Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Lilis

Publications and source records attributed to R Lilis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Asbestos disease in sheet metal workers: II. Radiologic signs of asbestosis among active workers.

A review of chest x-rays of 707 currently employed New York metropolitan area sheet metal workers found that 29.3% of the workers with 20 years or more of union membership (a surrogate for years of exposure) had radiologic abnormalities characteristic of parenchymal and/or pleural asbestosis, with 18.6% having abnormalities characteristic of parenchymal asbestosis (International Labor Organization [ILO] classification 1/0 or higher) and 17.4% of pleural asbestosis. The prevalence of abnormalities characteristic of either parenchymal and/or pleural asbestosis in the group as a whole was 16.4%, with 10.9% exhibiting signs of parenchymal asbestosis and 9.2% of pleural asbestosis. There was a strong, statistically significant relationship between years in the trade and the prevalence of radiologic abnormalities. These findings underscore the need for medical surveillance of all asbestos-exposed construction workers, including retirees and workers who have had past exposure but who are no longer exposed.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Pulmonary fibrosis in asbestos insulation workers with lung cancer: a radiological and histopathological evaluation.

This study was undertaken to determine the relation between radiographic and histological manifestations of pulmonary asbestosis (interstitial fibrosis) in insulation workers who had died of lung cancer. Of 450 confirmed deaths from lung cancer a chest radiograph suitable for determining evidence of pneumoconiosis was obtained in 219. Of these cases, 138 also had a tissue specimen submitted that was suitable for histological study to determine the extent of histological fibrosis. There was a significant albeit limited correlation between the radiographic and histological findings (r = 0.27, p less than 0.0013). All 138 cases had histological evidence of parenchymal fibrosis; in 25 (18%), however, there was no radiographic evidence of parenchymal fibrosis. In 10 cases (7%) both parenchymal and pleural disease were undetectable on the radiograph. Thus a negative chest radiograph does not exclude the presence of interstitial fibrosis (asbestosis) in a substantial proportion of insulation workers previously exposed to asbestos who develop lung cancer.

Asbestos↗
PubMed1987

Non-malignant chest x ray changes in patients with mesothelioma in a large cohort of asbestos insulation workers.

To assess the prevalence of non-malignant chest x ray abnormalities in cases of mesothelioma 184 cases of mesothelioma (72 pleural and 112 peritoneal) which had occurred in a cohort of asbestos insulation workers followed up since 1967 were studied. Chest x ray films of satisfactory quality, on which the presence or absence of non-malignant radiological changes indicating interstitial pulmonary fibrosis or pleural fibrosis or both, could be assessed with a high degree of certainty were available. In some cases (20% for pleural mesothelioma, 11.6% for peritoneal mesothelioma) non-malignant radiological changes were not radiologically detectable. Parenchymal interstitial fibrosis (small irregular opacities) only was found in a proportion of cases (25.4% of pleural mesotheliomas, 12.5% of peritoneal mesotheliomas). Pleural fibrosis only was detected in 17% of cases of pleural mesothelioma and 27% of cases of peritoneal mesothelioma. Most patients had both parenchymal and pleural fibrosis. Although these results tend to indicate that in peritoneal mesothelioma the proportion of pleural fibrosis is significantly higher, these findings might have been due to the fact that in most cases of pleural mesothelioma non-malignant changes were interpreted in one hemithorax only. In 46 cases (21 pleural, 25 peritoneal) in which sufficient lung tissue was available histopathology of lung parenchyma indicated the presence of interstitial fibrosis; in 20 (43.5%) of these the chest x ray film had been read as negative. Thus the absence of radiologically detectable small opacities on the chest x ray film does not exclude the existence of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in cases of mesothelioma among insulation workers. With lower levels of exposure (such as in family contacts of asbestos workers) it is conceivable that mesothelioma might occur in the absence of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Asbestos↗
PubMed1986

Clinical findings among asbestos workers in U.S.: influence of cigarette smoking.

All members of a large union were invited to participate in a study of potentially adverse effects of asbestos exposure. Clinical findings among 1,117 workers (90% of those eligible for examination) are presented in this study. Cough was much less common among those without a history of cigarette smoking, although duration from onset of employment did not appreciably affect the prevalence of cough among the smokers. Rhonchi present among nonsmokers were limited in extent, but were marked and diffuse among cigarette smokers. Although dyspnea was as prevalent among nonsmokers as in smokers forty years and more after onset of exposure, it was relatively uncommon and found only among smokers when examined shortly after onset of exposure. Cigarette smoking had less influence on the prevalence of râles among asbestos workers; both smokers and nonsmokers showed this finding when examined 30 years and more after onset of asbestos exposure. Analysis of powerhouse work experience and mask use as possible confounders indicated no difference in prevalence of these characteristics between the smokers and nonsmokers.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Asbestosis: interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and pleural fibrosis in a cohort of asbestos insulation workers: influence of cigarette smoking.

A cohort of 1,117 asbestos insulation workers was established in 1963 and has been prospectively followed since then. Chest X-ray abnormalities detected at the initial medical examination, and interpreted according to the International Labour Office Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses are reported in this paper. The prevalence of all radiographic abnormalities (pleural and pulmonary) increased with duration from onset of asbestos exposure. A positive smoking history was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of small irregular opacities indicating interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Such an association was not found for pleural fibrosis. The possible mechanisms which underlie the effect of smoking on asbestos-induced interstitial fibrosis seem to be of much less importance in the development of pleural fibrosis. Progression of radiographic changes over the 20-year interval 1963-1983 will be separately reported as will the predictive significance of these changes.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Interaction of asbestos, age, and cigarette smoking in producing radiographic evidence of diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.

The study of 3,472 chest x-rays from four populations with different levels of exposure to asbestos and with different cigarette smoking histories shows that smoking in the general population does not produce pulmonary fibrosis recognizable on chest radiography. In the general population of Michigan, the prevalence of a radiographic pattern of fibrosis was 0.5 percent in men and 0.0 percent in women. In a Long Beach, California census tract population, the prevalences were 3.7 percent for men and 0.6 percent for women. Similarly, cigarette smoking does not enhance fibrosis when the exposure to asbestos has been as light as that in households of shipyard workers. Asbestosis was recognized in 6.6 percent of 137 shipyard workers' wives who have never smoked and 7.6 percent of 132 who had ever smoked. Cigarette smoking and asbestos appear to be synergistic in those occupationally exposed to asbestos (as insulators), since 7.2 percent of 97 nonsmokers and 20.5 percent of 316 ever-smokers showed fibrosis. This apparent synergy was also found in shipyard workers up to age 70 with 31 percent of nonsmokers and 43.3 percent of ever-smokers having fibrosis. There were increases of approximately 10 percent in the prevalence of fibrosis in cigarette smokers and nonsmokers for each decade after age 40.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Saccadic eye movements among copper smelter workers.

Saccade accuracy was studied in 87 copper smelter workers. Findings were compared with those obtained in 52 lead-exposed automobile production workers and 52 controls examined as part of a separate study. Both groups of workers showed a decrease in saccade accuracy compared to controls. Saccade accuracy was reduced in copper smelter workers over 50 years of age compared to automobile production workers in this age group. Decreased saccade accuracy was not correlated with blood lead (Pb-B), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), or urinary arsenic (As-U) levels among copper smelter workers, but was significantly correlated with both Pb-B and ZPP in the group of automobile production workers. Saccade accuracy decreased significantly with age and duration of exposure only in the group of copper smelter workers. Complex exposures to lead and other toxic agents present in the smelter may account for the reduction in saccade accuracy among copper smelter workers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Acute mercury poisoning with severe chronic pulmonary manifestations.

This report describes a patient who developed acute chemical pneumonitis following overexposure to metal mercury vapor. The exposure occurred in a gold extraction facility where a gold-mercury amalgam was heated in a confined area. Prompt treatment with penicillamine and corticosteroids was instituted; radiologic pulmonary infiltrates disappeared within a week, but there was little change in the pulmonary function abnormalities (restriction and diffusion impairment) over the period of 11 months of follow-up. This raises the possibility of persistent pulmonary function impairment after metal mercury vapor-induced chemical pneumonitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Asbestos disease in family contacts of shipyard workers.

Radiologic signs of pulmonary asbestos disease were found in 11.3 per cent of 274 wives of shipyard workers who were 20 or more years from initial hiring-on in shipyards in Los Angeles County. Asbestosis was also found in 7.6 per cent of 79 sons and 2.1 per cent of 140 daughters of these workers. The wives, sons, and daughters were without occupational exposure. Comparable radiographic signs were not found in comparison groups. It is probable that asbestos exposure in the household places these family members at risk for mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Health status of workers with past exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in the manufacture of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid: comparison of findings with and without chloracne.

Chloracne was found in 52% of 226 workers in a 1979 cross-sectional survey at a plant where 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) had been manufactured from 1948 to 1969. Mean duration of residual chloracne was 26 years, and in 29 subjects, it had been present for 30 years. A significant increased prevalence of abnormal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and higher mean GGT were found in those with chloracne, compared to those without. Although mean triglyceride values were higher in those with chloracne, the difference was not statistically significant. Neurological examination showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of abnormal sensory findings in those with chloracne. Increased prevalence of angina and reported myocardial infarction in those with chloracne was not significant when age-adjusted. Increased prevalence of reported sexual dysfunction and decreased libido in those with chloracne compared to those without was statistically significant after age adjustment. No differences were found between those with and without chloracne in serum cholesterol, total urinary porphyrins, or in reproductive outcome.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed1984

Occupational lead exposure. Effects on saccadic eye movements.

Quantitative measures of saccadic eye movements were examined in 52 lead exposed autobody shop workers and 52 age matched controls with no history of occupational lead exposure. Three characteristics of saccadic eye movements were studied: 1) saccade accuracy; 2) number of overshoots; and 3) maximum velocity. The results indicated that workers exposed to inorganic lead showed a decrease in saccade accuracy and an increase in overshoots compared with controls. Saccade maximum velocity was lower in lead exposed workers than in controls but the difference was just short of statistical significance. Correlations between measures of saccadic eye movements and indicators of lead absorption--blood lead (Pb-B) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels--were analyzed in the lead exposed workers. Saccade accuracy was negatively correlated with both Pb-B and ZPP levels. The number of overshoots was not correlated with either Pb-B or ZPP levels. Saccade maximum velocity was not correlated with Pb-B, however, there was a significant negative correlation with ZPP. Age effects observed in the control group were disrupted in lead exposed workers. In addition, saccadic eye movements in younger workers (below 30 years old) were more affected by exposure to inorganic lead than were saccadic eye movements in older workers (50 years and older). It is proposed that these findings are consistent with a relatively rapid buildup of metabolically active lead burden observed in the study group. The data suggest that quantitative assessment of eye movements may be an important tool for studying subclinical central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction due to inorganic lead exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Distribution of blood lead, blood cadmium, urinary cadmium, and urinary arsenic levels in employees of a copper smelter.

A cross-sectional medical examination of a copper smelter work force included determination of blood lead (Pb-B), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), blood cadmium (Cd-B), urinary cadmium (Cd-U), and urinary arsenic (As-U), since it was known that such metal impurities were present in the copper concentrate. A total of 776 copper smelter employees (680 active and 96 retirees and ex-employees) were examined. Another 144 men, never employed in the smelter, but who had worked in copper mines (and sometimes in gold mines) were also examined. Mean Pb-B, ZPP, Cd-B, and As-U were significantly higher in active copper smelter employees than in retirees or miners, indicating exposure and absorption in the copper smelter. Significant correlations between Pb-B and Cd-B, and Cd-U and As-U were present, confirming the common source of absorption. Although there was evidence for an increased lead absorption, this was very moderate, with practically no Pb-B levels in excess of 60 micrograms/dl. A marked effect of smoking on blood cadmium levels was present; nevertheless, for all smoking categories Cd-B levels were significantly higher in active employees, indicating the independent contribution of exposure to cadmium in the smelter. Cd-U did not exceed 10 micrograms/g creatinine, the generally accepted "critical" level for the kidney, but was higher than 2 micrograms/g creatinine, a level very rarely exceeded in the general population, in a sizable proportion of those examined. The highest Cd-U levels were found in retired copper smelter employees; age might have been a contributing factor, besides a longer duration of exposure in the smelter.

Absorption↗
PubMed1984

Epidemiologic study of renal function in copper smelter workers.

A medical cross-sectional examination of a copper smelter work force was undertaken after environmental contamination with lead, cadmium and arsenic had been documented. A total of 920 subjects was examined, including active smelter employees, retired workers and copper mine employees who had never worked in the smelter. Slight to moderate absorption of lead and cadmium was definitely present in the active copper smelter employees, who had significantly higher levels of Pb-B, ZPP and Cd-B than retired employees and miners. Cd-U levels were higher in retired workers, who were also older and had, as a group, longer duration of exposure in the smelter. Cd-U did not exceed 10 micrograms/g creatinine, the level considered critical for nephrotoxicity, in any of the subjects. Median Cd-B level for active workers was 2.75 micrograms/L. Lead absorption was characterized by a relatively small proportion (16.7%) of active employees with Pb-B levels 40 micrograms/dL or higher. We were particularly interested in exploring the possibility that simultaneous exposure to lead and cadmium, although at levels not associated with nephrotoxicity for each metal separately, could result in renal function impairment. Distribution patterns of BUN and serum creatinine levels were unremarkable. Urinary beta 2-microglobulin levels were less than 200 micrograms/g creatinine in 95% of copper smelter employees. There were no significant correlations between urinary beta 2-microglobulin levels and Cd-U, Cd-B, Pb-B and ZPP or between urinary beta 2-microglobulin excretion and serum creatinine or BUN levels. Urinary beta 2-microglobulin levels were significantly correlated with age in the copper smelter workers, but not in the miners. Nevertheless, in the absence of any significant correlations between urinary beta 2-microglobulin and Cd-U, Cd-B, a causal relationship with cadmium absorption cannot be affirmed. That kidney function could be impaired by long-term exposure in the smelter was only indirectly suggested. Effects on renal function at the low levels of cadmium and lead absorption that were observed in this smelter population are minimal.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Lead exposure and nerve conduction velocity: the differential time course of sensory and motor nerve effects.

Nerve conduction velocities (NCV) of the median motor, median sensory, peroneal motor, and sural nerves were measured on 40 lead-exposed automobile production workers as part of a comprehensive health survey. Blood lead (Pb-B) and blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) were measured. The control group (N = 31) consisted of workers without lead exposure. All subjects were screened for the following conditions: Limb, neck or back injury, diabetes, neurological disease, and alcohol consumption of more than 28 alcoholic beverages per week. Limb temperature was assessed at three sites for each NCV measurement. The lead-exposed workers had slower median sensory NCV (42.9 vs. 46.8 m/sec, p less than 0.006) and slower sural NCV (37.8 vs. 42.8 m/sec, p less than 0.0004). All NCV estimates were then statistically adjusted for age and temperature, and transformed to Z values for further analyses. The mean standardized NCVs were slower in the lead-exposed group for the median sensory (-1.03 vs. -0.04, p less than 0.0003) and the sural nerves (-2.52 vs. -0.52, p less than 0.001). The study group was divided into two groups, with less than ten years and more than ten years of lead exposure. The subsample exposed less than ten years showed slowing of the median sensory (-0.94 vs. -0.04, p less than 0.005) and the sural nerves (-2.42 vs. -0.52, p less than 0.0001). Pb-B and ZPP levels were correlated with sural velocity (r = -0.54, p less than 0.04, and 4 = -49, p less than 0.06, respectively. Mean Pb-B was 59.7 micrograms/dl and mean ZPP was 175.8 micrograms/dl).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Assessment of lead health hazards in a body shop of an automobile assembly plant.

This study of an occupationally lead-exposed group in the automobile assembly industry (body shop employees) has provided information with regard to current and recent lead-exposure levels characteristic for these operations. Comparison with findings in other, previously studied occupational groups (secondary smelter workers) indicated that current and recent lead exposure was significantly lower in the autobody shop employees. Prevalence of symptoms was found to be higher than in a control, non-lead-exposed group of maintenance workers in the same plant, but the differences reached the level of statistical significance only sporadically. Long-term effects on renal function, as reflected in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, were documented to be significant in this group of autobody shop employees. When compared with two secondary lead smelter populations previously studied, correlations between indicators of renal function, BUN and creatinine, and duration of lead exposure were consistently higher in the secondary lead smelter populations than in the group of autobody shop employees, although duration of lead exposure was greater in the latter. These findings are consistent with a dose-response relationship with regard to renal function impairment due to lead absorption. An increased prevalence of hypertension, especially diastolic, was also found, probably the consequence of renal effect.

Adult↗