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Biomedical subjects

L Fine

Publications and source records attributed to L Fine.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Agreement between clinical examination and quantitative tests of neurologic function among 384 subjects.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative neurological tests are often cheaper and easier than clinical examinations, and provide continuous data which may discriminate between exposed and nonexposed groups with more sensitivity than dichotomous (normal/abnormal) examination data. METHODS: We compare clinical examinations and analogous quantitative tests for arm tremor, postural sway, and vibrotactile sensitivity (finger and toe), for 384 subjects. RESULTS: The "abnormal" clinical outcomes studied were relatively common (range, 3-36%), and did not result in impairment of daily activity for affected subjects. All the quantitative tests were reasonably good predictors of the corresponding clinical outcome. The most predictive test was for toe vibrotactile sensitivity. The probability of an abnormal clinical result for those in the worst quartile for the toe test was 0.63, compared with 0.36 for all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that certain quantitative tests might be used in epidemiologic studies instead of a physical examination.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Activin type II receptors in embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chicken.

Activin induces neuropeptide expression in chicken ciliary ganglion neurons. To determine if activin might also influence neuropeptide expression in developing sensory neurons, we examined whether type II activin receptors are expressed during embryonic development of the chicken dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and also examined the effects of activin on neuropeptide expression in cultured DRG neurons. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR), we detected mRNAs for both the activin receptors type IIA (ActRIIA) and type IIB (ActRIIB) in DRG from embryonic day 7 through posthatch day 1. With in situ hybridization, we found that morphologically identifiable neurons express mRNAs for both ActRIIA and ActRIIB. With developmental age, a subset of neurons that hybridizes more intensely with riboprobes to these receptor mRNAs becomes evident. A similar pattern of expression is observed with immunocytochemical staining using antisera against activin type II receptors. To examine whether embryonic DRG cells respond to activin we treated dissociated cultures of DRG with activin A and assessed the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) mRNAs using semiquantitative rtPCR. Activin treatment results in an increase in VIP mRNA, but does not affect CGRP mRNA levels. These observations indicate that neurons in the embryonic chicken DRG can respond to activin and suggest that activin has the potential to play a role in the development and function of DRG sensory neurons.

Activin Receptors, Type II↗
PubMed2000

Optic disk edema associated with peripapillary serous retinal detachment: an early sign of systemic Bartonella henselae infection.

PURPOSE: To describe optic disk edema associated with peripapillary serous retinal detachment as an early sign of systemic Bartonella henselae infection. METHODS: Multicentered, retrospective case series. RESULTS: Five women and two men presented with optic disk edema producing peripapillary serous retinal detachment. Each patient had a markedly elevated serum anti-B. henselae antibody titer. Patient age ranged from 11 to 44 years, with a mean and median of 26.6 and 28 years, respectively. The time from the onset of systemic symptoms to the onset of visual symptoms varied from 3 days to 1 month. The peripapillary serous retinal detachment resolved within 1 to 3 weeks in each case, producing a macular star in four of seven patients. Initial vision was 20/200 or worse in five of seven patients and improved in four of these five patients to 20/30 or better. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic B. henselae infection should be considered in patients who develop optic disk edema associated with a peripapillary serous retinal detachment, even in the absence of classic neuroretinitis with a macular star.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Shift work, shift change, and risk of death from heart disease at work.

Some epidemiologic studies suggest workers who rotate shift are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but no studies have studied the effect of shift workers who do not rotate. To determine whether current shift or recent change in shift was a risk factor for ischemic heart disease, we conducted a nested case-control study of heart disease death at work within a cohort of 21,000 men working at four heavy equipment plants. We identified 163 men who died of ischemic heart disease at work or within 1 week of working, and compared them 781 controls who were working at the same age but did not die. Plant personnel records were used to determine duration of time on current shift. At the time of case death, 72% of study subjects were working on first shift, 22% on second, and 6% on third. The average time on shift without change was 9 years. There was little evidence of any difference in heart disease risk by current shift. There was some indication that recent change from afternoon or night shift to day shift had a protective effect initially, which decreased over time. On the other hand, no corresponding negative effect was found for a change from first to second/third shift, regardless of when the change took place. Our analyses were limited by the small number of workers on the third shift. We consider our analysis to be exploratory, and encourage more research on this topic in other working populations.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1996

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Work-related Risk Factors and Prevention.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders cause chronic pain and functional impairment, impose heavy costs on society, and reduce productivity. In this position paper from the Scientific Committee for Musculoskeletal Disorders of the ICOH, the most important risk factors at work are described. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have high incidences and prevalences among workers who are exposed to manual handling, repetitive and static work, vibrations, and poor psychological and social conditions. The application of ergonomic principles in the workplace is the best method for prevention. International organizations should develop standards, common classifications, and terminologies. Surveillance systems should be further developed nationally and in workplaces, and more effort should be directed to information dissemination, education, and training.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1994

The prevalence of back pain, hand discomfort, and dermatitis in the US working population.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to provide the health care and public health communities with national prevalence estimates of selected conditions in the US working population. METHODS: National prevalence estimates of self-reported conditions among working people were calculated from data collected for the 1988 Occupational Health Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey. RESULTS: The highest prevalence estimates were found among occupational groups. For example, the prevalence of back pain due to an injury at work among truck drivers was 6.7%; back pain due to repeated activities at work among mechanics and repairers of heavy equipment and machinery was 10.5%; hand discomfort among operators of machines that process metal, plastic, stone, and glass was 23.5%; and dermatitis due to contact with substances at work among physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians was 5.6%. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of these conditions among occupational groups with the highest prevalence estimates are occupational in origin. These prevalence estimates identify occupations in which efforts are needed to prevent these conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Job task and psychosocial risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper employees.

OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors among employees using video display terminals at a large metropolitan newspaper. METHODS: The study included 1050 randomly selected workers from four departments. The workers were asked to complete questionnaires on symptoms, job tasks, and psychosocial and work organization conditions. Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities were defined by frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms not attributable to acute injury. Data were analyzed with the use of logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 973 workers completed the survey. The one-year period prevalence rate for any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper extremities was 41%. Neck symptoms (26%) were the most frequently reported, followed by hand or wrist (22%), shoulder (17%), and elbow (10%) symptoms. Greater time working at the video display station was associated with increased hand or wrist symptoms in a dose-response relationship. In addition, variables corresponding to increased work-load demands (eg, increased time working under deadline and increased job pressure) were associated with increased neck, shoulder, and hand or wrist disorders. Women were more likely to report symptoms in several areas, but this finding may reflect the concentration of women in jobs involving more risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities among newspaper employees, and they provide additional evidence that increased work load, time pressure, and greater hours of computer use are related to the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among these workers, particularly for disorders in the hand or wrist area.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The private funding of public research. New directions in the administration of occupational and environmental health research.

Dr. Cullen: The experience with the new research models, starting with the prototypic experience of the rubber industry studies of the 1970s and expanding to diverse sectors of American industry in the 1980s, has yielded some important lessons for the future. In closing this symposium I shall try to summarize these briefly. Certain strengths of the evolving process seem common to each of the models. Alone and collectively, the new research arrangements have quite apparently served to increase substantially the pool of funds available to the academic sector for the study of occupational health and safety problems. As a consequence, a larger pool of investigators has participated in the research process, greatly strengthening the future academic capability and experience of our fragilely supported teaching centers. Combined with the involvement of the academic centers in the review process, there has been an undeniable broadening and deepening of the nation's research output and long-term capability in occupational health. On the side of the private sector, the new relationships have led to marked progress in the knowledge base about health and safety problems, with a heavily directed focus on those of greatest relevance to the industries involved. The credibility of the knowledge acquired has been enhanced, an important achievement in a society in which perception of truth is often as important as the truth itself! Because of the requirements of the process for broad involvement by the organizations which undertake these activities, health and safety have achieved far greater visibility and attention by corporate and union leaders who may have previously had no involvement in issues of health and safety.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Humans↗
PubMed1992

An evaluation of auricular prosthesis using osseointegrated implants.

The purpose of this evaluation is to compare whether retention of auricular prostheses, through utilization of osseointegrated implants rather than by adhesive, provides any improvement in patient acceptance and prosthesis longevity. Forty-seven out of a total of 49 patients having facial prostheses, retained by means of Brånemark fixtures, were surveyed. Ease of retention was noted in 91% of the patients. Satisfaction with the shape of the prosthesis, colour and ease of positioning was 100, 85 and 98% respectively. None of the patients experienced skin irritation under the prosthesis and 94% of them wore their prosthesis daily. Of the 13 patients with previous prosthesis experience, 92% stated improved retention and all of them found ease of positioning and wearing comfort had improved. Durability was better in 62%, unchanged in 23% and worse in 15% of these 13 patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

A retrospective study of osseointegrated skin-penetrating titanium fixtures used for retaining facial prostheses.

This investigation was conducted to evaluate osseointegrated skin-penetrating facial titanium implants used for anchoring facial prostheses over a 5-year period and to recommend guidelines for the use of osseointegrated implants in the restorative treatment of auricular and orbital defects. The total success rate for implant survival was 95.6% in the auricular defects and 67.2% in the orbital defects. Approximately 10% of the patients will have some skin problems, whereas the remaining 90% will have no or minimal problems. The possibility of achieving osseointegration around an orbital defect is not as good as in the mastoid process. Success criteria for the use of implants in the craniofacial region are given.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Acute behavioural comparisons of toluene and ethanol in human subjects.

A comparison of toluene and ethanol (EtOH) induced changes in central nervous system (CNS) function and symptoms were evaluated in two studies, and when possible the effects of toluene were expressed in EtOH equivalent units. The toluene concentrations were 0, 75, and 150 ppm, bracketing the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value (ACGIH TLV) of 100 ppm. The socially relevant EtOH doses were 0.00, 0.33, and 0.66 g EtOH/kg body weight, equivalent to two and four 3.5% 12 ounce beers. Forty two paid college students were used in each study. In the first study, subjects were exposed to toluene and an odour masking agent menthol (0.078 ppm) for seven hours over three days. In the second study EtOH or a placebo was administered at 1530 across three days also in the presence of menthol. Verbal and visual short term memory (Sternberg, digit span, Benton, pattern memory), perception (pattern recognition), psychomotor skill (simple reaction time, continuous performance, symbol-digit, hand-eye coordination, finger tapping, and critical tracking), manual dexterity (one hole), mood (profile on mood scales (POMS), fatigue (fatigue checklist), and verbal ability were evaluated at 0800, 1200, and 1600. Voluntary symptoms and observations of sleep were collected daily. A 3 x 3 latin square design evaluated solvent effects simultaneously controlling for learning and dose sequence. An analysis of variance and test for trend were performed on am-pm differences reflecting an eight hour workday and on pm scores for each solvent, in which subjects were their own control Intersubject variation in absorbance was monitored in breath. A 5 to 10% decrement was considered meaningful if consistent with a linear trend at p less than 0.05. At 150 ppm toluene, losses in performance were 6.0% for digit span, 12.1% for pattern recognition (latency), 5% for pattern memory (number correct), 6.5% for one hole, and 3% for critical tracking. The number of headaches and eye irritation also increased in a dose-response manner. The greatest effect was found for an increasing number of observations of sleep. A range of 2 to 7% decrements suggest the ACGIH TLV of 100 ppm toluene may be a good estimate of the biological threshold supporting a re-evaluation of the TLV. At 0.66 g EtOH/kg body weight symptoms and performance decrements were 6.6% for digit span, 9.2% for pattern recognition, 4.0% for continuous performance, 7.9% for symbol-digit, 16.5% for finger tapping, 6.2% for critical tracking, and 5.2% for the one hole test. The EtOH equivalents at 150 ppm toluene for digit span (0.56g EtOH/kg/body weight), the latency for pattern recognition (0.66 g EtOH kg body weight), and the one hole element "move" (0.37 g EtOH kg body weight) show that the first two measures would be affected at or above the 50 mg% blood alcohol concentration. This concentration is recognised as the lowest alcohol concentration associated with increased numbers of automobile accidents. The results suggest that EtOH may be a useful acute standard to compare the effects of various industrial solvents and support investigating an association between exposure to solvents and increased risk to safety in industry.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Characterisation of respiratory health and exposures at a sintered permanent magnet manufacturer.

Sintered permanent magnets are made from the powdered metals of cobalt, nickel, aluminium, and various rare earths. During production, exposure to respirable crystalline silica and asbestos may also occur. Reported here is a cross sectional study of 310 current and 52 retired hourly employees who worked 10 or more years making sintered magnets. Each participant had a chest radiograph, spirometry, and completed a respiratory questionnaire. Illness logs were also reviewed to calculate the incidence of recorded respiratory disorders. The prevalences of abnormalities in pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms were not higher than found in an external referent population. Although the prevalence of diffuse parenchymal opacities consistent with pneumoconiosis (four workers) was similar to the referent population, one worker had radiographic findings consistent with silicosis and two workers had profusion scores of 1/2 or above, not seen in the referent group. The incidence of reported respiratory conditions in the log, including asthma, was 10 times that of other manufacturers in the same industrial classification category. Excessive exposures to cobalt, nickel, and respirable silica were shown by environmental measurements.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Acute neurobehavioural effects of toluene.

An acute inhalation chamber study of 42 college students was performed to investigate the relation between exposure to 0, 75, and 150 ppm of toluene and changes in central nervous system function and symptoms. Paid subjects were exposed for seven hours over three days. Verbal and visual short term memory (Sternberg, digit span, Benton, pattern memory); perception (pattern recognition); psychomotor skill (simple reaction time, continuous performance, digit symbol, hand-eye coordination, finger tapping, and critical tracking); manual dexterity (one hole); mood (profile of mood scales (POMS]; fatigue (fatigue checklist); and verbal ability were evaluated at 0800, 1200, and 1600 hours. Voluntary symptoms and observations of sleep were collected daily. An analysis of variance and test for trend was performed on the difference and score for each concentration reflecting an eight hour workday where each subject was their own control. A 3 x 3 Latin square study design evaluated toluene effects simultaneously, controlling for learning across the three days and the solvent order. Intersubject variation in solvent uptake was monitored in breath and urine. A 5-10% decrement in performance was considered significant if it was consistent with a linear trend at p less than 0.05. Adverse performance at 150 ppm toluene was found at 6.0% for digit span, 12.1% for pattern recognition (latency), 5.0% for pattern memory (number correct), 6.5% for one hole, and 3.0% for critical tracking. The number of headaches and eye irritation also increased in a dose response manner. The greatest effect was found for an increasing number of observations of sleep. Overall, no clear pattern of neurobehavioural effects was found consistent with the type 1 central nervous system as classified by the World Health Organisation. Subtle acute effects, however, were found just below and above the ACGIH TLV of 100 ppm toluene, supporting the position that the guideline be lowered since the biological threshold of behavioural effects may be comparable with the TLV.

Adolescent↗