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Biomedical subjects

M E Baser

Publications and source records attributed to M E Baser.

59 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in polyvinylchloride fabrication workers.

We performed preshift and postshift spirometry and administered a standardized respiratory symptoms questionnaire to 174 white males currently employed in polyvinylchloride (PVC) fabrication to examine the acute and chronic respiratory effects of work exposure. Although there were no significant differences between the in-plant comparison group and any department with potential exposures, there was evidence for respiratory effects in the combined group of comparison and exposed workers. In the combined group, duration of employment was significantly associated with decrements in adjusted cross-shift ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), preshift FEV1/FVC, and prevalence of chronic cough and chronic phlegm. In nonsmokers, the prevalences of chronic wheeze and chest tightness were high (36.0 and 50.5%, respectively). The age-adjusted prevalence of chronic wheeze in nonsmokers was also elevated 3.54-fold when compared with that in a community study in the literature. We conclude that the cross-sectional design and in-plant comparison group may mask the effects of exposures on the entire plant population, and that employment in this plant is associated with patterns of obstructive air-flow limitation and respiratory symptoms consistent with exposure to pulmonary irritants. These results suggest that possible agents of pulmonary effects in PVC fabrication are not limited to vinyl chloride monomer, PVC dust, and PVC thermal degradation products.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm count suppression without endocrine dysfunction in lead-exposed men.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm count suppression without endocrine dysfunction in lead-exposed men.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Elevated serum IgE, eosinophilia, and lung function in rubber workers.

We previously reported an outbreak of acute respiratory illness associated with eosinophilia in a group of rubber workers who performed a thermoinjection process in which synthetic rubber was heated and then injected onto metal molds. This study was conducted to determine if persistent respiratory health effects were associated with this work area and to explore the possible allergic etiology of this syndrome. A survey was performed 1 mo after a major improvement in area ventilation and consisted of baseline, cross-shift, and cross-week spirometry; diffusing capacity; serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), total eosinophil count; and skin patch testing. Baseline lung function, cross-shift, and cross-week spirometry were not significantly worse in the exposed group as compared to the control group. However, either eosinophilia (greater than 450/mm3) or elevated serum IgE (greater than 470 ng/ml) were present in 44% of exposed workers vs. 11% of the control group (p = .003). Nine months later, neither eosinophilia nor elevated IgE were associated with employment in this work area. We conclude that employment in the thermoinjection process was associated with eosinophilia and elevated IgE, which suggests sensitization to one of the components of the rubber, although no effect on pulmonary function could be demonstrated.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of smoking and occupational exposures on pulmonary function impairment in Italian shipyard workers.

We examined the association of job title and duration of employment with the smoking-adjusted prevalences of chronic bronchitis, obstruction, restriction, and mixed pulmonary function impairment in 657 white male shipyard workers aged 20 to 60 years. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) for risk of chronic bronchitis and pulmonary function impairment. Compared to employment for less than 20 years, employment for more than 20 years was independently associated with chronic bronchitis (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2-3.5), restriction (OR = 2.6; CI: 1.4-4.6), and mixed impairment (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.5). Compared to metal-workers, which was the lowest exposure job category, four job categories were independently associated with restriction: gas welders (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.5-8.9), arc welders (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.5-11.4), masons (OR = 6.2; 95% CI: 1.0-39.0), and insulators (OR = 8.0; 95% CI: 1.8-35.2). These results suggest that exposure to pulmonary toxic agents in the shipyard environment can lead to both parenchymal inflammation (restriction) and airways inflammation (obstruction).

Adult↗