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Biomedical subjects

G B Raffi

Publications and source records attributed to G B Raffi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Evaluation of working conditions at the work place with video terminals: a survey conducted in 6 business offices].

The Authors have taken under study 6 office buildings and a total of 165 work stations with VDTs. Lighting conditions, postures, indoor climate and air-quality have been evaluated, besides worker's subjective approach sounded by individual questionnaire. Concerning visual comfort, it has been noticed that the most simple and well-known rules are often disregarded, such as avoiding to place a screen in front of a light source because of its glare. Also, operators postures are often incorrect, making problems related to their own fixity worse. Air conditioning systems assure almost excellent conditions for thermal comfort, but air changes are often poor and microbiologic quality suffers from plant's inadequate servicing. Finally, the survey of questionnaires shows a complaint percentage which only partly corresponds with the objective data collected, reflecting instead an uneasiness to the kind of work and its organisation.

Air Microbiology↗

[Possible risk of liver diseases from exposure to bitumen].

The influence of exposure to bitumen on hepatic enzymatic induction was examined. Measurement of serum GT in a group of exposed workers and a control group produced statistically significant results, indicating that exposure to bitumen causes enzymatic induction.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

[Endoscopy findings in gastroduodenal pathology in a group of welders].

Fourteen welders were examined with the purpose to evaluate the incidence and the type of pathologic changes of the gastrointestinal tract due to the exposure to welding fumes. The medical examination was followed by endoscopic and bioptic study of gastric and duodenal mucosa. The results show the presence of pathologic changes, mainly of flogistic type, in all the microscopic investigations, although the appearance of the mucosa was generally normal. Moreover, the results of this investigation suggest that pathologic changes of gastrointestinal tract could precede those of the respiratory tract.

Adolescent↗

[Evaluation of various renal function indices in a group of workers in the shoe industry].

The possible chronic nephrotoxicity of solvents has been investigated in a group of workers in the footwear industry. A number of indices of renal function were assessed in all subjects and a qualitative study of proteinuria carried out. The noted reduction in VFG would appear to be proportional to exposure doses. The other parameters, particularly the electrolytic balance, do not lend themselves to pathogenetic interpretations. The existence of a chronic nephrotoxicity of solvents cannot, however, be excluded.

Adult↗

[Functional respiratory and blood gas analytical studies of the effects of fenspiride, in oral and intramuscular administration, in chronic bronchopneumopathic subjects].

A group of 20 chronic bronchopneumopathics was treated for 15 days with fenspiride orally and i.m. The behaviour of a set of functional respiratory and haemogasanalytic parameters was monitored at various times (basic, 5th, 10th and 15th days). Progressive, significant improvements in VC, FEV1, RV and in related parameters were observed. These were attributed to the drug's anti-inflammatory effect in the respiratory ways as well as to its direct antibronchospastic action. Stress is laid on the excellent clinical tolerance of fenspiride following its oral and i.m. administration.

Adult↗

[Effects of low frequency vibrations on the human spine].

There is a general agreement in literature about effects of low frequency vibrations on spine in tractor drivers. Tractor drivers are exposed to noxious vibrations transmitted mostly by the seat. Spine generally presents a picture of degenerative lesions with higher incidence than in control groups. A statistical relation to the precocity of tractor driving can be shown.

Humans↗

[Electron microscopy features of renal changes in chronic lead poisoning (author's transl)].

The Authors report the results of a renal morphological study carried out on eight patients with chronic lead poisoning. The ultrastructural analysis showed changes, mainly involving the proximal tubules, as follows: 1) degenerative pattern (swollen mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticulum and scanty microvilli); 2) signs of metabolic hyperactivity (intranuclear granular inclusions, odd shaped nuclei); 3) regenerative pattern (poorly differentiated cells with few microvilli, shallow infoldings of basal cell membranes). In the glomeruli the most characteristic finding was a mesangial reaction. The basement membrane, in some cases, appeared to be thickened and the visceral epithelial cells hypertrophic. Interstitial fibrosis was present, as well as, occasionally, a certain degree of arteriolar hyperplasia. These data appear to confirm that chronic lead nephropathy has an extremely slow evolution.

Adult↗

[Respiratory disease in foundry workers. An epidemiologic survey in three foundries (author's transl)].

The authors report the results of a survey performed in three cast iron foundries, with particular emphasis on the impairment of respiratory system in the involved workers. The results obtained showed a high prevalence of pneumoconiosis, which, as for roentgenologic and clinical features, appears to be different from usual silicotic pneumoconiosis. The highest prevalence of chronic bronchitis -- either associated or not with pneumoconiosis -- in the foundry workers examined is stressed, as well as the prevalence of squamous metaplasia of the bronchial epithelium. An important role in this aspect is supposed to be played not only by dusts, but even by tobacco smoke in favouring the onset of the above mentioned alterations is also confirmed.

Bronchitis↗