http://www.occup-med.com The most accessed research articles published by Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2012-01-22T00:00:00Z Nanoparticles hold tremendous potential as an effective drug delivery system. In this review we discussed recent developments in nanotechnology for drug delivery. To overcome the problems of gene and drug delivery, nanotechnology has gained interest in recent years. Nanosystems with different compositions and biological properties have been extensively investigated for drug and gene delivery applications. To achieve efficient drug delivery it is important to understand the interactions of nanomaterials with the biological environment, targeting cell-surface receptors, drug release, multiple drug administration, stability of therapeutic agents and molecular mechanisms of cell signalling involved in pathobiology of the disease under consideration. Several anti-cancer drugs including paclitaxel, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil and dexamethasone have been successfully formulated using nanomaterials. Quantom dots, chitosan, Polylactic/glycolic acid (PLGA) and PLGA-based nanoparticles have also been used for in vitro RNAi delivery. Brain cancer is one of the most difficult malignancies to detect and treat mainly because of the difficulty in getting imaging and therapeutic agents past the blood-brain barrier and into the brain. Anti-cancer drugs such as loperamide and doxorubicin bound to nanomaterials have been shown to cross the intact blood-brain barrier and released at therapeutic concentrations in the brain. The use of nanomaterials including peptide-based nanotubes to target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor and cell adhesion molecules like integrins, cadherins and selectins, is a new approach to control disease progression. http://www.occup-med.com/content/2/1/16 Sarabjeet Suri Hicham Fenniri Baljit Singh Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2007, null:16 2007-12-01T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-2-16 /content/figures/1745-6673-2-16-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 16 2007-12-01T00:00:00Z XML It was claimed by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR)) in a report to the EU-Commission that "....no risks of adverse systemic effects exist and the current use of dental amalgam does not pose a risk of systemic disease..." [1, available from: http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_scenihr/docs/scenihr_o_016.pdf].SCENIHR disregarded the toxicology of mercury and did not include most important scientific studies in their review. But the real scientific data show that:(a) Dental amalgam is by far the main source of human total mercury body burden. This is proven by autopsy studies which found 2-12 times more mercury in body tissues of individuals with dental amalgam. Autopsy studies are the most valuable and most important studies for examining the amalgam-caused mercury body burden.(b) These autopsy studies have shown consistently that many individuals with amalgam have toxic levels of mercury in their brains or kidneys.(c) There is no correlation between mercury levels in blood or urine, and the levels in body tissues or the severity of clinical symptoms. SCENIHR only relied on levels in urine or blood.(d) The half-life of mercury in the brain can last from several years to decades, thus mercury accumulates over time of amalgam exposure in body tissues to toxic levels. However, SCENIHR state that the half-life of mercury in the body is only "20-90 days".(e) Mercury vapor is about ten times more toxic than lead on human neurons and with synergistic toxicity to other metals.(f) Most studies cited by SCENIHR which conclude that amalgam fillings are safe have severe methodical flaws. http://www.occup-med.com/content/6/1/2 Joachim Mutter Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2011, null:2 2011-01-13T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-6-2 /content/figures/1745-6673-6-2-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 2 2011-01-13T00:00:00Z XML Background: A major cause of the hearing loss following exposure to intense noise involves release of free radicals resulting from the elevated metabolism. The free radicals induce damage to several of the components of the cochlear amplifier including the outer hair cells and indirectly to the transduction currents. Salicylic acid induces a reversible hearing loss since it binds to the motor protein prestin in the outer hair cells, reducing electromotility. Furosemide also induces a reversible hearing loss since it reduces the endocochlear potential which is a major component of the cochlear transduction currents. On the other hand, each of these drugs also provides protection from a noise induced hearing loss if they are injected just before a noise exposure, probably as a result of the decreased metabolism induced in their presence, with release of lower levels of free radicals. In this study, both drugs were administered in order to assess whether their protective effects would be additive. Methods: The study was conducted on normal hearing albino mice of the Sabra strain. They were injected with either salicylic acid alone (N=11), or furosemide alone (N=14), or both together (N=14), or with saline control (N=11) and exposed to broad band noise for 3.5 hours. An additional group of 9 mice was injected with both salicylic acid and furosemide, but not exposed to noise. The degree of the resulting hearing loss was assessed by recording thresholds of the auditory nerve brainstem evoked responses to broad band clicks before the injections and noise, and 7, 14 and 21 days after. Results: The noise induced hearing loss in the mice injected with salicylic acid alone or furosemide alone was smaller than those injected with saline, i.e. these drugs provided protection, as in previous studies in this laboratory. There was no threshold elevation after two weeks in the mice injected with both drugs without noise exposure, i.e. the effects of the two drugs given together was reversible. On the other hand, there was a significant hearing loss (i.e. threshold elevation) in the group which received both drugs and was also exposed to noise, with mean threshold elevations of 38.8 +/- 19.0 dB and 28.3 +/- 11.7 dB 7 days after noise exposure. Conclusions: This result is very surprising, if not paradoxical. Drugs which provide protection from a noise induced hearing loss when administered alone, not only do not provide protection when given together, but also induce a greater hearing loss when accompanied by noise. This observation may be related to the finding that the depression of the endocochlear potential normally caused by furosemide is reduced in the presence of salicylic acid, so that the protection usually provided by furosemide is not present when it is administered together with salicylic acid. Thus it seems that each drug may interfere with the protective action of the other when coupled with noise. http://www.occup-med.com/content/7/1/1 Marrigje de Jong Cahtia Adelman Melissa Rubin Haim Sohmer Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2012, null:1 2012-01-22T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-7-1 /content/figures/1745-6673-7-1-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 1 2012-01-22T00:00:00Z PDF ObjectiveMany work in injury prone awkward positions that require adequate flexibility and strength in trunk stabilizer muscle groups. Performance on a functional movement screen (FMS) that assessed those factors was conducted and an intervention was designed. Methods: A battery of FMS tests were performed on 433 firefighters. We analyzed the correlation between FMS performance and injuries and other selected parameters. An intervention to improve flexibility and strength in trunk stabilizer or core muscle groups through a training program was evaluated. Results: The intervention reduced lost time due to injuries by 62% and the number of injuries by 42% over a twelve month period as compared to a historical control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that core strength and functional movement enhancement programs to prevent injuries in workers whose work involves awkward positions is warranted. http://www.occup-med.com/content/2/1/3 W Peate Gerry Bates Karen Lunda Smitha Francis Kristen Bellamy Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2007, null:3 2007-04-11T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-2-3 /content/figures/1745-6673-2-3-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 3 2007-04-11T00:00:00Z XML Ethanol is widely used in all kinds of products with direct exposure to the human skin (e.g. medicinal products like hand disinfectants in occupational settings, cosmetics like hairsprays or mouthwashes, pharmaceutical preparations, and many household products). Contradictory evidence about the safety of such topical applications of the alcohol can be found in the scientific literature, yet an up-to-date risk assessment of ethanol application on the skin and inside the oral cavity is currently lacking.The first and foremost concerns of topical ethanol applications for public health are its carcinogenic effects, as there is unambiguous evidence for the carcinogenicity of ethanol orally consumed in the form of alcoholic beverages. So far there is a lack of evidence to associate topical ethanol use with an increased risk of skin cancer. Limited and conflicting epidemiological evidence is available on the link between the use of ethanol in the oral cavity in the form of mouthwashes or mouthrinses and oral cancer. Some studies pointed to an increased risk of oral cancer due to locally produced acetaldehyde, operating via a similar mechanism to that found after alcoholic beverage ingestion.In addition, topically applied ethanol acts as a skin penetration enhancer and may facilitate the transdermal absorption of xenobiotics (e.g. carcinogenic contaminants in cosmetic formulations). Ethanol use is associated with skin irritation or contact dermatitis, especially in humans with an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) deficiency.After regular application of ethanol on the skin (e.g. in the form of hand disinfectants) relatively low but measurable blood concentrations of ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde may occur, which are, however, below acute toxic levels. Only in children, especially through lacerated skin, can percutaneous toxicity occur.As there might be industry bias in many studies about the safety of topical ethanol applications, as well as a general lack of scientific research on the long-term effects, there is a requirement for independent studies on this topic. The research focus should be set on the chronic toxic effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde at the point of impact, with special regard to children and individuals with genetic deficiencies in ethanol metabolism. http://www.occup-med.com/content/3/1/26 Dirk Lachenmeier Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2008, null:26 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-3-26 /content/figures/1745-6673-3-26-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 26 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z XML Nanotechnology presents the possibility of revolutionizing many aspects of our lives. People in many settings (academic, small and large industrial, and the general public in industrialized nations) are either developing or using engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) or ENM-containing products. However, our understanding of the occupational, health and safety aspects of ENMs is still in its formative stage. A survey of the literature indicates the available information is incomplete, many of the early findings have not been independently verified, and some may have been over-interpreted. This review describes ENMs briefly, their application, the ENM workforce, the major routes of human exposure, some examples of uptake and adverse effects, what little has been reported on occupational exposure assessment, and approaches to minimize exposure and health hazards. These latter approaches include engineering controls such as fume hoods and personal protective equipment. Results showing the effectiveness - or lack thereof - of some of these controls are also included. This review is presented in the context of the Risk Assessment/Risk Management framework, as a paradigm to systematically work through issues regarding human health hazards of ENMs. Examples are discussed of current knowledge of nanoscale materials for each component of the Risk Assessment/Risk Management framework. Given the notable lack of information, current recommendations to minimize exposure and hazards are largely based on common sense, knowledge by analogy to ultrafine material toxicity, and general health and safety recommendations. This review may serve as an overview for health and safety personnel, management, and ENM workers to establish and maintain a safe work environment. Small start-up companies and research institutions with limited personnel or expertise in nanotechnology health and safety issues may find this review particularly useful. http://www.occup-med.com/content/6/1/7 Robert Yokel Robert MacPhail Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2011, null:7 2011-03-21T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-6-7 /content/figures/1745-6673-6-7-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 7 2011-03-21T00:00:00Z XML Cadmium (Cd) has been in industrial use for a long period of time. Its serious toxicity moved into scientific focus during the middle of the last century. In this review, we discuss historic and recent developments of toxicological and epidemiological questions, including exposition sources, resorption pathways and organ damage processes. http://www.occup-med.com/content/1/1/22 Johannes Godt Christian Grosse-Siestrup Franziska Scheidig Vera Esche Paul Brandenburg Andrea Reich David Groneberg Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2006, null:22 2006-09-10T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-1-22 /content/figures/1745-6673-1-22-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 22 2006-09-10T00:00:00Z XML Psychotrauma occurs as a result to a traumatic event, which may involve witnessing someone's actual death or personally experiencing serious physical injury, assault, rape and sexual abuse, being held as a hostage, or a threat to physical or psychological integrity. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder and was defined in the past as railway spine, traumatic war neurosis, stress syndrome, shell shock, battle fatigue, combat fatigue, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS). If untreated, post-traumatic stress disorder can impair relationships of those affected and strain their families and society. Deployed soldiers are especially at a high risk to be affected by PTSD but often receive inadequate treatment. Reviews to date have focused only on a single type of treatment or groups of soldiers from only one country. The aim of the current review was to evaluate characteristics of therapeutic methods used internationally to treat male soldiers' PTSD after peacekeeping operations in South Eastern Europe and the Gulf wars.This systematic literature review returned results pertaining to the symptoms, diagnosis, timing and effectiveness of treatment. Sample groups and controls were relatively small and, therefore, the results lack generalizability. Further research is needed to understand the influence and unique psychological requirements of each specific military operation on the internationally deployed soldiers. http://www.occup-med.com/content/4/1/21 Karin Vitzthum Stefanie Mache Ricarda Joachim David Quarcoo David Groneberg Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2009, null:21 2009-07-30T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-21 /content/figures/1745-6673-4-21-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 21 2009-07-30T00:00:00Z XML Background: Although diverse definitions have been construed for burnout syndrome, most authors consider it to be a single phenomenon, the result of chronic work-related stress. However, in order to enable specific intervention strategies to be adopted, it is first necessary to establish different profiles for the syndrome. In this respect, have been proposed three burnout types ("frenetic", "underchallenged" and "worn-out"), each of which requires different means of dealing with frustration in the workplace. This study is an attempt to define and systematize the properties that characterize this typology proposal. Methods: For this purpose, the documents considering preliminary typology were examined by means of qualitative content analysis supported by grounded theory. Semiotic analysis was then performed on the core category resulting from the previous analysis. Results: A classification criterion, made up of three different burnout subtypes ("frenetic", "underchallenged", and "worn-out") capable of integrating the entire proposal was formulated.DiscussionUnderstanding the development of burnout syndrome, as a succession of stages characterized by the progressive diminishing of dedication to work, could serve for the establishment of specific therapies and for the prevention of the syndrome. http://www.occup-med.com/content/4/1/31 Jesus Montero Marin Javier Garcia-Campayo Domingo Mosquera Mera Yolanda Lopez del Hoyo Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2009, null:31 2009-11-30T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-31 /content/figures/1745-6673-4-31-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 31 2009-11-30T00:00:00Z XML Background: Back pain is one of the most frequent complaints in the nursing profession. Thus, the 12-month prevalence of pain in the lumbar spine in nursing staff is as high as 76%. Only a few representative studies have assessed the prevalence rates of back pain and its risk factors among nursing staff in nursing homes in comparison to staff in home-based care facilities. The present study accordingly investigates the prevalence in the lumbar and cervical spine and determines the physical workload to lifting and caring in geriatric care. Methods: 1390 health care workers in nursing homes and home care participated in this cross sectional survey. The nursing staff members were examined by occupational physicians according to the principals of the multistep diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders. Occupational exposure to daily care activities with patient transfers was measured by a standardised questionnaire. The lumbar load was calculated with the Mainz-Dortmund dose model. Information on ergonomic conditions were recorded from the management of the nursing homes. Comparisons of all outcome variables were made between both care settings. Results: Complete documentation, including the findings from the occupational physicians and the questionnaire, was available for 41%. Staff in nursing homes had more often positive orthopaedic findings than staff in home care. At the same time the values calculated for lumbar load were found to be significant higher in staff in nursing homes than in home-based care: 45% vs. 6% were above the reference value. Nursing homes were well equipped with technical lifting aids, though their provision with assistive advices is unsatisfactory. Situation in home care seems worse, especially as the staff often has to get by without assistance. Conclusions: Future interventions should focus on counteracting work-related lumbar load among staff in nursing homes. Equipment and training in handling of assistive devices should be improved especially for staff working in home care. http://www.occup-med.com/content/4/1/33 Kathrin Kromark Madeleine Dulon Barbara-Beate Beck Albert Nienhaus Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2009, null:33 2009-12-10T00:00:00Z doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-33 /content/figures/1745-6673-4-33-toc.gif Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1745-6673 ${item.volume} 33 2009-12-10T00:00:00Z XML