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Biomedical subjects

G Muzi

Publications and source records attributed to G Muzi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Some endocrine and morphological aspects of the acute toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

Hormonal status was evaluated in TCDD-treated rats and in pair-fed and ad libitum-fed controls in order to separate hormonal changes resulting from the toxic insult of TCDD from those arising from progressive feed deprivation as it occurs in pair-fed controls. TCDD-treated rats received either a usually non-lethal (25 micrograms/kg) or a usually lethal (125 micrograms/kg) dose of TCDD whereas pair-fed and ad libitum-fed controls were given vehicle alone. Animals were terminated at predetermined time intervals and several hormones measured in serum or plasma. In addition, the morphology of the thyroid, pancreas, and pituitary was also examined. In both dosage groups, TCDD-treatment had the following effects: decreased TT4, FT4, insulin, and glucagon; mixed effects upon TT3, FT3, TSH, and GH. Pair-feeding to the non-lethal dose of TCDD had no effect on any of the hormones measured. Pair-feeding to the lethal dose of TCDD had the the following effects: slightly decreased TT4, FT4, TT3, TSH, and insulin; no effect on FT3 and glucagon. It is concluded that the endocrine status of TCDD-treated rats was different from that of pair-fed rats suggesting that some hormonal changes represent responses to an insult other than that due to starvation stress alone. A differential response between TCDD-treated and pair-fed rats was also observable morphologically in the corresponding endocrine glands indicating the importance of this additional control for morphologic observations in instances when reduced feed intake and body weight loss are prominent features of toxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Composition of diet modifies toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in cold-adapted rats.

The effect of a high carbohydrate, high fat or high protein diet was studied on the acute toxicity of TCDD (125 micrograms/kg) in cold-adapted (4 +/- 1 degrees C) rats. Within 10 days after dosing, TCDD-treated rats fed a high carbohydrate or a high protein diet reduced their caloric intake by 25% whereas those fed a high fat diet consumed only 15% fewer kcal/MBS (metabolic body size). TCDD-treated rats fed a high protein diet lost body weight at the same rate as their pair-fed controls, whereas body weight loss in high fat-fed rats was significantly higher than in their pair-fed controls. In contrast, TCDD-treated rats fed a high carbohydrate diet effectively maintained their body weight in the 4 days immediately after TCDD dosage, whereas their pair-fed controls lost weight. Mortality in TCDD-treated animals was 100% irrespective of the diet; all pair-fed control rats (except one fed a high protein diet) were terminated on days corresponding to the spontaneous death of their TCDD-treated pairs. Mean time to 50% mortality and mean time to death were significantly longer in TCDD-treated rats fed a high carbohydrate diet in comparison with the other two TCDD-treated groups (p less than 0.05), although caloric intake was comparable. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) was reduced in TCDD-treated animals fed a high fat or a high carbohydrate diet but not in those fed a high protein diet; serum thyroxine (T4) was reduced in all the treated groups, irrespective of diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acclimatization↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Systemic nicotine exposure in tobacco harvesters.

Several epidemics of nicotine intoxication have been described among tobacco harvesters; however, little is known about nicotine absorption under typical working conditions. To assess systemic nicotine absorption during a regular working shift, the authors performed an observational field study. Included in the study were 10 healthy, nonsmoking, female tobacco harvesters and a control group of 5 healthy, nonsmoking, female hospital workers. Nicotine and cotinine were measured in sequential samples of blood and urine during a regular workshift. Blood nicotine levels rose from a nadir value of 0.79 +/- 0.12 ng/ml to a peak value of 3.45 +/- 0.84 ng/ml (p < .05 [Tukey's modified t test]) in the exposed group. In the control group, levels were stable at 0.1 +/- 0.1 ng/ml (p < .01). Moreover, the mean blood nicotine level measured 3 mo following the end of exposure in 6 of 10 exposed subjects was 0.24 +/- 0.12 ng/ml (p < .01). Corresponding higher values of urine nicotine and urine cotinine were observed in the exposed versus control group (comparative p values were < .01 and < .05, respectively). Overall, tobacco harvesters absorbed approximately 0.8 mg of nicotine daily. Given that nicotine can induce adverse health effects, the authors believe that prevention of nicotine absorption in tobacco harvesters should be sought and that workers should be informed about occupational risks.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High prevalence of sick building syndrome in a new air-conditioned building in Italy.

This study, which was conducted in central Italy, included (a) 525 office workers employed in an air-conditioned building that had fan coil units in every room (building B) and (b) 281 subjects who worked in three naturally ventilated buildings (building A) that were operated by the same public administration. The prevalence of work-related symptoms was assessed by a questionnaire that was administered by an occupational medicine specialist. The most frequent complaints of employees in building B were dry air, strong lighting, and high temperature. Employees who worked in this building experienced a statistically higher prevalence of symptoms that were characteristic of the sick building syndrome. This is the first time that this syndrome has been reported in Italy. Excessive illumination, a low relative humidity, and fiberglass on floors and furniture might have contributed to the symptoms. Inadequate maintenance of the building's air-conditioning plant and the employees' lack of information regarding self-regulation of the fan coil units may also have contributed to the prevalence of symptoms.

Air Conditioning↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sick building syndrome in like symptoms in emergency prefabricated accommodation.

The present study investigated the sources of discomfort and the symptoms reported by earthquake victims residing in temporary emergency prefabricated accommodation (prefab). The investigation was carried out by means of a questionnaire. 203 prefab occupants and 13 inhabitants of houses, who were chosen as reference population, replied in winter and 233 prefab occupants and 154 inhabitants of houses replied in summer. In both seasons more people living in prefabs indentified dry air, stuffy air, stale air, dust, dampness, uncomfortable temperature and bad odours as sources of discomfort. They also complained of general symptoms (headache, irritablility, insomnia, difficulty in concentration) and irritative symptoms of the eyes, upper and lower airways and skin. Multiple regression analysis identified the type of accommodation as the variable that most influenced the onset of general, ocular, upper and lower airway symptoms. Intrinsic characteristics of the prefabs (being constructed with synthetic materials, combustion sources, poor ventilation and insulation) and psychosocial factors e. losing their home, could have contributed to the onset of symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Health promotion in the occupational setting: what are the prospects in the Italian situation?].

Over the past decades advances in sciences and medicine have improved living and health conditions and lengthened life expectancy. These benefits are associated with an increase in prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases. With their multi-factorial aetiology these diseases are influenced by life styles and personal habits and require prolonged medical care and high social costs. Now days health is no longer considered as the absence of disease but a state of mental, physical and social well-being. The World Health Organization has defined health promotion as "the process of enabling people to increase control over and to improve health". Since the 70s in the USA many health promotion programmes have been proposed, especially by large corporations, in order to ensure a more efficient, productive and motivated work-force, to reduce health insurance costs and to provide a better company image. Workplaces,--particularly when the working population is relatively stable--are excellent areas for health promotion programmes because workers can be monitored over a long period of time. The most successful programmes are aimed at modifying behaviour in risk patterns (smoking, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, etc.) through information, active participation, screening, follow-up, personalized programmes, changes in the working environment, physical exercise programmes. These health promotion programmes are extremely hard to develop for Italian workers. Most firms are small or very small and much still remains to be done to eliminate well-known occupational risk factors. The current flexibility of modern work patterns could constitute a further obstacle.

Ethics↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Smoking in the workplace. Study at a hospital in central Italy].

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and the source of numerous problems in the workplace. This study assessed the smoking in health care workers in a general hospital in Central Italy. As part of the health surveillance required by Law No. 626/1994, 2743 employers (40.8% males, 59.2% females; mean age 42.0 ys, SD 9.6 ys) were interviewed. The prevalence of smokers was very high: 36.0% in men and 36.7% in women. When the population was stratified according to occupation, the highest prevalence of smokers was found in ward orderlies (45.2%) and nurses (38.9%) and the lowest in doctors (26.3%). The prevalence of smoking was similar in all occupational divisions--clinical, surgery, diagnostics and administration. This study shows that smoking is more widespread in hospital workers than in an age-matched section of the general population (27.5%). As all health workers should set a positive example in combatting smoking, occupational physicians in charge of health surveillance in hospitals should actively collaborate in smoking dissuasion programmes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Increased lead absorption in children living in an area with high concentration of ceramic workshops.

Children who live in contaminated areas or whose cohabitants are occupationally exposed to lead are at a higher risk of lead absorption. The present study examined the blood lead levels of 539 nursery and primary school children living in three towns in the Umbria region (central Italy): Deruta, Corciano and Perugia. Deruta is a small town with a high number of ceramic workshops; Corciano is a mainly agricultural centre; Perugia is the largest town in Umbria. The lead concentrations of house dust, soil, air and water ducts of Deruta and Corciano were also examined. The blood lead levels were significantly increased in children in Deruta (9.7 S.D. = 3.6 micrograms/dL, p < 0.05) and Perugia (9.6 S.D. = 4.0 micrograms/dL, p < 0.05) compared to Corciano (8.3 S.D. = 1.9 micrograms/dL). In Deruta the blood lead levels were higher in children whose cohabitants worked in small ceramic factories or workshops near or in the homes (10.7 S.D. = 4.1 vs 9.0 S.D. = 3.0 micrograms/dL, p < 0.05). The mean concentration of lead in the house dust in Deruta was higher than in Corciano (2.8 S.D. = 2.5 vs 0.8 S.D. = 3.8 micrograms/m2, p < 0.01); the highest values were found in the house dust of the homes of children whose cohabitants worked in small ceramic factories either near or in the same building. There was no significant difference between the concentrations of lead in street dust or tap water of Deruta and Corciano. We conclude that the production of handworked ceramics could lead to an increased risk of lead absorption in children, particularly those who live with workers from this sector.

Absorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Implementation of parliamentary act D. Lgs 25/02 and definition of "moderate risk"].

This paper describes the position of the Joint Working Group of the Italian Association of Industrial Hygienists (AIDII), the Italian Society of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene (SIMLII) and the Italian Society of Toxicology (SITOX) on "Analysis of Parliamentary Act D.Lgs 25/02 and role of the Scientific Societies in the definition of Limit Values". The positive aspects of the new law which implements the European Directive 98/24 are discussed, including the abolition of the rigid periodicity of medical examinations as stated by the old rule D.P.R. 303/56. The Authors also address various parts of the law which appear to be unclear and controversial and highlight the expected difficulties arising for the employers and the safety and health professionals during the application of this new piece of legislation. Moreover, a number of discrepancies are noted between the new Italian law and the original Directive or other current Italian rules such as i. the translation of the term "slight risk", as from the original Directive, into "moderate risk", and the resulting non compulsoriness of health surveillance and biological monitoring of the workers in presence of a "moderate risk", ii. the concurrent exclusion, under the same circumstances, of the occupational physician from risk assessment procedures and iii. the upward modification of the previously established (D.Lgs 277/91) occupational exposure limits for lead. Moreover, the Authors examine and criticize--both in semantic and in toxicological terms--a recent proposal for the definition of "moderate risk" made by an ad hoc Consulting Committee of the Labour Ministry, in which the term "moderate" has been interpreted either as "low" or as "irrelevant for health effects", clearly two very different meanings. Besides, it would be inappropriate to define the conditions of a moderate risk based only on the level of exposure to the chemical (expressed as a fraction of the corresponding limit value), without considering the two other components of risk assessment for that chemical (hazard and susceptibility). Even worse would be the use of simplified models based on "algorithms", which might be useful in a preliminary phase of risk assessment, but easily could lead to an under- or over-estimation of risk, particularly when used by non professionals. In conclusion, the Working Group recommend that the new law be amended in order to clarify its most controversial aspects, whose misinterpretation could severely jeopardize the protection of the workers' safety and health at work.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Excellency accreditation by the Italian Society of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene (SIMLII)].

BACKGROUND: The Italian Society for Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene (Società Italiana di Medicina del Lavoro e Igiene Industriale)--SIMLII--has taken a systematic approach to the topic of permanent education of occupational health physicians over the last 4 years, developing its own project entitled "SIMLII Permanent Education and Excellency Accreditation". OBJECTIVES: The SIMLII Project, which is addressed to occupational health specialists and physicians authorized under Law 277/91, art. 55, is based on the participation of "obligatory" and "non-obligatory" educational activities and on assessment of professional activity. "Obligatory" educational activities are events organized directly by SIMLII and consist of a detailed study of the guidelines concerning specific occupational health topics. The "non-obligatory" events are those regarding occupational health that the physician chooses voluntarily, with accreditation by the Ministry of Health and/or by SIMLII. The occupational health physician who enrolls for the 3-year course must obtain a total of 180 SIMLII training credits in the 3 years (60 per year). Assessment of activity performed is made at the end of the 3 years of training according to criteria set out by SIMLII and approved by the membership, via a self-administered questionnaire. METHODS AND RESULTS: The SIMLII Project has laid great emphasis on drawing up guidelines on topics specific for occupational health. These guidelines are developed by groups of experts selected by SIMLII and deal with topics that the occupational health physician most frequently encounters in the course of his/her professional activity. There are 405 participants in the first 3-year training course covering the whole of Italy. The aim of the Italian Society for Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, via excellency accreditation and drawing up of guidelines for particularly important topics, is to provide useful tools to satisfy the training requirements of its membership, to improve the quality of professional services and to emphasize the uniqueness and specific nature of occupational health within the medical specialties.

Accreditation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of the effects of occupational noxae on the cardiovascular system].

BACKGROUND: Working conditions and the environment may contribute to the multi-factorial aetiology of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES: To provide a critical assessment of epidemiological and clinical methods and tools for evaluating the effects of occupational pathogenic noxae on the cardiovascular system. METHODS: A review was made of epidemiological and clinical studies published in the main scientific journals of occupational medicine and cardiology, in the period 1980-2003. Data sources were electronic medical data bases and conference proceedings. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Collecting case histories by means of free or questionnaire-structured interviews, observing specific physical signs, detecting changes in blood chemistry parameters and identifying morphological or functional abnormalities in the heart and vessels are all useful approaches. Some blood chemistry parameters that may be modified by occupational exposure or by particular conditions arising from work organization are cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A and B, platelets, fibrinogen, factor VIIc, fibrinolysis products, plasminogen tissue activating factor, complement and glycated hemoglobin. They can all be measured easily and quickly and provide an estimate of the risk of cardiovascular disease. As high blood pressure is closely correlated to heart disease, blood pressure levels can be monitored in a working population using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Electronic measurement before and after a work shift and 24 hour Holter monitoring help reduce the "white coat effect" and provide further useful information. Occupational risk factors such as toxins (metals, solvents, pesticides), electromagnetic fields, extreme temperatures, noise, radiation and psychophysical stress can affect the cardiac neuro-autonomic balance of the exposed workers and cause cardiovascular abnormalities. These can be detected by long-term ECG monitoring, and are revealed as reduced heart rate variability and prolonged QT interval. Recently non-invasive systems have been adopted to detect cardiovascular lesions that are usually due to atherosclerosis. In occupational and environmental studies ultrasound measurement of intima-medial carotid thickness and brachial artery reactivity have been used to determine the effects of exposure to carbon disulfide and passive smoking. Occupational Medicine has yet to include the use of the very expensive electron-beam computed tomography for a rapid and non-invasive study of coronary artery disease.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Chemical pollution of indoor air and its effects on health].

Many studies have demonstrated how exposure to chemical pollutants in indoor air has adverse effects on health and comfort. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, ozone, particulates, fibres and environmental tobacco smoke have all been implicated. VOCs include a wide range of chemical substances which irritate mucosa. Many are neurotoxic and some are suspected or known to be carcinogenic e.g. benzene. Formaldehyde, the simplest and most common aldehyde in indoor air, is a powerful irritant to the skin, eyes, nose and upper airways. Given its close association with nasal-pharyngeal tumours, it has recently been classified as a certain carcinogen for humans. Exposure to ozone may cause airway irritation and inflammation, reduce the ventilation function and increase reversible bronchial reactivity. In the general population it increases the mortality rate and the number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases. Airborne particles, a mixture of organic and inorganic substances, are powerful irritants for the eyes and mucosa and can cause adverse cardiovascular effects. Apart from indoor environments, exposure to asbestos fibres has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumoconiosis lung cancer and mesothelioma. Synthetic mineral fibres cause transient irritation and inflammation of the skin, eyes and upper airways. Recent observations have confirmed that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, which is widespread in workplaces, increases the risk of lung cancer, irritative respiratory and ocular symptoms and cardiovascular diseases.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Indoor air quality: suggestions for risk assessment and medical surveillance].

This paper presents indications for investigations and health surveillance in indoor environments. The study of the indoor air quality consists of the following phases: acquisition of the necessary information about the indoor environment; sampling strategy and techniques; qualitative and quantitative analysis of contaminants such as particulate, CO2 and CO, NOx, volatile organic compounds, biological agents. The proposed health surveillance is articulated on four lines: periodical health surveillance, when already performed for other risks (e.g. VDT); specific clinical examinations in occasion of particular events; use of a questionnaire for the evaluation of comfort of the workers; health promotion. A team approach, with cooperation between technical and medical experts, is recommended both for periodical risk assessment and when it is necessary to solve specific indoor problems.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Report on the activities carried out in the research project of the Ministry of Instruction, University, and Research entitled "Environmental and occupational exposure to inorganic lead: assessment of toxic effects of current doses and related preventive measures"].

It is here presented the project sustained by the Ministry of Public Instruction, University and Research "Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Lead: assessment of human health effects due to current doses and preventive measures" ruled out between 2001 and 2003. The aim of the study was to investigate about the toxic effects related to current occupational exposures to inorganic lead (particularly those effects concerning blood pressure, carcinogenic risk, nervous and immunological systems), to identify hypersusceptibility conditions, particularly the ALAD genetic polymorphism and to evaluate the role of traditional biomarker and the possibility of introducing new ones. In the present article the procedures followed during the project lasting and the contribution of each Unit are described. The results of the research, presented in detail in the current issue, do confirm the inadequacy of the biological exposure index nowadays ruled by Lex 25/2002.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Lead: indicators of dose and effects on heme].

In the present study the role of the traditional biomarkers of exposure and effect on haeme system during lead exposure was analysed: the opportunity of introducing new biomarkers such as lead and delta-aminolevulinic acid in plasma was also evaluated, especially by considering the current levels of exposure. The population in study was constituted by 371 males owning to different production fields and selected by five national units. The results suggest caution in the use of lead in plasma as a biomarker of lead exposure in the biological monitoring procedures, mainly in reason of its great variability affecting in particular the sampling time and the pre-analytical treatment of the sample. The other biomarkers were well correlated between them and with the exposure biomarkers for lead in blood >300 microg/L, suggesting the BEI to which the protection of workers exposed to lead would be guaranteed (instead the actual of 600 microg/L).

Biomarkers↗