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Biomedical subjects

R Lilis

Publications and source records attributed to R Lilis.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

The neurotoxicity of polybrominated biphenyls: results of a medical field survey.

Neurologic symptoms were the earliest and most prominent symptoms recorded in Michigan farm residents exposed to PBB as compared to a non-PBB exposed control farm population in Wisconsin. In Michigan (particularly among males) those who exhibited the most marked symptoms tended to show diminished performance as assessed by special tests, although population differences in performance were not as marked. Low indices of performance were also significantly correlated with intake of home-produced foodstuffs, particularly during the years 1972--1974 and store-bought products during the years 1975--1976. Between 1972 and 1976 the Michigan farm residents studied made significant changes in their consumption patterns of products suspected to be contaminated with PBB, as compared to those of Wisconsin farm residents. Serum PBB levels were not found to be significantly higher in Michigan males and females exhibiting the most prominent neurologic symptoms. Serum PBB levels were negatively correlated with performance test scores, particularly in males in older age groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Long-term mortality experience of chrysotile miners and millers in Thetford Mines, Quebec.

Among a cohort of 544 men with at least 20 years of employment in chrysotile mining and milling at Thetford Mines, Canada, 16% of the deaths were from lung cancer and 15% from asbestosis. The excess over expected deaths from these causes account for 43 of 178 deaths in the group. The risk of death of asbestosis, at equal times fron onset of exposure, is very similar in miners and millers, factory workmen and insulators. The ratio of observed to expected deaths from lung cancer is similar in the miners and millers and factory workers, but higher in insulators. The risk of death of mesothelioma in miners and millers is decidedly less than the other two groups. The exact causes of the reduced risk in this category are not yet completely clarified.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Asbestos disease in maintenance workers of the chemical industry.

In several large groups of workers employed in chemical plants, chest x-ray abnormalities (small irregular opacities and/or pleural changes) of the type known to be induced by asbestos were found in a proportion of those examined. A cross-sectional study of maintenance workers in a large chemical plant was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of asbestosis; 185 workers were examined. Radiologic evidence of parenchymal interstitial fibrosis was found in 24% of those examined; in 10% of workers, parenchymal fibrosis was the only abnormality. Pleural fibrosis and/or calcification was found in the absence of parenchymal fibrosis in 14% of cases; in another 14% of workers, both parenchymal and pleural abnormalities were detected. The prevalence was significantly higher in those employed 20 or more years. Pleural abnormalities were more prevalent than were parenchymal changes. The increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma remains to be studied.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Central nervous system dysfunction due to lead exposure.

Central nervous system dysfunction was investigated in workers at a secondary lead smelter by means of performance tests. Correlations between test scores and zinc protoporphyrin levels, a biological indicator of lead toxicity, are statistically significant. This correlation should prove to be useful in current efforts to evaluate effects of lead exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Blood styrene and urinary metabolites in styrene polymerisation.

The results of the analysis of blood and urine samples for styrene and its metabolites in 491 workers in a styrene polymerisation plant in the United States are reported. The levels of exposure to styrene were estimated to be less than 10 ppm, but nevertheless styrene and metabolites were detectable in more than 50% of workers in polymerisation jobs, within 4 h of exposure. Workers involved in the manufacture and purification of styrene from ethyl benzene also had detectable blood styrene and urinary metabolites in 83% of recently exposed subjects. The relationship between styrene in blood and in subcutaneous fat and urinary metabolites as pharmacokinetic variables is discussed.

Chemical Industry↗
PubMed1978

Comparison of findings among residents on Michigan dairy farms and consumers of produce purchased from these farms.

Consumers who had purchased farm products from both quarantined and nonquarantined farms were examined during the cross-sectional clinical survey of 1,029 Michigan residents. Since PBB had inadvertently contaminated cattle and other farm animals, ingestion of meat, milk, eggs and other farm products was thought to have possibly resulted in significant PBB body burdens in some consumers. Findings were considered in comparison with those made among farm residents. Prevalence of symptoms in consumers of farm products from quarantined farms (CQ) was similar to that found in farmers on quarantined farms (FQ); the prevalence was lower in consumers of products from nonquarantined farms (CNQ). Liver function abnormalities were found with similar prevalence in dairy farmers and consumers. Distribution, mean and median values of PBB serum levels in consumers were found to be similar to those of dairy farmers. These results indicate that significant body burdens of PBB had been accumulated by some consumers of farm products in Michigan and that prevalence of symptoms and liver function abnormalities resembled those found among dairy farm residents.

Biphenyl Compounds↗
PubMed1978

Comparative neurobehavioral study of a polybrominated biphenyl-exposed population in Michigan and a nonexposed group in Wisconsin.

An analysis of findings regarding the prevalence and time course of symptoms and the results of neurobehavioral testing among Michigan and Wisconsin dairy farmers, is reported. Reviewed are: (1) differences in the prevalence of neurological symptoms at the time of examination; (2) differences in the incidence and time course of symptoms for the period 1972--1976; (3) differences among populations and subgroups (sex and age) regarding performance test scores; (4) correlations between performance test scores and neurological symptoms; and (5) correlations between serum PBB levels as indicators of exposure and performance tests and neurological symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Unanticipated prevalence of symptoms among dairy farmers in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PBBs) were unknown until the accidental contamination of Michigan dairy farm animal feed in 1973-1974. Human exposure resulted from the consumption of contaminated meat, milk, dairy products, and eggs. In November 1976, the Environmental Sciences Laboratory conducted comprehensive examinations of 933 farmers and residents in Mighigan who were likely to have consumed farm products contaminated with PBB. A comparison group of 229 Wisconsin dairy farmers were examined in March 1977 and the same scientific and medical staffs that conducted the Michigan survey were responsible and the same procedures used. A complete history of symptomatology by organ system, including year of first onset, duration, frequency, and severity of each symptom was obtained by a physician on all adults examined. Statistical analysis of the prevalence of symptoms at the time of examination or during the preceding year in the Michigan and Wisconsin populations studied found the Michigan group to have a significantly higher prevalence of skin, neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms. The increase was seen among the younger age groups 16-35 and 36-55. Michigan females had a higher prevalence of neurological symptoms than the Michigan males. The existing differences could not be explained without considering an etiologic role for exposure to PBB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Hemoglobin, serum iron, and zinc protoporphyrin in lead-exposed workers.

In a previous study of secondary lead smelter workers (males), a significant prevalence of low hemoglobin levels (less than 14 g/100 ml) was found; a statistically significant negative correlation between hemoglobin and zinc protoporphyrin was also detected. In the present study serum iron (Fe) levels and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were included in the investigation of 111 secondary lead smelter workers and 37 nonexposed controls. The distribution and mean values of serum iron and TIBC were found to be in the normal range in the lead exposed workers; there was no significant difference when compared to the control population. There was no significant correlation between blood lead or zinc protoporphyrin and serum iron, TIBC and Fe/TIBC. A statistically significant negative correlation between hemoglobin and blood lead levels was found; the correlation between hemoglobin and zinc protoporphyrin reached a much higher level of significance. The results support the view that anemia (low hemoglobin levels) in lead exposed male workers is related to the heme synthesis inhibiting effects of lead, as reflected by elevated zinc protoporphyrin levels, and is not due to iron deficiency.

Adult↗