Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Belisario.
Ocular symptoms have been evaluated on a VDT operators group, by using questionnaires and an ophthalmological screening. The results show that some ocular fatigue symptoms are much more frequent in VDT operators in comparison with the control group. VDT operators working more than 4 hours/day at VDT are the most affected.
The incidence of psychosomatic symptoms in a group of VDT operators is evaluated and compared with a control group (people not working at VDTs) by using questionnaires. The dta show that some psychosomatic symptoms are much more frequent in VDT operators in comparison with the control group.
The results of a study on 68 VDT operators are hereby presented. Various biochemical indexes are evaluated as markers of stress. In particular, urinary catecholamines and their metabolites (E, NE, DA, HVA, VMA), ACTH, cortisol, NEFA and fructosamine have been tested by the Authors. Each assay has been performed both in basal conditions, and after the completion of subjects workshift, taking into account the normal hormonal biorhythms. The data which emerged have been analyzed by statistical method ("Student t" with coupled data). Each subject data was confronted before and after workshift. The number of hours of VDT exposure and the different types of duties have been considered and evaluated. The results show that, although the data are all included within the normal range, some of the tested parameters after workshift are significantly higher, compared with the same parameters referring to the basal condition. In particular, Epinephrine and Norepinephrine seem to be the most effective markers of stress. Analogous studies will be pursued in the future by the Authors on a larger number of VDT operators.
A case of granulomatous pneumonia due to synthetic fibres was observed; no specific symptoms, blood patterns, radiographic findings were found. Some clinical considerations on this unusual syndrome are reported.
Mutagenic activity on Salmonella typhimurium strains of some cytostatic drugs in the absence and in the presence of beta-carotene was evaluated. Cyclophosphamide mutagenicity was reduced by the retinoid both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, its metabolite 4'-hydroxy-cyclophosphamide, which does not require enzymatic transformation to exert genotoxic activity against bacteria, was not affected by the presence of beta-carotene. Moreover, the mutagenic activity of cis-Platinum, Adriamycin and 4'Epiadriamycin, which are typical direct-acting mutagens, was not affected by beta-carotene. Data obtained confirm that beta-carotene is able to prevent mutagenic activity of cyclophosphamide by interfering with its metabolic activation but failed to inhibit the interaction of genotoxic compounds with bacterial DNA.
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256 spontaneous pneumothorax episodes in 165 patients were treated during the period 1956-1978. Continuous aspiration with drainage of the pleural cavity was employed in 156 cases, and parietal pleurectomy for 36 recurrent or undrainable cases. One patient in the latter group underwent bilateral parietal pleurectomy. The soundness of aspirative drainage on the occasion of the first episode is underscored by the low percentage of recurrences. The indications for pleurectomy are discussed. Its effectiveness is apparent from the good functional results it offers, in addition to an absence of relapses.
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An allergological examination technique for application in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to antibiotics is described with reference to a personal series of 250 subjects admitted to the Bologna University obstetric and gynaecological pathology department for small pelvis surgery. The method of investigation is described and the results obtained are reviewed. It is felt that the investigation is of value in preoperative screening insofar as it eliminates or reduces the risk of allergic shock, and enables more precisely directed antibiotic management to be employed.
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A review of data resulting from the studies on health aspects of VDT operators is hereby presented and discussed by the Authors. In particular, researches on visual, musculoskeletal, dermatological and reproductive system alterations in VDT operators, together with psychological aspects, are evaluated and problems involved in radiation emission from VDTs are exposed too. Preventive measures are mentioned. According to the majority of the studies--up to now--no valid evidence of any abnormalities has been provided that can be specifically attributed to VDT work. The necessity of further researches on psycho-organic aspects of work with VDT is suggested by the Authors.