Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Feed

Indoor air bacterial and fungal burden in the environment of an atopic child: implications for elevated urine mycotoxin levels

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Here we present a case of an atopic boy from Zagreb, Croatia, whose elevated urine mycotoxin levels prompted us investigate whether they were associated with microbial indoor air burden in the child’s primary and music school and family home. The music school had been water-damaged / mould-infested but had been repaired by the time of our measurements. We also measured urine mycotoxin in one healthy child who attended the same elementary school and in all household members of the atopic boy. The results showed no microbial contamination at any of the measurement locations, with bacterial concentrations ranging from 172 to over 570 CFU/m3 of air and fungal concentrations between 67 and 82 CFU/m3, all determined only in the music school classroom. The dominant species isolated in the music school were Aspergillus fumigatus (55 CFU/m3) and Penicillium verrucosum (24 CFU/m3), both potential mycotoxin producers. Considering that only the atopic boy had elevated urine mycotoxin levels, we believe that mould in the music school cannot be ruled out as the source of exposure. In fact, we believe our case illustrates that safety thresholds for mould exposure can vary and may be much lower for immunocompromised or sensitive individuals.

Public awareness of microplastic pollution among residents of a western Turkish province and how it is reflected in demographics and behavioural practices

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the public awareness of and attitudes toward microplastic pollution in the Kütahya Province of Turkey between September and December 2024 and included 406 users of regional family healthcare centres. Data were collected with a specifically developed questionnaire combining sociodemographic information and self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour related to the microplastics issue and with our Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS), against which we compared the answers to the first questionnaire. MPAS scores were significantly higher among women than men, persons under the age of 40, unmarried participants, university graduates (5.1 times higher than in those with lower education), and residents of developed regions (2.3 times higher than among residents of underdeveloped or developing regions). Overall, participants show pretty good awareness of microplastic pollution. Future prospective studies should cover all ages, but more importantly, develop effective intervention programmes aimed at changing public behaviour.

Noise exposure patterns and health risk assessment among nurses in a Chinese paediatric intensive care unit

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Starting from the hypothesis that occupational noise exposure among paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses at our hospital exceeds the recommended health guidelines and is associated with adverse non-auditory health outcomes, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to quantify personal noise exposure patterns and assess correlations with perceived stress, sleep quality, and hearing handicap in a convenience sample of 60 registered nurses wearing personal noise dosimeters over a 12-hour shift. The participants also completed a survey including the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA). The main finding was that the cohort’s mean 8-hour time-weighted average (LAeq,8 h) exposure to noise was 78.5±4.2 dBA, and that all measured shifts exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) hospital guidelines. Peak noise levels (LCpeak) frequently surpassed 115 dBC. Most nurses (N=39) were classified as “poor sleepers” (PSQI>5). Significant positive correlations were found between LAeq,8 h and PSS-10 scores (r=0.45, p<0.001) and global PSQI scores (r=0.52, p<0.001). For every 1 dBA increase in LAeq,8 h, the odds of being a poor sleeper increased by 25 % (odds ratio 1.25; 95 % CI: 1.05–1.48). Even though this is a “snapshot study”, it clearly indicates that PICU noise bears significant occupational risks of high stress and poor sleep, which warrants immediate intervention. Further research should focus on longitudinal measurements to get a better idea of noise exposure in healthcare environments, PICUs in particular.

Chronic lymphatic leukaemia in a worker with a long-term occupational exposure to petroleum product mixtures: a case report

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Following a regular occupational health checkup, a 63-year-old worker employed at petrol station for thirty years was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The patient’s occupational history revealed long-term daily exposure to petroleum-derived vapours. As part of a routine occupational health assessment, he underwent comprehensive laboratory testing, followed by further evaluation and treatment by a haematologist, including a myelogram, immunophenotyping of haemoblastosis, and bone marrow histopathology. Based on the completed diagnostic workup, the patient was diagnosed CLL with B-cell predominance. Due to the nature of the disease and job demands, the worker was declared permanently unfit for work at his current workplace. The diagnosis was recognised as an occupational disease by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund thanks to the expert opinion, issued by the occupational health specialist, who, after an extensive toxicological assessment and the exclusion of other possible causes, linked 30 years of occupational inhalation exposure to petroleum products containing benzene with the onset of this malignant disease. This case highlights systemic shortcomings in the assessment of occupational exposure to mixtures of petroleum products, inhalation of vapours, and potential dermal contact among petrol station workers, deficiencies in occupational safety measures, and the crucial role of occupational medicine specialists in the prevention, early detection, and risk management before disease progression, as well as in supporting the legal and occupational rights of affected workers.

Potential of Bacillus paramycoides hydrolase to degrade propiconazole

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Propiconazole is a widely used synthetic fungicide that has raised deep environmental and toxicological concerns due to its persistence and bioactivity. In this study, we investigated the potential of a facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, Bacillus paramycoides to degrade propiconazole by elucidating the functional role of its hydrolase enzyme in silico. The hydrolase was characterised with the FASTA sequence to determine its physicochemical properties, stability, and conserved functional domains. Homology modelling was performed and the predicted structure validated using a Ramachandran plot and ERRAT analysis, yielding an overall quality score of 93.6 %. Eleven propiconazole-related compounds, including parent molecules and degradation products (e.g. hispor, propiconazole TP1, propiconazole TP2, and propiconazole-d7) were retrieved from the PubChem database and subjected to molecular docking using PyRx. Docking analysis revealed stable enzyme-substrate interactions, with the highest binding affinity of −6.8 kcal/mol observed for native hydrolase complexes. Site-directed mutagenesis was subsequently performed, and mutant structures were evaluated for structural stability and functional integrity. The mutated hydrolase exhibited an improved binding affinity of −7.4 kcal/mol, indicating enhanced substrate interaction. Molecular dynamics simulations using the AMBER force field further confirmed the structural stability, binding consistency, and functional reliability of the enzyme-ligand complexes. Overall, these quantitative findings support the potential of B. paramycoides hydrolase as a stable, non-virulent, and efficient candidate for environmentally sustainable bioremediation of propiconazole, with relevance to environmental and occupational toxicology.

Coasting effect of n-hexane-induced neuropathy evidenced by electroneuromyography and clinical symptom scales: a 12-month follow-up study

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

To the best of our knowledge, no study so far has investigated the coasting effect of neuropathy caused by occupational exposure to n-hexane through more detailed clinical evaluations than nerve conduction measurements, such that would also include pain assessment and functional status. The aim of our study was therefore to see if our measurements, which include all three elements, would support the coasting effect and reveal associations between electrophysiological measurements and clinical symptom assessments over a 12-month follow-up. Our study included eighteen patients working in the same shoe factory who were diagnosed with occupational neuropathy most likely caused by exposure to n-hexane. After identification of occupational exposure to high, yet unspecified VOC levels by local health authorities, production was suspended and all patients removed from further exposure. All underwent detailed neurological examination, including electroneuromyography (EMG) and the assessment of self-rated pain severity, symptoms, and functionality in everyday activities. All clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiological assessments were performed at baseline and at months 4 and 12 of follow-up. The patients presented with different degrees of numbness, muscle weakness, and sensory disturbances. EMG measurements and clinical scales at month 4 revealed significant worsening from the baseline (p<0.05), and the assessments at month 12 a significant improvement from month 4 (p<0.05), which confirms the coasting effect. Significant correlations were found between baseline motor conduction velocities and subsequent functional outcomes, and between selected sensory parameters and pain severity. Regardless of its limitations, our study points to the real-life consequences of exposure to harmful VOCs in poorly controlled shoe factory environments and establishes the coasting effect through more than one diagnostic parameter. From a preventive perspective, our findings suggest that early electrophysiological evaluation, together with simple and validated clinical scales, may help identify workers at risk of developing neuropathy before irreversible functional impairments occur. Such an approach could inform timely exposure control, medical surveillance, and occupational interventions in high-risk settings.

Forsythoside A attenuates metabolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice by inhibiting the MAPK and activating the Nrf2 signalling pathways

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Forsythoside A, a natural phenylethanoid glycoside extracted from the weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activity, including antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to determine its anti-hyperglycaemic and antioxidative effects in a diabetic mouse model (created by administering high-fat diet alongside successive low doses of streptozotocin) by measuring fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, food and water intake, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes. Diabetic mice received either forsythoside A (30 or 60 mg/kg bw) or metformin (150 mg/kg) as standard type 2 diabetes medication for comparison. After four weeks of administration, forsythoside A significantly increased body weight and reduced food and water intake at both doses, while the higher, 60 mg/kg dose also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and had a similar effect on all these parameters as metformin. The higher, 60 mg/kg dose also had similar antioxidative effects as metformin in lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in elevating the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) levels. Moreover, at 60 mg/kg forsythoside A attenuated lipid accumulation in diabetic mice by elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lowering total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), showing comparable effect to metformin. Similar improvements were observed by histopathological changes in the liver. Forsythoside A also lowered insulin levels in diabetic mice by up-regulating p-IRS-1 and inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by lowering the expressions of the p-p38 and p-JNK proteins. At the same time, it promoted the Nrf2 pathway by increasing Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions relative to untreated diabetic mice. In conclusion, forsythoside A demonstrated therapeutic effects akin to those of 150 mg/kg metformin and may be a promising candidate for clinical application.

Structure-guided modification of a lead cholinesterase-targeting oxime to improve peripheral site binding

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Based on our previous study on N‑substituted 2-hydroxyiminoacetamides as cholinesterase-targeting ligands, which highlighted 2-hydroxyimino-N-(3-(4-((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropyl)acetamide as lead compound because of its inhibition potency, we extended this group of compounds by introducing a new, bulkier peripheral anionic site (PAS)-binding substituent – 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline to achieve an orientation of its three modular elements that would comply with our initial design: the benzyl unit to occupy the choline binding region, the bulky substituent to stabilise binding at the peripheral site, and the 2-hydroxyiminoacetamide moiety to bind at the catalytic serine residue. The obtained N-(3-(4-((6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropyl)-2-(hydroxyimino)acetamide inhibited both human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) non-competitively in a low micromolar range. Molecular docking studies predicted high stability of the 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline group at PAS and of the 2-hydroxyiminoacetamide moiety and the benzyl group inside the catalytic site of BChE, while the closest orientation of the three modular elements to our initial design was predicted for AChE, though different orientations were also predicted. Cytotoxicity was observed in the HepG2 and HEK293 cell lines, but only at concentrations exceeding those used in the reversible inhibition assay. Our study confirms N-substituted 2-hydroxiiminoacetamides with three structural elements as low micromolar cholinesterase ligands, successfully extending the scope of PAS substituent to 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. Beyond cholinesterase inhibition, our findings contribute to better understanding of the cytotoxic properties of constituting structural elements of the tested N-(3-(4-((6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropyl)-2-(hydroxyimino)acetamide.

Autonomic echoes of student life: a mixed-method inquiry with meta-inferential integration of autonomic function, lifestyle narratives, and health behaviours among medical students

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Medical students face intense academic and lifestyle transitions that can affect their physiological health and well-being. This mixed-method study explores the interplay between the autonomic nervous system activity, measured via heart rate variability (HRV) and lifestyle behaviours, measured with a 20-item questionnaire (LBQ-20) in 90 first-year medical students in South India. We also gathered narrative responses to understand subjective health perceptions and stress adaptation. HRV parameters, calculated individually for each participant and summarised using group-level means, indicate moderate overall autonomic variability (SDNN of 42.76±18.20 ms and RMSSD of 28.37±13.75 ms), while the mean LBQ-20 score of 9.46±3.16 indicates moderate overall adherence to health-promoting behaviours across the cohort. The correlation between the two is weak and non-significant. Thematic analysis of narratives highlight rigid academic routines, stress, poor sleep, and dietary challenges as major barriers to health. This study suggests that medical student well-being is shaped not only by personal lifestyle but also by systemic and psychological stressors.

The impact of heat inactivation on RT-per detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): an experience from the University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Serbia

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Handling clinical samples from patients suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection puts healthcare workers at risk of exposure to infectious particles. To reduce this risk, samples are often heat-inactivated before nucleic acid isolation, but this procedure may affect the analytical sensitivity of the test. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of heat inactivation (56 °C for 30 min) on RT-qPCR results of samples taken from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swabs collected from 200 symptomatic patients. Each sample was split into two aliquots – one subjected to heat inactivation and the other stored at 4 °C – followed by nucleic acid isolation and RT-qPCR analysis using the GeneFinder COVID-19 nucleic acid test. Heat inactivation did not significantly affect the overall SARS-CoV-2 detection rate (55.5 % vs. 55.0 % in untreated and heat-treated groups; χ2=0.01; p=0.91). However, discrepancies occurred in 15.3 % of samples, all with quantification cycle (Cq) values >31, including target loss, gain, or complete signal disappearance after heat treatment. Heat inactivation also slightly decreased Cq values for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and envelope (E) genes and increased those for the nucleocapsid (N) gene, with significant changes in strongly positive samples (Cq≤33). In positive samples (Cq≤40), the human ribonuclease (RNase) P gene also exhibited significantly higher Cq values after heat treatment. In the strongly positive subgroup, correlation analysis showed moderate correlation for RdRp and very strong correlation for the N and E genes, and a weaker correlation for weakly positive samples. In conclusion, heat inactivation at 56 °C for 30 min does not significantly affect viral gene detection but may diminish it in samples with low viral load.

Factors associated with burnout among the Belgrade University medical students

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Although the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases defines burnout as an occupational syndrome, research has investigated it extensively in medical students. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among fifth-year medical students in Serbia along with the social, lifestyle, and health status characteristics associated with it. The study included 431 Belgrade University students attending classes in social medicine and took place in the last week of November 2024. According to the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the mean score was 43.67±15.81 and overall burnout prevalence 35.3 %. The prevalence of personal burnout was 35 %, of study-related burnout 36.9 %, and of faculty-related burnout 29 %. The multivariate logistic regression analysis of overall burnout showed positive association with the grade point average (OR: 4.02; 95 % CI: 2.12–7.64) and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (OR: 1.14; 95 % CI: 1.06–1.22) and a negative association with the study engagement score (OR: 0.86; 95 % CI: 0.81–0.92). Our findings identify variables that need addressing to lower burnout prevalence among students. One is anxiety, which was significantly associated with burnout, and the other is study engagement, which was inversely associated with burnout. We believe that medical schools should provide mental health support programmes to address these and other potential issues.

Poisoning with biocidal products before and after the COVID-19 pandemic: report from the Croatian Poison Control Centre

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Data collected by the Croatian Poison Control Centre (CPCC) in 2020 showed a significant increase in poisoning incidence with surface disinfectants and hand sanitisers compared to the same period in 2019. Considering that this rise in poisoning with biocidal products (BPs) coincided with the start of the COVID pandemic, we wanted to see if there was a trend by analysing six-years’ worth of CPCC records of biocidal poisoning cases covering the COVID-19 pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic period (2019–2024). During that period, we received 1320 BP-related calls (8.0 % of a total of 16.441 calls), and 99 % involved four types of BPs: surface disinfectants (542 cases), hand sanitisers (325 cases), insecticides (283 cases), and rodenticides (119 cases). Most poisonings were accidental and involved ingestion and inhalation as the exposure routes. Most patients were asymptomatic or had mild to moderate symptoms, while severe symptoms were mainly observed in suicide attempts, accounting for less than 3.0 % of the cases. Our analysis confirmed an increase in poisoning cases with hand sanitisers during the height of the pandemic (2020–2021) compared to the pre-pandemic 2019, with the numbers somewhat decreasing afterwards (2022–2024), although the number of cases remained higher than before the pandemic. The number of poisonings with surface disinfectants remained similar before and during the pandemic (2019–2021) but showed an increasing trend after the pandemic (2022–2024). Poisoning with rodenticides and insecticides remained stable across all periods. Our findings reinforce the need for greater public awareness of preventive measures, including appropriate labelling and packaging of biocidal products, and for the promotion of safe behaviour in households and workplaces.

Risks of radiation exposure to old military compasses with radioluminescent markings

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigates the radiological safety of handling old radioluminescent military compasses whose markings are coated with radium-based luminous paint, historically used to ensure better visibility in dim or night-time conditions until the 1960s, when its use was discontinued and eventually banned due to the mounting evidence of its harmful health effects, including the increased risk of cancer. Using gamma spectrometry, we confirmed radium presence in three historical compass models, namely M.49, M.53 S1, and the small Bézard model. We also measured ambient dose equivalent rates to assess ionising radiation exposure at the usual distances from the source during routine handling or long-term storage of these devices. Our findings indicate that, under certain conditions, radiation doses may exceed the recommended safety limits for general public and underscore the importance of raising awareness about potential radiological risks associated with antique navigation instruments. Our study points to the need for appropriate safety protocols, handling procedures, and storage conditions to minimise these risks among collectors of military memorabilia as well as the general public in line with the ALARA principle.

Managing and monitoring indoor air quality and surface decontamination in healthcare environments

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in healthcare facilities is a critical yet often underestimated factor associated with adverse health effects and increased risk of infectious outbreaks. Key pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and various biological agents such as bacteria and viruses. While numerous variables contribute to IAQ, European regulations still have significant gaps, having historically focused more on individual substances than on the overall air environment. This review examines the most relevant IAQ parameters, current technologies available for their detection, and the regulatory landscape at the European level. Special attention is given to real-time monitoring systems. We also propose a concise operational guideline for IAQ management which combines continuous monitoring, evidence-based mitigation, and improvements to reduce exposure, increase resilience to airborne and surface threats, and produce measurable safety outcomes for patients and healthcare personnel within hospital settings.

Gentiana lutea root aqueous extract mitigates hydroxyurea-induced genotoxicity through antioxidative action and DNA repair: an in vitro study in healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Hydroxyurea is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various conditions, including sickle cell anaemia and myeloproliferative malignancies. However, it has adverse genotoxic effects on normal cells. This in vitro study aimed to explore the genoprotective potential of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) root extract (GRE) against hydroxyurea-induced DNA damage in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We measured total phenolic and flavonoid GRE content (TPC and TFC, respectively) and its capacity to scavenge free radicals using the DPPH and ABTS assays. Before exposure to hydroxyurea, mononuclear cells were treated with non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic GRE concentrations to assess their genoprotective (CBMN assay) and antioxidative effects (PAB and GSH assays). We also wanted to see how they affected the expression of DNA repair genes PARP1, OGG1, and MnSOD. GRE TPC was 8.42 mg GAE/g while the TFC was below the detection limit. Even so, GRE displayed radical-scavenging activity and restored hydroxyurea-disrupted cellular redox homeostasis, as PAB values returned to normal and GSH levels rose. GRE pre-treatment significantly reduced hydroxyurea-induced DNA damage in a concentration-dependent manner. PARP1 and MnSOD were upregulated, but not OGG1, which indicates GRE’s selective action. Our findings confirm its genoprotective effects against hydroxyurea-induced DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicate a complex mechanism of action, and call for further research of this promising compound against secondary genotoxic effects of hydroxyurea.

Urinary cotinine cut-off value in categorising cigarette smoking status in healthy pregnant women at term

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Future mothers tend to underreport intentional or unintentional tobacco smoke exposure to avoid social stigma, and urine levels of cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine can serve as a valuable biomarker of tobacco smoke exposure to resolve such uncertainties. When establishing the cut-off level to discern non-smokers from active smokers, however, one should bear in mind the shorter half-life of cotinine in pregnant than non-pregnant women to avoid misclassification of maternal smoking status. The aim of our study was to determine the urinary cotinine cut-off level to objectively detect active smokers and to see if any participant characteristics were associated with underreporting. To do that, we collected spot urine samples from pregnant women with normal vaginal delivery at term, self-reported as non-smokers (n=123) or smokers (n=33), in the maternity ward before delivery. We also took their sociodemographic, cigarette smoking, and clinical data, as well as clinical data on their newborns using a questionnaire. To ensure objective classification of participants by smoking status, cotinine levels were quantified in urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of urinary cotinine to discern pregnant non-smokers from smokers at term were 120 µg/L or 144 µg/g creatinine, yielding 94 % sensitivity and 96 % or 97 % specificity. Respective to these cut-off values, 4.1 % and 3.3 % of self-reported non-smokers were classified as current smokers. Our findings support the use of urinary cotinine, whenever feasible, to reduce reporting bias in pregnancy studies, and, given the altered nicotine metabolism during pregnancy, future epidemiological studies should bear in mind that urinary cotinine cut-off values may depend on the stage of pregnancy.

Integration of job satisfaction into the Personal Wellbeing Index: analysis of psychometric properties and sociodemographic influences among employees of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines subjective wellbeing (SWB) among administrative staff of a Croatian universal health insurance coverage provider in a transitional economy, hypothesising a moderate spillover effect from job satisfaction to overall life satisfaction. Our aim was to assess the psychometric properties of a modified Personal Wellbeing Index that incorporates job satisfaction (PWI-J), evaluate sociodemographic influences, and validate the job satisfaction domain inclusion in the index. The hypothesis was tested on a convenience sample of 1,051 Croatian employees of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund who completed an anonymous online survey in 2018. Analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlations, ANOVA/MANOVA for sociodemographic effects, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The PWI-J exhibited high reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.896), and its two-factor structure (material-practical and socioemotional wellbeing) explained 65 % of the variance. The mean PWI-J score was 65.01 on a 0–100 scale. Standard of living and future security received the lowest score (around 52) and relationships and community the highest (77–81). Spillover was confirmed (ρ=0.633, P<0.001). Compared to the Australian wellbeing triage ranges, participants reported lower economic satisfaction but stronger community ties, with higher education associated with better material outcomes, female gender with enhanced social satisfaction, and younger workers (19–34 years old) with higher socioemotional scores. Our findings underscore economic vulnerabilities balanced by social resilience and validate PWI-J for occupational health assessments. Recommendations include targeted interventions for lower-educated and older workers. Limitations encompass cross-sectional design, self-report bias, and limited generalisability. Future research should pursue longitudinal studies on possible mediators, such as resilience.

Mathematical models for predicting the toxicity of micropollutant mixtures in water

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Water pollution caused by micropollutants has been a global issue for decades, prompting the scientific community and industry professionals to develop new and effective wastewater treatment methods. Understanding the interactions of these compounds in real water samples is particularly challenging, as they contain complex mixtures that may alter the mechanism of action and toxic effects of these compounds on aquatic organisms. To address such challenges, computational methods and mathematical models have been developed to complement experimental research and predict the toxicity of micropollutant mixtures in water. This narrative review summarises current literature on such mathematical models, including the concentration addition (CA), independent action model (IA), and their combinations to predict the toxicity of mixtures involving pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and perfluorinated compounds. We also discuss computational methods like quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling and machine learning (ML). While the CA and IA models provide basic frameworks for predicting toxicity in chemical mixtures, their practical application is often limited by the assumption of additivity and by the complexity of real water mixtures. QSAR and ML approaches, though promising, face challenges such as limited data availability, overfitting, and difficult interpretation. Future research should focus on enhancing model robustness, incorporating mechanistic data, and developing hybrid approaches that integrate experimental and computational methods to improve the reliability of toxicity predictions for complex environmental mixtures.

Effects of exposure to insecticides on sleep and neurobehavioural functioning in puberty and adolescence: a scoping review

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Insecticides are pervasive in modern world, with humans being exposed through multiple pathways including dietary intake, occupational exposure, farming activities, residential proximity to crops, and household use. Most commonly used insecticides are neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, organophosphates, and carbamates. Recent evidence suggests that even low-level exposure to these substances may have adverse effects. Adolescence, characterised by intensive maturation processes, is a period of heightened vulnerability to environmental toxicants which may increase the risk of suboptimal developmental outcomes. This review aimed to synthesise the evidence of association between insecticide exposure in childhood/adolescence and sleep and neurobehavioural functioning in children and adolescents aged 8–20 years. Literature search across Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO produced 1,492 unique records, of which 48 studies met the inclusion criteria and underwent full-text analysis. Nine of the analysed studies investigated occupational exposure. Most employed cross-sectional design. Insecticide exposure was most often assessed through biomonitoring, questionnaires or interviews, temporal or spatial proximity to crops, and environmental sampling. Occupational exposure studies were primarily conducted in Africa, whereas nonoccupational studies were mostly based in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Cognitive functioning was the most evaluated aspect of neurobehavioural functioning, while sleep was assessed only in one study. Although the findings are heterogeneous, they suggest that both work-related and residential exposures may affect neurobehaviour and sleep in puberty and adolescence. However, further longitudinal research is needed to clarify causation and also incorporate sleep health and pubertal maturation into the design, both as outcomes and mediators of neurobehavioral effects.

Unsafe commute driving behaviour among healthcare workers: a combined scoping review and concept analysis

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unsafe driving behaviour is associated with the risk of crashes. Although commuting crashes prevail among healthcare workers (HCWs), unsafe driving behaviour during daily commutes remains unexplored in this group. The aim of our study was therefore to address this gap and to clarify the concept of unsafe driving behaviour among HCWs while commuting. To do that, we ran literature search in Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science and selected appropriate articles following the scoping review procedure, while data extraction and analysis followed the procedure for concept analysis. A total of 46 published studies met inclusion criteria. Most were from the USA (n=30), predominantly involved medical doctors (n=21), and were cross-sectional (n=24) in design. Concept analysis identified four properties of unsafe driving behaviour: 1) pressure and negative emotion, 2) drowsy driving, 3) risky driving and rules violation, and 4) distraction/inattention. Work scheduling factors emerged as the most frequently reported antecedents, while crashes were the most reported consequences. By identifying the core elements of unsafe driving behaviour among HCWs this study proposes a conceptual framework to guide future research and interventions. This framework can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers, enabling them to develop targeted strategies to address unsafe driving behaviour of HCWs during commuting, with the ultimate goal to reduce the associated crash risks.