- Pesticide poisonings in 2004−2014 in Łódź, Poland − an analysis of selected clinical and sociodemographic parameters
Acute pesticide poisonings constitute an important toxicological problem in numerous countries. This report refers to patients treated for poisonings at the Toxicology Unit, Łódź, Poland, in the period 2004−2014. Acute pesticide poisonings constitute an important toxicological problem in numerous countries. This report refers to patients treated for poisonings at the Toxicology Unit, Łódź, Poland, in the period 2004−2014.
- Calibration of thermoluminescent detectors in Hp(0.07) units by using an X-ray tube and a Cs source
The method of measuring doses based on the thermoluminescence phenomenon is not an absolute method. For this reason, to obtain correct results, it is necessary to calibrate detectors in the known radiation field. This paper presents a method for calibrating thermoluminescent detectors used in the measurement of personal dose equivalents (Hp(0.07)) obtained by nuclear medicine facility personnel when handling the 99mTc radionuclide.
- Changes in selected physiological indicators and assessment of thermal stress under the influence of bathing in a dry and wet sauna in young healthy women
Baths in a dry sauna and steam room also cause various body reactions due to the varying degrees of heat load. The high humidity in the wet sauna makes it difficult to evaporate sweat from the skin. In addition, the dynamics of sweating are different for men and women. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in physiological indicators and to compare the impact of dry and wet saunas on the feeling of thermal comfort assessed on the Bedford thermal scale, as well as to examine the size of the physiological strain index (PSI) and the cumulative heat stress index (CHSI) in young healthy women. The thermal exposure in a wet sauna is a greater burden on the body of young women than the same treatment in a dry sauna, and the changes in the examined features are greater than those observed in men exposed to similar thermal loads.
- Mutual relationships between burnout, emotional work and commitment to health care professionals
Emotional labor (EL) is a competence balancing work engagement (WE) and authenticity in the relationship with the patient with limitations of human psychophysical resources. The main goal of the study was to learn about the relationships between EL, EC level and the severity of occupational burnout syndrome (OBS) in a group of Polish nurses. The article presents the results of research aimed at checking the way in which hiding feelings (HF) and deep processing of emotions in contact with the patient moderate the relationship between the EC and the OBS level. Work engagement is a separate construct that is negatively related to OBS. A high level of identification and commitment to work can protect people who often hide their emotions in the workplace from the risk of early burn-in. Emotional work can lead to various negative consequences, and at the same time be a personal resource of a medical worker.
- Occurrence of asbestos-related diseases in former employees of asbestos processing plants in Poland
Despite the fact that asbestos is no longer used in production in Poland, there are still new cases of asbestos-related diseases among employees who have been exposed to asbestos dust in the past. This situation is related to the specificity of the biological action of this mineral: the health consequences of exposure to asbestos can be revealed not only during the exposure, but also many years after it. The aim of the analysis was to assess the incidence of diseases recognized as occupational in people exposed to asbestos dust, who volunteered for medical examinations as part of the nationwide Amiantus program. The increase in the percentage of people with a recognized occupational disease indicates the deteriorating health condition of the employees covered by the research, as well as good detection of asbestos-related diseases as part of the care of employees who have been exposed to asbestos dust in the past. The results of the analysis indicate the need to discuss in Poland the implementation of international criteria for the diagnosis of asbestosis.
- Paracetamol poisoning treated at the Pomeranian Toxicology Center in the years 2010–2015
Paracetamol is a widely available painkiller and antipyretic. Although it is advertised as safe, in developed countries it is the cause of> 50% of drug-induced liver damage and the most common cause of acute organ failure. Until 2000, the incidence of paracetamol poisoning in Poland was relatively low. However, a clear upward trend has been observed in recent years. The aim of the study was to analyze demographic data of paracetamol poisoned patients treated at the Pomeranian Toxicology Center (PCT) in the years 2010–2015. In the years 2010–2015, a steady increase in the number of people treated at the Pomeranian Toxicology Center due to paracetamol poisoning was observed. In the group of patients <18 years of age the incidence of poisoning was higher than among adults. In both age groups, the percentage of paracetamol poisoning was higher among women.
- The role of the hospital environment and the hands of medical staff in the spread of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infections
The article attempts to determine the role of the hospital environment in the spread of Clostridioides / Clostridium (C.) difficile infections based on a review of research results published in the medical literature and own experience. Clostridium difficile has recently attracted more and more attention, not only as an etiological factor of pseudomembranous colitis and antibiotic diarrhea, but also because of its long-term survival in a hospital environment as a cause of healthcare-associated infections. This is due to C. difficile producing spores - spores whose control options are quite limited. C. difficile spores are not only present on bedding and other items belonging to infected patients. They are also on medical equipment and the hands of the staff, which are a source of infection for both other patients and some of the staff. The introduction of appropriate hygiene / hand washing procedures as well as cleaning and disinfection of hospital surfaces allows the reduction of the number of spores and / or their eradication. These procedures should be meticulously followed to reduce the occurrence of spores in the hospital environment and to prevent the further spread of C. difficile infection (CDI). Monitoring the presence of C. difficile spores in a hospital environment using appropriate media (C diff Banana BrothTM) provides additional opportunities for growing C. difficile strains and determining ribotypes, especially hyperepidemic, which is extremely important from an epidemiological point of view.
- Estimating consumer exposure to chemical agents on the example of the ConsExpo model
Not only employees of plants in the broadly understood industry are exposed to chemical substances, but also consumers using finished products. Therefore, in addition to assessing employee exposure, it is equally important to estimate consumer exposure: for this amount of exposure is needed, which in most cases at home consumers cannot be measured. The ConsExpo Web application (called ConsExpo in the article for ease) is designed to facilitate the estimation of exposure to substances contained in consumer products. It is available free of charge in English at www.consexpoweb.nl. The ConsExpo tool, developed by the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands), contains a set of models to help assess exposure to substances in consumer products. These are mathematical models describing inhalation, dermal and oral exposure. ConsExpo enables - for these routes of exposure - the use of models of increasing complexity: from the first order to the more detailed, which are described in this work. The application also contains a database of products for which exposure scenarios have been defined, which has a set of default values used as input parameters for models. The aim of the work was to review the literature on ConsExpo and to introduce the application to the Polish user by describing the models it contains and providing examples of estimates. The review was based on the bases of scientific journals. ConsExpo is a widely known tool, and one of its applications is to assess exposure to consumer products in comparative studies and in developing new models for estimating exposure. For less advanced users, it can be successfully used for lower-level analyzes and in conjunction with ConsExpo databases. The most beneficial for Polish users would be the creation of the Polish version of the ConsExpo application or instructions for use in Polish.
- Phototoxic reaction after exposure to solar radiation in a patient treated with the PUVA method for psoriasis
The phototoxic reaction may be caused by exposure to solar radiation during photochemotherapy. The patient was admitted to the Dermatology and Venereology Clinic in Łódź as a matter of urgency due to extensive erythematous bladder lesions on the skin of the lower limbs, which were accompanied by pain, itching and burning of the skin. In the interview, psoriatic changes during PUVA therapy, hypertension and nicotinism were indicated. The physical examination revealed extensive serous-filled blisters, confluent erythematous lesions localized on the lateral surfaces of the thighs and back of the feet, and severe swelling of the lower leg and back. On the upper and lower limbs and on the abdomen present shields covered with a small amount of scales. Intensely tanned skin of the whole body. Acute phototoxic reaction was diagnosed and corticosteroid preparations, antihistamines, antibiotic, antihypertensives and topical treatment were used. Due to emerging new bladder-type changes, immunological tests were also performed in the first days of hospitalization, whose negative results excluded the diagnosis of pemphigoid and pemphigus. As a result of the applied general and local treatment, gradual clinical improvement was obtained. Due to the risk of acute phototoxic reaction during phototherapy, patient education is necessary, primarily regarding the need to avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the use of photoprotection on the day of taking oral preparations that sensitize to UV radiation.
Medycyna Pracy (Occupational Medicine) - full list