PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Molinini

Publications and source records attributed to R Molinini.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Occupational exposure to asbestos and urinary bladder cancer.

By the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersion spectrometry the amount (mean value mean = 191 +/- 94 fibers/mg of tissue) and the type (chrysotile and tremolite) of asbestos fibers have been determined in tissue samples of four bladder cancer patients affected by pulmonary asbestosis, working in the same plant producing asbestos-cement pipes and boards. Similar measurements were carried out on samples of bladder cancers of eight control patients not professionally exposed to asbestos. Only five of them also revealed chrysotile fibers (mean = 151 +/- 196 fibers/mg of tissue). The paucity of the study and control cases and the small quantitative difference between them regarding the presence of infraneoplastic asbestos fibers does not consent us to hypothesize a causal relationship between tumor and occupational exposure.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm count suppression without endocrine dysfunction in lead-exposed men.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm count suppression without endocrine dysfunction in lead-exposed men.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Total and partial O2 and CO2 ductances in workers exposed to inhalation of cement-asbestos].

The aim of the study was to assess the efficiency of the respiratory system in ensuring the correct dynamics of respiratory gases in subjects chronically exposed to the inhalation of asbestos-cement dust but not yet suffering from parenchymal asbestosis, via measurement of total and partial O2 and CO2 ductance coefficients (Du). Two groups of male workers of working age were selected, the first consisting of 22 workers employed on the manufacture of asbestos-cement products, the second consisting of 26 workers who had never been exposed to the inhalation of significant concentrations of occupational respiratory irritants. The two groups were comparable for age, smoking, and normal spirometric parameters for FVC, FEV1 and PEF, and were free of any type on interstitial lung disease according to ILO standards. In the exposed group, all O2 and CO2 ductance coefficients were significantly lower than in the non-exposed, except DuBCO2 (alveolar-capillary ductance for CO2). Measurement of O2 and CO2 lung ductances at rest thus revealed an impairment of the diffusion and of the interpulmonary exchange of blood and air in subjects chronically exposed to the inhalation of asbestos-cement dust. In the sample under study, such impairment preceded lung damage detectable by spirometric and radiological tests and was an obstacle not only to oxygen intake but also to the elimination of carbon dioxide.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[3 cases of poisoning caused by wine contaminated with lead].

Three cases of lead poisoning of non occupational origin as result of drinking contaminated homemade wine are described. The source of lead most likely was the ceramic inner surface of the container used for wine fermentation and/or the cement used for filling up slots between ceramic tiles. The lead content of wine was found to be 40 mg/l whereas maximum allowed level in Italy is 0.3 mg/l. Treatment with calcium versenate given intravenously solved gastroenteric symptoms. Further investigations were reassessed six months after the acute episode showing both blood and urine parameters still below the normal range for adults occupationally not exposed to lead. Awareness of family physicians in early recognition of these episodes is recommended. Furthermore such hazard should be considered when choice of materials for containers delegated to wine fermentation is made, since home wine making is a widespread practice in our country.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Pneumoconiosis in bauxite miners].

The authors examined a group of 40 miners who were being working at an Apulian bauxite mine, presently inactive. Radiographic findings of pulmonary micronodulation without significant reduction of lung functions were showed in 15 miners. Mineralogical analysis of mine dust samples excluded any presence of more than 1% free silica. As a result of this study hypotheses have been formulated about pathogenesis of this moderated and non-invasive pneumoconiosis, showed in long exposed subjects to low silica content dusts.

Aged↗