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Biomedical subjects

D Garabrant

Publications and source records attributed to D Garabrant.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like reaction and occupational asthma associated with 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl) cyclohexane pre-polymer.

Twenty-three of 34 workers who had worked in the injection molding operation making polyurethane foam parts at an automobile parts manufacturing plant developed respiratory symptoms and/or systemic symptoms over a 2-month period following the full production use of a new diisocyanate paint that contained 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane pre-polymer (BIC)(CAS #75138-76-0, 38661-72-2). At 3 months, all subjects underwent an interview, physical examination, pre- and post-shift pulmonary function tests, and either methacholine challenge test or bronchodilator challenge at an occupational health clinic. The most frequently cited symptoms were dyspnea (65%), cough (61%), chest tightness (57%), chills (57%), wheezing (30%), and myalgias, arthralgias, and nausea (26%). Thirteen subjects had either a positive methacholine challenge test or a positive response to bronchodilator challenge, making the overall prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness 38%. The overall prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like reactions among line operators in the injection molding process was 27%. This disease outbreak suggests that 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane pre-polymer may cause asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like reactions. The use of BIC was discontinued 6 months after the first workers developed symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Diet and colon cancer in Los Angeles County, California.

The diets of 746 colon cancer cases in Los Angeles County, California (USA) were compared with those of 746 controls matched on age, sex, race, and neighborhood. In both genders, total energy intake was associated with significantly increased risk, and calcium intake was associated with significantly decreased risk. These effects were reduced only slightly after adjustment for the nondietary risk factors (weight, physical activity, family history, and, if female, pregnancy history). In men, total fat and alcohol intakes were responsible for the calorie effect; in women, no individual source of calories was associated independently with risk. Neither saturated fat nor fat from animal sources was responsible for the fat effect. There were no additional independent significant effects for sucrose, fiber, cruciferous vegetables, beta-carotene, other vitamins, or any other nutrient or micronutrient. In univariate analyses, meats, poultry, breads, and sweets were associated with excess risk, and yogurt was protective. After adjustment for sources of calories, no individual food was associated with excess risk, but yogurt remained significantly protective. Total calories were associated with excess risk throughout the colon while the effects of calcium, fat, and alcohol appeared somewhat stronger in the distal colon. After adjustment, crude fiber was significantly protective in the ascending colon but not even weakly protective in the distal colon.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1988

Avoidable nondietary risk factors for cancer.

Smoking cessation has the greatest potential for reducing cancer mortality. Moderate physical activity may prevent colon cancer by modifying bowel peristalsis patterns and may prevent breast cancer by modifying ovulatory frequency. Radiation therapy and the use of certain drugs may increase the risk of some cancers. Liver cancer may be the most preventable major cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Exposures to respirable, airborne Penicillium from a contaminated ventilation system: clinical, environmental and epidemiological aspects.

Symptoms compatible with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in two of fourteen employees in a clerical office prompted an investigation of their work environment. Forced-air heater-cooler units which had not been properly maintained were implicated when they were found to be grossly contaminated with predominantly Penicillium molds. Air-sampling for viable, respirable-size particulates in the affected office and an unaffected office in the same building demonstrated a 50- to 80-fold excess in the number of colony-forming-units per cubic meter of air in the affected office. Persistent alveolitis was documented by repeated bronchoalveolar lavage, gallium scan, and other studies in one affected worker whose peripheral lymphocytes underwent blast transformation in response to Penicillium antigens obtained by air-sampling in the work environment. The other affected worker had asthma, presumably exacerbated by exposures to a variety of inhaled environmental irritants and antigens. Despite a documented reduction of airborne fungi to background exposure levels after clean-up of the forced-air units, the worker with persistent alveolitis has had occasional recurrences of symptoms consistent with HP. Further research is needed to establish health guidelines for control of occupational and non-occupational exposures to respirable fungal organisms which may contaminate cooling, heating and humidifying systems in these settings. A multidisciplinary method of approach to such research is described.

Air Microbiology↗