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Biomedical subjects

S Zedda

Publications and source records attributed to S Zedda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Subclinical inorganic mercury neuropathy: neurophysiological investigations in 17 occupationally exposed subjects.

17 workers in a thermometer factory exposed to mercury for periods ranging from 1 to 40 years all had high urine and blood mercury levels on undergoing electromyographic examination. All were clinically free from central and peripheral nervous symptoms. 88% had subclinical neuropathy, mainly distal and axonal. There was no correlation between severity of the neuropathy and blood and urine mercury levels or between severity of neuropathy and duration of exposure to mercury. The presence of a subclinical neuropathy in symptomless workers exposed to mercury is perhaps the most reliable index for the detection of the early toxic effects of mercury on the peripheral nerve fiber when it is probably still reversible.

Adult

Toxicity in man due to stain removers containing 1,2-dichloropropane.

There are reports that 1,2-dichloropropane, a constituent of many commercial solvents and stain removers in Italy, has caused severe liver damage and, sometimes, acute renal failure. Between 1980 and 1983 three cases of 1,2-dichloropropane intoxication (1 by ingestion, 2 by inhalation) were observed. Clinical features included severe liver damage, acute renal failure (2 patients), haemolytic anaemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The most surprising features were haemolytic anaemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation which have not been reported before. The clinical picture was similar despite different modes of exposure.

Acute Kidney Injury

AK and ADA polymorphisms in South Sardinia.

A sample of the South Sardinia population was studied with respect to adenylate kinase (AK) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzymes. The gene frequencies were: AK1 0.975 and ADA1 = 0.933. The results were compared with those of other Italian populations.

Adenosine Deaminase

Occupational type test for the etiological diagnosis of asthma due to toluene di-isocyanate.

An occupational type exposure-test to toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) for the diagnosis of specific respiratory sensitization is proposed. The subjects were tested by exposure to a two-pot polyurethane varnish with and without TDI activator, using a paint-spraying system under standard and controlled conditions, so as not to exceed the threshold limit value of TDI. Forced expiratory volume per second and specific airway resistance (plethysmographic method) were measured before each exposure and during the following 24 h. 47 subjects with clinical symptoms of asthma were examined during their hospital care. For the purpose of this study they were divided into two groups: 42 workers exposed to TDI and 5 not exposed. The preliminary control test, using polyurethane varnish without TDI activator, was always negative and no significant changes in ventilatory parameters were recorded. The spray-painting test, with the same varnish and TDI activator, gave positive responses in 35 out of the 42 exposed workers and negative findings in the group not exposed. This method permits to formulate an accurate diagnosis of TDI respiratory sensitization in the majority of cases (83%). Immediate asthmatic reactions were frequently observed in the exposed subjects with high acetylcholine reactivity. Ten subjects showed a late bronchial reaction (3 h or more after TDI exposure).

Acetylcholine