Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons^™

A Fishy Situation: Hand Infection Due To Mycobacterium Marinum Mistaken For Giant Cell Tumor, Alynna Knaub, Dylan Baker, Jennifer Hanrahan

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Mycobacterium marinum is an acid-fast bacterium (AFB) associated with exposure to water and aquatic species. When inoculated, infection can result in nodular cutaneous lesions. In the absence of detailed history or culture data, these nodular skin lesions can be mistaken for noninfectious orthopedic conditions. We present a case of M. marinum mistaken for a giant cell tumor. This case illustrates the overlap in these conditions, as well as the utility of QuantiFERON Gold testing to provide supportive evidence for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium marinum.

Blocking Interleukin 33 Reduces Joint, Systemic, And Lung Inflammatory Responses In The Combined Collagen-Induced Arthritis-Inhalant Endotoxin Exposure Model, Jill A. Poole, Jacob L. Larsen, Geoffrey M. Thiele, Todd A. Wyatt, Amy J. Nelson, Michael J. Duryee, Angela Gleason, Oliver W. Schanze, Aaron D. Schwab, John D. Dickinson, Deanna Mosley, Michael Lush, Han-Jun Wang, E. Suzanne Cohen, Bryant England, Ted R. Mikuls

Journal Articles: Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

Therapies capable of resolving rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated lung disease, particularly in the setting of environmental exposures, are lacking. This study sought to determine whether blocking interleukin (IL)-33 in a murine model of RA-associated lung disease induced by combined collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and repeated inhalant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposures could be advantageous. Arthritis prone male DBA/1J mice received CIA (vs saline) injections (days 1 and 21) plus intranasal LPS (100 ng) or saline daily for 4 weeks and were subsequently treated with 5 doses of anti-IL-33 (10 mg/kg) or isotype over 11 days. Anti-IL-33 therapy significantly (P < .05) mitigated several CIA+LPS-induced effects. Anti-IL-33 reduced arthritis inflammatory score by 76% and serum acute phase reactant pentraxin-2 by 70% and reversed weight loss induced by CIA+LPS coexposure. Anti-IL-33 reduced CIA+LPS-induced antimalondialdehyde acetaldehyde but not anticitrullinated autoantibodies in serum and reduced serum levels of inflammatory mediators. Lung cell infiltrates induced by coexposure, including neutrophils, activated lung macrophages, transitional monocytes-macrophages, monocytic-like cells, and dendritic cells, were reduced with anti-IL-33. Anti-IL-33 also reduced CIA+LPS-induced lung levels of chemokines involved in monocyte-macrophage recruitment and fibrotic/repair mediators collagen deposition, IL-33 expression, inflammatory CC motif chemokine receptor 2

Étude Multidisciplinaire Du Confort Des Bouchons D'Oreilles : Vers Une Protection Auditive Efficace En Milieu De Travail, Olivier Doutres, Franck Sgard, Alessia Negrini, Alain Berry, Chantal Gauvin

États de la question, rapports d’expertise et revues de littérature

L'utilisation de protecteurs auditifs individuels (PICB), tels que les casques ou les bouchons d’oreilles souvent recommandés comme mesure temporaire, reste souvent le seul moyen d'assurer la protection des travailleuses et travailleurs exposés quotidiennement à des niveaux de bruit dangereux. Actuellement, le choix d'un PICB est principalement basé sur des considérations liées à l’atténuation acoustique qu’il offre (et mesurée en laboratoire par des organisations certifiées), et/ou à des caractéristiques de l'environnement de travail, telles que la chaleur, l'hygiène et la compatibilité avec d'autres équipements de protection individuelle (EPI). Le port de PICB est connu pour générer de nombreux inconforts qui peuvent …

Managing Complexity: Manager-Stakeholder Communication, Relational Dynamics, And The Dual Nature Of Rtw Communication, H. Bertolini, Marc Corbière, Alessia Negrini, Nadine Larivière, Patrizia Villotti, Dominic Prévost, Meryl Caiada, Jason Amorim, Fergal O'Hagan

Études primaires

Purpose

The return to work (RTW) process of worker absent due to common mental disorders (CMD) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represents a complex challenge that involves multiple stakeholders. The aim of this study was to examine how managers perceive the factors that facilitate or hinder communication with other stakeholders during the RTW process.

This qualitative study was based on four focus groups conducted in Canada (Quebec and Ontario) with 18 managers.

Thematic analysis identified five themes related to facilitators and seven themes related to communication obstacles. Among the main facilitators, trust, clarity, and collaboration emerged as key elements …

Lumbosacral Orthosis Can Improve Postural Control In Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain, Régis M.-L. D'Assomption, Christian Lariviere, Hakim Mecheri, Suzy Ngomo, Rubens A. Da Silva

Études primaires

Background

Older adults with chronic low back pain may report poor postural control and increased fall risks. Possible key mechanisms are altered lumbar spine proprioception, stiffness and mobility, which could be enhanced through lumbar stabilization approaches. The purpose of this study was thus to evaluate the immediate effects of two lumbar stabilization approaches on postural control measures, namely a lumbosacral orthosis and the abdominal drawing-in maneuver.

Methods

57 older adults (> 65 yrs): 22 with chronic low back pain and 35 healthy controls performed two trials (30 s) of a semi-tandem balance task on a force platform, while three experimental …

If Only Pickups And Vans Could Fly: Vehicle Maintenance And The Challenge Of Safely Lifting Large Vehicles On A Two-Post Lift, Damien Burlet-Vienney, Sylvie Beaugrand, Maud Gonella, Bertrand Galy, Élise Ledoux

Études primaires

The use of automotive lifts requires mechanics to work under or near a multi-ton load. Based on consultation with stakeholders, pickups and vans appear to pose problems when raised using two-post above-ground lifts (2PAG lifts), the most common type of automotive lift in garages. The aim of this study is therefore to highlight the work activity performed by mechanics when raising pickups and vans on 2PAG lifts and to describe the factors they take into account to ensure vehicle stability. Data collection took place under actual conditions in five garages. A total of 108 lifting situations were filmed and analyzed, …

Identification Of Culturable Moulds, Audrey Bernèche-D'Amours, Thi Thanh Tam Nguyen, Delphine Lanoie

Microbiologiques

Cette méthode est utilisée pour identifier au genre ou à l’espèce des moisissures cultivées à partir d’échantillons d’air, de surface ou de matrices solides ou liquides. Après avoir isolé une souche de moisissure en culture pure, différentes techniques peuvent être utilisées : l’observation des caractères macroscopiques et microscopiques des colonies et leur comparaison à des clés d’identification de référence, la spectrométrie de masse utilisant la technologie MALDI-TOF et le séquençage de type Sanger ciblant différents loci génétiques. Les identifications obtenues par l’une, plusieurs ou l’ensemble de ces techniques sont ensuite interprétées pour rapporter une identification finale.

Abstract

This method is …

Thorium Lung Burdens Of Norm Workers Revisited, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Historical thorium bioassay data collected from Australian mine workers in the 1990s, including in vivo lung counting and thoron-in-breath (TIB) measurements, were re-evaluated using current dosimetric and biokinetic models. Revised daily thorium intakes from bioassay were compared with previous estimates to assess changes in the dose profile and potential implications for contemporary operations. Reanalysis revealed lower estimates of annual dose, including the number of workers assessed as exceeding 20 mSv. However, it was found that intakes derived from industry personal air sampling (PAS) underestimated intake by up to three-fold. This study determined that sensitive bioassay techniques, such as TIB using …

The Correlation Between 25(Oh)D, Blood Lead Levels, And Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity Among Indonesia Male Workers, Ratih Fadhillah, Muhammad Ilyas, Liem Jen Fuk, Levina Chandra Khoe, Muchtaruddin Mansyur

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Lead exposure disrupts the heme synthesis pathway by modifying the activity of Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase (ALAD), contributing to oxidative stress. Vitamin D has been suggested as an antioxidant to influence oxidative balance, but evidence regarding its association with ALAD activity in lead-exposed populations remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the associations between blood lead levels (BLL), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], ALAD activity, and the 25(OH)D/BLL ratio among Indonesian male workers.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 male workers exposed to lead as part of either their occupation or living environment in Java, Indonesia. Serum 25(OH)D, BLL …

Rare Manifestation Of Scapular Cutaneous Larva Migrans Infection Among Sand Porters In Warm Climate: A Case Report, Prio Hangudi Sampurno, Tri Wisesa Soetisna

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Cutaneous larva migrans is a serpiginous helminthic infection common among certain occupations dealing with contaminated soil especially in warm climate. Most common predilections include the feet, legs, and buttocks with only a fraction of cases found on the trunk and upper extremities.

Case Presentation A rare scapular cutaneous larva migrans manifestation on a thirty-six years old sand porter with high occupational exposure was described. Physical examination revealed progressive pruritic and warm rash in a serpiginous pattern on the left shoulder.

Results Diagnosis was established based on characteristic serpiginous rash physical findings supported by history of contact. This case needed …

Return To Work After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention In Employee With Metabolic Comorbidities: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Bramantyo Eko Wahyudi Mr, Levina Khoe

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background This evidence-based case report examines whether metabolic comorbidities independently predict return to work (RTW) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for myocardial infarction. A 52-year-old male senior manager with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and central obesity underwent PCI and required structured occupational assessment.

Methods A systematic literature search identified five eligible studies—one national registry cohort, three prospective cohort studies, and one narrative systematic review—critically appraised using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria.

Results Metabolic comorbidities showed consistent directional associations with reduced RTW probability in bivariate analyses and independently predicted longterm labour-market exit. However, in multivariate models across three of …

Factors Associated With The Atherogenic Index Of Plasma Among Workers At A National Respiratory Hospital In Jakarta, Muhammad Abror Rizani Fahmi, Herqutanto Herqutanto, Iqbal Mochtar, Dewi Yunia Fitriani, Marsen Isbayuputra, Resultanti Resultanti, Ariningsih Ariningsih

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the primary cause of mortality globally. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) can predict the risk of CVD more accurately than other indices. Hospital workers are at risk of developing CVD. There are several factors that can influence the AIP. No studies have specifically investigated these associations in Indonesia, particularly regarding the AIP in hospital workers. This study aims to determine factors associated with the AIP among workers at a national respiratory hospital in Jakarta.

Methods This cross-sectional study collects data from the medical check-up records of workers at Persahabatan Hospital in 2024, who met …

Fitness To Work Evaluation In A Combined Physical And Office Working Activity With Piriformis Syndrome: A Case Report, Arif Prasetya, Nuri Purwito Adi

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Piriformis syndrome (PS) is a neuromuscular disorder with significant impact on workforce productivity. This case report presents a comprehensive evaluation of fitness for work and job modification strategies for a patient with PS in a combined physical and sedentary working environment. A 44-year-old male medical facility supervisor presented with left buttock pain, radiating to the left leg, diagnosed with left gluteal piriformis syndrome. Despite undergoing multiple conservative therapies by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist, the patient showed minimal improvement.

Methods A seven-step fitness for work assessment approach was implemented following Indonesian Association of Occupational Medicine Specialists guidelines. The evaluation …

The Basis For Recommending The Selection Of Samplers In Determining Occupational Exposures To Aerosols, Martin Harper, Pieter Bertier, Marcus Cattani, Karen Galea, Darrah Sleeth, Steven Verpaele

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Measurements are considered to be the basis of exposure assessments used to determine risks to workers. Inhalation exposure poses the greatest risk for most airborne chemicals, and measurements are based on collecting (sampling) and analyzing air samples. Samplers have been developed for more than 120 years. Each new design has been intended to address flaws perceived in earlier designs. Users are faced with a varied array of samplers from which to choose. Comparisons are difficult to make because tests of sampler performance were not standardized until recently and have not been applied consistently. The existing large body of work does …

Exposition Professionnelle Aux Agents D'Infections Nosocomiales En Milieux De Soins : Mieux Comprendre Et Contrôler La Voie De Propagation Par Aérosols, Caroline Duchaine, Yves Longtin, Marc Veillette, Adriana Larotta, Bianka Paquet Bolduc

États de la question, rapports d’expertise et revues de littérature

Ce projet, mené dans le contexte de la pandémie de COVID-19, visait à mieux comprendre les risques liés à la présence de virus et de bactéries dans l’air des milieux de soins et à identifier les meilleures façons de protéger le personnel de la santé. Ce projet s’est articulé autour de trois grands volets de recherche complémentaires, menés en milieux réels et en laboratoire. Le premier volet visait à documenter la présence de virus comme le SARS-CoV-2 (responsable de la COVID-19), l’influenza ou le norovirus dans l’air d’hôpitaux et de centres de soins de longue durée. Des prélèvements dans les …

Établissement De L'Équivalence De La Méthode Irsst 381 Pour La Mesure De L'Exposition Professionnelle Aux Fumées D'Asphalte En Conformité Avec La Nouvelle Valeur D'Exposition Admissible, Simon Aubin, Ousmane Bangoura, Corina Tue

États de la question, rapports d’expertise et revues de littérature

Depuis quelques décennies, la valeur d’exposition admissible consiste en une valeur d’exposition moyenne pondérée (VEMP) des fumées d’asphalte est de 5 mg/m³, prélevée en fraction « particules totales », pour laquelle une mesure gravimétrique non spécifique est préconisée. (Règlement sur la santé et la sécurité du travail) Une nouvelle VEMP entre en vigueur en mars 2026 avec la valeur et l’expression suivante : 1,5 mg/m³ [particules et vapeur exprimée en fraction soluble dans le benzène ou son équivalent] prélevé en fraction « particules totales » (Pt). La méthode préconisée pour soutenir cette VEMP est la …

Les Répercussions Des Changements Climatiques Sur La Sst : État Des Lieux Et Pistes D'Action, Sophie De Serres, Alain Marchand

États de la question, rapports d’expertise et revues de littérature

Cet état des lieux expose les répercussions multidimensionnelles des changements climatiques (CC) sur la santé et la sécurité du travail (SST), en se concentrant sur les contextes nord-américain et européen. L'augmentation de la température moyenne mondiale, qui atteint désormais +1,2 °C par rapport à l'ère préindustrielle, transforme les conditions de travail et exacerbe les dangers professionnels existants. Le stress thermique induit par la chaleur excessive provoque des pathologies allant de l'épuisement au coup de chaleur mortel, tout en dégradant la vigilance et en augmentant le risque de blessures traumatiques. Au-delà des atteintes physiques, les CC aggravent les risques psychosociaux, engendrant …

Proactive Safety Reasoning In Human-Robot Collaboration In Disassembly Through Llm-Augmented Stpa And Fmea, Morteza Jalali Alenjareghi, Fardin Ghorbani, Samira Keivanpour, Yuvin Adnarain Chinniah, Sabrina Jocelyn

Études primaires

Disassembly tasks in human–robot collaboration (HRC) environments present safety challenges due to hazardous materials, control system variability, and physically demanding operator tasks. To address these challenges, we propose an AI-augmented risk assessment framework integrating System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). This framework is implemented in four configurations: Term Frequency– Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF), Fine-tuned Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and RAG with a structured Knowledge Graph (KG) built from safety standards. The system supports real-time, standards-compliant safety reasoning by generating interpretable, context-specific recommendations. We evaluate these configurations across GPT-3.5 TURBO, GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, and …

A Zinc Chelate Of Lysine/Glutamic Acid Reduces Alcohol-Induced Ciliary Dysfunction, Emily Do, Daren L. Knoell, Christopher Bauer, Deanna Mosley, Deandra R. Smith, Derrick R. Samuelson, Todd A. Wyatt

Journal Articles: Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

Alcohol misuse is a known risk factor for pneumonia, and up to 50% of individuals who misuse alcohol are zinc deficient. Chronic alcohol misuse can lead to alcohol-induced ciliary dysfunction (AICD), preventing effective mucociliary clearance and protection against lung infection. Because zinc salts fail to alter AICD, we hypothesized a form of zinc (Zinpro Zinc LG) with enhanced cell uptake would protect against AICD. Human and mouse airway epithelial cells were treated with 50 mM ethanol for 1-24 h followed by the ciliostimulatory agents. Cilia beat frequency (CBF) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity were assayed. Cyclic AMP or beta …

Effet Sur La Qualité De L'Air Et La Santé Des Travailleurs Et Travailleuses Dans Les Logements Alternatifs Des Poules Pondeuses, Magali-Wen St-Germain, Valérie Létourneau, Marc Veillette, Perrine Cruaud, Candice Lemaille, Kim Robitaille, Éloïse Denis, Araceli Dalila Larios Martínez, Sébastien Fournel, Stéphane Godbout, Geneviève Dion, Andréanne Côté, Laurianne Gratton, Martine Boulianne, Caroline Duchaine

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les oeufs de poules en liberté et les oeufs provenant « d’élevage confort » sont maintenant des produits communs dans les marchés alimentaires du Québec. Cette nouvelle variété de produits est le résultat de l’évolution des pratiques afin de concilier le bien-être des poules pondeuses et les besoins de l’industrie. En effet, d’ici l’année 2036, les logements conventionnels pour poules pondeuses (logements grillagés pour des petits groupes de poules) seront graduellement remplacés par des logements alternatifs. Les logements alternatifs pour poules pondeuses regroupent les colonies enrichies et les logements sans cages (sur plancher ou en volière). Ils ont en commun …