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Biomedical subjects

R Gori

Publications and source records attributed to R Gori.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1986

Pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis in rats following intratracheal injection of pyrite particles.

Wistar rats were injected intratracheally with pyrite particles and after 6 and 12 mo, lungs were evaluated for histological changes. Results were compared with rats that were given particles of galena, lead silicate, travertine, and quartz. Under the light microscope no significant changes were observed in the lungs from animals treated with galena, lead silicate, and travertine. In the lungs from animals that received quartz, a typical nodular fibrosis was observed. Moreover, both pyrite-treated rats and quartz-treated rats developed pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis; the lesions were much less prominent and severe in animals injected with pyrite than with quartz. These results indicate that pyrite, like only a few other types of dust that are different from quartz, can evoke the development of pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Lead silicate toxicity: a comparison among different compounds.

The aim of this report is to point out the relative toxicity of different commercial products containing lead silicates by studying their in vitro solubility and rate of absorption via the respiratory and digestive systems, compared with those of red lead (lead tetroxide). In vitro solubility was tested, by a modified Brimsdown method, with bidistilled water, saline, blood serum, pleural fluid, and dilute hydrochloric and acetic acids as solvents. Experimental animals were administered 25 mg equivalent mean doses using an intragastric tube or endotracheal intubation. Results showed that in vitro solubility gradually increases from distilled water, through saline and biological fluids, to acidic media. Lead absorption via the respiratory system is rapid and persistent, with small differences among the tested compounds. Less information can be gained from intragastric experiments. No correlation was found between in vitro solubility and in vivo absorption. On the other hand, in vitro studies must be strictly standardized. The relative absorption of the different materials, compared with red lead showed that all of them have to be regarded as equally toxic.

Absorption↗
PubMed1983

[Interlaboratory quality control for the determination of blood lead. Initial experiences in Tuscany].

Results of an interlaboratory precision comparison programme of blood lead determination are presented. The samples consisted of bovine haemolyzed whole blood to which were added in pool small quantities of lead nitrate aqueous solutions to obtain two different concentrations of the metal (i.e. about 30 and 70 micrograms/dl). After each pool was well mixed it was divided into 15 ml portions in screw-top linear polyethylene vials and stored at -25 degrees C. The analytical methods used by the five public health laboratories participating in the programme were based on atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Three laboratories used methods which incorporate discrete sampling techniques (i.e. tantalum boat, electrothermal atomisation) and the remaining two, a method incorporating a sample preconcentration by solvent extraction and flame atomisation. During the six months period of the programme, fifty five results were obtained for each of the two pools of blood. Common statistical methods and the graphic system devised by Youden were used for data analysis. An acceptable agreement among results from the five laboratories has been obtained. The usefulness of this type of programme in improving analytical proficiency has been confirmed.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The space of passion].

The figures and speech of passion are clinically polymorphous and heterogeneous: from the baroque of the mystical ecstasy, the iconophily of religious and political ideologies, the collector's usual fetishism and the paranoiac insanity of hatred to the passions of knowing and loving. These are at the same time a passion for life as well as for self-destruction, for showing oneself as well for not knowing oneself, for representing oneself as well as for non representing oneself. Passion bares the impossible of mourning, its real point that gives a boost to the continual work. Passion confronts us to the essence of the being, to its fundamental distress. The being, whose shadow is projecting itself on the object of the passion, gives a name and a face to that object, and receives back its marks. That explains why passion is always accompanied by suffering. Moreover, passion is suffering according to its etymology: until the XVIth century, the word "passionate" meant somebody who suffered physically. The nature of the object of the passion (a relic, a part of a sentence, an indication, the track of an object or any other subject) changes nothing to the structure of the speech of passion.

Affect↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Respiratory disorders and lung function impairment in pyrite miners.

A research study was carried out at a pyrite mine in Niccioleta, southern Tuscany, during the period 1980-1983 to investigate the possible effects of gaseous and particulate pollutants on the respiratory function of mine workers. The study was undertaken to fill the gap in recent scientific information in this field and also collect data which could be used for future planning of epidemiological and environmental controls at the mine. For the most exposed underground workers a dust exposure of 1.04 mg/m3 of inhalable dust and 0.60 mg/m3 of respirable dust was found. The average quartz content was less than 1.5% in both types of dust. Median exposures of the most exposed risk group were 6.0 ppm for carbon monoxide (CO), 0.22 ppm for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), 0.09 ppm for sulfur dioxide (SO2). The health effects of gaseous and particulate pollutants were studied by comparing the respiratory symptoms and lung function data of the miners with those of a reference group. A significantly increased prevalence of simple chronic bronchitis was found among underground miners when compared to the reference group. This condition was not associated with functional impairment of obstructive nature. Chest x-rays revealed 14 cases of p type pneumoconiosis.

Adult↗