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Biomedical subjects

C Lemesch

Publications and source records attributed to C Lemesch.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1987

Changes in pattern of organochlorine residues in blood of general Israeli population, 1975-1986.

This study reviews data on the changes with time of the blood levels of some organochlorine compounds (OCCs) in the general Israeli population. All the studied OCC residues, except for p,p'-DDD, were significantly lower in 1985-1986 than in 1975. A decline in blood residues of organochlorine pesticides was observed mainly in the second half of the 1970s, whereas a fall in the polychlorinated biphenyl residue levels took place in the first half of the 1980s. During the latter period, unexplained increases in p,p'-DDD, dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide residue levels were seen. A significant decrease in the blood levels of OCCs quickly metabolized in the body (p,p'-DDT, tetrachlorobiphenyls) indicated a considerable reduction of environmental exposures. The clear decline in OCC contamination of the environment and, in particular, of the human body during the reviewed period (1975-1986) resulted from the restrictions imposed in Israel on the use of OCCs. Nevertheless this does not mean that this problem has been solved. Some health implications of low-level life-long OCC exposure are discussed, and further environmental and biological monitoring and control measures are recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Prevention of occupational cancer: a different approach.

The dominant strategy for preventing occupational cancer in the United States is agent-based. An alternative set of preventive strategies based on a more healthful workplace can replace this approach, and not only provides practical guidance on what to do, but also criteria for the prevention of cancer from known or suspected agents and from suspected occupations, not now covered by agent-oriented strategies. The strategy is based on preventing the occurrence of any unfavorable health effect from known or possible carcinogenic exposures. All known occupational carcinogens have other effects detectable earlier than cancer and usually at a lower dose. The proposed strategy is built on the assumption that yet-to-be identified carcinogens will also have this property. Strategies for prevention once exposure to known carcinogens has occurred are also proposed. The benefits include the prevention of other diseases. One large industrial complex has already embarked on such an approach.

Carcinogens↗
PubMed1980

Mesothelioma in children.

A literature review of mesothelioma in children is presented. The role of nonoccupational exposure to asbestos fibres in the etiology of mesothelioma, and the relatively short latent period of the disease in children are discussed. The transplacental transfer of asbestos fibres and the physiology of the immunological system during intrauterine life and infancy may explain some of the differences between mesotheliomas in children and those in adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Organochlorine compounds in human blood plasma and milk.

Organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's were assessed in human blood and milk collected from Israeli mothers 2-4 days ater childbirth during 1975. The concentration of total DDT (sigma DDT) was similar in whole plasma and milk (74 ppb versus 72 ppb) and higher in plasma-extracted lipids than in milk-extracted lipids: 15.12 ppm versus 5.77 ppm. Levels of gemma-BHC, dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide were higher in whole plasma and plasma-extracted lipids than in whole milk or in milk-extracted lipids. PCB's had similar concentrations in extracted lipids of plasma and milk but were significantly higher in whole milk than in whole plasma. Higher percentages of organochlorine insecticides and PCBs were excreted in milk from mothers between 20 and 29 than between 30 and 39, although the younger group had lower levels of these compounds in plasma. Overweight women excreted lower quantities of organochlorine insecticides and PCB's than did women of normal weight

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Ultrastructure of beta-cells of the endocrine pancreas in rats receiving polychlorinated biphenyls.

A morphological study of the beta-cell of the pancreas in rats chronically exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is presented. In rats who received 200 p.p.m. PCBs in their drinking water for 13 months, marked dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), vesiculation of RER, hyperplastic Golgi complexes, a reduced number of secretory granules, an increased number of mitochondria and mitochondrial changes were observed. Numerous acinar-beta and beta-acinar cells were also present. These structural features suggested an increased activity of the beta-cells in these animals. Since in previous studies we found an increase in the activity of the adrenal zona fasciculata of rats exposed to PCBs, the present findings were considered a result of solicitation of beta-cells for carbohydrates' homeostasis.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A pilot occupational health service for small enterprises: first year experience--the Givat Shaul project.

An experimental Occupational Health and Safety Center was established as a pilot project for Israel in the Givat Shaul industrial area of Jerusalem. The center provides occupational health services to those working in its vicinity and is particularly oriented to employees of small enterprises (i.e., fewer than 20 employees). In addition to the routine occupational health services supplied by each occupational health clinic in Israel, the Center's staff also performs safety and hygiene inspections at workplaces, and provides social care services for the working population of the area. This paper summarizes the first year of the project's activities, particularly those of the clinical staff and the safety technician. Projected future activities are also outlined. The effectiveness of this project is currently under study and will be finally evaluated by an independent Hebrew University research team. If their evaluation shows the project to have been successful, establishment of similar centers in other parts of the country will be considered.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗