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Biomedical subjects

F Cassano

Publications and source records attributed to F Cassano.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[ALAD polymorphism and indicators of dose and effects of occupational exposure to inorganic lead].

The delta-aminolevulinate dehydrase (ALAD) genetic polymorphism was investigated along with biomarkers of lead exposure and effect on 333 male workers, occupationally exposed to lead, with blood lead levels (PbB) higher than 100 microg/l. ALAD genotype frequencies were distributed as expected among Caucasians. Workers bearing at least one ALAD-2 allele showed PbB values slightly higher than those from ALAD-1-1 subjects, who also exhibited higher urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALAU) and blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels. The plasmatic lead (PbP)/PbB ratio was similar in both groups. Exposure and effect biomarkers were significantly each other correlated among ALAD-1-1 subjects only, who showed also a significant inverse relationship between ALAD activity and ZPP values. Results confirm previous studies, supporting the hypothesis that ALAD polymorphism may interfere with toxico-kinetic and toxico-dynamic parameters of occupational exposure to Pb.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Anemia in workers exposed to lead: update on differential diagnosis].

Occupational lead exposure can cause anemia at blood lead levels >50 microg/dl, as high as rarely occurs in industrialized countries nowadays. Whereas other forms of anemia are fairly probable to be found in lead exposed workers, especially in areas highly endemicfor extraoccupational anemias, such as beta thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. The etiology of anemias has to be correctly defined in order to assess suitable therapeutical approaches and medicolegal consequences. The objective of this study is to verify in male lead exposed workers whether an accurate evaluation of hemocromocytometric parameters and of usual biological indices of lead exposure and effect on heme can differentiate the most common forms of anemia in Southern Italy. 68 workers occupationally exposed to low to moderate lead doses were studied and 59 workers of an alimentary plant have been taken as control group. On venous blood samples collected from these workers a complete hemocromocytometric test was performed and blood lead and erythrocytic zincoprotoporphyrin were determined. Anemia (Hb <l3 g/dl) was detected in six lead exposed workers and in a nonexposed worker. The reasoned evaluation of laboratory parameters led to identify among lead exposed workers four subjects with high probability of beta-thalassemic trait and two with lead poisoning anemia. Moreover a diagnostic algorithm was developed based on literature that seems to be able to discriminate lead poisoning from other causes of anemia in lead exposed workers in this study.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Assessment of neurobehavioral functions of workers exposed to low doses of metallic lead].

The effects of low-dose lead occupational exposure on neurobehavioral functions are still not well defined by international literature. The objective of this study is to assess by psychometric testing the presence of possible neuropsychological impairment in a group of male Italian workers with low blood lead levels in comparison to an adequate non exposed worker group. Given informed consent to take part to the study, all workers were interviewed about their working and clinical history and underwent determination of blood lead levels (PbB). An internationally validated computerized battery of psychometric tests and a standardized paper-and-pencil version of mood self-rating scale and WAIS-R Vocabulary subtest were also administered to the workers. Exposed workers had a geometric mean of PbB significantly higher than non exposed workers, but rather low (16.4 +/- 1.7 microg/dl). The results of psychometric tests were not significantly different between the two worker groups, even after adjusting for the main confounding factors. In workers exposed to low lead doses no neurobehavioral abnormalities were demonstrated by the administered psychometric test battery.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Reduced thymulin production during occupational exposure to lead].

Thymulin is a thymic hormone that being activated by binding a zinc ion promotes differentiation and several functions of T lymphocytes. It has been demonstrated only in experimental animals that metallic lead (Pb) is able to cause adverse effects on thymocyte number and function. The objective of this study is to evaluate the plasmatic level of active thymulin of 58 male workers being exposed for more than one year to low lead doses with respect to 59 male never exposed workers. All these were subjected to anamnesis collection, medical examination and determination of blood lead (PbB), plasmatic lead (PbPl), plasmatic thymulin, urinary lead (PbU) and urinary zinc (ZnU) levels. The mean plasma concentration of active thymulin was significantly lower in lead exposed than in non exposed workers. Active thymulin was also significantly and negatively correlated to PbB, PbPl and PbU level and resulted to be significantly and negatively influenced by PbB. Lead exposed workers had slightly higher zinc concentration in urine than non exposed workers, increasing ZnU levels by class of PbB. It is the first time that a toxic effect of lead on plasmatic active thymulin levels is demonstrated in humans, particularly in occupationally exposed workers. This study opens perspectives for further research that would both confirm the results and verify the mechanisms of action of lead on thymulin either direct or indirect and the possible role of zinc.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

No-occupational exposure to noise.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the risk for the health of the disco-goers related to no-professional exposition to noise produced by speakers of discos. The noise has been measured in the middle of a disco using a class 1 phonometer. The exposition level was calculated using the formula quoted in the D.Lgs 277/91 (Italian legislative decree) and the possible damage was calculated using the Casini's formula. The calculated daily exposition level was 99,1 dBA and the weekly exposition was 92.1 dBA. The results indicate that the hypacusia damage due to these expositions can be considered almost sure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Blood lead and erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels in the general population of an area in southern Italy.

Seven hundred and twenty subjects not occupationally exposed to lead were examined, among blood donors from a Bari hospital. Short case-histories were taken including personal data, residence, occupation, habits. The parameters considered were blood lead and protoporphyrin levels. The mean values found in Bari were respectively, 8.4 micrograms/100 ml, S.D. = 4.5 and 11.3 micrograms/100 ml, S.D. = 10.9. The results show that, at present, reference values for blood lead levels in the population are lower than the limits set by D.P.R. No. 496/82 which incorporates EEC directive No. 77/312 concerning biological monitoring of lead exposed populations.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of noise-induced injury: consideration of a group of exposed cement workers].

The study covered 1334 workers employed in 12 cement factories located in southern Italy. They were submitted to audiometric screening consisting of a questionnaire containing questions on past otologic complaints, metabolic diseases, use of ototoxic drugs and past occupational or non-occupational exposure to noise, plus otoscopic examination and full audiometric examination. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between duration of exposure to noise and elevation in the hearing threshold. The highest noise levels were found in the "crude/baked mills" department; however, the highest frequency of occupational hearing loss was observed in the "mine and crushing installations", maintenance and "hodmen" departments. On the question of assessment of the audiometric tracings for preventive and insurance purposes, attention is drawn to the fact that there is a need for a method that will enable an evaluation for prevention to be transformed into an evaluation for insurance. This method should in any case allow for deduction of the portion of hearing loss regarding presbycusis and socioacusis and take due account of the 3 KHz frequency. The attention of industry and public administration is drawn to the urgent need for prevention programs to protect against noise-induced hearing loss in both occupational and non-occupational settings.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The inhalation of low concentrations of manganese powders produces changes in respiratory mucociliary clearance].

The aim of this study is to verify whether inhaling metallic dusts, containing a lower concentration of Mn (as Mn3O4) than current TLV can cause alterations in exposed workers tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance. We studied 20 grinders using an 11.5-13% Mn steel, and a control group of 21 standard steel grinders, employed in the same foundry. Environmental Mn dust was measured by personal samplers. All workers were administered a questionnaire about chronic bronchitis; the following examinations were also carried out: medical examination, spirometry, chest standard X-ray and urinary Mn dosage. Mucociliary clearance was measured by human respiratory mucus transportability on frog palate and expressed as normalized frog palate transport rate (NFPTR). Mucus was obtained through a sputum so protected as to avoid salivary contamination. Environmental measurements showed a Mn concentration from 0.1 to 1 mg/m3 with respect to a TLV of 5 mg/m3. Exposed workers and control group were homogeneous as far as age, working period, tobacco smoking habit and spirometric parameters are concerned. Chest X-ray examination showed no evidence of pneumoconiosis. Mn exposed workers showed a NFPTR reduction, if compared to normal level (0.70). NFPTR average value in exposed group has come out to be much lower than in control group. NFPTR alteration in Mn exposed group appears to be strictly linked to a longer than 15 years working seniority. Urinary Mn values resulted extremely low in each worker and their average was not significantly different between the groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mucociliary clearance and respiratory function in foundry workers].

The aim of the study was to establish whether changes occur in respiratory function, particularly mucociliary clearance, among second fusion smeltery workers. The research covered 93 male smelters employed in steel forming and casting and 116 male workers of an electric power station, considered as non-exposed. Physiological, pathological and occupational histories of all subjects under study were available. An ECCS respiratory symptoms questionnaire was administered to all subjects ad the two groups also underwent a general medical examination, a spirometry and a chest X-ray. During the medical examination sputum was collected from the subjects to measure mucus transport rate on frog palate, expressed as Normalised Frog Palate Transport Rate (NFPTR). For the environmental research, dust, fumes and gas samplings were taken either at a fixed station or by means of personal dosimeters. Environmental research revealed very low concentrations of respiratory irritants (total dust: 0.2-6.8 mg/m3; respirable dust: 0.1-4.9 mg/m3; total silica: < 2-15.5%; respirable silica: < 0.004-0.3 mg/m3; iron: 0.008-0.085 mg/m3; chromium and manganese: < 0.001 mg/m3; fumes and gases: well below the TLV. The two groups were homogeneous with regard to age and smoking habits. Exposed workers showed rales, dyspnoea and spontaneous phlegm more frequently than non-exposed workers. NFPTR alterations were checked in 49 out of 81 exposed and in 18 out of 81 non-exposed subjects (chi squared = 22.9; p < 0.001). Stratification of the results according to smoking habits further confirmed the strong association between occupational exposure and NFPTR alterations. Smelters showed significantly lower mean NFPTR values compared to non-exposed subjects; also, the mean value of NFPTR in the exposed was below 0.70, which is considered the lowest individual limit in normal subjects. The only variable which explains a large part of the variability of NFPTR is past work in a smeltery rather than in an electric power station. The spirometries showed that only the mean PEF values were significantly lower among the exposed. Stratified analysis of the results according to smoking habits in the two groups revealed a close association between smeltery work and reduction of PEF to under 80% of the ECCS 1983 theoretical values, independently of smoking habits. We also compared the mean PEF values, both as measured values and as percent values of the ECCS 1983 theoretical values, stratified for occupational exposure and smoking; the results again showed that differences between these mean values were mainly due to current or past work in the foundry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Benzene pollution in the city of Bari].

The Authors reported data of benzene concentrations obtained in Bari during period of time between 1990 and 1995; the measured levels of benzene concentrations are not in accord with referent values prescribed by the law, mostly always they are exceeded. Present study also discuss problems related to gasoline consumption and the number of cars in circulation.

Automobiles↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The toxicology and prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. I. Guide lines for the prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. Società Italiana Valori di Riferimento and Cattedra di Medicina del Lavoro, Università di Brescia].

These guidelines mainly deal with prevention of carcinogenic effects following occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). After some toxicological remarks, the guidelines define a possible method to demonstrate and evaluate occupational exposure to PAH. In particular, it is illustrated the strategy of environmental monitoring and indicated which PAH should be measured, with suggestion about the most appropriate analytical techniques. As regards biological monitoring, the 1-OH-pyreneseems to be currently the most useful indicator since it reflects the recent and global exposure to PAH. The guidelines also give elements to interpret monitoring data, taking into account environmental and biological reference and limit values suggested by some authors, Associations, or current regulations. The most important health effects are carcinogenic and excess risks have been described mainly for lung, bladder and skin cancer in some PAH exposed workers. The studies on cytogenetic effects showed contradictory results. On the basis of such information and current regulations, the guidelines show how to perform health surveillance in preventive and periodical examinations and how to proceed for the information and formation of exposed workers. It is not advisable, on the basis of the current scientific data, to screen asymptomatic PAH exposed workers for early diagnosis of lung or bladder cancer, nor it is opportune the use of tumor markers for health surveillance nor is genetic screening applicable for individual susceptibility evaluation outside research programs.

Carcinogens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The toxicology and prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. II. Toxicology. Exposure assessment. Environmental and biological monitoring].

The evaluation of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) should firstly comply with current regulations (D.Lgs. 626/94), that is, identify the compounds and exposed subjects, quantify exposure, adopt preventive measures and health and epidemiological surveillance. Environmental monitoring should take into account the technological cycle and the tasks with higher PAH exposure risk, and the main sources of emissions. In the case of skin contamination, it should be considered the measure of skin PAH by means of sampling or removal techniques; moreover, the determination of urinary hydroxypyrene (1-HP) should be performed. It is mandatory to analyse (Benz[a]) anthracene; Benzo[b]fluroanthene; Benzo[j]fluoranthene; Benzo[k]fluoranthene; Benzo[a]pyrene; Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, i.e. the PAH marked with the R45-R49 phrase. When 1-HP determination is planned, Pyrene should be added. Biological monitoring has been addressed mainly to hydroxylated metabolites of pyrene and among these 1-HP, the main metabolite of pyrene, although non occupational factors, such as tobacco smoking and consumption of smoked foods are potentially confounding. Urinary mutagenicity tests which are heavily influenced by non occupational factors such as tobacco smoking and diet are not advisable. The determination of DNA and protein adducts is a promising test for evaluation of metabolic active dose but at the moment it is not suitable for routine use in occupational medicine. In order to interpret environmental and biological data, it will be useful to consider appropriate reference values ("limit" "guide", "operative", "maximum admissible") such as 0.1 mg/m3 for total PAH extracted with benzene, 5 micrograms/m3 for the mixture of 15 PAH listed by US NTP, the limits varying from 0.1 to 5 micrograms/m3 for Benzo[a]pyrene, and 2.7-4.4 micrograms/g creat, for 1-HP.

Carcinogens↗