Self-assessed threshold for cold temperatures and thermal insulation of clothing among poultry workers

Abstract The association between self-assessed cold threshold (CT) and thermal insulation of clothing (Icl) was analysed in 283 poultry workers in Thailand. The mean CT was 13.5 °C (range − 28–29) and the mean Icl was 1.23 clo (range 0.35–2.21). The adjusted CT remained unchanged at low Icls (0.35 through 1.25 clo) but was estimated to increase by 14.8 °C at high Icls (1.25 through 2.21 clo). Overall, CT was higher by 2.4 °C (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–3.8) at high (≥ 1.25 clo) than that at low (< 1.25 clo) Icl, but this difference was modified by personal and work-related factors. The difference was 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.6) for older (30–57 y) compared to younger (18–29 y) participants, with an excess of 7.3 °C (CI 5.6–9.0) for low vs high educated participants, 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.8) for those doing heavy vs light work, 7.4 °C (CI 3.7–11.0) for alcohol consumers vs others, and 3.4 °C (CI 0.6–6.3) for smokers vs non-smokers. The differences were independent of personal characteristics and worksite physical conditions and were interpreted as increased cold sensitivity among subgroups with lesser stamina and poorer health. Sensitive worker subgroups should be identified, and their need for cold protection should be reviewed.Abstract The association between self-assessed cold threshold (CT) and thermal insulation of clothing (Icl) was analysed in 283 poultry workers in Thailand. The mean CT was 13.5 °C (range − 28–29) and the mean Icl was 1.23 clo (range 0.35–2.21). The adjusted CT remained unchanged at low Icls (0.35 through 1.25 clo) but was estimated to increase by 14.8 °C at high Icls (1.25 through 2.21 clo). Overall, CT was higher by 2.4 °C (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–3.8) at high (≥ 1.25 clo) than that at low (< 1.25 clo) Icl, but this difference was modified by personal and work-related factors. The difference was 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.6) for older (30–57 y) compared to younger (18–29 y) participants, with an excess of 7.3 °C (CI 5.6–9.0) for low vs high educated participants, 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.8) for those doing heavy vs light work, 7.4 °C (CI 3.7–11.0) for alcohol consumers vs others, and 3.4 °C (CI 0.6–6.3) for smokers vs non-smokers. The differences were independent of personal characteristics and worksite physical conditions and were interpreted as increased cold sensitivity among subgroups with lesser stamina and poorer health. Sensitive worker subgroups should be identified, and their need for cold protection should be reviewed

A Novel Alkaliphilic Streptomyces Inhibits ESKAPE Pathogens

In an effort to stem the rising tide of multi-resistant bacteria, researchers have turned to niche environments in the hope of discovering new varieties of antibiotics. We investigated an ethnopharmacological (cure) from an alkaline/radon soil in the area of Boho, in the Fermanagh Scarplands (N. Ireland) for the presence of Streptomyces, a well-known producer of antibiotics. From this soil we isolated a novel (closest relative 57% of genome relatedness) Streptomyces sp. capable of growth at high alkaline pH (10.5) and tolerant of gamma radiation to 4 kGy. Genomic sequencing identified many alkaline tolerance (antiporter/multi-resistance) genes compared to S. coelicolor M145 (at 3:1), hence we designated the strain Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1, from the Greek, myro (fragrance) and phorea (porter/carrier). In vitro tests demonstrated the ability of the Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 to inhibit the growth of many strains of ESKAPE pathogens; most notably carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (a critical pathogen on the WHO priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (both listed as high priority pathogens). Further in silico prediction of antimicrobial potential of Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 by anti-SMASH and RAST software identified many secondary metabolite and toxicity resistance gene clusters (45 and 27, respectively) as well as many antibiotic resistance genes potentially related to antibiotic production. Follow-up in vitro tests show that the Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 was resistant to 28 out of 36 clinical antibiotics. Although not a comprehensive analysis, we think that some of the Boho soils’ reputed curative properties may be linked to the ability of Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 to inhibit ESKAPE pathogens. More importantly, further analysis may elucidate other key components that could alleviate the tide of multi-resistant nosocomial infections

Young Adult Street Vendors and Adverse Respiratory Health Outcomes in Bangkok, Thailand

Air pollutants of concern include traffic-related air pollution, including particulate matter in respirable coarse and fine size fractions. There are no critical studies to date into associations between knowledge, awareness, and attitudes in using proper respiratory masks and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among urban street vendors in Thailand. In this study, we estimated adverse respiratory health outcomes among street vendors, in particular young adults, in Bangkok, Thailand, using a self-report questionnaire. Street vendors, who were not currently smoking and not having known diagnosed respiratory diseases, were recruited. They were selected from selected roadsides at Chong Nonsi, Bangkok. Participants (n=30) reported having lower respiratory (50%), upper respiratory (37%), and other symptoms (70%). Also, 53% of participants had never used respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE: masks). Among those using PPE, all used masks not proper for particulate matter. Results suggested knowledge, awareness, and attitudes concerning proper PPE use needs to be increased among street vendors in Bangkok, Thailand. Keywords: respiratory protective masks, respiratory symptoms, street vendors, Thailand, urban environmen

Injuries among young workers in career-technical-vocational education and associations with per pupil spending

Abstract Background New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) requires by law for accidents/incidents (injury) involving career-technical-vocational education (CTE) students and staff to be reported within five business days to the NJ Safe Schools Program (NJSS) using an online surveillance system. NJ public schools and charter schools (CS) through school districts (SD) or county offices report school data annually to NJDOE, including per pupil spending (PPS). In this study, we examined potential associations of PPS with several variables on injury in NJ: injury cause, injury location on the body, injury type, injury severity, use of PPE, and location of treatment for injury. Methods PPS data for December 1998–June 2015 from CTE SDs (one per NJ county, n = 21), four CS SD and eight county special services districts were analyzed. T-test examined potential differences in PPS regarding injury severity and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Stepwise logistic regression assessed potential associations between PPS and various injury surveillance variables. Results There were more CTE injuries reported among SD with lower PPS than among SD with higher PPS. Relatively less severe injuries, e.g., bruise/bumps and cuts/lacerations, more often occurred at schools and SD with higher PPS. Conversely, relatively more severe injuries, e.g., fractures, more often occurred at schools and SD with lower PPS. Conclusion Future research should further investigate disparities regarding younger worker injuries reported within school-based career-technical-vocational education programs by PPS and other factors like sex or gender, severity, safety training provided and work experience at time of injury

Self-assessed threshold for cold temperatures and thermal insulation of clothing among poultry workers

Abstract The association between self-assessed cold threshold (CT) and thermal insulation of clothing (Icl) was analysed in 283 poultry workers in Thailand. The mean CT was 13.5 °C (range − 28–29) and the mean Icl was 1.23 clo (range 0.35–2.21). The adjusted CT remained unchanged at low Icls (0.35 through 1.25 clo) but was estimated to increase by 14.8 °C at high Icls (1.25 through 2.21 clo). Overall, CT was higher by 2.4 °C (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–3.8) at high (≥ 1.25 clo) than that at low (< 1.25 clo) Icl, but this difference was modified by personal and work-related factors. The difference was 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.6) for older (30–57 y) compared to younger (18–29 y) participants, with an excess of 7.3 °C (CI 5.6–9.0) for low vs high educated participants, 2.6 °C (CI 0.5–4.8) for those doing heavy vs light work, 7.4 °C (CI 3.7–11.0) for alcohol consumers vs others, and 3.4 °C (CI 0.6–6.3) for smokers vs non-smokers. The differences were independent of personal characteristics and worksite physical conditions and were interpreted as increased cold sensitivity among subgroups with lesser stamina and poorer health. Sensitive worker subgroups should be identified, and their need for cold protection should be reviewed