Biomedical subjects

L Soleo

Publications and source records attributed to L Soleo.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

[Excellency accreditation by the Italian Society of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene (SIMLII)].

BACKGROUND: The Italian Society for Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene (Società Italiana di Medicina del Lavoro e Igiene Industriale)--SIMLII--has taken a systematic approach to the topic of permanent education of occupational health physicians over the last 4 years, developing its own project entitled "SIMLII Permanent Education and Excellency Accreditation". OBJECTIVES: The SIMLII Project, which is addressed to occupational health specialists and physicians authorized under Law 277/91, art. 55, is based on the participation of "obligatory" and "non-obligatory" educational activities and on assessment of professional activity. "Obligatory" educational activities are events organized directly by SIMLII and consist of a detailed study of the guidelines concerning specific occupational health topics. The "non-obligatory" events are those regarding occupational health that the physician chooses voluntarily, with accreditation by the Ministry of Health and/or by SIMLII. The occupational health physician who enrolls for the 3-year course must obtain a total of 180 SIMLII training credits in the 3 years (60 per year). Assessment of activity performed is made at the end of the 3 years of training according to criteria set out by SIMLII and approved by the membership, via a self-administered questionnaire. METHODS AND RESULTS: The SIMLII Project has laid great emphasis on drawing up guidelines on topics specific for occupational health. These guidelines are developed by groups of experts selected by SIMLII and deal with topics that the occupational health physician most frequently encounters in the course of his/her professional activity. There are 405 participants in the first 3-year training course covering the whole of Italy. The aim of the Italian Society for Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, via excellency accreditation and drawing up of guidelines for particularly important topics, is to provide useful tools to satisfy the training requirements of its membership, to improve the quality of professional services and to emphasize the uniqueness and specific nature of occupational health within the medical specialties.

Accreditation↗

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Pneumoconiosis in a female worker exposed to a primer used in the production of non-stick pans: clinical case.

UNLABELLED: The primary prevention programmes carried out in the 1950's and 1960's in industrialized countries brought about a significant reduction in the incidence of pneumoconiosis. Nevertheless, it is still possible to diagnose new cases, perhaps in relatively unusual working activities. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of q 2/2 pneumoconiosis associated with mixed powder containing less than 1% quartz that occurred in a 37 year-old female worker, who had been previously employed (1987-1994) in manually spraying a primer solution on the bottom of non-stick aluminium pans. METHODS: The manufacturing firm supplied details of the composition of the primer. The physiological, pathological and occupational history was obtained for the worker, who also underwent: respiratory functional exploration, chest radiographs and HRCT of the thorax, fibrobronchoscopy, with transbronchial biopsy and BAL collection. The lung tissue sample was examined via light microscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis. RESULTS: The primer contained 6.8% talc, free from asbestos or silica, 3.8% iron oxides and 0.6% bentonite which, in turn, contained less than 1% crystalline silica. The job was performed in a semi-confined environment, with an inefficient aspiration system. The worker had never complained of respiratory symptoms. Radiographs and HRCT showed widespread micronodulation. Light microscopy of pulmonary tissue showed multinucleate giant cell granulomas with intracytoplasmatic inclusions. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that these consisted of agglomerated particles, microanalysis of which showed the presence of a silicate. CONCLUSIONS: Particular jobs performed up to few years ago in Italy in a semi-confined environment can still involve exposure to doses of mineral dusts such as to cause pneumoconiosis. This is the first case of mixed powder pneumoconiosis described in a worker employed in the production of non-stick aluminium pans.

Adult↗

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[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↗

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[Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio in health surveillance of workers exposed to vinyl chloride monomer: preliminary results].

An AST/ALT ratio > 1 is predictive of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The aim of this case-control study is to assess AST/ALT ratio in 150 workers exposed to VCM (E) from the beginning of the 1960s to the end of the 1990s. The non-exposed group (NE) consists in 150 male workers employed in the production of a food industry. At least since 1983 exposed subjects worked at VCM environmental concentrations < 3 ppm. All the workers underwent venous blood collection for assessment of AST and ALT. Exposed workers presented mean AST/ALT ratio and frequency of AST/ALT ratio > 1 significantly higher than non-exposed. The mean AST/ALT ratio results significantly higher in the exposed group, also after stratification for alcohol consumption. In exposed workers who consume alcoholic beverages and are operating since before 1983 AST/ALT ratio is significantly and positively influenced only by the working age until 1983. If these results will be confirmed, AST/ALT ratio could be proposed to be included in the periodic medical surveillance of VCM workers.

Adult↗

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[Exposure to low doses of CS2 and cardiovascular risk factors].

The effects were studied on cardiovascular risk factors of occupational exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1.60 mg/m3, 74 workers exposed (E) to CS2 and 79 non-exposed (NE) workers were examined. Information was obtained on age, working age and life habits (alcohol, smoke, etc.) through a questionnaire and height and weight were measured to assess body mass index (BMI). All the workers underwent blood collection for the assessment of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and electrocardiogram. No clinically evident heart disease were detected in the workers examined and the prevalences of obesity and hypertension resulted to be similar among workers of the two groups. Mean triglyceride levels and frequencies of hypertriglyceridemia and of HDL cholesterol values < 40 mg/dl were significantly higher in exposed workers than non-exposed. The triglyceride levels resulted to be significantly and directly influenced by BMI and exposure to CS2. Occupational exposure to low environmental CS2 concentrations seems to interacts with other factors to determine alterations of lipid metabolism.

Carbon Disulfide↗

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[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↗

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[Survey on educational needs in occupational medicine in Italy].

The importance to correctly address continuing education among occupational health professionals in Italy has been particular in the focus of the Scientific and Professional Medical Community also in consideration of the recent regulations implemented in the field of Continuing Medical Education (CME). The Italian Society of Occupational Medicine recently developed an advanced programme of Continuing Medical Education for Occupational Physician. In order to correctly asses the education needs and collect valid information of Occupational Physicians in Italy we administered a target questionnaire among a group of them. The results are analyzed and discussed.

Adult↗

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[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↗

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[Lead: indicators of dose and effects on heme].

In the present study the role of the traditional biomarkers of exposure and effect on haeme system during lead exposure was analysed: the opportunity of introducing new biomarkers such as lead and delta-aminolevulinic acid in plasma was also evaluated, especially by considering the current levels of exposure. The population in study was constituted by 371 males owning to different production fields and selected by five national units. The results suggest caution in the use of lead in plasma as a biomarker of lead exposure in the biological monitoring procedures, mainly in reason of its great variability affecting in particular the sampling time and the pre-analytical treatment of the sample. The other biomarkers were well correlated between them and with the exposure biomarkers for lead in blood >300 microg/L, suggesting the BEI to which the protection of workers exposed to lead would be guaranteed (instead the actual of 600 microg/L).

Biomarkers↗

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[Lead and blood pressure].

Evidence, even if not univocal, of increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure for Pb doses lower than 30 microg/dl stimulated studies in the last years and opened a discussion on a possible relapse in morbility and mortality, since hypertension is an important factor of cardiovascular risk. In this study, it was possible to investigate the relationship between lead and blood pressure of 303 subjects occupationally exposed to this metal with blood-Pb between 10 and 80 microg/dl and 206 subjects belonging to the general population with blood-Pb between 0.5 and 9 microg/dl. In both groups it resulted a positive and statistically significant correlation between blood-Pb values and systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, in detail in hypertensive subjects, belonging to the not-occupationally exposed group, this effect is proportionally higher. The effect of lead on blood pressure appears therefore proved, as confirmed by previous literature, but taking into consideration three specific information. It presents itself in a large range of doses, it is quantitatively very modest, it appears more evident at low doses, thus we could hypothesize different mechanisms for different doses.

Adult↗

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[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↗

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[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↗

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[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↗

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[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↗

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[Could VDT use induce thoracic hyperkyphosis? Preliminary data].

The association between sitting posture and degenerative alterations of intervertebral disks has been widely studied, while the possible relationship between sitting posture and thoracic hyperkyphosis has not been investigated sufficiently. The objective of this study, therefore, is to verify the possible association between video display terminal (VDT) use, which needs a sitting prolonged posture, and thoracic hyperkyphosis. 63 VDT workers and 71 telephone line maintenance workers (control group) have been examined. The two groups were different for the postural load required by the two jobs. A questionnaire about job and clinical history has been administered to workers included in the study. A complete orthopedical examination has been performed for all workers, while radiographic exams have been performed only in the cases requiring of further diagnostic investigations. The two groups have resulted homogenous for age, while were different for working age and body mass index (BMI). The frequency of subjects with rachialgia has resulted higher in VDT users than in maintenance workers. The prevalence of thoracic hyperkyphosis observed in VDT users has been higher than in maintenance workers, with a difference near to be statistically significant, and significantly associated with age in VDT users. The hyperkyphosis of the dorsolumbar tract have resulted significantly more frequent in VDT users than in maintenance workers (p<0.05). Preliminary results of this study suggest that fixed and prolonged sitting working posture would be able to determine thoracic hyperkyphosis, although constitutional factors and age could have a role in its determination. Preventive measures should be proposed for an adequate ergonomic training of VDT users.

Adult↗

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[Work-related musculoskeletal diseases: experience of INAIL of the Apulia region 1998-2001].

The insurance recognition of Work related Muscolo Skeletal Disorders (WMSDs) has been introduced in Italy by the sentences of Constitutional Court n. 179/1988 and 208/1988. Afterwards the National Insurance Institute against work injuries (INAIL) tried to make homogeneous, in the different INAIL regional Departments, the diagnostic protocol of the work related illness associated with repetitive manual activities. Since 1998, indeed, a clinical diagnostic protocol has been used in the different departments. This report describes the Work related Muscolo Skeletal Disorders submitted to the Apulian INAIL Regional Direction in the period 1998-2001. Among 84 cases of disease reported to the Regional Direction, 21 were recognised as professional illness, the most part of which in workers employed in services sector and mining activities. The most represented disease was carpal tunnel syndrome and it was more recurrent in men than in women, in which the first symptoms were earlier than in men. The most represented risk factor, both in reported and in recognised cases, was the presence of repetitive working movements of the upper extremities, or the combination of the previous one with other risk factors such as high frequency of working activities, postural risk, strength demand, vibrations, climatic conditions. The development of specific diagnostic criteria, the detailed job analysis and the use of specific questionnaires seem to be the main elements for the WMSDs diagnosis and for the recognition of their professional etiology.

Adult↗

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[Exposure to low doses of inorganic lead and arterial pressure among fire arm instructors of the Italian State Police].

UNLABELLED: Firearm instructors represent a particular occupational group exposed to low lead (Pb) doses. Even low blood lead levels (PbB) of this metal can cause an increase of blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the Pb exposure of the firearm instructors of the Italian State Police (SP) and the effects of Pb on their PA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 376 instructors were studied, including 188 subjects working at indoor and 188 at outdoorfiring ranges. After obtaining informed consent, information on work, social and pathological history was collected and measurements of body mass index (BMI), BP and blood lead (PbB) level were obtained from the medical records. RESULTS: The mean PbB level of the instructors of outdoor ranges (6.7 +/- 5.3 microg/dl) was significantly lower than those of indoor ranges (8.5 +/- 7.6 microg/dl). In the instructors of outdoor ranges the diastolic BP (DBP) was significantly influenced by BMI and PbB, also considering the common confounding factors. DISCUSSION: The mean PbB level of the firearm instructors of the Italian SP resulted to be clearly below the biological limit value for Pb. In the instructors of outdoor ranges the even low PbB levels detected were able to determine a slight, but significant increase of DBP, also after correction for the main confounding variables. It is therefore necessary to keep on effecting biological monitoring and health surveillance of firearm instructors of SP and to promote the reduction of their body weight.

Blood Pressure↗

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[Evaluation of the role of occupational and environmental exposure to inorganic arsenic in the urinary excretion of the metal: preliminary data].

INTRODUCTION: Urinary inorganic arsenic is an expression of occupational exposure to the metal, provided that there is no history of ingestion of foods containing high concentrations of inorganic and/or organic arsenic. The present study was conducted to assess the contribution of professional and environmental exposure to inorganic arsenic on urinary excretion of the metal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 195 workers at a steelfoundry in Taranto, exposed to very low concentrations of inorganic arsenic and two control groups consisting of 105 subjects resident near the factory and 144 subjects resident approximately 20 Km away. All participants were administered a questionnaire enquiring about general characteristics, lifestyle, occupational and extra occupational exposure to arsenic. Urinary arsenic was determined by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Exposed and non exposed subjects were similar as regards general characteristics and lifestyle. The environmental concentration of arsenic for the foundryworkers was invariably lower than 0.1 microg/m3. Urinary excretion of arsenic was higher in the subjects in all three groups, examined singly and together, if they had eaten crustaceans and/or shellfish in the three days before urine collection. There was a significant positive correlation with the consumption of shellfish and a significant negative correlation with the number of days since the last crustacean/shellfish meal. Multiple regression analysis showed a dependence of urinary elimination of arsenic on the days since the last crustacean/shellfish meal. DISCUSSION: The absence of occupational exposure to arsenic allowed us to attribute the higher urinary elimination of arsenic to ingestion of crustaceans and/or shellfish in the three days before collection of the urine, both in subjects exposed to inorganic arsenic and in the two groups belonging to the general population. Our results support the hypothesis that inorganic arsenic, determined by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry, may derive from the catabolism of organic arsenic compounds contained in crustaceans and/or shellfish included in the diet.

Arsenic↗