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Biomedical subjects

F Cassano

Publications and source records attributed to F Cassano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) frequencies in lymphocytes of gasoline station attendants.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 22 men with low average exposure (229 micrograms/m3 = 0.72 ppm) to benzene and 19 control men were investigated for Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) frequency. The majority of the men (21 exposed, 19 controls) were also investigated using the micronucleus assay (MN). The exposed subjects were employed at 10 different gas stations in or near the city (Bari/South Italy). SCE frequencies were significantly related with age and smoking habits, on the contrary no relation was observed between SCE and length of employment (SCE = 7.41 + 0.03.age (*) + 0.0001.length of employment (n.s.) + 0.03.cigarette consumption (*); F = 4.87; p < 0.01; (*) significant; (n.s.) non-significant). MN frequencies were significantly increased in relation with length of employment; but no relation was observed when age and smoking habits were taken into consideration (regression model: MN = 18.03 + 0.006.age (n.s.) + 0.32.length of employment (*) - 0.1.cigarette consumption (n.s.); F = 4.138; p < 0.05).

Benzene↗
PubMed1998

Auditory dysfunction in occupational noise exposed workers.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is well known to be an epidemiologically relevant problem. The subjects affected with NIHL show alteration of hearing thresholds as well as a worsening of the cochlear analysis functions and, usually, an impaired speech discrimination in presence of background noise. The study has evaluated the relationships between hearing threshold and equivalent exposure lever per day (Lepd), age and working seniority in a homogeneous sample of occupationally noise exposed workers. Three subgroups were also selected to study the most important cochlear functions as well as nerve and central functions. The first subgroup (Nn) contained normal hearing workers exposed to non-hazardous noise, while the second (Bn) contained workers exposed to high level continuous noise during their work day without clinical evidence of NIHL. The third subgroup (Bd) included subjects affected with the typical 4 kHz notch exposed to the same noise conditions than subgroup Bn. The results show that the hearing impaired subjects have the worst overall cochlear performance; however also the normal hearing workers exposed to hazardous noise have worse performance than subgroup Nn, relatively to high frequency thresholds, frequency resolution, TEOAEs, DPOAEs, stapedial acoustic reflex dynamic parameters. The results suggest that these measures could be used in the monitoring of the NIHL as indicators of subtle alterations of the hearing function.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗
PubMed1989

[The phagocytic activity of the neutrophilic granulocytes via chemoluminescence and occupational exposure to lead].

The lead interference on the immunological activity is the aim of this survey. Therefore, it was examined the phagocytic function of the PMN cells on a group of 20 subjects occupationally exposed to the toxic and on 20 other assigned to the control group using the chemoluminescent assay. In both groups it was determined the biologicals parameters of exposure to the toxic. It was evident a statistically significant decrease of the average values in the exposed group compared to the control group, even if it wasn't directly correlated with the exposure biological indicators.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Therapy and iron supplements with ferritin iron during pregnancy. Randomized prospective study of 458 cases].

A randomized polycentric study was programmed to establish the effects of daily administration of ferritin iron from early pregnancy to puerperium. 254 women with normal iron balance at the beginning of their pregnancy were randomized receiving no supplements or 40 mg iron daily. At the end of pregnancy iron balance was still normal only in one third of the pregnant women of the first group versus two third of the second group. 204 women who were iron-deficient received daily 40 or 120 mg of iron; in this group anemia developed less frequently (13% versus 29%) and iron balance normalized in one subject on four; the great majority of these women remained iron-deficient. Unwanted effects of minimal or mild relevance, and almost always sporadic were observed in 6.5% of cases and with the reduction or withdraw of the treatment in only 1.4% of cases. These results showed that daily administration of ferritin iron during pregnancy is effective and well tolerated; furthermore they suggest that the treatment must be done with at least 60 mg daily in women with normal iron balance and protracted also after the puerperium in iron deficient subjects.

Anemia, Hypochromic↗
PubMed1985

[Ionizing radiation and video computer terminals].

VDTs are more frequently being used and, therefore have given rise to the problem of security among operators exposed to possible X-ray emissions. The authors report the results of a dosimetric investigation, carried out through TLD CaF2:Dy on X-ray exposure levels close to video display terminals of a data processing center. After testing the exposure percentage values and the measurements adjusted to one-year basis, the authors report that the value are generally similar to those existing in the environment even though significant values have been found in a few cases.

Data Display↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Dose-response curve in the study of the effects of exposure to crystalline silica].

The cumulative exposure to crystalline silica (SiO2) implies a linear relation between duration of exposure and SiO2 concentration, not always suitable to working situations of the last decades. A more correct definition of dose-response curve has currently to consider also different characteristics of SiO2, specifically: possible short-term increases in environmental SiO2 concentration, different mineralogical and surface properties of natural silica polymorphs, age of SiO2 particles, presence of contaminants on the surface of silica particles or even in the respirable fraction of total dust, respirable dust concentration in which SiO2 is diluted and other conditions, also affecting the host, able to slow alveolar clearance and lengthen permanence time of particles in the lung. Many models of definition of cumulative exposure so conceived have been proposed. However, to define the occupational risk threshold to contract silicosis and other silica-related diseases a number of models of cumulative exposure, i.e. biologically effective dose of SiO2, are likely to be delineated that take into account only factors specifically present in different occupational situations.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Exposure to PAHs, urinary 1-pyrenol and DNA adducts in samples from a population living at different distances from a steel plant].

This study aims at measuring association between environmental exposure to PAHs and internal or biologically effective dose biomarkers among 212 individuals living at different distance from the industrial area of Taranto, Italy. Environmental PAH exposure was determined by area monitoring. PAH levels was measured by HPLC UV/FL. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels were measured by HPLC/Fluorescence. The levels of DNA adducts were determined by 32P. post-labelling. A questionnaire was administered to gather personal data, residence, occupational history, alcohol, tobacco smoke, and diet, to control for other sources of exposure to PAH. Blood and urinary samples, drawn from the subjects studied were collected and analysed. A multivariate regression model was used to investigate the influence of several confounding factors. Housing was placed within 1 km from smokestacks in Taranto and Statte, whereas they were more far away in Locorotondo and in Alberobello. The prevalence of current smokers was 31.6%.

DNA Adducts↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Increase of TNF-alpha in subjects occupationally exposed to lead].

Occupational exposure at low doses of lead induces a significant increase of TNF-alpha plasma levels. Recently has been showed the crucial role on atherosclerosis origin of this pro-inflammatory cytokine. It is assumable a contribution of lead in atherosclerosis course in exposed subjects.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effects on arterial pressure of exposure to low doses of inorganic lead: preliminary results].

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure to low inorganic lead (Pb) doses on blood pressure of exposed (E) workers. 44 workers of a foundry of lead wrecks and 14 workers employed in enameling and decoration of a manufacturing firm of artistic ceramics were examined. The group of non-exposed (NE) subjects is formed by 59 workers of packaging unit of a food industry. A questionnaire has been administered to all the workers on general characteristics and life habits. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also measured and venous blood collection performed for the determination of blood lead levels. Mean blood lead levels (PbB) and mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) resulted significantly higher in the group of exposed workers of the foundry. Stratifing exposed workers with respect to the median of PbB (18 micrograms/dl), workers with PbB > 18 micrograms/dl presented a mean DBP significantly higher than exposed with PbB < or = 18 micrograms/dl and non-exposed subjects. PbB takes part significantly in determination of DBP, also considering main confounding factors as age, BMI, pack-years and alcohol consumption.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Non-occupational exposure to noise].

The authors report the data related to the measures effected in some environments where leisure time activities are developed. In the light of the elevated values, the authors have effected the calculation of the Lep,d as laid down by D.Lgs 277/91 to verify the existence of conditions of risk that result verified.

Environmental Exposure↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Occupational exposure to inhalation anesthetics: 10 years of measurements at hospitals in Puglia].

The Authors provide the data gathered from measurements of nitrous oxide in the operating room of Puglia during the period between 1993 and 2003. They prove significant reductions of pollution according with time and they verify lower pollution levels in the operating rooms of private hospitals with respect to public facilities. The importance of the maintenance of gas distribution and evacuation systems is shown and a method of environmental and biological monitoring is provided. Finally, the Authors prove the utility of the graphic representation of the measurements, conduced utilising dedicated instrumentation.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Report on the activities carried out in the research project of the Ministry of Instruction, University, and Research entitled "Environmental and occupational exposure to inorganic lead: assessment of toxic effects of current doses and related preventive measures"].

It is here presented the project sustained by the Ministry of Public Instruction, University and Research "Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Lead: assessment of human health effects due to current doses and preventive measures" ruled out between 2001 and 2003. The aim of the study was to investigate about the toxic effects related to current occupational exposures to inorganic lead (particularly those effects concerning blood pressure, carcinogenic risk, nervous and immunological systems), to identify hypersusceptibility conditions, particularly the ALAD genetic polymorphism and to evaluate the role of traditional biomarker and the possibility of introducing new ones. In the present article the procedures followed during the project lasting and the contribution of each Unit are described. The results of the research, presented in detail in the current issue, do confirm the inadequacy of the biological exposure index nowadays ruled by Lex 25/2002.

Humans↗