The challenges of defining hormesis in epidemiological studies: The case of radiation hormesis.

In the current radiation protection system, preventive measures and occupational exposure limits for controlling occupational exposure to ionizing radiation are based on the linear no-threshold extrapolation model. However, currently an increasing body of evidence indicates that this paradigm predicts very poorly biological responses in the low-dose exposure region. In addition, several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the presence of hormetic dose response curves correlated to ionizing radiation low exposure.

Validation of the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire in Italian Language.

Objective: This study aimed to validate in Italian the Worker Well-Being Questionnaire developed by US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Methods: The questionnaire was independently translated into Italian by two authors. Translations were compared with obtain a synthesis that was back-translated.

Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs in Occupational Settings: A Systematic Review of Biological Monitoring Data.

The high toxicity of antineoplastic drugs (ADs) makes them dangerous not only for patients, but also for exposed workers. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide an updated overview of the biological monitoring of occupational AD exposure in order to extrapolate information useful to improve risk assessment and management strategies in workplaces. Several studies demonstrated that remarkable portions of healthcare workers may have traces of these substances or their metabolites in biological fluids, although with some conflicting results.

The impact of cystic fibrosis on the working life of patients: A systematic review.

Advances in the treatment and management of cystic fibrosis (CF) have led to a substantial increase in patient life expectancy, thus facilitating healthier lives and labour force participation. This review aimed to address the impact of CF on the occupational functioning of patients. A significant proportion of patients were reported to retain a job on a full- or part-time schedule.

Hormetic dose responses induced by antibiotics in bacteria: A phantom menace to be thoroughly evaluated to address the environmental risk and tackle the antibiotic resistance phenomenon.

The environmental contamination of antibiotics caused by their over or inappropriate use is a major issue for environmental and human health since it can adversely impact the ecosystems and promote the antimicrobial resistance. Indeed, considering that in the environmental matrices these drugs are present at low levels, the possibility that bacteria exhibit a hormetic response to increase their resilience when exposed to antibiotic subinhibitory concentrations might represent a serious threat. Information reported in this review showed that exposure to different types of antibiotics, either administered individually or in mixtures, is capable of exerting hormetic effects on bacteria at environmentally relevant concentrations.