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Biomedical subjects

M Bovenzi

Publications and source records attributed to M Bovenzi.

95 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hand-arm vibration syndrome: diagnostic aspects, dose-response relationship and exposure limits].

This paper reviews the clinical aspects and laboratory methods to diagnose the vascular, sensorial and neural components of the hand-arm vibration syndrome. The resolutions adopted by the experts of the Stockholm Workshop 94 are reported. The methods of measurement and assessment of both daily and cumulative vibration exposure are discussed with respect to the risk for vibration-induced disorders of the upper extremities. An update of the relationship between vibration exposure and the occurrence of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) is given, as well as the results of epidemiologic studies of the reversibility of VWF after cessation of vibration exposure or introduction of vibration isolation systems in forest work. Regarding occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibrations, this review considers the guidelines and provisions contained in the European Communities (EC) Directive for machinery (89/393/EC) and the proposal for an EC Directive for physical agents (94/C 230/03).

Arm↗
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[Scleroderma and occupational factors: a case-control study and analysis of literature].

The scientific literature concerning occupational factors associated with scleroderma consists mostly of case report type studies. We therefore undertook a case-control study in the Province of Trento using as data source the Hospital Records System. The annual rate of scleroderma incidence in the period considered (1976-1991) was 5.8 per million in females and 1.5 per million in males. A statistically significant association was observed (OR = 9.28, p = 0.039) in the population under study for occupational exposure to solvents. Also, an excess risk was observed in male subjects exposed to silica dust, even though the simultaneous exposure to other risk factors, such as hand-arm vibrations, makes it difficult to establish the specific contribution of silica dust exposure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory symptoms and occupational sensitization in a group of trainee bakers: results of a 6-month follow up].

We investigated the prevalence of atopy by 4 different criteria (personal and family atopy, atopy by prick test and by serum IgE levels), and sensitization to wheat flour and alpha amylase in a group of trainee bakers and in a group of trainee graphic artists as controls (baseline check-up). The follow-up was performed 6 months later only among trainee bakers (90 cases), based on an updating questionnaire and on repeated skin prick test with wheat flour and alpha amylase extracts. Trainee bakers and controls were similar with respect to age, number of smokers, atopy evaluated by 4 different criteria, and detection of serum IgE (RAST) and IgG specific to wheat flour. Positive skin prick test to wheat flour (4%) and alpha amylase (1%) were found only among trainee bakers. At the baseline control 4 students (4.4%) complained of respiratory symptoms when working with wheat flour (WRS). At the six month follow up 6.6% of the trainee bakers complained of WRS: 3.3% had persistent symptoms, 3.3% were new cases and 1.1% had become asymptomatic. Five cases (5.5%) were skin positive to wheat flour or alpha amylase, but only one was unchanged, while 4.4% were new cases and 3.3% turned negative. None of these changes was statistically significant (McNemar test). The trainee bakers complaining of WRS at the baseline or at follow-up (7 cases, when compared with the non-symptomatics, showed a higher prevalence of personal atopy and skin sensitization to occupational allergens; there were no differences, however, with regard to atopy by prick test, IgE levels or the presence of wheat specific IgE and IgG. The trainee bakers skin positive to the occupational allergens (8 cases) showed prevalences of personal atopy and atopy by prick test significantly higher than trainee bakers skin negative to wheat flour or alpha amylase (p < or = 0.01). Evaluating wheat flour specific IgE and IgG in the serum of trainee bakers and controls provided us with more information about the specificity of such tests and suggests caution in attributing the presence of these immunoglobulins in the serum to specific occupational exposure or to specific occupational sensitization. A six-month follow up is likely to be too short an interval to observe significant changes in work-related symptoms and in skin sensitization to occupational allergens. The results, however, emphasize the important role of personal atopy as a predisposing factor in the development of occupational disease among trainee bakers.

Adolescent↗