Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Among Opencast Miners in Namibia with the Use of Electronic Dosimeters: A Feasibility Study.

The lack of information on exposure of opencast mineworkers to solar ultraviolet radiation, a group I carcinogen, was addressed. The feasibility of using electronic dosimeters in the determination of exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation was investigated. The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of measuring the occupational exposure of opencast mineworkers to solar ultraviolet radiation using electronic dosimeters.

Influence of preoperative embolisation on resection of brain arteriovenous malformations: cohort study.

Purpose: Preoperative endovascular embolisation is a widely used adjunct for the surgical treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, whether this improves completeness of AVM resection is unknown, as previous analyses have not adjusted for potential confounding factors. We aimed to determine if preoperative endovascular embolisation was associated with increased rate of complete AVM resection at first surgery, following adjustment for Spetzler-Martin grade items.

Prasugrel Single Antiplatelet Therapy versus Aspirin and Clopidogrel Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Flow Diverter Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Background And Purpose: The optimal antiplatelet regimen after flow diverter treatment of cerebral aneurysms is still a matter of debate. A single antiplatelet therapy might be advantageous in determined clinical scenarios. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy versus aspirin and clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy.

Safety of dual antiplatelet therapy using aspirin and low-dose Prasugrel with platelet reactivity testing in flow diverter treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is standard care for intracranial stenting to prevent thrombotic complications. Clopidogrel resistance has resulted in patients receiving newer P2Y12 inhibitors like Prasugrel, which may reduce thrombotic complications but could increase haemorrhagic complications. This study, utilising platelet reactivity testing, compared thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications associated with Clopidogrel or 20 mg Prasugrel loading in patients treated with flow diverters (FD) for intracranial aneurysms.

High variability in physician estimations of flow-diverting stent deployment versus PreSize Neurovascular software simulation: a comparison study.

Background: Physician variablity in preoperative planning of endovascular implant deployment and associated inaccuracies have not been documented. This study aimed to quantify the variability in accuracy of physician flow diverter (FD) planning and directly compares it with PreSize Neurovascular (Oxford Heartbeat Ltd) software simulations.

Methods: Eight experienced neurointerventionalists (NIs), blinded to procedural details, were provided with preoperative 3D rotational angiography (3D-RA) volumetric data along with images annotated with the distal landing location of a deployed Surpass Evolve (Stryker Neurovascular) FD from 51 patient cases.

In vitro skin permeation of potassium hexachloroplatinate and a comparison with potassium tetrachloroplatinate.

Halogenated platinum salts are known respiratory sensitizers in the workplace, and occupational exposure to platinum via the respiratory system and skin has been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the permeability and skin retention of potassium hexachloroplatinate to previously published data of potassium tetrachloroplatinate. Experiments were performed using female Caucasian skin and Franz diffusion cells with the application of 0.

Skin and respiratory exposure to soluble lead, cobalt, nickel, copper, arsenic and silver at two South African precious metals refineries.

Objectives: Precious metals refinery workers are exposed to soluble platinum group metals (PGMs) during PGM-refining but may also be exposed to hazardous non-PGMs (Pb, Co, Ni, Cu, As and Ag) still present in the matte following base metals refining. The aim of this article was to report the skin and respiratory exposure of workers to soluble non-PGMs during PGM-refining.

Methods: Skin and respiratory exposure (of 40 workers at two precious metals refineries) were measured simultaneously over two consecutive shifts.

WEB vs coiling in ruptured aneurysms: A propensity score matched comparison of safety and efficacy.

Background: We aim to compare the safety and efficacy of WEB with coiling for acutely ruptured aneurysms.METHODS: All consecutive ruptured aneurysms with width suitable for WEB (2-10 mm) treated over 5 years (1/1/2015 to 31/12/2019) were included. We recorded WFNS, Fisher grade, patient demographics and aneurysm characteristics (size, location, D/W and aspect ratio, lobulation).

Personal Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure of Farmworkers: Seasonal and Anatomical Differences Suggest Prevention Measures Are Required.

Introduction: Farmworkers are at risk of excess exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during their work activities, especially if they work in geographical areas with high ambient solar UVR levels such as in South Africa. Excess exposure to solar UVR may lead to several negative health effects such as certain cataracts and skin cancer. This study evaluated personal solar UVR exposure of a group of farmworkers to determine if they were at risk of health-related problems due to excess solar UVR exposure.

Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment in Reducing Skin Exposure to Soluble Platinum.

Objectives: Various forms of personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable coveralls and gloves, are used to help reduce skin exposure to soluble platinum in precious metals refineries. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PPE in reducing workers' skin exposure to soluble platinum.

Methods: Thirty precious metals refinery workers were divided into two groups according to their use of PPE and related procedures.

Skin and respiratory exposure to platinum group metals at two South African precious metals refineries.

Objective: Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are mined and refined together and have the potential to elicit adverse respiratory and skin health effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the simultaneous skin and respiratory exposure of precious metals refinery workers to all six soluble PGMs.

Methods: The simultaneous skin and respiratory exposure to soluble PGMs of forty workers at two precious metals refineries were measured over two consecutive work shifts using Ghostwipes™ and Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances method 46/2.

Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research.

Although ocular diseases related to solar ultraviolet radiation exposure have a high prevalence in Africa, little is known about the occupational use of ocular photoprotective measures on the continent. In a survey of South Africa farmworkers on a farm in the Limpopo Province, we analyzed factors related to ocular sun protection including use of different types of hats and sunglasses in relation to age, gender and duration of agricultural employment. Majority of participants (80%) never wore sunglasses while 23% never wore a hat when working.

Subjective and objective skin colour of a farmworker group in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Background: Farmworkers in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, are at risk of excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (sUVR) due to both their work and the sUVR environment in the geographic area. However, the natural protection provided by this group's skin against sUVR has not been quantified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective and objective skin colour of a group of farmworkers in order to classify the natural photoprotection provided by melanin and to evaluate the different measurement methods.

Endocrine profiling in patients with Fanconi anemia, homozygous for a FANCG founder mutation.

Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is phenotypically diverse, hereditary condition associated with bone marrow failure, multiple physical abnormalities, and an increased susceptibility to the development of malignancies. Less recognized manifestations of FA include endocrine abnormalities. International discourse has highlighted that these abnormalities are widespread among children and adults with FA.

Early experience treating intracranial aneurysms using Accero: a novel, fully visible, low profile braided stent with platinum-nitinol composite wire technology.

Background: Accero is an innovative, fully visible, self-expanding braided stent with platinum-nitinol composite wire technology, produced by Acandis.

Objective: To assess the technical success and safety of this new stent by evaluating the intraprocedural behavior and complication rate, and the short-term follow-up results.

Methods: Forty-one consecutive patients suitable for stent-assisted coiling were selected for the use of Accero in an 11-month period.

Measurement of transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH in occupational settings: A review.

Background: The skin provides a permeable barrier which may be impaired in occupational settings. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH) and skin surface pH (SSpH) have been used in occupational settings to predict early onset of occupational skin diseases, to measure the effectiveness of prevention strategies for occupational skin diseases, and to assess skin condition during exposure. The aim was to compare the findings, identify shortcomings in the methodology and data reporting and furthermore, to make recommendations for future studies.

Mortality and cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity in individuals with impaired FEV (PURE): an international, community-based cohort study.

Background: The associations between the extent of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV) impairment and mortality, incident cardiovascular disease, and respiratory hospitalisations are unclear, and how these associations might vary across populations is unknown.

Methods: In this international, community-based cohort study, we prospectively enrolled adults aged 35-70 years who had no intention of moving residences for 4 years from rural and urban communities across 17 countries. A portable spirometer was used to assess FEV.

Urinary excretion of platinum (Pt) following skin and respiratory exposure to soluble Pt at South African precious metals refineries.

Adverse respiratory and skin health effects have been associated with occupational exposure to soluble platinum (Pt). However, the relationship between skin exposure and urinary Pt excretion has not yet been investigated. In this study we examined the relationship between skin and respiratory exposure to soluble Pt and urinary Pt excretion at two South African precious metals refineries.

Correlation between the severity of myelopathy and cervical morphometric parameters on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: To compare morphometric factors of cervical spine in the cervical stenosis on dynamic and static magnetic resonance imaging. To analyse the relationship between the severity of myelopathy and morphometric parameters.

Methods: Patients with cervical canal stenosis scanned with MRI in neutral (N), flexion (F) and extension (E) positions were retrospectively reviewed.

Cervical Spine and Cord Angle Mismatch in the Pathogenesis of Myelopathy.

Background: Cervical myelopathy is a complex pathology and dynamic compression of the tethered cervical cord, which may be responsible for clinical symptoms.

Methods: Patients with cervical canal stenosis who had magnetic resonance imaging in flexion and extension positions were retrospectively reviewed. All cases were evaluated in Nurick grade.

Urinary excretion of platinum from South African precious metals refinery workers.

Background: Urinary platinum (Pt) excretion is a reliable biomarker for occupational Pt exposure and has been previously reported for precious metals refinery workers in Europe but not for South Africa, the world's largest producer of Pt.

Objective: This study aimed to quantify the urinary Pt excretion of South African precious metals refinery workers.

Methods: Spot urine samples were collected from 40 workers (directly and indirectly exposed to Pt) at two South African precious metals refineries on three consecutive mornings prior to their shifts.

Analysis of Morphometric Parameters in Cervical Canal Stenosis on Neutral and Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Objective: A dynamic compression injury of the cervical spinal cord (SC) is widely accepted in the pathophysiology of cervical myelopathy. Flexion/extension magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides information on the dynamic cervical injury. We sought to compare morphometric parameters on neutral and flexion/extension MRI in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.