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Biomedical subjects

G Fantuzzi

Publications and source records attributed to G Fantuzzi.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Relationship between zinc in serum and hair and some hormones during sexual maturation in humans.

We have measured the levels of zinc in serum (Zn-S) and in hair (Zn-H) in 391 adolescents, in good health, aged between 11 and 14 years. To evaluate the relationship between zinc status and sexual maturation we have analyzed, in the same subjects, the serum concentrations of the following hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHA-S), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2). No significant relationship between zinc in the biological samples and the hormones measured in all subjects was observed; only in prepuberal females was a positive correlation found between Zn-S and E2. A significant relationship between Zn-S and LH was observed only for males with short stature or low weight (less than 25th percentile) (r = 0.359, p = 0.010; r = 0.47, p = 0.008, respectively). When prepuberal males with short stature were considered, a significant association between Zn-S and T appeared (r = 0.399, p = 0.006). In females with short stature (less than 25th percentile), partial correlation coefficients showed a significant association between FSH and zinc in hair (r = 0.435, p = 0.004), while in girls with low weight, FSH appeared positively related to zinc in hair (r = 0.470, p = 0.003) and negatively related to zinc in serum (r = -0.320, p = 0.050). Our results suggest that zinc plays an important role in the metabolism of hormones linked to sexual maturation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

In vivo enhancement of NK-cell activity by thymopentin.

Natural killer (NK) activities of fresh and IL-2-precultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were investigated in 13 elderly subjects before and after thymopentin (TP-5) treatment and in 12 age-matched controls. The NK activity of fresh PBMC was found to be significantly higher in subjects given TP-5 at 50 mg s.c. three times per week for one month. Conversely, this type of treatment with TP-5 did not significantly modify the cytotoxic capacity of IL-2-precultured PBMC.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Relationship between lead exposure indicators and neuropsychological performance in children.

This study surveyed 237 schoolchildren in a lead-polluted industrial area in northern Italy to assess the relationship between various biological indicators (lead in blood, hair and teeth, and delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase [ALA-D] activity) and some neuropsychological functions, assessed by a battery of five psychometric tests. The geometric means of lead measured in blood, hair and teeth were 10.99 micrograms/dl, 6.79 micrograms/g and 6.05 micrograms/g, respectively. Mean ALA-D activity was 51 mU/ml RBC. By analysis of covariance, after regressing out the variance accountable to confounding variables (age, sex, occupation/education of parents), Total and Verbal WISC-R IQ and Toulouse Pieron test results were significantly affected by the levels of lead in teeth. ALA-D values also appeared to be related to WISC-R IQ results (Total, Verbal and Performance).

Child↗
PubMed1989

Cadmium in blood, urine and hair related to human hypertension.

A case-control study was performed to assess whether cadmium is related to hypertension in a non-occupationally exposed population. 63 male subjects affected by mild stable hypertension, pharmacologically untreated, were investigated together with 63 male normotensive controls individually matched for sex, age, body mass index, smoking habits and work activities. Cadmium in blood, zinc and copper in serum, the three elements in urine and hair, together with some biological parameters involved in pathogenesis of hypertension, were investigated. The mean Cd blood value in hypertensives (H) was 0.58 micrograms/L vs 0.44 micrograms/L in normotensives (N) (t = 2.03; p less than 0.05) with a greater difference in non-smokers (0.41 micrograms/L vs 0.25 micrograms/L) (t = 2.69, p less than 0.01). Furthermore, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly related to cadmium blood levels (r = 0.20 and 0.19 respectively, p less than 0.05). Smoking habit affected cadmium levels only in the blood, not in the other biological matrices examined. No significant difference of cadmium content in urine and hair was found between normotensives and hypertensives but Cd/Cu ratio in urine was significantly lowered in the second group.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Zinc and copper levels in serum, urine, and hair of humans in relation to blood pressure.

Zinc and copper status was evaluated in 63 early hypertensives and compared with that of 63 normotensives matched for sex, age, smoking habits and body mass index. Zinc and copper in serum, urine and hair were measured, and the serum activity of two zinc-dependent enzymes (AP and LDH) were analysed. Mean urinary copper concentration in patients was 14.11 micrograms g-1 creatinine compared with 9.16 micrograms g-1 creatinine in normotensive subjects (paired "t" = 3.94, p less than 0.001). Serum AP and LDH were significantly decreased (16 and 36%, respectively) in the patients compared with controls, although almost all values fell within the normal range of activities. Systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly and positively correlated to urinary copper excretion. These correlations were still apparent after correcting blood pressure values for other urinary measurements. Blood pressure levels (both systolic and diastolic) were also negatively correlated with the two zinc-dependent enzymes.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

[Behavior during the work week of biological indicators of exposure to lead].

The AA. have studied the weekly changes of haematic and urinary parameters of lead occupational exposure. For this aim, they have collected in 14 ceramic workers 3 blood samples for day and all urine samples for day and all urine samples from monday to friday. The PbB and FEP levels did not show significant variations during working week. The measurement of ALA in single urines shows that this parameter is characterized by remarkable fluctuations within the same day in all subjects examined. The correction of values by density gave negative results while the correction by creatinine decreases the daily fluctuations but only in some cases. The execution of test in urine of 24 hours seems to give the most reliable correlation with lead exposure levels because of its relative constancy during week.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Plasma chloroform concentrations in swimmers using indoor swimming pools.

This study evaluated swimmers and visitors who were exposed to chloroform (CHCl3) at three indoor swimming pools in Modena, Italy. Chloroform was measured in plasma samples of 127 subjects present at the pools and in 40 nonexposed subjects. The analyses were performed by head-space gas chromatography. Chloroform was present in all samples collected from the 127 subjects who attended the pools (median = 7.5 nmol/l; range = 0.8-25.1 nmol/l). Agonistic swimmers who trained for competitions showed a significantly higher mean value of plasma CHCl3 than nonagonistic swimmers and visitors. Plasma CHCl3 levels were significantly correlated with (a) CHCl3 concentrations in water and in environmental air, (b) the number of swimmers in the pools, and (c) the time spent swimming. Covariance analysis showed that plasma CHCl3 levels also depended on the intensity of the sport activity (total explained variance = 67.4%).

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chloroform in alveolar air of individuals attending indoor swimming pools.

Alveolar air samples were collected from 163 subjects at indoor swimming pools and from 77 nonexposed subjects. Chloroform was present in all samples collected from exposed subjects (median = 695.02 nmol/m3). It was found at very low levels in 53% of samples from nonexposed subjects. Alveolar air chloroform levels from people attending indoor swimming pools (mean value within each sampling session) were correlated with environmental air concentration (r = 0.907, p = .002). Analysis of variance showed that levels of chloroform in alveolar air depend on environmental air concentration, age, intensity of the sport activity, and kind of swimming. Chloroform levels in samples collected from competitive swimmers versus nonswimming visitors were different (F = 10.911, p = .001). Moreover, their pattern of swimming may affect chloroform concentration in alveolar air. The analysis of chloroform in alveolar air assesses indoor exposure in healthy subjects simply and at low cost.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Occupational and environmental exposure to perchloroethylene (PCE) in dry cleaners and their family members.

Perchloroethylene exposure in 28 dry-cleaning establishments and in 25 homes occupied by dry cleaners in Modena, Italy, was investigated. Environmental air samples and alveolar air samples from dry cleaners (n = 60) and from their family members (n = 23) were collected. The degree of perchloroethylene on the dry-cleaning premises varied widely from establishment to establishment. Spot sampling ranged from 0.6 to 75 mg/m3, whereas sampling by personal passive dosimeters ranged from 2.6 to 221.5 mg/m3 (8-h time weighted average values). Perchloroethylene in alveolar air samples collected at the end of the work day correlated closely with the 8-h time weighted average values (r = .750, p = .001), and correlated also with alveolar air samples collected at home in the evening (r = .665, p = .001) and the following morning (r = .549, p < .001). Perchloroethylene levels inside the homes of dry cleaners appeared significantly higher than in 29 houses selected as controls (Mann Whitney U test, p < .001). Perchloroethylene in alveolar air samples collected at home suggests that nonoccupational exposure to perchloroethylene for family members of dry cleaners exists.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Two-year evolution of perchloroethylene-induced color-vision loss.

Progression of perchloroethylene-induced color-vision impairment was studied in 33 dry-cleaner workers at 12 establishments in Modena, Italy. In an initial survey, we evaluated exposure with personal passive samplers, and we assessed color vision with the Lanthony D-15 desaturated panel. Two years later, workers were reexamined. In 19 workers (subgroup A), exposure to perchloroethylene had increased (median of 1.7 ppm versus 4.3 ppm, respectively), whereas in the remaining 14 workers (subgroup B) exposure was reduced (2.9 ppm versus 0.7 ppm, respectively). Color vision worsened in subgroup A, but no vision changes were apparent in subgroup B. The results indicated that an increase in exposure during a 2-y period, even if slight, can cause color vision to deteriorate. A similar slight reduction in exposure did not lead to color-vision improvement; perhaps this lack of improvement resulted from (a) an insufficient reduction in exposure, (b) an insufficient reduction in duration of exposure, or (c) irreversible perchloroethylene-induced color-vision loss.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Microbiological characterization of solid wastes and aerosol in a municipal solid waste landfill site].

Authors report data about microbiological characterization of solid wastes and aerosol in the municipal solid waste landfill site in Poiatica (RE). In solid waste samples high values of total coliform and fecal coliform were observed (10(5)-10(6) CFU/g): total bacterial counts at 22 degrees, at 36 degrees and at 44 degrees ranged from 10(7) to 10(9) CFU/g. Aerosol samples collected during waste movement in the landfill site showed values of total and fecal bacterial ranging from 10(3)-10(4) CFU/m3. Staphylococci and fungi reported the same values while streptococci, total and fecal coliform and spore evidenced lower values. Municipal solid wastes and aerosol have to be considered as an infective substrate: it is necessary to adopt protective barriers in occupationally exposed subjects.

Aerosols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Exposure to water disinfection by-products and adverse pregnancy outcomes: results of a case-control study carried out in Modena (Italy)].

Chlorination By Products (CBPs) in drinking water have been associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as small term birth (STB) and preterm delivery. Up to date epidemiological evidence is weakened by a generally inaccurate exposure assessment, often at an ecological level: in this study the exposure is evaluated at the individual level. A case control study with incident cases was performed in Modena between October 1999-September 2000. 332 subjects were enrolled: 93 preterm births (26th-37th week of pregnancy), 73 STB (from 38th week, and weight less than the lowest 10th percentile) and 166 controls. Exposure was assessed both by applying a questionnaire on personal habits and by personal water sampling directly at subjects' home. THMs were analysed in all samples, chlorite and chlorate in water samples treated with chlorine dioxide. Subjects usually drinking tap water were few (5.2%): most of them were living in areas supplied by water treated with chlorine dioxide (87%). Levels of THMs were low (mean: 0.73 microgram/l), while chlorite and chlorate concentrations were relatively high (mean: 217.8 microgram/l for chlorites and 95.2 microgram/l for chlorates). Preterm birth did not show any significant association with CBPs, while STB appeared significantly associated, after adjusting for many potential confounders, with CBPs induced by chlorine dioxide treatment, especially with levels of chlorate higher than 200 microgram/l (OR: 4.7; 95%CI: 1.15-19.72). The association between STB and chlorate must be investigated further as the number of water utilities applying chlorine dioxide as disinfection treatment is increasing.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Presence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) and other halogenated compounds in drinking water samples collected in the areas of Modena and Parma].

The Authors report data about the presence of Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) and other halogenated compounds in drinking water samples collected in the areas of Modena and Parma (20 water supplies). Trihalomethanes, chlorite and chlorate (only in water samples treated with chlorine dioxide), and halogenated compounds were investigated. On the whole, trihalomethanes were evidenced in the 85% of the samples (n. 285) at low levels, while chlorite and chlorate were present in the 67% and 63% of the treated samples with chlorine dioxide (257 samples). Chlorite mean and median values were 225.70 microg/l and 136.75 microg/l respectively, ranging from 20 to 2000 microg/l. Chlorate concentrations were lower than chlorite: the mean value was 102.93 mg/l, while median level was 50 microg/l (range: 20-1500 microg/l). The high concentrations of chlorite and the wide range of values within each municipality plant in Modena and Parma suggest to investigate further in order to evaluate the human exposure in drinking water thoroughly.

Chlorine Compounds↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiology of work related injuries in young people: results of a survey carried out in Modena (Italy) between January and June 2000].

Work related injuries, above all those involving young people, are an important health and social issue, even though up to now small attention has been deserved in spite of the presence of about 68 workers per 1000 young people and the occurrence of 27400 injures in young people in 2000 in Italy. This study was aimed at improving the knowledge on work related injures occurring in Modena in 14-17 year old subjects in the period January-June 2000. A descriptive epidemiological study was carried out. Information was collected at the two emergency departments operating in Modena by checking hospital and INAIL records. Injures were defined as events caused by a violent external cause producing one or more lesions. Injuries were defined as work related when occurring during working activities or "in itinere". Work related injures and other injures were compared using the different statistical methods. Work related injuries occurring in young people during January-June 2000 in Modena were 76 (6-month incidence: 1.5 per 100 subjects of the same age) and represent 8.5% of all injuries. The most involved subjects were 17 year old males working in the industrial field, and in most cases prognoses were lasting less than 8 days. A Cluster Analysis identified two types of injures: the "in itinere" ones which resulted similar to the road accidents, both for body sites involved and for the way of occurrence and the injuries occurring at the working place characterised by a high frequency of lesions concerning hand, head, above all eyes. The study showed a remarkable incidence of work related injuries among 14-17 year old subjects in Modena in the first 6 months of 2000. Nevertheless many difficulties in finding information raised during the survey: a higher accuracy and completeness in collecting and recording of the data is needed to better define the epidemiological aspects of this issue.

Accidents, Occupational↗