Journal of occupational health
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To investigate the relationships between the self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, upper back and low back and certain individual, work-related physical and psychosocial factors. ⋯ Some biopsychosocial factors were associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine among office workers. Further research should focus on these factors in order to develop specific strategies to reduce the occurrence of such symptoms in the office environment.
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Recent case reports and epidemiological studies suggest that inhalation of indium dust induces lung damage. ⋯ Dose-dependent lung effects due to indium exposure were shown, and a decrease of indium exposure reduced the lung effects. An In-S value of 3 ng/ml may be a cut-off value which could be used to prevent early effects on the lungs.
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The impact of long term exposure to cholinesterase (ChE)-inhibiting organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (C) pesticides on the respiratory health of agricultural workers in India was investigated. ⋯ Long-term exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting agricultural pesticides currently in use in India is associated with a reduction in lung function, COPD and a rise in respiratory symptoms.
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The currently used predictive equations of lung function in North China were derived from early study and have not been updated for nearly two decades. ⋯ These newly developed predictive equations should ideally be applied to calculate lung function for adult individuals and populations as reference values in North China.
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In the present study, we modified a night shift system for an ambulance service so that ambulance paramedics were assured of taking a nap, and examined the effects of this new system on the fatigue and physiological function of ambulance paramedics. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that the modified night shift which ensured time for ambulance paramedics to take long, restful power naps alleviated subjective fatigue, and improved physiological functions which are often adversely affected by night workload.