eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2015-01-01
39
1
1
17
10.21608/ejom.2015.807
807
1 GENOTOXICITY BIOMARKERS AMONG FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSED SUBJECTS IN ANATOMY & EMBRYOLOGY DEPARTMENTS, FACULTY OF MEDICINE ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY
Sheta SS
1
Zalat MM
2
Alazizi NM
3
El-Sebaey A
4
Ibrahim OY
5
Abdul Rahman MM
6
Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Department of Clinical pathology
Department of Clinical pathology
Department of Histology
Department of Anatomy. Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
Introduction: A genotoxic effect of formaldehyde (FA), particularly micronucleus (MN) induction and chromosomal aberrations (CA) has been shown in several previous studies. Aim of work: The aim of the present study was (1): to assess formaldehyde air concentration in different areas of mortuary and museum of Anatomy& Embryology department of Zagazig Faculty of Medicine (2) to measure frequency of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the workers and staff members working in the Anatomy & Embryology department of Zagazig Faculty of Medicine as a measure of formaldehyde carcinogenicity. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was carried out in Anatomy & Embryology departments of Zagazig Faculty of Medicine, where 42 subjects (occupationally exposed to formaldehyde vapors) were participated in the study and similar number of unexposed subjects was included for comparison. Exposure assessment was performed by environmental monitoring for formaldehyde concentration in the air within the mortuary and museum using a specific apparatus. Evaluation of genotoxic effects was performed by application of micronucleus test and searching for chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the included subjects. Results: Time weighted average concentrations of FA (TWA8h) (measured in different spots within the mortuary and museum) exceeded the reference value (0.75 ppm according to OSHA Scientific Committee for Occupational Exposure Limits) with mean concentration of (4.7 ppm). The frequency of micronucleus in peripheral blood lymphocytes was detected in the exposed and control group (MN mean frequency =1.4 and 0.9 respectively). Chromosomal changes were detected to a lesser extent in the two groups (mean frequency of chromosomal changes in the two groups = 0.5 and 0.5 respectively). No significant variation was proven regarding these genotoxic parameters between the two comparative groups, and also between staff members, workers of the mortuary. Conclusion and Recommendations: The population studied in this work is exposed to high concentration of formaldehyde for variable durations, which can be a cause of genotoxicity on the long run so, although the insignificant genotoxic parameters in our research. We recommend further investigations with broader scope, sophisticated tests and larger sample size in future human studies.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_807_9b8e27e93d2d0026dbb1b46ca4c62bcf.pdf
Formaldehyde
Anatomy department
Air monitoring
genotoxicity
Micronuclei satisfaction
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2015-01-01
39
1
37
51
10.21608/ejom.2015.809
809
BRICK KILN INDUSTRY AND WORKERS’ CHRONIC RESPIRATORY HEALTH PROBLEMS IN MIT GHAMR DISTRICT, DAKAHLIA GOVERNORATE
Sheta S
1
El Laithy N
2
Department of Community, Environmental & Occupational Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
Department of Community, Environmental & Occupational Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
Introduction: Brick manufacturing industry is an old and important industry in Egypt. It involves three main steps: clay shaping with water (molding), drying with solar energy and firing with fuel (baking). Aim of work: To study the respiratory health problems among workers engaged in brick kiln industry. Materials and Methods: a comparative cross sectional study was conducted among 173 male brick kilns workers in Mit Ghamr District, Dakhlia Governorate. A control group of 170 seller men matched with the exposed brick kilns workers were included for comparison. After dust sampling in the brick kiln factories, the included persons were subjected to: 1-a modified pre-constructed questionnaire inquiring about: socio-demographic data, detailed occupational history, present history of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and relevant past and smoking history 2-pulmonary function test 3- Environmental assessment of the working place. Results: measured mean dust concentration from 10 factories was 31.2 mg/m3 exceeding the permitted level in the Egyptian work law 2003 (10mg/m3). This study showed that brick kilns workers had significant higher frequency of chronic respiratory problems compared to their control group and the most common chronic respiratory symptoms among them were chronic cough followed by dyspnea, chest wheeze chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Moreover, 39.91% of brick kilns workers were complaining of more than one respiratory symptom compared to 11.70% among their control group. A significant increase of chronic respiratory problems in brick kilns workers ≥10 years work duration was detected compared to the workers 5-10 years. All ventilatory lung function measurements of brick kilns workers were significantly lower than that of their control group. Regarding the smoking habits, this study showed that there was a significant higher prevalence of chronic respiratory health problems among smoking workers (60.91%). Conclusion and Recommendations: A significant high prevalence of respiratory problems was found among brick kiln workers especially the bakers, smokers, and those >10 years work duration. For safe work environment, we recommend for developing the brick kilns sector under supervision of Ministry of Industry and Environment, recent technology transfer, substitution by natural gas and enforcement for using personal protective equipments.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_809_9e897297499dd87a0e17a0a9a3edfa42.pdf
Keywords: Brick kiln-Respiratory problems- Smoking-Respiratory functions tests-Duration of work
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2015-01-01
39
1
53
65
10.21608/ejom.2015.810
810
ISOKINETIC ASSESSMENT OF HIP ROTATORS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC MECHANICAL LOW BACK PAIN
Mohammed MD
1
Rashade GM
2
Balbaa AA
3
Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University
Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University
Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University
Introduction: Chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP) is the most common complaint of the working-age population. In addition to human suffering, it causes a substantial economic burden due to the wide use of medical services and absence from work. Imbalance between hip internal and external rotators muscles may be a contributing factor for low back pain. Aim of Work: To assess the relationship between hip internal and external rotators strength in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Materials and Methods: Patients with CLBP was referred to outpatient clinic, faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University. Sixty patients (53 male and 7 females) suffering from CLBP their age ranged from 20-30 years with mean of age (23.76±2.39) years. We assess hip rotators (internal and external) strength by using isokinetic dynamometer concentric contraction protocol. We select two speeds to assess muscle strength (60˚ ∕ sec as low speed and 180˚ ∕ sec as high speed). Peak torque is the reading we select to resemble muscle strength. Results: in both sides paired –t test revealed that there is significant different between hip internal rotators peak torque and peak torque of hip external rotators in low speed concentric torque , also at high speed concentric torque(p<0.05) . Conclusion: in patient with CLBP there is imbalance between hip rotators, hip internal rotators muscles is stronger than external rotators muscles.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_810_e881778e21dde8d77789ea29ac312533.pdf
Keywords: Low back pain-Hip mobility-Hip muscle strength- Hip rotation
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2015-01-01
39
1
19
36
10.21608/ejom.2015.811
811
DIABETES AND EMPLOYMENT
El Tayeb I
1
Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
Abstract: Everyone should have an equal opportunity to apply for employment and individuals should betreated on their own merits. In 1984, the American Diabetes Association adopted the following position on employment: Any person with diabetes, whether insulin [treated] or non–insulin [treated], should be eligible for any employment for which he/she is otherwise qualified. Employment decisions should notbe based on generalizations or stereotypes regarding the effects of diabetes. The impact of diabetes and its management varies widely among individuals. Therefore, a proper assessment of individual candidates for employment or current employees must consider this variability. Application of blanket policies to individuals with diabetes results in people with diabetes being excluded from certain employment for which they are well qualified and fully capable of performing effectively and safely. Individuals with diabetes may need accommodations on the job in order to perform their work responsibilities effectively and safely; these include accommodating daily diabetes needs and, when present, the complications of diabetes.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_811_b50fbf83d60b683408e686b303ae4725.pdf
Employment- Diabetes mellitus- Insulin
Noninsulin dependant- Safe work- Hyperglycaemia- Hypoglycaemia
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2015-01-01
39
1
67
83
10.21608/ejom.2015.812
812
NEOPTERIN VERSUS OXIDATIVE STRESS INDICATORS AMONG EGYPTIAN WORKERS IN MARBLE INDUSTRY
Gaballah MF
1
Manawil M
2
El-Sherif GH
3
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Introduction: Neopterin concentrations in body fluids can be regarded as an indirect estimate of the degree of oxidative stress emerging during cell-mediated immune response thus elevated levels were observed in silicotic individuals. Aim of work: to study the neopterin levels among workers exposed to marble dust, and to assess the use of neopterin versus oxidative stress indicators as a screening tool for silica exposure and/or effect. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 48 workers. They were divided into 24 workers exposed to marble dust compared to 24 non-exposed subjects as a control group. The studied group was subjected to a questionnaire, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including neopterin levels in urine and oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde MDA, and total sulfhydryl group SH) in urine. Environmental measurements of air in the workplaces were done. Results: Comparison of neopterin levels between the studied groups revealed an elevated mean level among exposed group with a highly significant statistical difference at p-value < 0.001. As regards MDA, an elevated mean level in the exposed group with a highly statistically significant difference was found, while SH showed a decreased mean level in the exposed group in relation to the control with a non-significant statistical difference. Comparison in-between the biological parameters in urine, among exposed group, revealed a positive correlation of neopterin versus MDA levels, as well as a negative correlation of SH levels versus both neopterin and MDA levels. All correlations proved to be statistically non- significant. Conclusion: Neopterin levels in urine increase significantly in workers exposed to marble dust suggesting its use as a simple non-invasive quantitative biological indicator for exposure and effect.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_812_3eb0559af794cf5d02db1b25050dfcbe.pdf
Marble industry
Neopterin
Oxidative Stress
silica
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2015-01-01
39
1
85
104
10.21608/ejom.2015.813
813
HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUS INFECTION AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN GENERAL SURGERY DEPARTMENT, ASSIUT UNIVERS ITY HOSPITALS
Zayet HH
1
Ezz El-Din AM
2
Ahmed SM
3
El-Khayat MR
4
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Cairo University
Departments of Clinical Pathology
Public Health and Community Medicine, Assiut University
Public Health and Community Medicine, Assiut University
Introduction: Approximately 30% of the world’s population has serologic evidence of current or past HBV infection. Middle East has an intermediate level of HBV endemicity (2- 7%).It is estimated that 3% of the global population have chronic HCV infection. The prevalence of Anti-HCV in Egypt was 14 % in 2010. More than 30 dangerous blood-borne pathogens are transmitted by contaminated needles, but those of primary significance to healthcare workers (HCWs) are hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. Needle stick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) have been recognized as one of the most serious occupational hazards among HCWs. Aim of Work: To study the frequency and risk factors of hepatitis B & C virus infection among health care workers in general surgery department, Assiut University Hospitals. Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional study was carried out among HCWs in general surgery department, Assiut University Hospitals. This study included 215 HCWs, of them 21 refused to be subjected to serological examination. The instrument used was a structured interview questionnaire. Blood samples were taken from HCWs to screen for Anti-HCV, HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs. Results: 5.2% of HCWs were Anti HCV positive, 3.1% were HBs Ag positive, 28.9% were Anti HBc positive, 55.7% were Anti HBs positive and 32.5% of HCWs were negative. Hepatitis virus infection was statistically significant among older age group, nurses and technicians and with long working duration. Conclusion and Recommendations: to improve hepatitis B vaccination coverage among HCWs, avoid needle stick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) and to improve the reporting system.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_813_611e92c15d2a20741212a6342d7d7f6f.pdf
viral hepatitis
Health Care Workers
General Surgery
anti-HCV
HBsAg
anti-HBc and anti-HBs
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2015-01-01
39
1
105
118
10.21608/ejom.2015.814
814
IRON AND ZINC STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH SHORT STATURE
El Okda E
1
Abdel-Hamid MA
2
Gadalla F
3
Sabry I
4
Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in infancy and childhood where there is rapid growth and a concomitant high nutritional demand, particularly in developing countries. Other vulnerable periods are adolescence and pregnancy. Among micronutrients, iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world and is the major cause of anemia. Aim of work: The aim of this work was to study iron and zinc status among 12-16 years children with short stature for age. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted including forty12-16 years children (20 cases and 20 controls). Cases were children with short stature for age, attending the outpatient clinic of endocrinology department at Ain Shams University Hospitals (20 children). Controls were matched group selected from normal height-for-age children attending the outpatient clinic for another cause according to the inclusion criteria. All children were subjected to full laboratory assessment of serum iron and zinc in addition to complete blood picture and stool analysis. Socio-demographic, family and developmental histories were taken in addition to physical examination including height, weight, and secondary sexual characteristics. Results: The mean serum iron, serum ferritin and serum zinc level were significantly lower among cases than controls (61.5±3.65, 24.5±2.36 and 54.3±5.65 versus 66.8±4.32, 32.5±5.32 and 70.6±6.22 respectively). Regarding Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC); the mean values were 325.6±109.58 among cases compared to 198.6±56.8 among controls with statistically significant difference between them (p<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between serum iron level, serum ferritin and serum zinc level versus hemoglobin concentration and WBCs count. However, there was a significant negative correlation between iron binding capacity of stunted children and their hemoglobin concentration and WBCs count. There was no statistically significant correlations between them and weight or height of stunted children. Males had higher hemoglobin concentration, RBCs count and serum iron level compared to females (11.5±1.4, 3.8±0.9 and 65±3 compared to 10±1.2, 3.2±0.7, 60.5±4 respectively). Conclusion: Serum iron and serum zinc levels significantly decreased in children with short stature compared to normal children and their levels had positive linear correlation with hemoglobin concentration and WBCs count.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_814_d729c696f54d4850192340f70e53f732.pdf
Short stature
Stunted Children
serum iron
Serum Zinc
hemoglobin concentration
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)