Biomedical subjects

J Mustajbegović

Publications and source records attributed to J Mustajbegović.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Gender related differences of low level exposure to occupational irritants--a three-year follow-up of chemical industry workers.

The authors followed changes in the ventilatory function in a group of 102 chemical workers over a three year period to evaluate gender related differences on respiratory effects of low concentrations of occupational irritants. Measurements were performed annually and the results of ventilatory test were compared to predicted normal values. Lung function was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. Baseline data show ventilatory function impairments of the obstructive-restrictive type, as measured by the Tiffeneau index and FEV1. After one and two years of exposure, impairment in flow rates at low lung volumes became prominent. Analysis of lung function in three years of the study suggests obstructive impairments mostly in the larger airways accompanied by a restrictive component. The ventilatory flow at low lung volumes was characterized by obstruction, but not by restrictive findings. Women appear to be more sensitive than men to the irritant effects of these exposures as measured by flow rates at low lung volumes--the smaller airways (FEF50% = 82.7 +/- 23.6 in women and FEF50% = 92.1 +/- 32.1 in men; p = 0.017), while men experienced greater changes than women to irritant effects on their ventilatory capacity--the large airways (FVC = 99.6 +/- 10.6 in men and FVC = 106.74 +/- 9.8 in women; p = 0.001). The additive effect of smoking to environmental irritation is demonstrated by the proportionately lower lung capacity in smokers. Overall, the effect of these pollutants in women is more synergistic than additive.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Evaluation of work capacity and/or disability in patients with overuse injury syndromes of the locomotor system].

Clinical picture and subject's occupation are the main points of reference in the evaluation of work capacity in subjects with overuse syndrome. Particular attention is paid to the degree and the location of pain, as well as functional limitations with respect to demands of the workplace. If the diagnosis is right and therapy and rehabilitation intensive, overuse syndrome usually does not entail long sick leaves. Exceptions are the athletes and certain jobs which require longer periods of rehabilitation. Furthermore, untimely diagnosis and inadequate treatment may extend the period of incapacity. If the therapy and medical rehabilitation cannot completely remedy the functional deficit in performing the regular job, application of pension policy regulations may be necessary. This applies to the immediate danger of disability with the possibility to change the job for a more adequate one, as well as to the disability due to occupational or general incapacity to work. If the health condition predisposes younger persons to disability, they may exercise their right to professional rehabilitation. This review gives a list of occupational diseases and causes which may be applied to the disability generated by the overuse syndrome.

Arm Injuries↗

PubMed2000

Respiratory function in female workers occupationally exposed to organic dusts in food processing industries.

Respiratory consequences of work in food processing industry were studied in 764 female workers exposed to organic dusts associated with the processing of green and roasted coffee, tea, spices, dried fruits, cocoa and flour. A group of 387 female workers not exposed to respiratory irritants served as controls for the prevalence of acute (during work shift) and chronic respiratory symptoms. A greater prevalence of all acute and chronic respiratory symptoms was consistently found among exposed workers than among control workers. The highest prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was recorded for chronic cough (40%), followed by acute symptoms of dry cough (58.7%). The difference in the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms between the exposed and control workers was in general significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Mean acute reductions of lung function over the work shift were recorded in all of the studied groups; the mean across-shift decrease as a percentage of preshift values was particularly marked in FEF25 (-26.7%), FEF50 (-21.6%), followed by FEV1 (-9.9%) and FVC (-3.7%). The preshift (baseline) values of ventilatory capacity were decreased in comparison to the predicted ones, and were lowest for FEF50 and FEF25. This finding indicated an effect of organic dust on small airways. Our analysis suggested that both dust exposure and smoking history contributed independently to these respiratory findings. Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) significantly diminished across-shift reductions for FEF50 and FEF25 in a subgroup of the examined workers. Our data suggested the female workers employed in food processing industry to be at risk of developing both acute and chronic respiratory symptoms as well as ventilatory capacity impairment as the result of occupational exposures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

[Occupational medicine worldwide and in Croatia].

The development of occupational medicine, its complexity and international position as well as the actual and anticipated tasks connected with modernisation of industry, workers' health protection and humanization of work is presented. Education in the field of occupational medicine is also evaluated. Eighteen countries: ten in Europe, United States of America, Canada, Brasil and Chile from the area of South America, Israel, Japan, China and Singapore in Asia are included in the review. At the end, the development of occupational health services in Croatia, its present organisation, legislation, education and training, future needs and goals are shortly discussed.

Croatia↗

PubMed1998

[Respiratory function in textile workers involved in the processing of synthetic fibers].

The study included 308 female workers employed in processing synthetic stockings and 160 controls. The mean age of the exposed workers was 38 years with the mean exposure of 16 years. Most workers did not smoke while 41% of smokers consumed about 10 cigarettes a day. The data on acute and chronic respiratory symptoms were taken from all 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). Textile workers manifested a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms than did the controls, although the differences were statistically significant only for sinusitis, dyspnoea, and nasal catarrh. Occupational asthma was found in 3 (0.9%) textile workers. The prevalence of acute symptoms in the exposed workers was particularly high during shift, especially with regard to dryness of the nose (53%), dryness of the throat (49%), headache (47%), cough (47%), and the eye irritation (46%). Textile workers showed a significantly lower FEF25 than predicted. Our study on textile workers indicates that inhalation of synthetic fiber dust may impair the respiratory function.

Adolescent↗

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↗

PubMed1997

[Respiratory function in vineyard and orchard workers].

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases and ventilatory capacity were studied in 174 vineyard and orchard workers. In addition, 115 nonexposed workers were studied as a control group. In vineyard and orchard workers, there was significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, dyspnea and chest tightness in comparison to the control group. Smokers, vineyard and orchard workers employed for more than 10 years showed significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, chronic bronchitis and chest tightness than smokers with shorter employment. In vineyard and orchard workers employed for more than 10 years there was higher prevalence of acute symptoms during work shift than in those with shorter employment, although the differences were statistically significant only for cough (p < 0.05). Most of the measured ventilatory capacity tests in vineyard and orchard workers were lower than predicted in smokers and nonsmokers. Values lower than 70% of predicted were found in 5.2% workers for FVC, in 6.3% for FEV1, in 27.6% for FEF50 and in 40.2% for FEF25. These data indicate that workers employed in vineyards and orchards may develop acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases along with lung function changes which are partly related to environmental factors and partly to smoking habit.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[Ventilatory capacity and respiratory symptoms in brickyard workers].

We studied 233 male brickyard workers and 149 matched non-exposed control workers. The mean age of the brickyard workers was 35 years with the mean duration of employment in this industry of 16 years. Significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough (31.8%), chronic phlegm (26.2%) and chest tightness (24.0%) was found in the exposed workers than in controls (20.1%; 18.1%; 0%) (P < 0.05). A high prevalence of acute symptoms during work shift, particularly dry throat and eye and throat irritation, were found in the brickyard workers. The measured FVC and FEV1 values were significantly lower than predicted values. On the other hand, the measured FEF50 and FEF25 were not significantly lower than predicted. This was found in the exposed smokers and nonsmokers. Dust concentrations were considerably higher than recommended for dust which contains up to 70% of SiO2. Our data suggest that the brickyard workers display a high potential to develop acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and mostly restrictive changes of lung function.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Disorders of the respiratory tract in workers in the chemical industry].

This paper studies the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases in 567 chemical workers and in 340 controls as well as their ventilatory capacity. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was found to be significantly higher in the exposed workers than in controls (p < 0.01). Workers aged over 40 and those employed for over 10 years demonstrated higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms than the workers up to 40 and those employed for up to 10 years, although the differences were not statistically significant. A large number of chemical workers complained of acute respiratory symptoms manifesting during the shift. The measured values of ventilatory capacity in chemical workers were significantly lower than those predicted. The findings were more pronounced in workers over 40 and in those employed for over 10 years. The measured values of gases and fumes in the working environment were mostly below the recommended values. Our data suggest that, in spite of low atmospheric pollution of the working environment, sensitive workers may develop respiratory impairments.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Airway responses in healthy and asthmatic subjects following exposure to low ambient air temperature.

Ventilatory capacity following exposure to low ambient air temperature (-5 degrees C) was measured in 46 male and 37 female medical students. In healthy subjects there was an increase in all test parameters during a four-hour exposure as compared to preexposure values. However, six students with bronchial asthma showed a decrease in ventilatory capacity tests following exposure to low temperature. The changes in healthy subjects as well as in asthmatics were most pronounced for the maximal flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF25). The mean increase in FEF25 for healthy subjects was recorded up to a +15.1% and +6.4% increase in nonsmokers and smokers, respectively. In asthmatics, the largest decrease of FEF25 was -21.5%. Authors' data indicated that environmental exposure to low ambient air temperature caused an increase of ventilatory function tests in healthy subjects and a decrease in asthmatics, particularly in flow rates at lower lung volumes.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Respiratory system reactions to organic aerosol exposure].

The effects of organic aerosols (coffee, teas, spices, confectionery, soy, animal feed) on the respiratory system of workers occupationally exposed to these aerosols are presented. Described are possible mechanisms responsible for the development of respiratory impairment. Our studies indicate the possibility of development of respiratory impairment in exposed workers. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases varied from 2.7 to 56.3% and of acute symptoms from 9.9 to 78.9% of exposed workers. Statistically significant acute reductions of ventilatory capacity (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, FEF25) were recorded during the work shift. Described are some immunological changes which can develop in exposure to organic aerosols. Experimental studies with water organic dust extracts on isolated guinea pig trachea suggest that bronchoconstrictive changes in humans may be reproduced in non-sensitized guinea pigs. The need for taking preventive medical examinations in order to prevent development of respiratory and/or immunological impairment is stressed.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Respiratory findings in textile workers employed in dyeing wool and cotton].

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases and ventilatory capacity were studied in 97 textile workers employed in dyeing wool and cotton fibres and in 76 non-exposed control workers. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the textile workers compared to controls. The symptoms of occupational asthma were recorded in 7.2 per cent of the textile workers. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in exposed smokers than in exposed non-smokers. The textile workers employed for more than 10 years had a higher prevalence of all respiratory symptoms than those with a shorter period of employment. The textile workers showed a high prevalence of acute symptoms which developed during work shift. Significant acute reductions of ventilatory capacity tests on maximum expiratory flow-volume curves (MEFV) in textile workers varied from 5.1% for FVC to 12.4% for FEF25. Ventilatory capacity tests in the textile workers before work shift were significantly diminished in comparison to the predicted values. Our data indicate that work in the textile dyeing industry may cause the development of respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as impairment of ventilatory capacity.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Byssinosis--an occupational disease of textile workers].

Byssinosis as a nonspecific chronic respiratory disease in textile workers exposed to cotton, hemp and flax is described. Pathogenesis and ethiologic factors responsible for bissynosis are listed. Clinical symptoms of byssinosis and differential diagnosis with occupational asthma are presented. Characteristic functional changes of ventilatory capacity in textile workers are described. Clinical and functional criteria for diagnosis of byssinosis are presented. Particular emphasis is given to preventive medical and technical measures in order to prevent the development of respiratory diseases in textile workers.

Byssinosis↗

PubMed1996

[Characterization of wool dust extract in vitro].

Wool dust has been described as a cause of respiratory impairment in workers occupationally exposed in wool processing. A pharmacological investigation was performed on 30 samples of isolated guinea plg trachea with wool dust water extracts prepared from the material collected at the workplace of exposed workers. Wool extract was added into the system with Krebs solution in progressively increased concentrations of 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 microliters. The constriction of the tracheal smooth muscle caused by wool dust extract was diminished after pretreatment with pyrilamine (antihistamine) and verapamil (intracellular and extracellular calcium blocking agent). Atropine (anticholinergic) and indomethacin (inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis) had very little impact on the bronchoconstrictive effect of wool dust extract on the tracheal smooth muscle. This finding suggests that the airway constriction induced by wool dust is party attributable to mediators like histamine and also to calcium.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[Mechanisms in the onset of nonspecific respiratory diseases caused by air pollutants in the work environment].

Mechanisms responsible for the development of occupational non-specific respiratory disease are presented. The roles of factors such as changes in airway smooth muscle, changes in airway mucosa and submucosa, altered regulation of the autonomous nervous system and the presence of an inflammatory process in the airways are described separately. Those changes may induce an increased reactivity of the bronchial system which is the main characteristic of obstructive lung disease.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

PubMed1995

[Stress on the lumbar spine in workers in the beer brewing industry].

The appearance of lumbal syndrome was analysed in two groups of workers in the "Zagrebacka pivovara" brewery. In a group of 23 workers whose mean age was 34 years and mean length of service 12 years, nine (39.1%) suffered from lumbal syndrome. In another group of 33 workers, with the mean age of 31 years and the mean length of service of nine years there were 24 (72.7%) suffering from the syndrome. According to Student's t-test the differences in age and length of service between the two groups were not significant (P > 0.05), but the difference in the number of ill was significant (P < 0.05). Analysis of the workplace showed that a heavy burden of the lumbal spine was involved, especially with the workers from the second group, and that ergonomic solutions were necessary.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function of the lungs in wool textile industry workers].

Subjects in the study were 158 female wool textile workers and 87 control non-exposed workers. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by means of a questionnaire. Ventilatory capacity was measured in wool workers by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on Monday before and after the work shift. Forced vital capacity (FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF25) were measured on MEFV curves. Significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were recorded in exposed than in control workers (P < 0.01). Exposure to wool dust caused significant across shift reductions of ventilatory capacity varying from 2.0 to 9.1%. Those reductions were similar in textile workers exposed to wool for more than 10 years showed similar across shift reductions of ventilatory capacity tests as those with shorter exposure. Smokers and non-smokers had similar acute and chronic lung function changes. In a larger number of wool workers FEF50 and FEF25 were below 70% of predicted normal values. Bronchoprovocation testing with wool dust extract did not demonstrate correlation with respiratory impairment. Our data suggest that dust exposure in wool textile mills may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Respiratory findings in workers with no occupational exposure to air pollutants in the workplace].

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as ventilatory capacity were studied in 806 workers without occupational exposure to air pollutants. The established prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was similar to that found in the general pollution. It was also higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Relatively a very small number of workers (only smokers) complained of acute symptoms during work shift. The measured ventilatory capacity values were not significantly different from the predicted values. There was a significant increase in all ventilatory capacity values during work shift (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, FEF25) which varied from +1.9 to 9.8% of the preshift values. In older workers (>40 years of age) as well as in those with longer exposure (<40 years) and those with shorter employment (<10 years). Smoking habit appears to be the major factor responsible for the development of lung impairment in workers not exposed to atmospheric pollution.

Adolescent↗