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Biomedical subjects

P Marraccini

Publications and source records attributed to P Marraccini.

85 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Sampling of airborne allergens: practical experience].

The availability of specific monoclonal and policlonal antibodies and the standardization of allergen extracts enables to quantify the exposure to airborne allergens in the domestic environment and at the workplace. In this article we report our experience coming from three studies based upon the measurement of airborne allergens in different environments. In a pharmaceutical factory we measured levels of laboratory animals allergens and evaluated the prevalence of sensitization to the same allergens among the workers. Airborne latex allergens and latex allergens content in latex gloves were measured in hospitals. In bakeries we evaluated the prevalence of sensitization to flour and measured flour allergens levels. The results of our studies give information useful to improve methods of prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of occupational allergic diseases.

Air Pollution↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Latex protein allergy and preventive measures].

Numerous studies and documents have been recently produced on the topic of latex allergy but the unpredictable nature of the clinical reactions and the widespread use of natural rubber products in health care has led to incorrect use due to inadequate risk assessment. This article is intended to supply a clinical and epidemiological outline of latex allergy and its management and prevention. The aim is to promote communication between specialists in various disciplines in order to protect patients and health care workers from the risk of latex allergy. The feasibility analysis of a latex-free stream in a hospital was made by a board composed of an allergist, occupational health physicians, a surgeon and an anaesthetician to evaluate the various phases of the project. The equipment available at the hospital (certified latex-free materials to equip pre and post operation trolleys, latex free gloves) and a correct work organization (definition and work procedures, check list of materials, alarm bracelet, warning signals) will make it possible to achieve a latex-free stream for symptomatic and sensitized patients at risk. The use of non-powdered gloves with low levels of protein residue, particularly in areas like operating theatres, can minimise the occurrence of sensitization to latex, protecting health care workers from serious consequences. Also, such measures reduce the cost of health surveillance, allow latex-safe areas to be maintained which can be inter-connected so that the best possible management ot latex-allergic patients during hospitalization is ensured.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of several neuropsychological parameters in subjects occupationally exposed to anesthetics].

51 workers, occupationally exposed to anaesthetic gases and vapours (nitrous oxide, halothane, and isoflurane), were studied monitoring their environmental and biological exposure. Moreover, they were tested for visual reaction times and neurobehavioural batteries. There was no evidence of important neurotoxic effects nor of neurobehavioural problems with low concentrations of anaesthetics.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The personal and familial alcohol habits in groups of young men at their first military draft exam].

In order to evaluate alcoholic consumption in a group of young men from an area in northern Italy, 834 subjects (18 years old) were examined at their first military check up. They compiled a questionnaire dealing with their own and their fathers' alcoholic consumption, social status, cultural habits, tobacco and drug abuse. 14.3% of the group examined were teetotalers. The alcoholic consumption of the youths was 31.44 +/- 48.8 DS alcohol g/a day versus their fathers' consumption of 44.52 +/- 42.12 DS alcohol g/a day. This difference is statistically significant (t = -8.1 p less than 0.001). No difference in alcoholic consumption was found between employed and unemployed subjects. Artisans and traders evidenced the highest levels of alcohol consumption (F = 2.58, p less than 0.009). The youths changed their alcoholic habits with respect to their own parents, preferring beer to wine consumption, although no change was observed in their approach to the alcoholic problems. The beer, like alcohol, remains a sociable and reassuring drink with positive connotations, even tough it is not considered a traditional Italian drink.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Indoor allergens in office. Evaluation of the work station].

House dust mite and other indoor allergens play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of asthma and other allergic diseases. Several studies have shown a close relationship between sensitisation and/or onset of asthmatic symptoms and levels of indoor allergen exposure. Aim of the study was to investigate the concentration of specific markers of the indoor allergenic pollution, such as Der p 1, Der f 1, Mite Group 2, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2. Dust samples were taken using a standard method by means of a 1200 W vacuum cleaner connected with a dust-sampling device (MITEST). A standard A4 size area has been vacuumed four times during 2 min. The concentrations of Der p 1, Der f 1, Mite Group 2, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2 were determined in dust samples from 53 different sources (office chair and carpet) using a commercial kit (DUSTSCREEN). House dust mite allergens were not always detectable in the offices. Indoor allergen concentrations (Der p 1, Der f 1, Mite Group 2, Fel d 1) were significant higher in the work station (chair) than in the carpet (p < 0.0001). Der 1 exceeded the current threshold for sensitization in about 1/4 of the samples. Der f 1 was predominant over Der p 1 according to other studies. A good correlation between the results of Der p 1 and Der f 1 was observed both in carpet and work station. Cat allergen was ubiquitous and predominantly detected in the chairs because of the employees' clothes. No appreciable levels for Mite Gr 2 and Bla g 2 were detected. Such an exposure for 8 hours in every working day may be an important occupational risk for the development of sensitization/elicitation symptoms to house dust mite. To reduce mite allergen levels are necessary preventive measure by means of specific techniques and products as barriers for preventing the direct contact with allergens.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Occupational asthma due to cyanoacrylate: a case-report].

BACKGROUND: An increased use of acrylic compounds is observed in different industries, home repairs and hobbies. These compounds are known to cause skin sensitisation, irritation of mucous membranes and bronchial asthma. Methyl cyanoacrylate is moderately likely to be a sensitizer, while ethyl cyanoacrylate might be a weak sensitizer. OBJECTIVES: Clinical evaluation of a case of occupational asthma due to cyanoacrylate. METHODS: A female worker, aged 32 years, used ethyl cyanoacrylate daily. After 2 months she experienced dry cough and shortness breath. Some weeks later she developed bronchial asthma. The diagnosis of occupational asthma was based on the work-related symptoms and the inhalation challenge test result. RESULTS: A late asthmatic response was observed with a maximum fall in FEV1 of 26% 345 minutes after exposure. Complete clinical and functional recovery was observed after inhalation of a broncho-dilating agent. CONCLUSIONS: Acrylates are new occupational sensitising agents, causing rhinitis and asthma. It is not possible to perform prick tests or specific IgE measurements for these compounds. The bronchial challenge test is therefore the sole valid test for the diagnosis of occupational asthma.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Behaviour of urinary D-glucaric acid excretion in surgical patients and anaesthesiology staff acutely exposed to isoflurane and nitrous oxide.

Liver function abnormalities have been observed in humans exposed to anaesthetics inhalation. Furthermore, experimental studies have revealed changes in microsomal enzyme activity caused by inhalation of a variety of anaesthetics. The study was designed to assess liver microsomal enzyme function by means of a simple non-invasive test, i.e., measurement of urinary D-glucaric acid (UDGA) excretion. Three groups of selected subjects were examined: (i) 20 patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery receiving an anesthetic mixture, (ii) 18 workers of an Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, occupationally exposed to anesthetics, (iii) 16 controls. Both in the patients and anesthesiology staff, the post-operative UDGA mean values were significantly increased compared to the pre-operative values. The study shows that the behaviour of UDGA excretion is similar in patients and in anaesthesiology staff. Although it is not possible to clarify the mechanism involved, this finding is regarded as a response of the liver to anaesthetics administration in patients and to both environmental pollution and occupational stress in hospital staff.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of neuropsychological parameters in a group of metal mechanics occupationally exposed to radio frequencies].

In view of the increasing interest in electromagnetic fields, the effects on behaviour were studied in a group of foundry workers following prolonged exposure to radiofrequencies. The results of behavioural tests revealed significant differences between the exposed and control groups as regards neuropsychological performance. Anxiety and depression tests, however, indicated no pathological alterations, in contrast to previous observations. Nevertheless, the results need to be confirmed by further, more detailed studies.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of various psychologic parameters in a group of workers occupationally exposed to radiofrequency].

In this study effects on psyche caused by a protract exposure to radiofrequency are examined. 13 women, occupationally exposed to radiofrequency, were subjected to a series of psychological tests in order to verify possible psychological troubles. Results seem to demonstrate a significant presence of troubles concerning social relations, anxiety and depression.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiologic study on the prevalence of low back pain in health personnel exposed to manual handling tasks].

An epidemiological study on the prevalence rate of low back pain among health care workers exposed to manual handling tasks and physical work load was performed. A representative sample (n. 1053) of nursing staff working at the San Matteo Hospital in Pavia was studied using a questionnaire with the purpose of evaluating the prevalence rate of low back pain and related risk factors. 86.4% of the subjects admitted having suffered from back pain at some stage in their life and 71.0% complained of back pain in the 3 months prior to answering the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between low back pain, female gender and specific nursing activities. A significant correlation was found between smoking (> 20 cigarettes per day) and the presence of low back pain, due to intervertebral disk pathology. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was found in the average degree of disability between healthy nurses (1.3), those with low back pain taking analgesic drugs (5.9) and nurses suffering from low back pain without taking drugs (3.8).

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Technical note: proposal of a routine method of accurate measurement of urinary trans,trans-muconic acid].

A method for routine measurement of urinary trans,trans-muconic acid. A method is proposed which allows the accurate determination of urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (Ma) by HPLC with UV detection. Sample pretreatment consists of a first purification on strong anionic exchange (SAX) cartridges followed by extraction on "end capped" reversed-phase (C18-EC) ones. Purified samples are directly injected onto a chromatographic column (C18, 150 x 4.6 mm I.D., 3 microns) which is eluted with water: methanol: acetic acid (97:2:1, v/v) mixture followed by a "spike" of acetonitrile. The retention time of MA is 15 min, the coefficient of variation is lower than 3%, the limit of detection is 7 micrograms/l. The method seems suitable for accurate biological monitoring of subjects exposed to benzene.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Methods and applications in the control of hypersensitivity in exposed occupational populations].

The aim of this work is to present a clinical questionnaire for epidemiological studies in occupational allergology. We have evaluated and tested the items of such a questionnaire, finding a good sensitivity and specificity in terms of identification of symptoms and a clinical approach to the patient. The questionnaire was blind tested by two specialists and their results were found to be concordant. We realized that such a questionnaire is an easy instrument to use for medical personnel, reproducible and reliable. It can be applied in well orientated studies of occupational medicine as a first step in the investigation of work-related symptoms and in monitoring the workplace.

Humans↗