bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P-478 ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF LOW-DOSE IONIZING RADIATION EXPOSURE ON THYROID GLANDS, AMONG MEDICAL RADIATION WORKERS
Authors: Hrar Wiame 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
While prior research evinces that acute IR exposure contributes to cancer growth, this research aims to assess the risk of thyroid cancer in thyroid nodules and parenchymal heterogeneity among medical radiation workers (MRW) due to low-dose chronic radiation exposure, primarily driven by the growing utilization of radiation in diagnostic medical procedures.

Methods
This study conducted by M.F.Baran and A.E.Atas, includes 148 MRW from Konya City Hospital, aged between 18 and 65 with no prevalence. They were divided into groups according to their sociodemographic and professional information. Their TSH levels, and thyroid ultrasonography (US) data were also collected. The detected thyroid nodules were classified based on the ACR TI-RADS method.

Results
The analysis revealed that the prevalence of thyroid nodules increases with age and years of employment, especially in workers over 33 (p=0.02) and participants with chronic diseases (p=0.003).The experiments demonstrate a significant correlation between thyroid parenchymal heterogeneity and increased TSH levels, implying that nodules tend to develop in the presence of hypothyroidism or thyroiditis. The differences in work department or gender didn’t impact these factors. The majority of nodules found were benign.

Discussion
This retrospective study attests that MRW are at higher risk of developing thyroid nodules than the overall population when facing a longer radiation exposure. However, it discards the idea of a higher risk of thyroid cancer. Further research is needed to explore alternative risk factors for thyroid cancer within this occupational group.

Conclusion
Regular screening and radiation protection measures are important to promote better health management.
P-479 EVALUATION OF THE DEPOSED DOSES IN A RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT ROOM USING THE MONTE CARLO GEANT4 SIMULATION PLATFORM
Authors: Meftah Asmae , Krim Mustapha , Ghazi Ismail , Talib Zineb 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Radiotherapy is considered one of the primary treatment choices in cancer management. The aim of our study is calculating the dose deposited in different points of a radiotherapy treatment room using a phantom detector to quantify the secondary particles around the latter to evaluate the radioprotection level for both the patient and the radiotherapy technician as we increase the distance longitudinally and laterally between the patient and the detector.

Methods
We used GEANT4 code based on Monte Carlo methods to simulate the radiotherapy treatment room components including the water tank that we centered underneath the beam with a 4.5 MV which is the average energy of the X18 energy spectrum and a fluence of 107 cm−2 to calculate the deposited doses.

Results
We moved the phantom detector with a step of ±70 cm longitudinally and laterally along X and Z respectively. Findings show that the deposited doses decrease when moving the detector away from the beam’s center for both directions, but it seems higher in the center for X = Z = 0 cm.

Discussion
The results indicate that even though we increase the distance either longitudinally or laterally between the beam and the detector the diffused dose persists regardless it represents a small amount the fact that validates the principle of distance for protection against external exposure.

Conclusion
Radiotherapy proved to be highly effective to kill cancer cells, yet the diffused dose persists still inside radiotherapy treatment rooms which creates a debate regarding radioprotection for the patient and the radiotherapy technician.
P-480 HEMATOLOGIC MONITORING OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO IONIZING RADIATION STUDY AT THE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITAL LA RABTA
Authors: Fatma Naourez Ben , Ismail Saloua , Baraketi Emna , Khouja Nihel , Hsinet Jihen , Benzarti Aida 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Prolonged exposure of radiology healthcare workers (HCW) to ionizing radiation (IR) could have harmful effects on the bone marrow.

Objectives
To describe the socio-professional and clinical characteristics of HCW exposed to IR and to detect any abnormalities in the complete blood count(CBC).

Methods
Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in January 2023, with the HCW exposed to IR from the radiology department. The data collection was done through a pre-established questionnaire completed by a blood sample for the realization of the CBC.

Results
We included 40 HCW of which 28 women. The mean age was 38.5. The most represented workstation was that of medical imaging technician. They worked behind a lead screen in 73% of cases and they did not wear a dosimeter in 35% of cases. Clinically, they reported asthenia (60%), and gingival bleeding (28%). CBC analysis revealed an average number of red blood cells of 4.7 ± 0.5* 106 with a low level in 3% of cases, an average hemoglobin level of 13.4 ± 1.7 g/ dl, microcytosis (25%), macrocytosis (3%) and hypochromia (18%). Anemia was thus objectified in eight women. The mean number of white blood cells was 7379.8 ± 1706.1/mm3 lymphopenia (5%) and no cases of neutropenia. The average number of platelets was 277375 ± 64720.2/mm3 with thrombocytosis in 5% of cases.

Discussion
The CBC is a simple and accessible screening test carried out as part of the special medical surveillance of HCW exposed to IR in addition to dosimetric monitoring.

Conclusion
Technical prevention, both collective and individual, will always deserve to be strengthened.
O-324 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DANISH, NATIONWIDE PARENT-CHILD COHORT WITH OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE DATA (DOC*X-GENERATION)
Authors: Begtrup Luise Moelenberg , Bonde Jens Peter , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , toettenborg Sandra Soegaard , Pedersen Marie , Hougaard Karin Soerig , Sejbaek Camilla Sandal 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Many birth cohorts were established worldwide after the introduction of the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis in the late 1980s; but studies on rare exposures and outcomes are still underpowered. To address this limitation, we established a nationwide cohort including all pregnant women affiliated to the labor market before and during their pregnancy in Denmark during 1977-2018 and with linkage to the fathers and their born children.

Methods
The DOC*X-Generation cohort includes all Danish women with ≥1 registered pregnancy during employment, established with individual level records from: population registers (Statistics Denmark), the Medical Birth Registry and the National Patient Registry, the Occupational and Industry Register including job codes, DISCO-88 (Danish version: International Standard Classification of Occupations) and industry codes. By DISCO-88 codes, sex, age, and time periods, the individual level data are combined with several Job Exposure Matrices (JEMs), e.g., psychosocial, noise or chemical exposures, and four JEMs on health behaviors (smoking; alcohol; leisure-time physical activity; vegetable intake).

Results
Data consists of approx.3.5 million pregnancies (approx.1.5 million women) of which approx.2.5 million resulted in liveborn children.

Discussion
Studies of maternal psychosocial and physical strain at work during pregnancy and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as on maternal absence are ongoing.

Conclusion
A cohort with this level of details, size and structure provides great opportunities to investigate occupational exposure over time, rare exposures, and rare outcomes. The cohort offers unique opportunities for studies of maternal and transgenerational impact of occupational exposure on pregnancy outcomes and health.
O-326 TEMPORAL TRANSITION TRENDS OF CORD BLOOD LEAD LEVELS IN VARIOUS HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX COUNTRIES AND IN THE TAIPEI METROPOLITAN AREA
Authors: Hwang Yaw-Huei , Wu Hui-Chu , Shyu Ming-Kwang , Lee Chien-Nan , Lin Shin-Yu , Chen Pau-Chung , Chuang Hung-Yi , Lin Pei-Wen , Wu Tso-Hsien 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Since low-level lead exposure is still of concern for neonates, it is worth further characterizing the temporal transition trends of cord blood lead levels (CBLLs) globally and locally in Taipei, Taiwan, after the cessation of leaded gasoline use.

Methods
A literature review on CBLLs around the world was performed by searching three databanks, i.e., PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science, with the search keywords “cord blood” combined with “lead” or “Pb” for studies published from 1975 to May 2021.

Results
In total, 67 articles were included. Linear regressions for the reciprocal of sample size weighted CBLLs against calendar year presented a high r2 value (0.732) for the very high Human Development Index (HDI) countries and a moderate r2 value (0.287) for the combined high and medium HDI countries. The predicted CBLLs in 2030 and 2040 were 6.74±0.42 µg/L and 5.70±0.38 µg/L, respectively, for the very high HDI countries and 14.60±3.50 µg/L and 11.89±3.11 µg/L, respectively, for the combined high and medium HDI countries. To characterize the CBLL transitions in the Great Taipei metropolitan area, data from five studies conducted from 1985 to 2018 were employed. The CBLLs of the latest study during 2016-2018 were 8.1 ± 4.5 μg/L, approximately 3 years in advance of the very high HDI countries as one group to reach this low CBLL.

Discussion and conclusion
Further effective reduction in environmental lead exposure is challenging and must be based on the efforts from the aspects reflected by the HDI index compositions, i.e., economics, education and health.
O-329 EVALUATION OF 1.3 MILLION POST EXPOSURE EXAMINATIONS IN ASBESTOS WORKERS FROM GERMANY – TIME TRENDS IN DETECTION RATES OF ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES
Authors: Kraus Thomas , Esser Andre , Centmayer Alexandra , Wolff Christian , Raithel Hans-Jürgen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
In Germany it is mandatory for employers to offer periodical examinations even after the end of asbestos exposure. To support this, the employers` accident insurances established a central registry for formerly exposed asbestos workers in 1972. In this study we aimed at describing time trends in the detection rates of asbestos related diseases (ARDs) over almost 50 years.

Study group and methods
From 1972 to 2020 1.374.579 examinations from 321.701 persons with information on exposure history, smoking habits, diseases, physical examination and chest X-ray with ILO-classification were stored at the central registry. In the first step, we evaluated detection rates of ARDs per year and compared the results with the annual statistics of occupational diseases (ODs) in Germany. Numbers needed to screen to detect one case (NNS) were calculated.

Results
Average numbers needed to screen to detect one case were 63 for non-malignant ARDs, 1105 for lung cancer and 4111 for mesothelioma. Time trends show that NNSs are steadily increasing over time. Compared with OD statistics 36.8% of non-malignant ARDs but only 5% of lung cancer and 1.6% of mesothelioma cases were reported from post exposure examinations.

Conclusions
Post exposure examinations detected significant numbers of ARDs during the last 50 years. However, NNSs are increasing due to dust prevention, better personal protection and asbestos ban in 1993. Moreover, due to the long latency periods relevant numbers of ARDs are still to be expected. Measures to improve efficiency (targeted prevention) should be discussed.
O-330 PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS, DISEASES AND VENTILATORY DISORDERSAMONG MARBLE WORKERS
Authors: Rkiek Bilal , Manar Nadia , Bouri Hicham El , Deschamps Frédéric , Laraqui Chakib 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, diseases and ventilatory defects.

Methods
This cross-sectional study involved 365 marble workers in Casablanca, and Agadir, with at least two years’ seniority. It included a questionnaire, spirometry and thoracic radiophotography. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, smoking habits, medical history and clinical respiratory symptoms. Chronic bronchitis is defined as chronic cough and chronic sputum production occurring for at least three months per year and for at least two consecutive years without any other identified cause. The diagnosis of COPD was made in the presence of an obstructive ventilatory defect based on a ratio of forced expiratory volume at the first second/ forced vital capacity (FEV1/ FVC) &lt;70% after administration of a bronchodilator.

Results
Average age was 38,5±10.4 years. The average seniority was 13,1 ±6.4 years. 23,3% were current smokers, 12.3% former smokers and 64.3% non-smokers. The prevalence of tracheobronchial irritation symptoms was 23.5: 15 % for chronic cough, 7.8 % for respiratory discomfort, 4.9 % for chronic sputum and 7.9% for chest wheezing. The prevalence of rhinitis was 20%, asthma 7.5%, chronic bronchitis 17% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 6.2% (6.9% in current and former smokers versus 2.9% in non-smokers). 21.3% had deficits in the (FEV1) and the (FVC). This prevalence reached 44% in current and former smokers. The prevalence of radiological abnormalities was 14.9% (3.8% were emphysema, 3.3% were small parenchymal opacities suggestive of pneumoconiosis).

Conclusion
These craftsmen must benefit from occupational medical coverage for better prevention.
P-484 POST-COVID-19 SYNDROME IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS – EMPHASIS ON RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Authors: Shpagina Lyubov , Bukhtiyarov Igor , Kuzmina Liudmila , Shigan Evgeny , Kondyurina Elena , Shpagin Ilya , Kotova Olga , Kuznetsova Galina , Kamneva Natalya , Anikina Ekaterina , Likhenko-Logvinenko Kristina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Healthcare workers (HCW) were at the frontline of COVID-19 pandemic. Currently the burning issue for this occupational group is chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome that leads to work disability. The study aim was to reveal severity and predictors of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in HCW with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Methods
An observational prospective study over a 3-years period was conducted. HCW with COVID-19, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were included (n=152). After 4 months, 56 post-COVID-19 syndrome patients continued the study. Using propensity matched score, they was matched 1:1 by age and gender with post-COVID-19 patients, non-HCW, without occupational risk (control group, n=56). High resolution computer tomography (HRCT) (semi-quantitative method) was used to assess PF. Pulmonary function tests, SARS-CoV-2 viral load by PCR, serum proteins measurement by ELISA was done. Logistic regression was used to explore relationships.

Results
Frequency of PF did not differ between groups, but the proportion of cases with percent fibrosis of 50%-100% was higher in HCW (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.50-7.80). Pediatricians had maximum risk of severe PF (OR 4.79, 95% CI 1.17-15.85). In multivariate analysis, CT score (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-0.09), respiratory support duration (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.68), maximum cycle threshold (Ct) (OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.60-0.87) and serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF- β1) (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.02-1.08) during the acute COVID-19 were associated with severe PF after 3 years in HCW.

Discussion
HCW, especially pediatricians, had high risk of persistent severe PF. Potential predictors of severe PF at a long term period were established.

Conclusion
Post-COVID-19 syndrome in HCW is characterized by severe PF.
P-485 MEDICAL EXPERTISE ASSESSMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA: CASES STUDY
Authors: Abouzahir Hind , Elhamamouchi Ikram , Belhouss Ahmed , Benyaich Hicham 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Occupational asthma is one of the most commonly reported occupational respiratory diseases in industrialized countries. Identification of common causative agents and clinical symptoms through medical expertise is necessary to be eligible for compensation.

Methods
All cases of occupational asthma diagnosed from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2022 through medical expertise were included in the study of Casablanca Medico Legal Institute.

Results
A total of six cases of confirmed occupational asthma were identified. Of these, one was sensitizer-induced and five were irritant-induced asthma. Low molecular-weight agents like isocyanates, phthalates, pulverized vegetable gums, inhalation of acid anhydrides and wooden dusts were being the most common causal agents in our cases. The majority of cases emanated from the Engineering, Chemical, agriculture and Food industries. Latency period from first exposure to development of symptoms was surprisingly long: between 2 and 20 years and a median of eight years. The time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was also long for one case (19 years) and a mean of 2 years in the rest of cases. the examination found. Clinical and radiological symptoms led to the assessment of diagnosis of occupational asthma. Mild to severe respiratory insufficiency was discovered throughout the expertise examination and the rate of permanent partial impairment after expert’s assessment was from 30% to 60%.

Discussion and conclusion
In order to reduce the burden of disease and impairment, medical surveillance, quick diagnosis, qualified medical management, and use of workplace prevention measures are crucial. Keywords: Asthma; occupational disease; causal agents; expertise; workplace.
P-487 INVESTIGATION OF LUNG DISORDER BY MICROPLASTIC; SHORT-TERM INHALATION EXPOSURE OF POLYPROPYLENE IN RATS
Authors: Tomonaga Taisuke , Izumi Hiroto , Kawai Naoki , Sato Kazuma , Nishida Chinatsu , Higashi Yasuyuki , Morimoto Toshiki , Higashi Hidenori , Yatera Kazuhiro , Morimoto Yasuo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Workers who handle plastics and workers engaged in waste disposal may be exposed to microplastics through the respiratory tract. However, there have been few reports on the biological effects of microplastics in the lungs. In this study, we conducted a short-term inhalation exposure study using rats to evaluate lung disorders with microplastics.

Methods
Inhalation exposure was conducted using 8-week-old male Fischer 344 rats at a low concentration of 2 mg/m3 and a high concentration of 10 mg/m3 of polypropylene fine powder for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Rats were dissected at 3 days, 1 month, and 3 months after inhalation exposure, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected to analyze lung inflammation and lung injury.

Results
An increase in the percentage of neutrophils in BALF was observed at both low and high concentrations 3 days after exposure, and the observation of lung histopathology specimens showed an influx of inflammatory cells in the alveolar space. In the high-concentration group, the number of neutrophils in BALF increased even at 1 month, and lactate dehydrogenase activity, an indicator of lung injury, also showed a sustained increase up to 1 month.

Discussion/Conclusion
In this study, a short-term inhalation exposure to microplastics was conducted. The results showed inflammatory changes in a dose-dependent manner, and inflammatory changes were observed at the exposure of 2 mg/m3 after 3 days of exposure but were very mild. These suggest that the exposure concentration of 2 mg/m3 is close to the threshold for acute effects.
P-497 REVIEW OF LOW DOSE EXPOSURES AND RISK OF ASBESTOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Bønløkke Jakob , Omland Øyvind , Sherson David , Jacobsen Iben Brock , Bonde Jens Peter , Meyer Harald , Shaker Saher Burhan , Bælum Jesper , Kolstad Henrik , Schlünssen Vivi , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Burdorf Alex , Kraus Thomas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
For decades, asbestosis has been associated with inhalation of asbestos fibers in occupational settings. A consensus has emerged around diagnosing asbestosis through CT scan findings combined with documented asbestos exposure, regardless of symptoms. Pathological or histological examination can aid diagnosis in case radiological and exposure information is inconclusive. The relationship between asbestos exposure dose and disease development remains debated. We investigated if cumulative asbestos exposure below 25 fiber-years elevates asbestosis risk.

Methods
Occupational and respiratory medicine experts conducted a systematic review of scientific literature. A comprehensive database search yielded 7824 potentially relevant titles of which 206 articles were reviewed. The final review encompassed 31 original articles reporting associations between cumulative asbestos exposure and parenchymal lung fibrosis based on chest X-rays, CT scans, pathological information, or death certificates.

Results
Of the 31 studies, 11 were considered high-quality with limited risk of bias. Because of large differences in the methods, and only xx studies examined effects below 25 fiber-years, the review was suggestive of, but with limited evidence that an increased risk of parenchymal lung fibrosis (and thus of being diagnosed with asbestosis according to current criteria) occurs below 25 fiber-years.

Discussion
A threshold for cumulative asbestos exposure’s effect on asbestosis could not be identified. Smoking and age were linked to radiological changes suggestive of asbestosis, potentially complicating diagnosis. This comprehensive review enhances our understanding of asbestosis risk factors, informing occupational health policies and practices.

Conclusion
The review provided limited evidence that cumulative exposure below 25 fiber-years elevates risk of asbestosis.
P-498 CAN WORKING WITH PNEUMOTOXIC MEDICATION LEAD TO PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN HEALTH WORKERS? A CASE OF PULMONARY FIBROSIS AFTER A CAREER WITH DAILY HANDLING OF BLEOMYCIN
Authors: Keirsbilck Stephan , De Crem Nico , UZ Wim Wuyts , Boeykens Eva , Nemery Ben , Ronsmans Steven 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Bleomycin, an antitumor antibiotic used to treat malignancies, causes interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in 10% of patients receiving high cumulative dosages intravenously. Bleomycin is a model chemical to induce lung fibrosis in experimental animals. Intralesional injection bleomycin is also used in dermatology to treat recalcitrant warts (without evidence of lung toxicity to the patients).

Methods
A 67-year-old man was referred for pulmonary fibrosis. He was a smoker for about 20 years (1/2 pack/day, cessation in 1990) with an unremarkable medical history, except for arterial hypertension and reflux oesophagitis. He mentioned a slow deterioration of his physical ability and coughing without other respiratory complaints, except for a single episode of haemoptysis and an asymptomatic COVID infection.

Results
HRCT was compatible with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, showing subpleural reticulation, thickened interlobular septa and ground-glass opacities mainly in posterobasal areas. Lung function showed normal volumes but a decreased diffusing capacity (DLco 65% predicted). Common causes of pulmonary fibrosis (including autoimmune disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis) were excluded. He had recently retired after a 25-year career as a dermatologist in private practice, during which he had treated, almost every day, patients with warts with intralesional injections of bleomycin using jet injectors. He prepared and administered the medication himself, without taking safety precautions against the inhalation of small droplets generated by the pneumatic jet injection. He is estimated to have handled about 90 mg of bleomycin per year.

Discussion and conclusion
This unique case suggests that repeated occupational exposures to small amounts of airborne bleomycin in dermatological clinical practice may lead to lung fibrosis.