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Biomedical subjects

L Soleo

Publications and source records attributed to L Soleo.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of myopia in a group of people working with video terminals: first results].

UNLABELLED: Since the 70's the occupational use of electronic systems equipped with visual display terminals (VDTs) became wide-spread also in Italy. Some longitudinal studies on large samples of VDT workers found no significant changes of myopia (M) with regard to years and daily hours spent working at a VDT. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and the time course of M in 209 VDT workers employed in the service sector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining workers' informed consent their work, social, family and personal medical histories were collected. Myopia was defined as need of >0.25 D negative spherical correction. Average daily hours duringfollow-up and overall years spent working at a VDT were calculated as exposure indexes. RESULTS: The mean baseline age was 39.2 years (SD: 8.7, min-max: 22-62) and the mean education was 14 years (SD: 2.2). The mean follow-up period was 5.5 (3-9) years. The prevalence of M was 45.5% at the start and 49.8% at the end of the study. It was higher in workers with >13 years of education and in those < 40 year-old. A slight but significant increase of the degree of M (dioptres) occurred during the follow-up. The change in the degree of M was not different between the classes of VDT exposure (< or = 4 and >4 daily hours; < or =15 and >15 years spent), of education and of age at the end of follow-up. DISCUSSION: The high mean educational level can partly explain the higher prevalence of M detected in the workers on study with respect to the one described elsewhere on VDT workers and general population. The progression of the M seems not to be related to the professional and personal variables analyzed, but to depend on the natural evolution of M. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary data in larger groups of VDT workers.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The role of the occupational physician in the prevention of the spreading of H5N1 virus avian influenza in exposed workers].

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza caused by H5N1 virus can be transmitted to exposed workers from contact with infected poultry, and is thus, like other zoonoses, the responsibility of occupational physicians (OP). The high pathogenicity of H5N1 virus has caused a 30-75% mortality among infected humans. Most of those subjects were occupationally exposed in different areas of poultry raising in Asian countries. At the moment, person-to-person transmission, even though possible, is unable to start a new human influenza pandemic due to the current genetic characteristics of H5N1 virus. However, its spontaneous tendency to mutate must alert the international community to the need of eradicating avian influenza in poultry as well as preventing transmission to humans. OBJECTIVE: In Italy competent OPs are required to take part in prevention of H5N1 avian influenza infection of potentially exposed workers, such as poultry sector workers, workers engaged in poultry culling, litter management, carcass disposal, zoo and nature reserve workers, gamekeepers, veterinarians, biologists, laboratory technicians, and health workers caring for possible instances of human infection. METHODS: According to Italian legislations, OPs must offer the national community their long-standing experience in the fields of workplace environmental monitoring, health surveillance, choice of personal protection equipment (PPE) and training and information of workers potentially exposed to H5N1 virus about occupational risks and correct use of PPE. They must also cooperate with other involved professionals to programme antiviral and vaccine prophylaxis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Occupational physicians can have an important role in contributing to the prevention of and scientific research on H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fitness for work: the SIMLII Health Surveillance Guidelines.

Italian legislation on prevention in occupational hygiene and safety, which is based largely on European Union Directives, requires health surveillance when risk assessment has identified a risk for workers' health. Health surveillance must be carried out by the occupational physician and concludes with the issue of a fitness for work certificate for the specific job. The guidelines produced by the "Italian Society of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene" (SIMLII), through the "Consortium for Accreditation and Updating in Occupational Medicine" founded by the "S. Maugeri Foundation of Pavia", Italy, focus firstly on the definition of judgment of fitness for a specific job. They outline the theoretical basis of the medico-legal terminology for fitness for work, which is founded on the concepts of suitability, fitness, capacity, ability, representing successive degrees of qualification and specific potential that the worker may attain during accomplishment of the tasks involved in the job. To assess fitness for a specific job, the occupational physician must consider whether the worker possesses the psycho-physical requisites normally needed to do the job, not the top levels of such requisites. The intrinsic characteristics of any judgment of fitness for work, namely its individual, probabilistic and time-dependent nature, are illustrated. The operative methodological model for making a judgment must include: assessment of the job and work environment, assessment of the worker through health surveillance, comparison and correlation of the two terms of the equation: human subject-work environment, the judgment thus made and the choice of any necessary measures and/or intervention. The methods for conducting the assessment process culminating in a judgement are presented, as stipulated in the pertinent legislation, and include the following conclusions: fitness, partial or total unfitness, temporary unfitness, fitness provided suitable prescriptions are observed,fitness provided some conditions are met. These definitions are analyzed in greater depth, especially the possible confusion between partial unfitness and fitness provided suitable prescriptions are observed. The employer or worker may lodge an appeal with the local health service inspection service against certain judgments of unfitness for work. Finally, as health surveillance is governed by different legal norms, the contents of which appear to be to some extent contradictory, even though aimed at safeguarding the dignity and freedom of the worker, the reasons why the occupational physician should take into account diseases apart from those of the organs exposed to specific risk are discussed. These should be borne in mind when issuing the specific fitness for work certificate at the end of preventive and periodical medical examinations.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Industrial noise and presbyacusia in the determination of hearing damage: studies in chemical industry workers].

An audiometric investigation was carried out on 710 workers of a chemical plant in order to ascertain the role of industrial noise and presbysocio-acusia in causing hearing loss. The workers underwent an audiometric test both aerial and via bone, in a sound-proof chamber, after a 16-hour rest from noise. The subjects also answered a questionnaire on nonoccupational noise exposure and previous hearing and dysmetabolic disorders. Noise exposure was assessed on the basis of a cumulative exposure index obtained for each subject by multiplying the mean daily exposure level by seniority in the job. The results showed that in workers not exposed to high noise levels, industrial noise and presbysocio-acusia induce, via a direct mechanism, either separately or together, only slight damage to social hearing frequencies, i.e., those of normal conversation. At frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz, however, presbysocio-acusia seems to play a more important role than industrial noise in causing hearing loss. The practical implications arising from this study concern the frequencies that should be used for a medicolegal assessment of industrial noise induced hearing loss and the the threshold for these frequencies above which assessment of hearing loss should begin. As regards the first point, the results obtained in this study suggest the use of medicolegal methods based on normal conversation frequencies since presbysocio-acusia should not in any case be taken from these frequencies as it affects them only marginally. As regards the second point, the results show that assessment of hearing loss should begin when the hearing threshold at the above frequencies exceeds 25 dB. The study also showed that in epidemiological investigations on subjects exposed to industrial noise, the cumulative exposure index is better correlated with the rise in hearing threshold at the various frequencies than with seniority.

Audiometry↗
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

[Health survey on morbility and accidents in various productive agricultural sectors].

A health survey on morbidity and accidents was carried out on a population of 970 farmers in the district of Bari working in 6 different agricultural sectors. Data were gathered through a CNR-based (National Research Council) questionnaire administered by two occupation specialists. Results showed, first of all, that fertilizers are used in all agricultural sectors, while antiparasitic agents and herbicides are used in different ways according to the kind of culture. Horticulture is the sector where pesticides are more widely used as it is an intensive culture and has many cultivation cycles during the agricultural year. Interviewed subjects referred different pathologies, in particular arthrosis of spinal cord and limbs paresthesia. No significant direct association was observed between these pathologies and the sectors considered. Arthrosis of spinal cord seems to be related to exposure duration as it is well known that agricultural work implies unfavourable postures and exposure to adverse climatic conditions which favour the degeneration processes causing arthrosis. 19.5% of cases showed eczema. As far as accidents are concerned the situation is worrisome both for the frequency of accidents and the seriousness of lesions. This survey showed the need to investigate thoroughly the etiology of limbs paresthesia, eczema and accidents of farmers.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Arsenic poisoning].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗
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

[The detoxification pathways of electrophilic intermediate compounds].

A brief description is given of the chemical characteristics on which depend the particular reactivity of electrophilic substances that makes them bind via a covalent bond with nucleophilic sites of cellular macromolecules. The electrophilic intermediates that are of greatest importance for chemical carcinogenesis are examined. The metabolic routes of detoxification are discussed. The main route is the oxidative route, which uses the enzyme epoxide hydrolase. Another route consists of conjugation of intermediate electrophiles with glutathione reduced via a glutathione-S-transferase or spontaneously. The conjugated glutathione compounds are then further biotransformed and eliminated via the urine as mercapturic acids. In the case of styrene the author's experience with exposed workers showed that about 6-8% of inhaled styrene is eliminated in the form of mercapturic acids. For acrylonitrile the route of conjugation with reduced glutathione is the main detoxification route. A study by the author on rats showed that for concentrations up to 15 mg/kg body weight 73% of acrylonitrile administered intraperitoneally is eliminated as cyanoethylmercapturic acid, derived from the direct conjugation of acrylonitrile with glutathione. Detoxification of the radical species occurs via cellular constituents, such as reduced glutathione, and via enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, GSH peroxidase, catalase. These enzymes protect the liver from the action of free radicals that are produced during oxidative metabolism of ethanol. The differences in metabolic routes of detoxification among species as causes of hypersusceptibility to develop cancer are discussed. In the case of 1,3-butadiene the greater susceptibility of the mouse to develop tumours compared with the rat is due to the fact that the mouse is capable of oxidizing butadiene to epoxybutene more rapidly, has a more rapid saturation of epoxyhydrolase and a faster consumption of non proteic sulphidrylic groups, so that epoxybutene, because it cannot be metabolized, tends to bind with the cellular macromolecules thus producing damaging effects. Also in the case of methylene chloride, the greater susceptibility of the mouse to develop tumours compared with the rat seems to be connected with a greater production of S-chloromethyl-GSH in the mouse, although no specific oncogenic action has yet been demonstrated for this reactive intermediate.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinico-statistical investigation about cement dermatitis in Italy].

To define the prevalence of cement dermatitis (allergic contact dermatitis-ACD-and irritant contact dermatitis-ICD), two retrospective studies have been carried out in Italy: the first one based on the analysis of dermatitis cases ascribable to cement as defined by INAIL (Italian Institute for Industrial Accidents Insurance) from 1984 to 1992; the second one by surveying cement dermatitis cases in workers in the building industry aged between 16 and 70 carried out by Istituto di Clinica Dermatologica dell'Università di Bari from 1988 to 1994. The survey on INAIL data showed that in the years take into account 5,290 dermatitis cases included in item 41 of the occupational diseases table have been defined. About 80% of these cases have been observed in workers working as bricklayers and floor-layers. Therefore, given the remarkable exposure to cement in these professions, the prevalence of cement dermatitis in Italy has been estimated to 6 cases/province/year, even though it has not been possible recognize the clinical form of cement dermatitis. Moreover, the study showed that disabling cutaneous after-effects eligible for compensation have been observed in 30% of the cases defined by INAIL. The allergologic study carried out by Clinica Dermatologica has not only defined the incidence of contact dermatitis (ACD and ICD), in building workers, but it has also extrapoled dermatitis cases due to cement. As a whole, in the years taken into account, 166 occupational or mixed ACD cases and 77 occupational or mixed ICD have been diagnosed. The incidence of contact dermatitis ascribable to cement has equalled 79% among ACD and 88% among ICD, with a ratio of about 2 to 1 in favour of allergic forms. Among the chemicals tested, potassium bichromate showed the highest frequency of cases positive to patch tests. The skin site the most affected by cement dermatitis is hand, followed by upper limbs, lower limbs and feet. In the province of Bari, in the years taken into account, an average incidence of 28.4 cases per year of the two forms of cement dermatitis has been observed.

Adolescent↗