International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health
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Int J Occup Med Environ Health · Oct 2020
Multicenter StudyOccupational risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection: the Polish experience.
The disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), termed COVID-19, is asymptomatic or mild in most cases. These patients do not need treatment in hospital and can be isolated at home. To date, most studies have been conducted among inpatients with severe COVID-19. In this study, the authors surveyed patients with mild COVID-19 who remained in home isolation, and analyzed the sources and occupational risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infections. ⋯ Most of the patients with COVID-19 in home isolation in Poland were occupationally active, wherein the majority of people who were aware of the source of SARS-CoV-2 infection worked in healthcare. As most of the infected patients worked in companies with >100 employees, which is not a Polish employment pattern, the authors expect that smaller companies may have a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(6):781-9.
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Int J Occup Med Environ Health · Oct 2020
Characteristics of a new respiratory syndrome associated with the use of a humidifier disinfectant: humidifier disinfectant-related respiratory syndrome (HDRS).
The purpose of this study was to characterize a new respiratory syndrome associated with exposure to a humidifier disinfectant (HD) in South Korea that is distinct from the well-known HD-related lung injury (HDLI). The authors identified this condition in 24 study subjects who were family members of patients with definite or probable HDLI (referred to as index cases), and were exposed to HD in the same room as the index cases. ⋯ The authors propose a new condition, i.e., HD-related respiratory syndrome (HDRS), which is characterized by mild to moderate or atypical respiratory symptoms and signs, and is related to HD exposure, but is distinct from HDLI. The recognition of HDRS may provide a basis for understanding the natural history of HD-related respiratory problems, and for capturing the whole spectrum of HD-related clinical manifestations in the respiratory tract. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(6):829-39.
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Int J Occup Med Environ Health · Oct 2020
An advanced stage of carpal tunnel syndrome - is night-time splinting still effective?
There is no consensus on whether conservative treatment with night splints is indicated also in moderate and severe stages of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of night-time splinting at different stages of CTS. ⋯ This study has shown that 12-week night-time splinting is beneficial not only for patients with mild CTS but also for those with advanced CTS, and those awaiting surgical treatment. Therefore, splinting is recommended for all patients with CTS. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(6):771-80.
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Int J Occup Med Environ Health · Jun 2019
Perceived barriers and motivators to smoking cessation among socially-disadvantaged populations in Poland.
This study aimed at assessment of the perceived barriers and motivators to smoking cessation among socially-disadvantaged populations in Poland. It is hypothesized that different factors can be considered depending on the level of smoking addiction. Therefore, a comparison between light and heavy smokers was performed. ⋯ Developing effective interventions targeted at unique deprived populations requires understanding the barriers and motivators to quitting smoking. Social support and financial issues, including free-of-charge pharmacotherapy and cessation clinics, as well as doctor's encouragement and support, are crucial for successful smoking cessation in this vulnerable population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):363-77.