population-based case-control study. METHODS: Analyses were restricted to men (2276 cases, 2780 controls). Welding exposure was assessed through detailed questionnaires, including lifelong occupational history. ORs were computed using unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for lifelong cigarette smoking and occupational exposure to asbestos. RESULTS: Among the regular welders, welding was associated with a risk of lung cancer (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5), which increased with the duration (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.9 when duration >10 years), and was maximum 10-20 years since last welding. The risk was more pronounced in case of gas welding (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3), when the workpiece was covered by paint, grease, or other substances (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4) and when it was cleaned with chemical substances before welding. No statistically significant increase in lung cancer risk was observed among occasional welders. CONCLUSIONS: Although these results should be confirmed, we showed that type of welding and mode of workpiece preparation are important determinants of the lung cancer risk in regular welders.

Estudio exploratorio II: identificación de nanopartículas en procesos industriales de soldadura y de minería / Exploratory study II: identification of nanoparticles in industrial processes welding and mining

Se realizó un estudio exploratorio sobre la exposición laboral a nanopartículas en procesos de empresas del sector minero, fundición y soldadura. Para evaluar la exposición se utilizó un método cualitativo simplificado y un método semi-cuantitativo basado en las técnicas tradicionales de higiene ocupacional y de espectroscopía y microscopía electrónica para caracterizar las nanopartículas en cuanto a composición elemental, morfología y tamaños. Se evaluó cualitativamente el riesgo de exposición a nanopartículas de sílice y hierro, encontrándose una mayor criticidad en los procesos de preparación de muestras de minerales y de vaciado de colada en moldes de fundición. El análisis de muestras personales y ambientales evidenció la exposición de trabajadores a nanopartículas de sílice, hierro, magnesio, aluminio, manganeso, entre otras. La toxicidad de estas depende de la morfología y vía de ingreso (la principal vía es por inhalación). Se identificaron morfologías esféricas e irregulares, así como nanoalambres, aglomerados, estructuras cristalinas y amorfas, con tamaños bajo 100 nm. El trabajo realizado entrega la composición elemental y morfológica de las nanopartículas a los cuales se exponen los trabajadores en los procesos evaluados, junto con el alcance de los métodos de evaluación y la necesidad futura de realizar estudios cuantitativos para determinar niveles de exposición y concentraciones.

An exploratory study on occupational exposure to nanoparticles in processes of mining companies, casting and welding was performed. To assess exposure it was used a simplified qualitative and semiquantitative method based on traditional techniques of occupational hygiene and spectroscopy and electron microscopy to characterize nanoparticles in terms of elemental composition, morphology and size. The risk of exposure to silica nanoparticles and iron was qualitatively assessed, finding a bigger criticality in the process of sample preparation and emptying mineral casting molds. Analysis of personal and environmental samples showed workers exposure to nanoparticles of silica, iron, magnesium, aluminum, manganese, among others. The toxicity of these depends on the morphology and route of entry (the main way is by inhalation). Spherical and irregular morphologies were identified, as well as nanowires, crystalline and amorphous structures with sizes below 100 nm. The work performed gives the elemental composition and morphology of nanoparticles to which workers are exposed in the processes evaluated, along with the scope of the evaluation methods and the future need for quantitative studies to determine exposure levels and concentrations.

Genotoxic Evaluation of Mexican Welders Occupationally Exposed to Welding-Fumes Using the Micronucleus Test on Exfoliated Oral Mucosa Cells: A Cross-Sectional, Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 800,000 people worldwide are occupationally exposed to welding-fumes. Previous studies show that the exposure to such fumes is associated with damage to genetic material and increased cancer risk. In this study, we evaluate the genotoxic effect of welding-fumes using the Micronucleus Test on oral mucosa cells of Mexican welders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, matched case-control study of n = 66 (33 exposed welders, and 33 healthy controls). Buccal mucosa smears were collected and stained with acridine orange, observed under 100x optical amplification with a fluorescence lamp, and a single-blinded observer counted the number of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities per 2,000 observed cells. We compared the frequencies of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities, and fitted generalised linear models to investigate the interactions between nuclear abnormalities and the exposure to welding-fumes, while controlling for smoking and age. RESULTS: Binucleated cells and condensed-chromatin cells showed statistically significant differences between cases and controls. The frequency of micronuclei and the rest of nuclear abnormalities (lobed-nuclei, pyknosis, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis) did not differ significantly between the groups. After adjusting for smoking, the regression results showed that the occurrence of binucleated cells could be predicted by the exposure to welding-fumes plus the presence of tobacco consumption; for the condensed-chromatin cells, our model showed that the exposure to welding-fumes is the only reliable predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Mexican welders who are occupationally exposed to welding-fumes have increased counts of binucleated and condensed-chromatin cells. Nevertheless, the frequencies of micronuclei and the rest of nuclear abnormalities did not differ between cases and controls. Further studies should shed more light on this subject.

Identificação de queimaduras térmicas como injúria relacionada ao trabalho de soldadores / Identification of thermal burns as work-related injury in welders

Objetivo Avaliar a identificação de queimaduras em soldadores como injúria relacionada ao trabalho, antes e depois da ação clínica comunicativa de Enfermagem. Métodos Estudo transversal com 161 soldadores em processo de formação. Utilizou-se modelo de julgamento e decisão clínica, adaptado na perspectiva da Enfermagem em saúde pública. Para a coleta de dados, foi aplicado questionário antes e depois da ação clínica comunicativa de Enfermagem. Resultados Para os soldadores que não referiram queimaduras durante atividade de solda, houve diferença estatística significativa (p=0,02) para a variável queimadura por fagulha nos olhos. Conclusão A ação clínica comunicativa pode modificar o conhecimento de indivíduos sobre a ocorrência de queimaduras como injúria relacionada ao trabalho...

Objective Assess identification of burns in welders as work-related injury before and after communicative clinical action. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted with 161 welders in the formation process. A model of clinic judgment and decision was used and adapted to the public health nursing. For data collection, a questionnaire was administered before and after communicative clinical action. Results For welders who did not report burns during the welding activity, a statistically significant difference (p=0.02) was observed in relation to the spark-caused eye burn variable. Conclusion Communicative clinical actions can modify individuals’ knowledge about occurrence of burns as [being] work-related injuries...

Risk communication concerning welding fumes for the primary preventive care of welding apprentices in southern Brazil.

This study's aim was to assess the perceptions of welding apprentices concerning welding fumes being associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and assess the implementation of risk communication as a primary prevention tool in the welding training process. This quasi-experimental, non-randomized study with before-and-after design was conducted with 84 welding apprentices in Southern Brazil. Poisson Regression analysis was used. Relative Risk was the measure used with a 95% confidence interval and 5% (p ≤ 0.05) significance level. Significant association was found between perceptions of worsened symptoms of respiratory disorders caused by welding fumes and educational level (p = 0.049), the use of goggles to protect against ultraviolet rays (p = 0.023), and access to services in private health facilities without insurance coverage (p = 0.001). Apprentices younger than 25 years old were 4.9 times more likely to perceive worsened cardiovascular symptoms caused by welding fumes after risk communication (RR = 4.91; CI 95%: 1.09 to 22.2). The conclusion is that risk communication as a primary preventive measure in continuing education processes implemented among apprentices, who are future welders, was efficacious. Thus, this study confirms that risk communication can be implemented as a primary prevention tool in welding apprenticeships.

Health disorders related to learning the welding trade: assessment of approaches to risk communication.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the identification of health disorders as self-reported by apprentices of welding and to analyze the strength of the relationship between age and time of experience with self-reported health disorders before and after a socio-environmental nursing intervention. METHOD: this quasi-experimental, non-randomized, before-and-after study was conducted with 86 welding apprentices from a private entity. RESULTS: the results show a significant difference for the pre- and post-test means and an increase in the post-test mean score for the cardiovascular, respiratory and cutaneous systems. There was also a negative correlation between the apprentices' ages and the identification of health disorders. CONCLUSION: the socio-environmental nursing intervention enabled obtaining information on health disorders related to welding. In turn, such information enabled the apprentices to assess information and self-report health disorders.

Health disorders related to learning the welding trade: assessment of approaches to risk communication / Distúrbios de saúde relacionados ao aprendizado de solda: avaliação de abordagem para comunicação de risco / Disturbios de salud relacionados al aprendizaje de soldadura: evaluación de abordaje para comunicación de riesgo

OBJECTIVE: to assess the identification of health disorders as self-reported by apprentices of welding and to analyze the strength of the relationship between age and time of experience with self-reported health disorders before and after a socio-environmental nursing intervention. METHOD: this quasi-experimental, non-randomized, before-and-after study was conducted with 86 welding apprentices from a private entity. RESULTS: the results show a significant difference for the pre- and post-test means and an increase in the post-test mean score for the cardiovascular, respiratory and cutaneous systems. There was also a negative correlation between the apprentices' ages and the identification of health disorders. CONCLUSION: the socio-environmental nursing intervention enabled obtaining information on health disorders related to welding. In turn, such information enabled the apprentices to assess information and self-report health disorders. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar a identificação de distúrbios de saúde autorreferidos por aprendizes de solda e analisar a intensidade da relação entre idade e tempo de experiência com os distúrbios de saúde autorreferidos pelos aprendizes, antes e depois da intervenção socioambiental de enfermagem. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo quase-experimental, não randomizado, do tipo antes e depois, realizado com 86 aprendizes de solda de entidade privada. RESULTADOS: os resultados mostram diferença significativa para a diferença das médias pré e pós-teste e aumento da média pós-teste para o sistema cardiovascular, respiratório e tegumentar. Ainda, houve correlação negativa da idade dos aprendizes de solda com a identificação de distúrbios de saúde. CONCLUSÃO: a intervenção socioambiental de enfermagem propiciou informações de saúde sobre os distúrbios de saúde relacionados à atividade de solda. Tais informações possibilitaram aos aprendizes avaliar as informações e, mediante essas, autorreferir distúrbios de saúde. .

OBJETIVO: evaluar la identificación de disturbios de salud auto-referidos por aprendices de soldadura y analizar la intensidad de la relación entre edad y tiempo de experiencia con los disturbios de salud auto-referidos por los aprendices antes y después de la intervención socioambiental de enfermería. MÉTODO: se trata de estudio casi experimental, no aleatorio, del tipo antes y después, realizado con 86 aprendices de soldadura de una entidad privada. RESULTADOS: los resultados muestran diferencia significativa para la diferencia de los promedios pre y post-prueba y aumento del promedio post-prueba para el sistema cardiovascular, respiratorio y tegumentario. También, hubo correlación negativa de la edad de los aprendices de soldadura con la identificación de disturbios de salud. CONCLUSIÓN: la intervención socioambiental de enfermería proporcionó informaciones de salud sobre los disturbios de salud relacionados con la actividad de soldadura. Esas informaciones posibilitaron a los aprendices evaluar las informaciones y mediante estas, auto-referir disturbios de salud. .