Biomedical subjects

J Macan

Publications and source records attributed to J Macan.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Effects of the new karate rules on the incidence and distribution of injuries.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and distribution of injuries in karate before and after the implementation of new rules established by the World Karate Federation in 2000. METHODS: Injury incidence was followed up during the official karate competition seasons of 1997 and 2002 in Croatia. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the age and sex of the competitor and localisation and severity of injury. Data were analysed separately for female and male competitors and age categories < 18 and > or = 18 years. RESULTS: A total of 2023.5 and 2584 minutes of active fighting (exposure time) was assessed for 1997 and 2002 respectively. The overall injury incidence rate (IR) was similar in 1997 and 2002 (10.28 and 9.82/100 exposure minutes respectively). The relative risk (RR) of injury was significantly higher in 1997 than in 2002 for competitors younger than 18 years (RR 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 2.16). The overall RR of head injury was significantly higher in 1997 than in 2002 (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.49), but the RR of leg injury was significantly lower in 1997 than in 2002 (RR 0.16, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.28). Most injuries (> 98%) were categorised as mild (grade 1) in both periods studied. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the importance of the new competition rules in the distribution and prevention of injuries in martial arts. Strict judging and heavy penalties for uncontrolled blows, particularly for the youngest competitors, can significantly decrease the risk of injury.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Differences in mite fauna between the continental and Mediterranean climates of Croatia: microscopy and Dustscreen test findings.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between the mite fauna in the inland and coastal Croatia. METHODS: Ninety-nine floor house dust samples were collected: 28 from the coastal area, 31 from the inland rural and 40 from the inland urban area. Data on basic household characteristics were collected for 81 of 99 households. The mites were separated from the dust using the floatation method and then microscopically identified. The levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) 1 and Der 2 were measured using the Dustscreen test. Ordinal descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis, assuming statistical significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS: More than 70% of mites identified in all areas were pyroglyphids. Nonpyroglyphid mites accounted for 20-25% of all identified mites in the coastal areas (Blomia, Lepidoglyphus and Glycyphagus) and with 15% in the inland areas (Lepidoglyphus and Acarus). The highest Der p 1 median levels were found in the coastal area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and inland urban areas (4.5; 2; 0.85 microg/g of dust; P = 0.0001). The highest Der f 1 median levels were found in the inland urban area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and coastal areas (0.88; 0.75; 0 microg/g of dust; P = 0.0013). The levels of Der f 1 were significantly higher in samples taken from households with central heating than from those with traditional heating (1; 0.25 microg/g of dust; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Separate diagnostic dust mite lists for the coastal and inland areas because of climatic and dwelling differences required to be implemented. Compared with traditional heating, central heating significantly increases the risk of exposure to Der f 1 levels >2 microg/g of dust (odds ratio, 7.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-37.87; P = 0.01).

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The 3 mm skin prick test (SPT) threshold criterion is not reliable for Tyrophagus putrescentiae: the re-evaluation of SPT criterion to dust mites.

BACKGROUND: The mean wheal diameter >/= 3 mm is the usual criterion for positive skin prick test (SPT) reaction to dust mites. The study assessed the accuracy of this SPT criterion with respect to specific IgE values of above 0.35 kUA/l (+ sIgE). METHODS: Specific IgE (ImmunoCAP, Pharmacia AB Diagnostics, Uppsala, Sweden) and standard SPT to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) and farinae (DF), Lepidoglyphus destructor (LD) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) (ALK, Hørsholm, Denmark) were performed in a random sample of 457 subjects, of whom 273 men (mean age 35.3 +/- 11.0 years) and 184 women (mean age 37.9 +/- 9.5 years). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, regression analysis and discriminant analysis. RESULTS: When the mean wheal diameter of >/= 3 mm was considered positive (+ SPT), the correlation between + SPT and + sIgE was 0.47 for DP (P < 0.001), 0.43 for DF (P = 0.004), 0.35 for LD (P = 0.03) and 0.37 for TP (P = 0.014). Regarding + sIgE, this SPT criterion has a specificity of 92.2% for DP, 82.3% for DF, 80.8% for LD and 70.1% for TP. When the value 4.5 mm was taken as the threshold for the positive SPT reaction to TP, specificity increased significantly from 70.1% to 86.4% (chi2 = 32.04, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3 mm SPT threshold criterion is not reliable in evaluating sensitization to TP due to an insufficient specificity of the allergen extract to this mite. It is advisable either to re-evaluate the TP allergen extract or change the threshold criterion for positive SPT reaction to TP.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Occupational histamine poisoning by fish flour: a case report.

Histamine poisoning due to inhalation and skin contact with fish products is rarely described in the literature. This study presents a case of occupational histamine poisoning by spoiled fish flour via inhalation, skin and eye contact. Shipments of fish flour transported in black or blue bags, depending on the source, were handled by 20 harbour workers. Ten workers handling blue bags developed allergy-like skin, eye, gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiac symptoms within 30 min. Workers handling black bags were symptom-free, except for minimal eye irritation. After consultation with the Poison Control Centre histamine poisoning was suspected. The histamine content, as determined by thin-layer chromatography, was 10-fold higher in samples from the blue than from the black bags (510 mg/100 g flour compared with 50 mg/100 g flour, respectively). Part of the shipment was labelled as hazardous for human health with permission for further usage only under specific personal protective measures. It is suggested that the highest permissible levels of histamine in fish flour and similar products should be set and legally adopted.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Sensitization to non-pyroglyphid mites in urban population of Croatia.

AIM: Determination of prevalence of sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae (pyroglyphid mites), Lepidoglyphus destructor, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (non-pyroglyphid mites) in urban continental Croatia. METHODS: Specific IgE (sIgE) and skin prick test (SPT) for D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, L. destructor, and T. putrescentiae were performed in 67 men. SPT was performed with Epipharm-ALK allergens. A urtica (D+d)/2 of 3 mm or greater was considered a positive skin reaction. SIgE was measured by immunoCAP technology (UNI CAP). Values <0.35 kUA/L were considered nonspecific and >0.35 kUA/L increased. RESULTS: The prevalence of subjects with positive SPT was 35.8% for T. putrescentiae, 26.8% for L. destructor (26.8%), and 22. 4% for D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae. The prevalence of increased sIgE for D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae was 23.9%, followed by T. putrescentiae (22.4%), and L. destructor (14.9%). Among subjects with increased IgE to D. pteronyssinus there were also increased IgE for D. farinae in 94%, for T. putrescentiae in 75%, and for L. destructor in 50%. Mean urtica diameter differed only for L. destructor between nonspecific and increased sIgE values in subjects with positive SPT (3.7+/-0.7 mm vs. 6.2+/-2.8 mm; p = 0.004). Sensitization to storage mites was accompanied by respiratory symptoms in similar proportions as that to house dust mites (51.8% and 54.5%, respectively; p = 0.8527). CONCLUSION: Sensitization to non-pyroglyphid mites is present in the general urban population of Croatia in similar proportions as to pyroglyphid mites, with the same range of respiratory symptoms. Testing with storage mites should be considered routine allergological diagnostic procedure.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Outdoor and indoor allergens and the respiratory tract].

This paper gives an overview of common outdoor and indoor allergens which cause sensitisation of the respiratory tract and considers relevant biological and ecological hallmarks and symptoms of allergies. Grass, tree, and weed pollens as well as moulds (Cladosporium and Alternaria species) are a major source of allergens in the outdoor environment whereas mites (Pyroglyphidae, Acaridae, and Glycyphagidae), animals (pets, rodents, and insects), and moulds (Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Mucor species) are a major source in the indoor environment. The paper pays attention to the seasonal, geographical, and climatic influence on the concentration of allergen in the environment. The authors discuss differences between exposure to outdoor and indoor allergens, as well as the impact of pollutants on sensitisation of the respiratory tract. The paper proceeds with a short description of the primary prevention measures such as avoidance of the allergens and the secondary measures which are intended to prevent the occurrence or deterioration of respiratory symptoms in sensitised persons.

Allergens↗

PubMed2000

The changing pattern of poisoning with psychoactive drugs in Croatia.

The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency of poisoning with psychoactive drugs (benzodiazepines, antidepressants and neuroleptics) over the last 15 years in Croatia. The analysis was based on poisoning incidents reported over the phone (hot line) to the Zagreb Poison Control Center and included two periods: 1985-1991 (period I) and 1992-1999 (period II). The data were analysed separately for children and adults. Each phone call was counted as one poisoning incident. Child poisoning with neuroleptics was significantly higher in period II than in period I and so was the adult poisoning with antidepressants, amytriptyline, and combined psychoactive drugs. The frequency of total psychoactive drug poisoning was significantly higher in adults than in children in both periods. From 1992, the frequency of adult poisoning with antidepressants considerably increased as one of the many consequences of war-related stress. The results indicate a need for careful psychiatric evaluation and more critical use of antidepressants in affected individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Household chemicals--common cause of unintentional poisoning.

Of 4736 poisoning incidents registered in the Poison Control Centre in Zagreb from 1985 to 1999, household chemicals caused 23%. In the group of cleaning products, 11% of poisoning incidents were caused by corrosives, 9% by liquid detergents and 4% by hypochlorite. Organic solvents caused 18% of household chemical poisonings; among them gasoline and thinners were the most frequent. Cosmetics were responsible for 7% of poisoning incidents; the most frequent were hair shampoo, hydrogen peroxide, and acetone. In the group of other chemicals, the most common were ingestion of thermometer mercury and of silica gel, while poisonings with highly toxic antifreeze, mothballs, or liquid fertilisers were rare. Ingestion or other exposure to household chemicals often caused excessive concern and therapeutic measures. It is therefore advisable to consult a Poison Control Centre in order to get proper information about the composition of a chemical and toxicity of a product.

Child↗

PubMed1999

Respiratory and immunological findings in brewery workers.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure of brewery workers to organic dusts such as hops, barley, and brewery yeast has the potential to change respiratory function and immunological status. METHODS: Ninety-seven male workers employed in a brewery plant were studied. The mean age of the workers in this plant was 40 years, the mean duration of their employment was 16 years. In addition, a group of 76 unexposed workers was studied as a control. Respiratory symptoms were recorded. Lung function was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. Immunological testing was performed on all brewery workers and some control volunteers using skin prick testing with hops, barley, and yeast antigens as well as other nonoccupational allergens, and by determining total serum IgE levels. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher prevalence of most of the chronic respiratory symptoms in brewery workers compared to controls (P < 0.01). Occupational asthma, however, was recorded in only 2 (2.1%) of the brewery workers. Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking was the major studied factor responsible for the high prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in workers. A large number of brewery workers complained of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift. Lung function tests were decreased compared to predicted. Multivariate analysis of these respiratory function parameters suggested the importance of workplace exposure in explaining lung function abnormalities. Significantly higher prevalences of positive skin prick tests were recorded in 37 brewery workers for molds, hops, and barley than in controls. Increased serum levels of total IgE were documented in 34/97 (45.1%) brewery workers and in 1/76 (2.7%) of the control workers (P < 0.01). However, workers with positive skin prick tests had prevalences of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes similar to those of workers with negative skin prick tests. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that both smoking and dust exposure in the brewery industry may be responsible for the development of respiratory impairment and immunological reactions.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant.

A study was performed in 17 female workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant. The mean age of these workers was 42 years and the mean duration of their employment was 19 years. The employees were primarily nonsmokers or light smokers. The presence of chronic respiratory symptoms and acute work-related symptoms was recorded for these workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured during the morning work shift by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume curves from which forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximum expiratory flow at 50%, and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF75) were measured. A control group of 17 nonexposed women workers was also studied. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was greater among latex workers than among control confectionary packer workers, varying from 5.9% (vs. 0% in controls) for occupational asthma to 58.8% (vs. 0% in controls) for dyspnea grades 3 or 4. There was also a high prevalence of acute work-related symptoms in this industry, in particular, eye irritation (76.5%), dryness of the nose (70.6%), throat burning (70.6%), dryness of the throat (64.7%), and cough (58.8%). Among exposed workers, measured ventilatory capacity data were significantly lower than among controls, particularly FEF75 (75.1% +/- 10.5%). One of the 17 studied workers (5.9%) had a positive skin reaction to latex and had symptoms compatible with occupational asthma. Our data suggest that in addition to occupational asthma, the manufacture of latex gloves is associated with frequent, nonspecific respiratory findings.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in paper-recycling workers.

The respiratory function and immunological status of workers employed in the paper recycling industry were studied. The mean age of the 101 studied workers was 41 years, and the mean duration of their exposure was 17 years. A group of 87 unexposed workers of similar age, duration of employment, and smoking history was studied for the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Lung function in the paper workers was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow volume (MEFV) curves and recording forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the FVC (FEF50, FEF25). Immunological studies were performed in all 101 paper workers and in 37 control workers (volunteers). These included skin-prick tests with paper-dust extracts and other nonoccupational allergens, as well as the measurement of total serum immunoglobulin E. Significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were found in paper compared with control workers (P < 0.01). The highest prevalences were found for chronic cough (36.6%), chronic phlegm (34.7%), chronic bronchitis (33.7%), sinusitis (31.7%), and dyspnea (18.8%). Occupational asthma was diagnosed in four (4.0%) of the paper workers. A logistic regression analysis performed on chronic respiratory symptoms of paper workers indicated significant effects of smoking and exposure, with the smoking effect being the most important. Multivariate analysis of lung-function parameters indicate significant effects of exposure. For paper workers, the measured FEF50 and FEF25 were significantly decreased, compared with predicted values, suggesting obstructive changes located primarily in smaller airways. Among 101 tested paper workers, 16 (15.8%) had positive skin-prick tests to at least one of the paper extracts; none of the control workers reacted to these extracts. Increased serum IgE levels were found in 21% of the paper workers and in 5% of control workers (P < 0.05). Paper workers with positive skin-prick tests to any of the paper and/or other tested extracts had higher prevalences of chronic respiratory symptoms and lower measured lung-function tests compared with predicted than did those with negative skin-prick tests, but the differences were not statistically significant. The measured concentrations of total and respirable dust in this industry were higher than those recommended by Croatian standards. Our study suggests that work in the paper-recycling industry is associated with respiratory impairment and that sensitive workers employed in this industry may be at particular risk of developing chronic respiratory abnormalities.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Sensitization to storage mites in urban working environment.

This paper presents an analysis of a medical history questionnaire, skin prick test and specific IgE to storage mites Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae performed on 26 male paper mill workers and 36 postmen. Positive prick test were considered urticas with the mean diameter of 3 mm or over. Increased specific IgE were considered values of over 0.35 kU/L. Paper mill workers manifested a significantly higher frequency of positive test results, increased specific IgE and positive prick test, to L. destructor and T. putrescentiae than did the postmen. Paper mill workers with increased specific IgE manifested significantly greater mean skin reactivity to T. putrescentiae than to L. destructor. Respiratory symptoms were found in 40% of paper mill workers with positive test results to L. destructor, and in 53.8% with positive test results to T. putrescentiae. All postmen with positive test results to L. destructor and 83.3% with positive test results to T. putrescentiae had respiratory symptoms. The study results indicate that it is necessary to monitor sensitization to mites and to establish methods for identification and quantification of mites in the working and general environment.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Respiratory function and allergic reactions in paper recycling workers].

Respiratory function and allergic reactions were studied in 101 male workers in paper recycling and in 87 nonexposed male control workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves with readings on forced vital capacity (FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and maximum expiratory flows at 50% and the last 25% (FEF50 and FEF25, respectively). Skin prick test with paper dust allergens, some nonoccupational allergens, and total immunoglobulin IgE analysis were used to assess immunological status. Significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were recorded in the exposed workers than in controls. The highest prevalence was recorded for chronic cough (36.6%), followed by chronic phlegm (34.7%), chronic bronchitis (33.7%), sinusitis (31.7%), nasal catarrh (29.7%), and dyspnea (16.8%). Occupational asthma was diagnosed in four paper recycling workers only (4.0%). Values of FEF50 and FEF25 were significantly lower than predicted, indicating obstructive changes located mostly in the smaller airways. Skin tests to paper allergens were found positive in 16 (15.8%) paper recycling workers and none in controls. An increase in total immunoglobulin IgE was found in 21 of 101 paper recycling workers and in two of 37 of controls (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that exposure to air pollutants in paper recycling industry may lead to the development of respiratory symptoms accompanied by lung function and immunological impairment.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Can pre-employment patch testing help to prevent occupational contact allergy?

175 subjects (157 female, 18 male) were patch tested with a standard series of allergens (Epipharm Allergy Service, GmbH, Linz, Austria), during pre-employment examinations in the pharmaceutical industry, considered an industry at risk for the development of contact sensitization. None of those examined had contact dermatitis prior to testing and none gave a positive history of hand ecczema. Patch testing was positive in 12 (7%) subjects, of whom 7 showed a positive reaction to only 1 contact allergen and 5 reacted to several contact allergens. 5 subjects (2.9%) reacted positively to metal salts (nickel, cobalt, chromium), 5 (2.9%) had a positive skin reaction to mixtures of rubber additives, and the remaining 2 to other allergens.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Prevalence of sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in several industrial populations.

Skin tests with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were carried out by the standard prick method in six groups of industrial workers: meat processing workers (n = 107), brewery workers (n = 96), animal food workers (n = 40), swine farmers (n = 32), paper-mill workers (n = 132) and wool-textile workers (n = 111). The control group consisted of 158 subjects who were tested during the preemployment examinations and had not worked in industrial plants before. Skin reactions were read after 20 minutes by measuring the largest urtica diameter in millimeters. A diameter >3 mm was considered to be a sign of a positive skin reaction. In relation to the control group a significant (P < 0.01) higher prevalence of positive skin reaction to D. pteronyssinus was found among the meat processing workers (41-13%, animals food workers (30 vs. 13%), swine farmers (34 vs. 13%) and wool-textile workers (32% vs. 13%). Results of the standard prick rest were not significant for the brewery workers (21 vs. 13%) and the paper-mill workers (21 vs. 13% in controls). Our results demonstrate the need for applying specific individual health measures if working conditions favour the growth and reproduction of house dust mites.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Occurrence of nonspecific symptoms of irritation in workers exposed to latex].

The study included 17 female workers employed in latex glove rubber manufacturing plants. The mean age was 42 years and the mean duration of employment 19 years. Subjects were predominantly nonsmokers. A control group of 17 nonexposed workers was also studied. Chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as acute work-related symptoms were recorded for these workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on which forced vital capacity (FVC), one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximum expiratory flow at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF25) were read. Skin prick tests were performed with three types of latex (original material-latex 1, extract from gloves-latex 2, and extract of latex company Epypharm-latex 3). The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was greater among latex workers (varying from 5.9% for occupational asthma to 58.8% for dyspnea) than among control workers (0%). There was a high prevalence of acute work-related symptoms, particularly for eye irritation (76.5%), dryness of the nose (70.6%), throat burning (70.6%), dryness of the throat (64.7%) and cough (58.8%). Measured ventilatory capacity data in latex workers were significantly lower in comparison to control, particularly for FEF25 (75.1 +/- 19.5%). Among latex gloves making workers one had positive skin reaction to latex 3 along with the symptoms of occupational asthma. Our data indicate that employment in latex making gloves may be associated with the development of occupational asthma, in addition to frequent nonspecific respiratory findings.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Exercise-induced bronchospasm and its prevention].

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a type of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity. It affects mostly children and younger adults with asthma (75%-95%) and allergic rhinitis (40%), but it is also found in 3-11% of the nonasthmatic and nonatopic younger population. Pathophysiology of this phenomenon is not clear and there are some attempts to explain it with hyperosmolality of bronchial epithelia, exchange of heat and water (reactive hyperemia) in airways and reflex vagal bronchospasm. Unrecognized and uncontrolled symptoms of EIB can lead patients to avoid general and occupational physical activities and sports. Diagnosis of EIB is focused on medical history and on pulmonary function testing after standardized exercise testing protocols on treadmill, cycle ergometer or by free running. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological prophylactic measures are the most important approach in the therapy of EIB. Inhalation of beta 2-agonists or cromolyns is the first choice in pharmacological prevention of EIB. With adequate therapy, symptoms of EIB can be controlled enough to maintain everyday as well as sports activities.

Asthma, Exercise-Induced↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Sensitivity to latex and other rubber substances--an important occupational risk for health personnel (case report)].

Sensitization to latex and rubber additives has been acknowledged during the last 10 years as a major occupational health problem among health-care workers. In sensitized persons, respiratory and/or skin symptoms may be present. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of senzitisation involve allergic reactions types I and IV (Coombs and Gell). In this case report we described a female health-care worker with sensitization to latex and rubber additives simultaneously present on the skin and in the respiratory system, caused by wearing protective rubber gloves. The complex diagnostic procedure involved in determination of occupational allergic diseases is discussed.

Adult↗