Biomedical subjects

B Kanceljak

Publications and source records attributed to B Kanceljak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Differences in mite fauna between the continental and Mediterranean climates of Croatia: microscopy and Dustscreen test findings.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between the mite fauna in the inland and coastal Croatia. METHODS: Ninety-nine floor house dust samples were collected: 28 from the coastal area, 31 from the inland rural and 40 from the inland urban area. Data on basic household characteristics were collected for 81 of 99 households. The mites were separated from the dust using the floatation method and then microscopically identified. The levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) 1 and Der 2 were measured using the Dustscreen test. Ordinal descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis, assuming statistical significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS: More than 70% of mites identified in all areas were pyroglyphids. Nonpyroglyphid mites accounted for 20-25% of all identified mites in the coastal areas (Blomia, Lepidoglyphus and Glycyphagus) and with 15% in the inland areas (Lepidoglyphus and Acarus). The highest Der p 1 median levels were found in the coastal area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and inland urban areas (4.5; 2; 0.85 microg/g of dust; P = 0.0001). The highest Der f 1 median levels were found in the inland urban area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and coastal areas (0.88; 0.75; 0 microg/g of dust; P = 0.0013). The levels of Der f 1 were significantly higher in samples taken from households with central heating than from those with traditional heating (1; 0.25 microg/g of dust; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Separate diagnostic dust mite lists for the coastal and inland areas because of climatic and dwelling differences required to be implemented. Compared with traditional heating, central heating significantly increases the risk of exposure to Der f 1 levels >2 microg/g of dust (odds ratio, 7.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-37.87; P = 0.01).

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Respiratory and immunological findings in brewery workers.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure of brewery workers to organic dusts such as hops, barley, and brewery yeast has the potential to change respiratory function and immunological status. METHODS: Ninety-seven male workers employed in a brewery plant were studied. The mean age of the workers in this plant was 40 years, the mean duration of their employment was 16 years. In addition, a group of 76 unexposed workers was studied as a control. Respiratory symptoms were recorded. Lung function was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. Immunological testing was performed on all brewery workers and some control volunteers using skin prick testing with hops, barley, and yeast antigens as well as other nonoccupational allergens, and by determining total serum IgE levels. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher prevalence of most of the chronic respiratory symptoms in brewery workers compared to controls (P < 0.01). Occupational asthma, however, was recorded in only 2 (2.1%) of the brewery workers. Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking was the major studied factor responsible for the high prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in workers. A large number of brewery workers complained of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift. Lung function tests were decreased compared to predicted. Multivariate analysis of these respiratory function parameters suggested the importance of workplace exposure in explaining lung function abnormalities. Significantly higher prevalences of positive skin prick tests were recorded in 37 brewery workers for molds, hops, and barley than in controls. Increased serum levels of total IgE were documented in 34/97 (45.1%) brewery workers and in 1/76 (2.7%) of the control workers (P < 0.01). However, workers with positive skin prick tests had prevalences of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes similar to those of workers with negative skin prick tests. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that both smoking and dust exposure in the brewery industry may be responsible for the development of respiratory impairment and immunological reactions.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in cocoa and flour processing workers.

Respiratory function and immunological status were studied in 40 cocoa and 53 flour processing workers employed as packers in a confectionery industry and in 65 unexposed control workers in the same industry. A high prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was recorded in exposed workers, varying from 5.0% to 30.0% in cocoa workers and from 5.7% to 28.3% in flour workers. Occupational asthma was diagnosed in 2 (5%) of the cocoa workers and in 3 (5.7%) of the flour workers. None of the control workers suffered from occupational asthma. The prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly greater in cocoa and flour workers than in control workers. There was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift, being highest for cough (cocoa: 57.5%; flour: 50.9%) and eye irritation (cocoa: 50.0%; flour: 54.7%). Significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity were recorded in exposed workers, being largest for flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity on maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves (FEF50, FEF75). The prevalence of positive skin tests for cocoa (60.2%) was significantly higher than the prevalence of positive skin tests for flour (25.8%) among the 93 exposed workers (p < 0.05). Control workers had significantly lower prevalences of positive skin tests to cocoa (4.6%) and flour (12.3%) than exposed workers (p < 0.01). Increased total serum IgE levels were found in 17.5% of cocoa and in 18.7% of flour workers; none of the control workers had increased IgE levels. Bronchoprovocation testing demonstrated significant decreases in lung function following inhalation of cocoa dust extract and flour dust in workers with respiratory symptoms and large across-shift reductions in lung function. Dust concentrations in the working environment were higher than those recommended by Croatian standards. These data suggest that workers employed in the processing of cocoa and flour may be at a high risk for the development of allergic sensitization and respiratory impairment.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant.

A study was performed in 17 female workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant. The mean age of these workers was 42 years and the mean duration of their employment was 19 years. The employees were primarily nonsmokers or light smokers. The presence of chronic respiratory symptoms and acute work-related symptoms was recorded for these workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured during the morning work shift by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume curves from which forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximum expiratory flow at 50%, and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF75) were measured. A control group of 17 nonexposed women workers was also studied. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was greater among latex workers than among control confectionary packer workers, varying from 5.9% (vs. 0% in controls) for occupational asthma to 58.8% (vs. 0% in controls) for dyspnea grades 3 or 4. There was also a high prevalence of acute work-related symptoms in this industry, in particular, eye irritation (76.5%), dryness of the nose (70.6%), throat burning (70.6%), dryness of the throat (64.7%), and cough (58.8%). Among exposed workers, measured ventilatory capacity data were significantly lower than among controls, particularly FEF75 (75.1% +/- 10.5%). One of the 17 studied workers (5.9%) had a positive skin reaction to latex and had symptoms compatible with occupational asthma. Our data suggest that in addition to occupational asthma, the manufacture of latex gloves is associated with frequent, nonspecific respiratory findings.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in paper-recycling workers.

The respiratory function and immunological status of workers employed in the paper recycling industry were studied. The mean age of the 101 studied workers was 41 years, and the mean duration of their exposure was 17 years. A group of 87 unexposed workers of similar age, duration of employment, and smoking history was studied for the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Lung function in the paper workers was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow volume (MEFV) curves and recording forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the FVC (FEF50, FEF25). Immunological studies were performed in all 101 paper workers and in 37 control workers (volunteers). These included skin-prick tests with paper-dust extracts and other nonoccupational allergens, as well as the measurement of total serum immunoglobulin E. Significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were found in paper compared with control workers (P < 0.01). The highest prevalences were found for chronic cough (36.6%), chronic phlegm (34.7%), chronic bronchitis (33.7%), sinusitis (31.7%), and dyspnea (18.8%). Occupational asthma was diagnosed in four (4.0%) of the paper workers. A logistic regression analysis performed on chronic respiratory symptoms of paper workers indicated significant effects of smoking and exposure, with the smoking effect being the most important. Multivariate analysis of lung-function parameters indicate significant effects of exposure. For paper workers, the measured FEF50 and FEF25 were significantly decreased, compared with predicted values, suggesting obstructive changes located primarily in smaller airways. Among 101 tested paper workers, 16 (15.8%) had positive skin-prick tests to at least one of the paper extracts; none of the control workers reacted to these extracts. Increased serum IgE levels were found in 21% of the paper workers and in 5% of control workers (P < 0.05). Paper workers with positive skin-prick tests to any of the paper and/or other tested extracts had higher prevalences of chronic respiratory symptoms and lower measured lung-function tests compared with predicted than did those with negative skin-prick tests, but the differences were not statistically significant. The measured concentrations of total and respirable dust in this industry were higher than those recommended by Croatian standards. Our study suggests that work in the paper-recycling industry is associated with respiratory impairment and that sensitive workers employed in this industry may be at particular risk of developing chronic respiratory abnormalities.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Respiratory function and immunologic status in workers processing dried fruits and teas.

BACKGROUND: Workers exposed to different organic aerosols may develop respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. OBJECTIVES: To study the immunologic status and respiratory function in workers processing dried fruits and teas. METHODS: The study was performed in 54 exposed and in 40 non-exposed female workers. Skin prick testing was performed with occupational allergens derived from the workplace. Respiratory symptoms were recorded for all workers. Lung function was measured in exposed workers by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. RESULTS: Significantly more exposed workers than controls reacted with positive skin tests to at least one of the occupational allergens (P < .01). Only the response to sage was significantly greater in exposed (60.0%) than in control workers (20.0%) (P < .01). Thirty percent of these workers had elevated IgE level (compared with 2.5% of control workers) (P < .01). Higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were noted in exposed compared with control workers. The exposed workers with positive skin tests had significantly higher prevalences of dyspnea (P < .05) and nasal catarrh (P < .01) than those with negative skin tests. A large number of exposed workers complained of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift. In exposed workers there were statistically significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity, particularly for FEF50 and FEF25 on Monday and the following Thursday. Skin test status was not associated with more severe changes in lung function. The mean FEF25 measured before the Monday shift was significantly lower than predicted (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that following exposures to aerosols of dried fruits and teas some workers develop deleterious immunologic and respiratory changes.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Respiratory system reactions to organic aerosol exposure].

The effects of organic aerosols (coffee, teas, spices, confectionery, soy, animal feed) on the respiratory system of workers occupationally exposed to these aerosols are presented. Described are possible mechanisms responsible for the development of respiratory impairment. Our studies indicate the possibility of development of respiratory impairment in exposed workers. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases varied from 2.7 to 56.3% and of acute symptoms from 9.9 to 78.9% of exposed workers. Statistically significant acute reductions of ventilatory capacity (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, FEF25) were recorded during the work shift. Described are some immunological changes which can develop in exposure to organic aerosols. Experimental studies with water organic dust extracts on isolated guinea pig trachea suggest that bronchoconstrictive changes in humans may be reproduced in non-sensitized guinea pigs. The need for taking preventive medical examinations in order to prevent development of respiratory and/or immunological impairment is stressed.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Byssinosis--an occupational disease of textile workers].

Byssinosis as a nonspecific chronic respiratory disease in textile workers exposed to cotton, hemp and flax is described. Pathogenesis and ethiologic factors responsible for bissynosis are listed. Clinical symptoms of byssinosis and differential diagnosis with occupational asthma are presented. Characteristic functional changes of ventilatory capacity in textile workers are described. Clinical and functional criteria for diagnosis of byssinosis are presented. Particular emphasis is given to preventive medical and technical measures in order to prevent the development of respiratory diseases in textile workers.

Byssinosis↗

PubMed1995

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in wool textile workers.

Our study investigated a group of 216 wool textile workers (158 women and 58 men). Respiratory symptoms were assessed by questionnaire in wool textile workers and in 130 not exposed (control) workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured in wool workers by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on Monday before and after the work shift. Forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF25) were measured on the MEFV curves. Analysis of the data demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms in wool workers than in controls, being the highest in wool workers for nasal catarrh (M: 63.8%; F: 44.9%) and for sinusitis (M: 62.1%; F: 43.0%). A high prevalence of acute symptoms, associated with the work shift, was also noted in wool workers. Exposure to wool dust caused significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity varying from 1.4% for FEV1 to 9.1% for FEF50. Textile workers exposed to wool for > 10 years in the workplace had similar across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity tests as those with shorter exposures. In a large number of these wool workers, FEF50 and FEF25 were below 70% of predicted normal values. Smokers had acute and chronic lung function changes similar to those of nonsmokers, indicating that smoking did not account for all the respiratory effects seen in wool processing workers. Our data suggest that dust exposures in wool textile mills may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Immunological reactions and respiratory function in wool textile workers.

Immunological status and respiratory function were studied in a group of 64 wool textile workers (52 women and 12 men). A group of 46 workers not exposed to wool dust served as a control for the respiratory symptoms and immunologic testing. Skin testing was performed with different wool allergens (domestic and Australian) as well as with common allergens. Ventilatory capacity was measured in wool workers on Mondays before and after the work shift. The prevalence of positive skin tests to all allergens was higher in wool than in control workers, although the difference was statistically significant only for washed domestic wool (wool workers: 42.2%; control workers: 19.6%; p < 0.05). Increased serum IgE levels were more frequent in wool (26.6%) than in control workers (3.1%) (p < 0.01). In wool textile workers there was a high prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms. Significant across-shift reductions in ventilatory capacity tests, as well as abnormal baseline lung function, were recorded in wool textile workers. Individual data demonstrated that many of the wool workers had FEF25 lower than 70% of predicted. In general, the prevalence of symptoms and the lung function abnormalities did not correlate with the results of specific (wool) skin tests. Our data indicate that exposure to wool dust in some workers may be associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function. Immunologic abnormalities, although frequent in this group, do not appear to be associated with the severity of these changes.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Immunological and respiratory reactions in workers exposed to organic dusts.

The relationship of skin reactivity and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels to the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and to ventilatory capacity is examined in workers exposed to different organic aerosols. The results from group of control workers similarly tested are also presented. Workers exposed to occupational allergens had positive skin tests more frequently than did controls, except for soy bean workers. Workers with positive skin tests to occupational allergens had a higher prevalence of almost all symptoms than those with negative skin tests although the differences did not always reach statistical significance. Workers with positive skin reactions in general had significantly higher serum IgE levels than did workers with negative skin reactions. There were across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity in all groups of exposed workers, varying for forced vital capacity from 1.7% to 13.3%, for forced expiratory volume from 0.4%-21.9%, for maximum flow rates at 50% from 1.5% to 16.1% and for maximum flow rates at the last 25% of control vital capacity from 0% to 24.9%. There was, however, no correlation between acute and chronic lung function changes and skin reactivity or IgE values. Our data suggest that although exposure to organic aerosols may be associated with frequent immunologic reactions, these findings do not predict objective respiratory impairment.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Respiratory symptoms and immunological status in poultry food processing workers.

A group of 57 female workers employed in the processing of poultry food and 51 nonexposed control workers were studied to determine the possible relation between respiratory and immunological findings in poultry food workers. The prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly higher in exposed than in control workers (P < 0.01) except for occupational asthma. The highest prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in exposed workers was found for chronic cough (49.1%), followed by dyspnea (43.9%), rhinitis (38.6%), chronic phlegm (31.6%), and chronic bronchitis (26.3%). Occupational asthma was found in 5.3% of exposed workers. Exposed workers with a positive skin prick test to poultry food extract demonstrated higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms than those with negative skin tests, although the difference was statistically significant only for rhinitis (P < 0.05). The most frequent skin reactions were found for poultry food extract (exposed: 66.7%; control: 25.5%; P < 0.05). An increased IgE serum level was found in 19 (33.3%) of the exposed and in four (7.8%) of the control workers (P < 0.01). Three exposed workers with occupational asthma demonstrated an increased serum IgE level. Our data confirm previous results indicating that occupational exposure to poultry food dust may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and immunological changes in exposed workers.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Respiratory function and immunological reactions in sisal workers.

A cross-sectional study of respiratory function was performed in 50 sisal textile workers in 1972. Twenty of the 50 sisal workers still employed in the sisal mill were reexamined 19 years later. At the time of the initial study there were higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms in sisal compared with control workers. By the time of the follow-up study a significant increase had occurred in almost all chronic respiratory symptoms among the 20 sisal workers. At the time of the initial study there were similar and statistically significant across-shift reductions of forced vital capacity (FVC) and the 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1) on Monday and the following Thursday of the work week. Across-shift reductions in FVC and FEV1 in the 20 sisal workers at the follow-up study were larger than at the first measurement. Two sisal workers out of 20 (10.0%) had a positive skin test reaction to an extract sisal; both related symptoms of occupational asthma. In two sisal workers (10.0%) increased IgE was measured; one of these had symptoms of occupational asthma. Our data suggest that exposure to sisal dust in the textile industry may, in some workers, cause the development of respiratory difficulties. Immunological testing may be of value in identifying such workers at risk for occupational asthma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Respiratory function and immunological reactions in jute workers.

A prospective study of respiratory function was performed in a group of 70 jute and 40 control workers. At the initial study there were consistently higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms in jute workers compared to control workers; however, the differences were statistically significant only for dyspnea (P < 0.05). At the follow-up study 19 out of the original 70 jute workers were examined 19 years later. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms among these workers. Similar across-shift reductions of forced vital capacity (FVC) and the 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1) were recorded on Monday and the following Thursday at the initial study. In the 19 jute workers followed prospectively there were similar across-shift reductions of FVC and FEV1 at the first and the follow-up study, the reduction being slightly larger for FEV1 than for FVC. Only one jute worker (5.3%) and two control workers (5.7%) responded to skin testing with specific textile extracts. Two workers developed symptoms of occupational asthma. One of these workers had a positive response to skin testing with jute extract. Our data suggest that exposure to jute dust may cause the development of chronic respiratory symptoms in some workers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Immunologic findings in confectionary workers.

BACKGROUND: Food allergies are frequent in the general population. There are however, few studies of immunologic responses among workers in the confectionary industry. OBJECTIVE: To assess immunologic and clinical findings of workers in a confectionary plant. METHODS: Immunologic (skin tests and serum IgE) and respiratory findings (symptoms and lung function) were studied in a group of 71 confectionary workers (mean age: 35 years and mean exposure: 11 years). RESULTS: Skin prick testing with food extracts used in the manufacturing of candies and pastries demonstrated that the most frequent positive skin reaction occurred with extracts of cacao (31%), followed by reactions to chocolate (9%), cocoa (6%), hazelnut (6%), and sugar (2%). Increased serum IgE levels were found in 13.0% and increased IgM serum levels in 52.1% of these confectionary workers. The prevalence of asthma (26.1%) and dyspnea (26.1%) in workers with positive skin tests was significantly higher than in workers with negative skin tests (asthma: 2.0%, P = .004; dyspnea: 4.1%, P = .001). There was a high prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms during the work shift, but no significant association with immunologic tests was found. Similarly, both skin test positive and skin test negative workers exhibited significant across shift changes in lung function; however, no significant differences in baseline lung function or across-shift changes were noted between skin test positive and negative workers. Pre-shift administration of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) significantly diminished across-shift reductions in FEF50 and FEF25 for both skin test positive and skin test negative workers. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that exposure to environmental factors in confectionary plants is associated with frequent respiratory symptoms of an irritative nature. Specific skin testing may be useful in characterizing confectionary workers at risk for the development of occupational asthma.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Immunologic reactions in poultry-processing workers].

The relationship between respiratory symptoms and immunological reactions was studied in 57 female workers holding jobs in the poultry food processing industry and in 51 non-exposed female workers. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in exposed than in control workers (P < 0.01) except for occupational asthma. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in exposed workers was highest for chronic cough (49.1%), followed by dyspnoea (43.9%), rhinitis (38.6%), chronic phlegm (31.6%) and chronic bronchitis (26.3%). Occupational asthma was found in 5.3% of exposed workers. Exposed workers with positive skin prick test to poultry food demonstrated a higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms than those with negative skin tests, although the difference was statistically significant only for rhinitis (P < 0.05). The most frequent positive skin reactions were found for poultry food extract (exposed: 66.7%; control: 25.5%; P < 0.05). Increased IgE serum level was found in 19 (33.3%) exposed and in four (7.8%) control workers (P < 0.01). Three exposed workers with occupational asthma demonstrated increased IgE serum level. Our data indicate that occupational exposure to poultry food dust may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and immunological changes in exposed workers.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Organic dust disease of airways.

Exposure to aerosols of organic dusts such as coffee, tea, spices, soy, fur, and animal food in an occupational setting can affect the respiratory health of industrial workers. Based on our experience with workers from many small industries processing organic materials, we discuss the clinical features and possible mechanisms responsible for the respiratory impairment associated with these types of dust exposure. Significantly higher prevalences for most chronic respiratory symptoms were found among exposed workers than among control workers. Smoking appears to aggravate these symptoms. A large number of exposed workers complained of acute symptoms which developed during the work shift. In exposed workers, significant across-shift reductions in lung function were recorded for all spirometric tests, but particularly for the flow rates at 50% and 25% of vital capacity on maximum expiratory flow-volume curves. Comparison of preshift measured ventilatory capacity tests with predicted normal values indicates that these workers demonstrate obstructive changes affecting primarily flow rate at low lung volumes. The data suggest that exposure to organic aerosols in industrial settings, particularly in conjunction with smoking, may be associated with the development of chronic obstructive lung disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[Respiratory function in confectionary workers].

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in 259 female confectionary workers and in 65 non-exposed controls. Most of the chronic respiratory symptoms appeared more frequently among the exposed workers, particularly if they worked in exposure to flour, talc, starch, acids and alcohol. There was a high prevalence of acute symptoms that developed during work shift. This was true especially of cough, dyspnea, burning and dryness of the throat and eye irritation. The exposed workers exhibited statistically significant acute reductions of ventilatory capacity. Those were particularly pronounced for FEF50 (range: 4.6-13.0%) and FEF25 (range: 4.7-22.3%). The measured preshift values of ventilatory capacity were significantly lower than the predicted normal values. The administration of disodium chromoglycate (DSCG 40 mg) significantly diminished mean across-shift reductions in all ventilatory capacity tests. Data suggest that sensitive confectionery workers may develop acute and chronic respiratory symptoms accompanied by acute and/or chronic changes in ventilatory capacity.

Adolescent↗