SBS was highly prevalent among office workers and was influenced by physical and psychosocial working conditions. Good ventilation, reducing room temperature, effective cleaning routines, providing proper lighting, restricting smoking in the workplace, and improving psychosocial working conditions are important ways to reduce SBS symptoms.

Objectives: The aim of this work has been to find out the occupational oxidative stress, immunological and genotoxic health hazards among α-cypermethrin (CYP) pesticide-exposed workers. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including 200 workers divided into 3 groups according to the level of exposure: highly exposed group (50 workers), moderately exposed group (50 workers) and unexposed group (100 workers). All workers were subjected to detailed laboratory investigation for gene P53 mutations, immunological parameters as a cluster of differentiation into 3 percentage (CD3%), CD4% and CD8% in addition to peripheral blood total leukocytic and platelet counts that were measured. Spectrophotometer technique was used for detection of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Air samples were collected with a High Volume Small Surface Sampler for measurement of α-cypermethrin level. Results: A highly exposed group to the α-cypermethrin had lower CD4/CD8 as compared to an unexposed group with statistically significant difference. As regards gene mutation, exons 5a and 6 were more frequent among the highly exposed group as compared to no mutation among moderately exposed and unexposed groups with significant difference. As regards antioxidants; SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx were higher among the unexposed group as compared to the highly and moderately exposed group with statistically significant difference. Significant negative correlation was found between working years and antioxidant parameters. Conclusions: Repeated exposure to α-CYP may lead to gene mutations, immunological disturbances and oxidative stress. Strict safety precautions are required not only for workers but also for public users. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(4):603-615

PVCs elimination by RF ablation results in significant improvement even restoration of LV function regardless of PVC origin, or the presence of concomitant SHD. PVCs burden before and after ablation are the main predictors of LVEF recovery.

CRT induces LA anatomic, electrical, and structural reverse remodeling that could be assessed by conventional 2D echocardiography and 2D (ɛ) strain imaging. LA dimension and volumes were independent predictors of response to CRT and can help in selection of candidates for it.

Background Kitchen work is associated with exposure to heavy workload which has been linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and many other occupational hazards. This study aimed to measure the frequency of WRMSDs related to working in kitchens of two major Egyptian students’ hostels, to determine the associated risk factors, and determine the distribution of musculoskeletal problems in various joints in different job categories. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 128 kitchen workers of two major students’ hostels in Cairo, Egypt. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect information on personal and occupational data and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months based on the valid Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ). Results The study revealed that the majority of kitchen workers (90.6%) at the students’ hostel reported WRMSDs within the past 12 months. The lower back (64.8%), knee (46.9%), foot (46.1%), neck (29.7%), and shoulders (23.4%) were the most affected sites. Age, educational status, job category, job duration, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with WRMSDs among kitchen workers. Conclusion kitchen workers are at a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the poor work environment, the massive workload, and great time pressure to perform their duties. Interventions such as hiring more workers of younger age, providing rest breaks, and health education about occupational hazards to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems should be reinforced.

BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Nearly 30% of candidates are inadequate responders. The benefit of patients with right sided heart failure from CRT is still a matter of debate. We examined the effect of CRT on right ventricular (RV) dimensions and overall systolic function and whether RV function prior to CRT could have an impact on CRT response.Methods94 patients with a mean age of 53.7 ± 14.6 years including 19 (20%) females, with advanced HF (EF < 35%, LBBB > 120 ms, or non-LBBB > 150 ms, with NYHA –III or ambulatory class IV) were enrolled and underwent CRT implantation. Standard two dimensional (2D) echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, for assessment of Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (LVEDV), and end-systolic volumes (LVESV), ejection fraction, RV maximum basal (RVD basal), maximum mid (RVD mid) transverse, maximum longitudinal (RVD long) diameters, TAPSE, fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S′), in addition to RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) measured by speckle tracking echocardiography, were done before CRT implantation and at the end of the follow up period (5.9 ± 1.2 months). Patients presenting with reductions of LVESV of >15% were termed volumetric responders for further statistical analysis.Results63 (67%) cases were volumetric responders. Both groups were matched regarding demographic, clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic criteria apart from the RV significantly smaller transverse diameters and significantly better systolic function parameters in the responders group prior to CRT compared to non-responders (NR) group. At the end of the follow up, only the responders group had further significant reduction in RV basal, mid and longitudinal diameters (33.6 ± 7.1 vs 40.7 ± 8.6, 21.4 ± 4.9 vs 27 ± 6.1, 68.3 ± 10.8 vs 81.2 ± 15, respectively), p < 0.01, together with significant improvement in RV systolic performance: FAC (47.7 ± 7.3 vs 40.9 ± 6.4), TAPSE (25.2 ± 4.6 vs 22.1 ± 4.9), S′ (15.3 ± 2.3 vs 12.8 ± 2.3), and GLS (26.1 ± 2.1 vs 18.5 ± 1.6), P < 0.01, compared to baseline readings. S' and GLS were the only independent predictors of CRT response by multivariate analysis. S′ >9 cm/s, and GLS >12.45% had 100% sensitivity and 70%, 99.7% specificity, respectively for prediction of response to CRT.ConclusionsCRT induces RV reverse remodeling and improves RV systolic function particularly in cardiac volumetric responders. RV systolic dysfunction before CRT implantation could identify patients that might not benefit from CRT thus helping proper patient selection and optimizing CRT response.

Background: Acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common toxicity emergency that leads in many occasions to morbidity and mortality. Acute myocardial injury is commonly observed among acute carbon monoxide poisoned patients and cardiac toxicity is found to be the cause of mortality in the majority of cases. Some studies recorded normal values of cardiac troponins in cases of acute CO poisoning with cardiac affection. Hence it is important to search for novel and sensitive biomarkers to diagnose cardiac ischemia in these cases. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac hormone which is produced mainly in the ventricular myocardium in response to myocardial hypoxia. Aim: The present study aims to investigate the value of BNP measurement in detection of cardiac toxicity in acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Methods: The present study was conducted on 42 patients with acute CO poisoning admitted to the Poison Control Centre of Ain Shams University hospitals (PCC-ASUH). Routine laboratory tests and ECG were done on admission in addition to determination of the level of BNP and determination of troponin I. Results: Analysis of the results showed that there is an increase in the levels of BNP in patients suffering from acute CO poisoning with high levels seen in those with ischemic changes recorded by ECG. Conclusions: The present study concluded that plasma BNP levels could be used as a specific reliable biomarker of cardiac toxicity in patients with acute CO poisoning.

The direct effects of oltipraz (OPZ) on mouse hepatocytes and Schistosoma mansoni worms are studied in vitro at a concentration range of 5-25 micromol/L following one- and three-hour incubations. Oxidative stress is reflected by increases in malondialdehyde (MDA), representing the end products of lipid peroxidation, and depletion of glutathione (GSH), representing protective thiol groups. Activities of glutathione peroxidase isoenzymes, GST and GR as components of antioxidative defence are also determined. The opposite effects of low concentrations of OPZ on mammalian hepatocytes and S. mansoni worms were confirmed. In incubation with S. mansoni, addition of OPZ resulted in significantly increased production of MDA, together with depletion of GSH, both of which were time- and OPZ concentration-dependent. In incubation with mouse hepatocytes, however, there was little change in MDA concentrations, and a gradual increase in GSH levels, both of which were time- and concentration-dependent. Addition of OPZ to the incubation media also affected the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Although total GPx activity increased in both mammalian hepatocyte and S. mansoni experiments, the opposite was noted with the selenium-dependent isoenzyme. While there was a gradual increase in sGPx in hepatocytes, there was a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition in the worm isoenzyme. Contrasting results were also obtained with GR. While increased activity was obtained with the enzyme from mouse hepatocytes, the worm enzyme was inhibited, especially at the upper end of the OPZ concentration range and also following longer periods of incubation. The increase in GST activity followed the same qualitative pattern in both hepatocytes and schistosomes. Therefore, OPZ given in doses that maintain a serum concentration in the range 5-25 micromol/L induces biochemical changes in mouse hepatocytes that could be utilised for chemo-preventive purposes and prevention of oxidative damage. However, progressive oxidative damage to S. mansoni worms occurred despite some protective biochemical changes.