Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Feed

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.

Effects of N-alkyl quaternary quinuclidines on oxidative stress biomarkers in SH-SY5Y cells

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Having a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities, including anticholinergic, antihistaminic, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and antitumour, quinuclidine derivatives have piqued much interest in the field of drug discovery and biomedical research. This study investigates the oxidative stress effects of six N-alkyl quaternary quinuclidine derivatives, namely three oximes (QNOH-C12,14,16) and three alcohols (QOH-C12,14,16) in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to evaluate their safety profile as potential therapeutics. We treated SH-SY5Y cells with their lowest-observed-adverse-effect levels (LOAEL) for 4 h and measured reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and DNA damage. Q(N)OHs significantly increased ROS and RNS levels, particularly the QNOHs, while lipid peroxidation remained unaffected, and GSH depletion was minimal. Cytosolic Cu/Zn-SOD activity increased significantly with longer alkyl chain substituents, while Mn-SOD activity decreased, indicating mitochondrial damage. DNA damage was not elevated. The observed effects of the tested quinuclidine derivatives appear to depend on their structural properties, as compounds containing hydroxyl groups and shorter alkyl chains had a lower impact. Furthermore, even non-cytotoxic doses of the tested compounds affected cell homeostasis, which underlines the importance of such testing early in the evaluation of new potential drugs.

Occupational triangular fibrocartilage complex injury in a sewing machine operator

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are associated with repetitive wrist movements and have mostly been reported in athletes but not in sewing machine operators, even though their jobs involve repetitive wrist movements. Our patient had operated a sewing machine for nine years across various workplaces. Two years ago, she began experiencing lateral ulnar pain, tenderness, and mild swelling in her left wrist. She was initially evaluated by her family physician, then by an orthopaedic surgeon, and was eventually referred to an occupational medicine specialist. TFCC compression test, TFCC stress test, grind test, and supination test were all positive. Ergonomic assessment showed an arm-wrist score of 5, a total rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) score of 5, and a job strain index (JSI) score of 13.5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left wrist showed changes consistent with a TFCC injury. Treatment included wrist immobilisation, oral painkillers, and rest, but her symptoms persisted upon return to the sewing machine, despite temporary use of a brace. Partial symptom improvement was observed only after job reassignment. This report presents the first confirmed case of a TFCC injury in a sewing machine operator and suggests that its potential occupational risks may have been overlooked in this population.

Mechanistic insights into the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and 1-butylpyridinium bromide on human cell lines

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a novel class of salts with growing industrial applications due to their tunable physicochemical properties. However, their popularity has given rise to concerns about their cytotoxic potential. This study investigates the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and cell cycle effects of two ILs, namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Bmim]Br) and 1-butylpyridinium bromide ([Bpy]Br), on three human cell lines: HeLa (cervical cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and HEK293T (human embryonic kidney). Using real-time cell analysis (RTCA), we determined that the half-maximal inhibition concentrations (IC50) for [Bmim]Br were 841.86 μmol/L in MCF-7, 538.38 μmol/L in HeLa, and 654.78 μmol/L in HEK293T cells. Respective [Bpy]Br IC50 values were 341.74 μmol/L, 333.27 μmol/L, and 328.98 μmol/L. Flow cytometry revealed that both ILs induced dose-dependent apoptosis and that [Bpy]Br showed stronger pro-apoptotic effects. At 1000 μmol/L, [Bpy]Br reduced live cell population to 33.86 % in MCF-7 and to 38.32 % in HeLa cells. Both ILs induced the G0/G1 phase arrest and significantly suppressed the expression of cyclin D1, CDK2, and CDK4 at both mRNA and protein levels. MTT and Transwell assays further confirmed inhibited cell proliferation and migration, particularly in MCF-7 and HeLa cells. These findings demonstrate that [Bmim]Br and [Bpy]Br inhibit cell growth by triggering apoptosis and by interfering with cell cycle progression. Stronger effects observed with [Bpy]Br suggest its therapeutic potential, but given the toxicity of both ILs in non-cancerous HEK293T cells, further research is necessary to evaluate their biosafety and long-term effects.

Association between leisure noise exposure and hearing status in young Croatian adults

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Young people often use headphones or speakers and most visit noisy places recreationally. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the relationship between exposure to recreational noise and hearing in 108 young Croatian participants aged 18–28 years. Hearing was assessed with audiometry and noise exposure by measuring the headphone volume to which each participant was accustomed while listening to music. Data on the daily use of headphones/speakers, visits to recreational noisy places, self-assessment of hearing, and health and demographics data were obtained with a questionnaire developed for this purpose. Mild sensorineural hearing loss was found in 5.5 % of participants (one man and six women). While all men reported their hearing as good, 13.9 % of women (n=9) described their hearing as average. Those women had significantly higher hearing thresholds than women who rated their hearing as good (p=0.036). Men spent significantly more time using headphones/speakers than women (1.9±1.2 vs 1.3±0.8 hours, p=0.002). Both men and women spent similar amount of time in recreational noisy venues, averaging 12.0 hours per month. More men used headphones at volumes exceeding 70 dB than women (52.2 % vs 27.7 %, p=0.009). Participants who self-reported hearing loss had significantly higher hearing thresholds than those who did not (p=0.036). Although we found no clear link between recreational noise and hearing loss, elevated thresholds in participants who reported hearing difficulties highlight the need for targeted hearing loss prevention.

Impostor phenomenon and psychological outcomes among family medicine residents: a cross-sectional study in Croatia

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of the impostor phenomenon among family medicine residents (FMRs) and its connection with sociodemographic factors and clinically relevant symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. During July 2023, 158 first-year FMRs were invited to fill out an anonymous online questionnaire containing sociodemographic data, history of psychiatric disorders, Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Seventynine participants responded (50 % response rate) and 59 reported some level of impostor feelings. Clinically relevant symptoms of depression were reported by 17, anxiety by 23, and stress by 20 participants. All 59 participants whose responses indicated impostor feelings above normal also had higher scores for depression, anxiety, and stress (p<0.001 in Mann-Whitney U test). Despite a small sample with uneven gender distribution and self-reported scales, our study found a significant association between the impostor phenomenon and negative mental outcomes. We believe that the impostor phenomenon among FMRs can be addressed effectively with interventions like peer support, mentoring, and practicing self-compassion if started early during medical study and specialisation.

Carbapenem-resistant bacteria in the environment

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB) pose a significant threat to public health due to their resistance to last-resort antibiotics. Even though they are widely studied in clinical settings, much less is known about their presence in environmental compartments with multiple pathways contributing to their dissemination, which raises a growing concern. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise the current knowledge about the occurrence, isolation, and characterisation of CRB in hospital and natural environments and to highlight their clinical relevance and environmental reservoirs. The CRB species pathogenic for humans – Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – are often identified in hospital and urban sewage, wastewater treatment plants, water bodies, sediments, soil, animals, and plants. Their presence in these environments is largely attributed to anthropogenic factors such as the discharge of untreated or partially treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants. Suitable methods for CRB isolation include selective media, phenotypic assays, and molecular tools for species identification and resistance gene detection. This review also addresses the One Health approach, which stems from the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and environment in the spread of CRB. While the species-level transmission within the One Health framework is well-documented, further research is needed to establish strain-level dissemination patterns. Understanding the mechanisms of CRB persistence and transmission in diverse environments is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies to curb their spread.

Workplace risk assessment criteria for pregnant workers exposed to physical exertion and biological and chemical hazards

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Workplace risk assessment criteria for pregnant workers in the EU remain inconsistent and poorly harmonised, with notable gaps in practical guidelines for occupational health physicians (OHPs). This regulatory ambiguity could lead to either insufficient protection or unnecessary exclusion of pregnant workers from the workplace, with significant implications for maternal and foetal health, as well as healthcare and social security systems. The aim of this study was to propose common, harmonised criteria for workplace risk assessment in healthy pregnant workers exposed to physical exertion and biological and chemical hazards. The criteria were developed through structured expert consultation involving occupational and sports medicine specialists from the Croatian Society of Occupational Health. To that end, we compiled and presented relevant legal and scientific literature, which served as the basis for discussion. Expert opinion was obtained via an anonymous online questionnaire administered during a structured expert workshop. The proposed criteria are based on the CLP Regulation (EC No. 1272/2008) classification of reprotoxic substances, identification of key biological hazards (e.g., cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, rubella virus, varicella-zoster virus, and Toxoplasma gondii), and assessment of physical workload using the Key Indicator Methods (KIM) developed by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). By integrating legal context, medical evidence, and expert judgment, the proposed criteria aim to support consistent, timely, and evidence-based risk assessment and to facilitate national and EU guideline development for the protection of pregnant workers.

Theory of random measurement errors: concepts, uses, and misuses

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

We present an overview of the theory of random measurement errors, focusing on the underlying concepts rather than on a strict mathematical formulation. Although the related literature is extensive, one can frequently encounter partly or completely wrong usages of the theory. In many cases, these misuses stem from incomplete understanding of the basic principles. Our presentation is based on a discussion on similarities and differences between this theory and statistics, as they are used differently in analysing the results of an experiment. In statistics, the central parameters are the mean and standard deviation, which are related to a given statistical distribution. In the theory of random measurement errors, the mean has a different meaning, representing the best estimate of the true value of a measured quantity. The second parameter of importance is not standard deviation but the uncertainty of the mean, which sets the probability that the true value lies in a given interval around the mean. These conceptual differences are seldom pointed out, which sometimes results in doubtful or wrong analyses and presentations of measurement results. We illustrate our theoretical considerations with examples of proper and improper use of the theory.

Chlorogenic acid protects against cisplatin-induced testicular damage: a biochemical and histological study

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

One of the adverse effects of cisplatin (CIS) treatment is its reproductive toxicity, which limits its clinical use in male patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential protective effects and mechanisms of chlorogenic acid (CHA), a well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol, in a CIS-induced testicular toxicity model. To this end we divided 30 Sprague-Dawley rats into five groups: control and four groups receiving either CHA alone (3 mg/kg), CIS alone (5 mg/kg), or their weaker and stronger combinations: CIS+CHA (1.5 mg/kg) and CIS+CHA (3 mg/kg), respectively. In the combination groups the rats first received a single 5 mg/kg dose of CIS, followed by either 1.5 or 3 mg/kg of CHA administered intraperitoneally for three consecutive days. Testicular tissues were harvested on the fifth day of the experiment. The level of testicular oxidative stress and inflammation induced by CIS and the histopathological changes observed were restored to normal following treatment with both doses of CHA. Furthermore, treatment with CHA led to the regeneration of Nrf2 and HO-1 levels, which had been suppressed by CIS. Consequently, the levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis were reduced. These findings indicate that CHA may counter the reproductive toxicity of CIS and may therefore serve as its add-on in cancer therapy.