Occupational stress and work-related unintentional injuries among Iranian car manufacturing workers

This study in 2004 and 2005 aimed to present the pattern of job stress among car manufacturing workers in one factory in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to assess its relationship with occupational injuries. Data were collected from 608 male workers (508 at-risk general workers and 100 with injuries in the last year). Job stress was assessed by the Belkic occupational stress index. The prevalence of job stress was 21.3%. The main occupational stressors were time pressure (78.5%), mode of payment and evaluation (56.4%), and interaction with people and machines (41.3%). The risk of injury among those with job stress was significantly higher than those without job stress (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.20-3.30). Job stress was responsible for 11.9% of all occupational injuries in this group.

The effect of anionic and cationic surfactants on indicators and measurement of dissociation constants with two different methods

The effects of cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), hexadecylpyridinum chloride (HDPC) and anionic sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) surfactants on dissociation constants and transition intervals of methyl red, methyl orange and cresol red were studied spectrophotometrically. The results show that all studied indicators strongly interacted with cationic micelles (CTAB and HDPC). In the case of methyl red, relatively strong interaction with anionic surfactant (SDS) was obtained. However, no effect of SDS on dissociation constants of cresol red and methyl orange was observed. The dissociation constants of indicators were calculated with both the proposed and known chemometric (DATAN) method with a reasonable agreement on the data achieved.

Acute Methemoglobinemia Following Attempted Suicide by Dapson

This report describes the case of an otherwise healthy young adult female, with oral ingestion of 40 unknown tablets. Her clinical course included progressive bluish discoloration of lips and limbs, hemolysis and jaundice. A high PaO2 in the presence of cyanosis and dark blood lead to suspicion of methemoglobinemia. Laboratory results showed methemoglobin level to be 3.8 g/dL (38%). The etiology was traced to dapsone according to patient history; after 3 days it became evident that she had ingested 2 g dapsone in suicidal intent. The therapeutic and diagnostic approach in such patients is discussed. In conclusion, acute methemoglobinemia is an uncommon but potentially treatable disorder.

Genotypic comparison of bacteria recovered from human bite marks and teeth using arbitrarily primed PCR

AIMS

This study assessed, for forensic purposes, the feasibility of genotypically matching oral streptococci recovered from recent human bite marks with those from the teeth of the biter.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Streptococci were isolated from the incisors of eight volunteers. Arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR) distinguished 106 streptococcal genotypes among the participants, each harbouring at least eight distinct strains. In a crime simulation, a sample from an experimental bite mark was analysed by an experimenter unaware of its origin. The bacteria were unambiguously matched to the biter by comparing the amplicon profiles with those from the eight participants. In contrast, bacteria from an additional bite mark (not generated by one of the original participants) could not be matched to any of the eight participants. Between 20 and 78% of catalogued bacterial genotypes were recovered 12 months later from each participant. Throughout the study period, none of the bacterial genotypes were shared between participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Streptococci isolated from recent bite marks can be catalogued by AP-PCR and matched to the teeth responsible for the bite.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study provides 'proof of concept' that genotypic analysis of streptococci from bite marks may provide valuable forensic evidence in situations where the perpetrator's DNA cannot be recovered.

["The fate" of a peri-cystic-jejunostomy in the treatment of the hydatid liver cysts]

The persistence of a hepato-jejunal fistula after 9 years from a peri-cystic-jejunostomy in the treatment of hydatid liver cysts is an amazing condition. We discover this kind of fistula during the operation for cholelithiasis. This association between fistula and a "after-hydatid" choledocholithiasis is an opportunity to discuss some pathogenic and evolutive mechanisms about both of two entities.

Effect of Monensin on Serum Lipoproteins, Triglycerides, Cholesterol and Total Lipids of Periparturient Dairy Cows

Serum concentrations of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides, cholesterol, and total lipids of a group of monensin-treated cows (n = 7) were compared with those of a control group (n = 6) from about 10 days before calving to 45 days postpartum. Monensin was fed in the diet from about 20 days before predicted calving date to 45 days after parturition. Blood samples were obtained on days 20 and 10 before predicted calving, and on days 4, 15, 25 (phase I), and days 35 and 45 (phase II) post calving. Cholesterol (p = 0.046) and total lipids (p = 0.003) were lower in the treatment group 10 days before calving. Concentrations of serum triglycerides and VLDL (p = 0.017), and that of LDL (p = 0.032) were significantly higher in the treatment group in phase I postpartum. No significant difference was detected between groups during phase II. Comparison of the entire length of the trial showed higher concentrations of triglycerides and VLDL in the treatment group (p = 0.009). It is concluded that monensin is effective in increasing secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins from the liver during the postpartum transition period of dairy cows. This may be effective in reducing the intensity of hepatic lipidosis and the incidence of periparturient diseases resulting from disturbances in energy metabolism.

[The main utility of trans-anastomosis external drainage in the hydatid liver cysts treatment by peri-cystic-jejunostomy]

We purpose to make a metanalysis of a external drainage and his role in the treatment of the hydatid liver cysts when it was made a anastomosis between peri-cystic cavity and a isolated loop of jejunum. The paper watch 74 cases which were operated in "I. Juvara" surgical clinic and in which it was used the external drainage of peri-cystic cavity. The drainage roles consist in follow up of peri-cystic cavity evolution, but, more than that, in early diagnosis and treatment of secondary infection of cavity, the main postoperative complication. The drainage excludes the possibility of unfavourable evolution of postoperative infection, in which case the result of operation may be compromised.

Successful treatment of acute aluminium phosphide poisoning: possible benefit of coconut oil

Aluminium phosphide is used to control rodents and pests in grain storage facilities. It produces phosphine gas, which is a mitochondrial poison. Unfortunately, there is no known antidote for aluminium phosphide intoxication, but our recent experience with a case showed that rapid prevention of absorption by coconut oil might be helpful. In the present case, we used the same protocol in a 28-year-old man who had ingested a lethal amount (12 g) of aluminium phosphide with suicidal intent and was admitted to hospital approximately 6 hours postingestion. The patient had signs and symptoms of severe toxicity, and his clinical course included metabolic acidosis and liver dysfunction. Treatment consisted of gastric lavage with potassium permanganate solution, oral administration of charcoal and sorbitol suspension, intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulphate and calcium gluconate, and oral administration of sodium bicarbonate and coconut oil. Conservative and supportive therapy in the Intensive Care Unit was also provided. The patient survived following rapid treatment and supportive care. It is concluded that coconut oil has a positive clinical significance and can be added to the treatment protocol of acute aluminium phosphide poisoning in humans.

Isolation and genotypic comparison of oral streptococci from experimental bitemarks

The feasibility of recovering and genotypically comparing oral bacteria from bitemarks for forensic purposes was assessed experimentally. Volunteers firmly bit their own upper arms and bitemarks were sampled at intervals to recover viable Streptococcus isolates. The recoverability of bacteria decreased over time but an average of more than one thousand viable organisms was recovered 24 hrs after biting, provided the site remained relatively undisturbed. Physical exertion, manual rubbing and application of moisturizing lotion all decreased bacterial recoverability compared to controls. Streptococci could also be recovered from bites inflicted on various fabrics. Genomic profiles (DNA "fingerprints") of bacteria recovered from bitemarks could be identified exclusively with those from the teeth of the individual responsible. These findings suggest that a bacterial genotyping approach to bitemark analysis could have forensic application in situations where the perpetrator's DNA cannot be recovered from an oral contact site.

A field evaluation of driver eye and head movement strategies toward environmental targets and distractors

A new systems approach for evaluating field performance of drivers is presented in a practical experimental demonstration. The emphasis reflected in this paper is on driver head and eye movement behaviour toward environmental targets and distractors. A unique video technology set-up was designed to record eye and head movements. Simultaneous video-tapings of driver eye/head movements and the environmental scene were time synchronised. Two intersections (one busy and one quiet) were carefully selected and analysed for their static and dynamic visual targets and distractors. A subject made 40 repetitive left-turns alternately at busy and quiet intersections in a naturally moving traffic environment. Both head movement patterns and eye movement frequencies differed significantly between the two intersections. Results suggest that the eye and head movements are highly dependent upon the type of turn configuration, type and frequency of targets, type and frequency of distractors, and traffic control configurations.