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Biomedical subjects

H A Anderson

Publications and source records attributed to H A Anderson.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

The neurotoxicity of polybrominated biphenyls: results of a medical field survey.

Neurologic symptoms were the earliest and most prominent symptoms recorded in Michigan farm residents exposed to PBB as compared to a non-PBB exposed control farm population in Wisconsin. In Michigan (particularly among males) those who exhibited the most marked symptoms tended to show diminished performance as assessed by special tests, although population differences in performance were not as marked. Low indices of performance were also significantly correlated with intake of home-produced foodstuffs, particularly during the years 1972--1974 and store-bought products during the years 1975--1976. Between 1972 and 1976 the Michigan farm residents studied made significant changes in their consumption patterns of products suspected to be contaminated with PBB, as compared to those of Wisconsin farm residents. Serum PBB levels were not found to be significantly higher in Michigan males and females exhibiting the most prominent neurologic symptoms. Serum PBB levels were negatively correlated with performance test scores, particularly in males in older age groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Immunologic dysfunction among PBB-exposed Michigan dairy farmers.

In 1973 inadvertent contamination occurred in a special farm feed supplement for lactating cows. Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) were used in place of magnesium oxide resulting in serious harm to farm animals, including cattle, chickens, geese, ducks. Farm families, accustomed to eating their own products, were most heavily exposed. To further study the impact of PBBs, 45 adult Michigan farm residents who were originally examined in a clinical field survey were further studied with respect to their immunologic status. For comparison, 46 dairy farm residents in Wisconsin, who had not eaten PBB-contaminated food, were examined, as were 79 healthy subjects in New York City. Abnormalities in the Michigan group included significant decrease in absolute numbers and percentages of T and B-lymphocytes and increased number of lymphocytes with no detectable surface markers ("null cells"). Significant reduction of in vitro immune function was noted in 35--40% of the Michigan farm residents who had eaten food containing PBB. Despite the absence of any apparent numerical reduction, both T and B lymphocyte subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes showed evidence of functional defect. Ten of the 45 Michigan farmers studied showed impaired PHA-induced blastogeneic response, due to the decreased number and percent of T-cells in the PBLs. The decreased immune function detected among the PBB-exposed farm residents tended to affect families as a unit and was independent of exposed individuals' age or sex, speaking against the possibility of genetic predisposition.

Accidents↗
PubMed1979

Impaired immune function and identification of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) in blood compartments of exposed Michigan dairy farmers and chemical workers.

In 1973 PBB's were accidentally mixed into animal feed, resulting in marked toxic effects. Meat and dairy products were widely consumed in Michigan. To determine the impact of PBB's, 55 exposed Michigan farm residents, 11 Michigan chemical workers and 46 non-exposed Wisconsin farmers were examined. Abnormalities included decreased number of T-lymphocytes with concomitant increase of lymphocytes with no detectable surface markers, "null cells", and altered lymphocyte function. Data obtained from skin testing using standard recall antigens, showed no consistent correlation between the delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response and the impaired lymphocyte function. PBB (hexa) in separated white blood cells and red cells was positively identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PBB and immunological abnormalities were not detected in non-exposed Wisconsin dairy farm residents.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed1979

Spermatogenesis in men exposed to polybrominated biphenyl (PBB).

Experience with other halogenated hydrocarbons, animal experiments, and individual complaints indicated that polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) might have an effect on human spermatogenesis. Analysis of semen from 52 PBB-exposed men as compared with analysis of semen from a control group of 52 men not exposed to PBB revealed no differences in the distribution of sperm counts, motility, or morphology.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Lymphocyte function of Michigan dairy farmers exposed to polybrominated biphenyls.

Michigan dairy farm residents ate farm products containing polybrominated biphenyls (PBB's) after the accidential contamination of animal feed with the chemical in that state in 1973. The circulating blood lymphocytes of these residents show significant changes. Abnormalities include decreases in the numbers and percentages of peripheral blood lymphocytes that form rosettes with either sheep erythrocytes alone or with sheep erythrocytes sensitized with antibody and complement, increases in lymphocytes with no detectable surface markers ("null" cells), and altered responses to tests designed to evaluate functional integrity of the cells. There appears to be no consistent correlation between the concentration of PBB's in the plasma and the altered lymphocytes. Studies showed that in Wisconsin dairy farm residents and healthy individuals in the New York area who were not exposed to PBB's there were no such abnormalities.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in asbestos workers.

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity and inducibility were studied in the lymphoblasts of 47 asbestos workers and 31 control subjects. Mean inducibility (3-methylcholanthrene [MC]-or dibenz(a,h,)anthracene [DBA]-induced divided by basal enzyme activity) was greater in the occupationally exposed subjects than in the control subjects. The estimated estimated change in mean value (+/- SE) of MC inducibility was 0.88 +/- 0.21 (P less than 0.001), and that of DBA inducibility was 1.59 +/- 0.56 (P less than 0.01). Differences in inducibility values were particularly apparent in 12 pairs of spouses, in all of whom the inducibility values of the occupationally exposed subjects exceeded those of their spouses. The differences in inducibility of AHH resulted from increases in induced activity, not from any appreciable change in basal activities. They were independent of subject age, sex, smoking status, year of first exposure to asbestos, yield of lymphoblasts, or the rate of blastogenesis as measured by the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into nucleic acid. Increased AHH inducibility may bear some relation to the greatly increased risk of bronchogenic carcinoma in asbestos workers who smoke cigarettes.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Comparison of findings among residents on Michigan dairy farms and consumers of produce purchased from these farms.

Consumers who had purchased farm products from both quarantined and nonquarantined farms were examined during the cross-sectional clinical survey of 1,029 Michigan residents. Since PBB had inadvertently contaminated cattle and other farm animals, ingestion of meat, milk, eggs and other farm products was thought to have possibly resulted in significant PBB body burdens in some consumers. Findings were considered in comparison with those made among farm residents. Prevalence of symptoms in consumers of farm products from quarantined farms (CQ) was similar to that found in farmers on quarantined farms (FQ); the prevalence was lower in consumers of products from nonquarantined farms (CNQ). Liver function abnormalities were found with similar prevalence in dairy farmers and consumers. Distribution, mean and median values of PBB serum levels in consumers were found to be similar to those of dairy farmers. These results indicate that significant body burdens of PBB had been accumulated by some consumers of farm products in Michigan and that prevalence of symptoms and liver function abnormalities resembled those found among dairy farm residents.

Biphenyl Compounds↗
PubMed1978

Investigation of the health status of Michigan chemical corporation employees.

Clinical findings are reported for a group of 55 employees of the Michigan Chemical Corporation which manufactured FireMaster BP-6 from 1970 to 1974, in addition to a variety of other halogenated fire retardant chemicals. The results are compared with those from a group of male farm residents and consumers from Michigan examined at the same time. An increased prevalence of chest and skin symptoms was observed, compared with farmers. Skin symptoms were more prevalent among former PBB production personnel. Musculosketal symptoms were less prevalent among these workers than among farmers. Serum PBB concentrations are signicantly higher than among farmers. Blood chemistry results were similar for workers and farmers. However, both groups exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of elevated liver function tests (SGOT, SPGT) than a control population of nonexposed farmers. Both farmers and chemical workers showed an association of elevated CEA with serum PBB greater than 10 ppb.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) plasma levels in Michigan and Wisconsin dairy farmers.

Carcionogenic embryonic antigen (CEA) titers were determined for 611 Michigan farmers exposed to PBB and a control nonexposed population of 139 Wisconsin farmers. The overall prevalence of elevated CEA titers was slightly higher in the Michigan study group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Smoking and/or significant past or present conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, polyps, liver disease, chronic lung disease, or malignancies) were found to result in higher prevalence of elevated CEA titers, in both the Michigan study group and the Wisconsin control group, thus confirming previous reports. In addition, serum PBB concentrations appeared to be positively correlated with CEA titers. The possibility that the effect of PBB concentrations appeared to be positively correlated with CEA titers. The possibility that the effect of PBB may be additive to that of other factors which are known to result in an increased prevalence of elevated CEA titers is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Comparative neurobehavioral study of a polybrominated biphenyl-exposed population in Michigan and a nonexposed group in Wisconsin.

An analysis of findings regarding the prevalence and time course of symptoms and the results of neurobehavioral testing among Michigan and Wisconsin dairy farmers, is reported. Reviewed are: (1) differences in the prevalence of neurological symptoms at the time of examination; (2) differences in the incidence and time course of symptoms for the period 1972--1976; (3) differences among populations and subgroups (sex and age) regarding performance test scores; (4) correlations between performance test scores and neurological symptoms; and (5) correlations between serum PBB levels as indicators of exposure and performance tests and neurological symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Unanticipated prevalence of symptoms among dairy farmers in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PBBs) were unknown until the accidental contamination of Michigan dairy farm animal feed in 1973-1974. Human exposure resulted from the consumption of contaminated meat, milk, dairy products, and eggs. In November 1976, the Environmental Sciences Laboratory conducted comprehensive examinations of 933 farmers and residents in Mighigan who were likely to have consumed farm products contaminated with PBB. A comparison group of 229 Wisconsin dairy farmers were examined in March 1977 and the same scientific and medical staffs that conducted the Michigan survey were responsible and the same procedures used. A complete history of symptomatology by organ system, including year of first onset, duration, frequency, and severity of each symptom was obtained by a physician on all adults examined. Statistical analysis of the prevalence of symptoms at the time of examination or during the preceding year in the Michigan and Wisconsin populations studied found the Michigan group to have a significantly higher prevalence of skin, neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms. The increase was seen among the younger age groups 16-35 and 36-55. Michigan females had a higher prevalence of neurological symptoms than the Michigan males. The existing differences could not be explained without considering an etiologic role for exposure to PBB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Family clustering of PBB and DDE values among Michigan dairy farmers.

Family clustering of varying levels of serum PBB and DDE was evaluated for 62 Michigan families by using the mean and standard deviation for family units, ranked percentile comparison of family members, and correlation by linear regression of family members. The results indicate that levels of serum PBBs cluster within family units and for children within families. Serum DDE clustering within families occurs only for children. These findings are consistent with recent, interim PBB exposure, perhaps from a common dietary source for families. Serum DDE represents a lifetime, low-level exposure to DDT-DDE which has been both less prolonged and less intense for children. Thus similar levels, or clustered serum DDE, was observed for children within families.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Liver function tests among Michigan and Wisconsin dairy farmers.

Serum activity of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, and alkaline phosphatase was measured in 614 Michigan adults exposed to PBB and 141 Wisconsin adults not so exposed. The Michigan group had higher prevalence of abnormal SGOT (p less than 0.005) and SGPT (p less than 0.005). A clear sex difference was observed. Michigan men had a higher prevalence of abnormal SGPT (p less than 0.005) and LDH (p less than 0.005) than Michigan women, and a higher prevalence than Wisconsin men of abnormal SGOT (p less than 0.005) and SGPT (p less than 0.01). These differences could not be ascribed to differing patterns of alcohol consumption, laboratory error, or choice of criteria for normality/abnormality. Seven Michigan subgroups were defined on the basis of the criteria by which they had been selected to participate. The two subgroups who were essentially self-invited did not differ from the remaining five randomly selected subgroups combined in prevalence of these abnormal liver function tests. Based on 364 serum PBB analyses thus far analyzed of the 614 Michigan participants, no obvious relationship between serum PBB values and liver function tests was observed. However, this is a tentative conclusion that will be further evaluated when remaining serum PBB analyses are completed. The greater prevalence of abnormal SGPT and SGOT among Michigan dairy farm residents compared to the Wisconsin dairy farm residents is tentatively ascribed to the former group's exposure to PBB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Pleural reactions to environmental agents.

In the past, pleural disease has been uncommon, generally limited to infection derived from underlying pulmonary involvement or the result of local neoplastic invasion or hematogenous metastases. The deep, protected location of the lung's mesothelial surface provides insufficient defense against environmentally derived very fine biologically active inorganic particles, and a new set of abnormalities--pleural plaques, fibrosis, unique calcification, malignancy (mesothelioma), benign asbestotic effusion--have introduced problems of pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and therapy. These changes are becoming frequent among individuals who were exposed to asbestos more than 20 years ago. Occupational exposure (direct and indirect), and in some cases environmental exposure (household contacts of asbestos-exposed workers and factory neighborhood residents), have been associated with higher prevalence of radiographically evident pleural abnormalities. What effects such changes will have on morbidity and mortality rates is incompletely understood.

Air Pollutants↗