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T Slater

Publications and source records attributed to T Slater.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Respiratory symptoms, across-shift lung function changes and lifetime exposures of welders in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES: The possibility was investigated that exposure to welding fumes causes an acute decrease in pulmonary function. METHODS: Changes in the pulmonary function of 62 current welders and 75 nonwelders at the same sites and the relationship with work-related symptoms were recorded. RESULTS: Work-related cough was reported by 22.6% of the current welders and 6.7% of the nonwelders [odds ratio (OR) 4.1, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.5-11.5], and the respective figures for at least 1 work-related symptom were 30.7% and 16.0% (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0-5.2). The groups' preshift lung function did not differ. The mean percentage change from the base-line value of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) after 15 minutes of work was -2.8% (range -29.3% to +20.9%) for the current welders and +1.0% (range -20.7% to +22.6%) for the nonwelders (P = 0.01). A multivariate analysis identified current welding as the most significant risk factor for a decrease of at least 5% in FEV1.0 after 15 minutes, the risk being greater for those with no local exhaust ventilation (OR 22.4, 95% CI 4.5-113.4) than for those with personal protection only (OR 16.0, 95% CI 2.1-122.9) and those with local exhaust ventilation (OR 2.8, 95% CI 0.2-41.2) or passive exposure only (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.5-8.8). CONCLUSIONS: An acute decrease in FEV1.0 in relation to work is more prevalent among welders than among nonwelders, and is more common among welders without local exhaust ventilation than among those with it.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The self reported prevalence of asthma symptoms amongst adult New Zealanders.

AIMS: To examine the prevalence of asthma symptoms in a random population sample of New Zealand adults aged 20-44 years drawn from the general and Maori electoral rolls as phase I of an international study of asthma prevalence. METHODS: Subjects aged 20-44 years in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Christchurch, were selected randomly from the electoral rolls and sent a one page screening questionnaire, asking about respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks and asthma treatment. They were also asked to record their ethnic affiliation. Nonresponders were subsequently sent two written reminders followed by a telephone questionnaire where possible. RESULTS: A response rate of 84% was achieved. The study found a high prevalence of asthma symptoms, with 26% reporting wheezing in the last year, 8% experiencing an attack of asthma in the last year and 9% currently using asthma medication. Females were more likely to have had wheezing in the last year (26.6%) and be on treatment for asthma (9.8%) compared with males (24.7% and 7.5% respectively). Small regional differences were found with more reported symptoms and asthma treatment in Wellington and Christchurch, compared with Auckland and Hawkes Bay. Maori were more frequently symptomatic (35.2%) than nonPolynesian (24.8%) but were no more likely to report an attack of asthma (Maori 9.0%, nonPolynesian 7.7%) or be currently receiving asthma treatment (Maori 10.0%, nonPolynesian 8.6%). Asthma symptoms tended to decline with age in non Maori but increased with age in Maori. Adjustment of prevalence rates by two independent methods suggests that nonresponse bias has not significantly inflated these rates. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms of asthma and their treatment are common in young New Zealanders, affecting one in three Maori and one in four nonMaori. One in ten of this adult population currently receive asthma treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Relative time-profiles for free radical trapping, coronary flow, enzyme leakage, arrhythmias, and function during myocardial reperfusion.

A new finding is the discrimination between vascular radical concentration and rate of myocardial radical formation to investigate the pathogenic role of free radicals for the heart. For that purpose, the perfusate radical concentration (U/ml) and the rate of myocardial radical formation (U/min) were determined (using the ESR spin trap technique), and were compared to functional recovery, cellular damage, and rhythm disturbances of the reperfusion-injured hearts. The vascular radical concentration (during the first 5 min of reflow) significantly correlated to coronary flow reduction (in the same period) and contractile failure (recovery after 30 min of reperfusion). A significant correlation was found between the time-courses of radical concentration and the incidence of arrhythmias. The myocardial formation rate of free radicals (during the first minutes of reperfusion) showed a significant correlation to the following total myocardial release of creatine kinase. The results support the hypothesis that free radicals in the vascular system of the heart may contribute to the functional deterioration of the post ischemic heart. Moreover, this study provides evidence that total radical formation in the heart muscle during the first minutes of reflow is involved in the induction of tissue injury during reperfusion that may lead to the subsequent loss of intracellular enzymes.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Effects of pyridostigmine bromide on in-flight aircrew performance.

The effects of a chemical defense pretreatment drug, pyridostigmine bromide (PB), on in-flight aircrew performance were assessed using the Total In-Flight Simulator (TIFS) aircraft. TIFS was used to supply appropriate control dynamics, handling characteristics, and cockpit instrumentation for a tactical transport airdrop simulation. Twenty-one C-130 pilots flew two familiarization and four data flights. During two data flights PB was given to both members of the aircrew using the dosage regimen of 30 mg/8 h prescribed by the U.S. Air Force surgeon general. The drug was administered using a double-blind technique. The results indicated that (1) aircrews successfully completed their assigned mission, (2) airdrop inaccuracies and navigation errors in time and distance were not specifically related to PB, (3) performance and crew coordination were not affected by PB, (4) PB and pilot/copilot not discriminate beyond chance between PB and placebo conditions.

Adult↗