Metal fume fever, zinc and serum proteins

Iscrpno je opisana biološko značenje cinka. Osobita pažnja poklonjena je istraživanjima fizikalno-kemijskog stanja cinka i interakciji cinka sa serumskim proteinima. Detaljno je opisana ljevačka odnosno cinkova groznica u svjetlu novijih eksperimentalnih radova i hipoteza o mehanizmu njezinog nastajanjaA review of biologic significance of zinc is given. Particular attention is paid to the investigations of its physico-chemical state and interactions of zinc with serum proteins. Metal fume fever and zinc fever is described in details and in the light of recent experimental works and hypotheses on the mechanism of its occurrence

Feruginozna tjelešca u plućima gradskih pasa

The aim of the study was to assess health hazards induced by environmental exposure to asbestos using urban dogs as biological indicators. Samples of the lung tissue taken from 36 randomly chosen urban dogs were examined. In the group of dogs aged up to four years (n=15) ferruginous bodies were identified in only two. In the dogs older than four years (n=21) 17 were ferruginous body positive. According to Fisher\u27s exact test the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0,001). The presence of asbestos bodies in the lungs of dogs is considered to be evidence of serious contamination of urban areas with respirable mineral fibres. The more frequent presence of asbestos bodies in the lungs of the older dogs indicates long-term accumulation of mineral fibres exceeding 10 µm in length. Continuous environmental exposure of the city\u27s population to respirable mineral fibres may therefore pose a health risk.Uzorci pluća 36 slučajno izabranih gradskih pasa pretraženi su na prisutnost feruginoznih tjelešaca s namjerom da se procijeni da li izloženost vlaknatim organskim prašinama, uglavnom azbestu, iz gradskog okoliša, nosi opasnost za zdravlje. U skupini od 15 pasa do četir godine starosti, u dva su nađena feruginozna tjelešca. U drugoj skupini koja je sadržavala 21 psa starija od četiri godine, sedamnaest njih je imalo pozitivan nalaz. Prema Fisherovu egzaktnom testu postoji značajna statistička razlika (P<0.001) između dviju skupina životinja. Prisutnost azbestnih tjelešaca u plućima pasa svjedoči da su javne gradske površine yisoko kontaminirane vlaknatim mineralnim prašinama respirabilne veličine, uglavnom azbestom. Češći nalaz azbestnih tjelešaca u plućima starijih pasa upozorava na akumulaciju vlakana duljih od 10 cm tijekom duljeg vremena, a predvidive su i posljedice takve kontinuirane izloženosti vlaknatim mineralnim kontaminantima za zdravlje gradskog stanovništva

Immunological reactions in poultry food processing workers

Ispitivan je odnos respiratornih simptoma i imunoloških nalaza u 57 radnica zaposlenih na preradi hrane za perad i u 51 neizložene radnice. Prevalencija svih kroničnih respiratornih simptoma bila je značajno viša u izloženih nego u kontrolnih radnica (P<0,01) osim za profesionalnu astmu. Najviša prevalencija kroničnih respiratornih simptoma utvrđena je za kronični kašalj (49%), zatim za dispneju (43,9%), rinitis (38,6%), kronični iskašljaj (31,6%) i kronični bronhitis (26,3%). Profesionalna astma utvrđena je u 5,3% izloženih radnica. U izloženih radnica s pozitivnim kožnim prick testom na hranu za perad utvrđena je znatno viša prevalencija svih kroničnih respiratornih simptoma nego u onih s negativnim kožnim testovima, premda su razlike bile statistički značajne samo za rinitis (P<0,05). Najčešće pozitivne kožne reakcije zabilježene su na ekstrakt hrane za perad (izložene: 66,7%; kontrolne: 25,5%; P<0,05). Povišena koncentracija imunoglobulina IgE utvrđena je u 19 (33,3%) izloženih i u četiri (7,9%) kontrolne radnice (P<0,01). U tri izložene radnice sa simptomima profesionalne astme utvrđene su povišene vrijednosti IgE. Naši podaci potvrđuju prethodne rezultate upućujući na to da profesionalna izloženost prašini hrane za perad može biti povezana s razvojem kroničnih respiratornih simptoma i imunoloških promjena u izloženih radnica.The relationship between respiratory symptoms and immunological reactions was studied in 57 female workers holding jobs in the poultry food processing industry and in 51 non-exposed female workers. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in exposed than in control workers (P<0.01) except for occupational asthma. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in exposed workers was highest for chronic cough (49.1%), followed by dyspnoea (43.9%), rhinitis (38.6%). chronic phlegm (31.6%) and chronic bronchitis (26.3%). Occupational asthma was found in 5.3% of exposed workers. Exposed workers with positive skin prick test to poultry food demonstrated a higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms than those with negative skin tests, although the difference was statistically significant only for rhinitis (P<0.05). The most frequent positive skin reactions were found for poultry food extract (exposed: 66.7%; control: 25.5%; P<0.05). Increased IgE serum level was found in 19 (33.3%) exposed and in four (7.8%) control workers (P<0.01). Three exposed workers with occupational asthma demonstrated increased IgE serum level. Our data indicate that occupational exposure to poultry food dust may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and immunological changes in exposed workers

Practical value of the semi-quantitative Rainsford-Davies test for the determination of phenol in the urine of workers exposed to benzene vapour

Ispitana je vrijednost semikvantitativnog fenol testa u odnosu na kvantitativne analize. Istraživanja su provedena na grupi od 50 radnika eksponiranih parama benzena jedne zagrebačke tvornice lijekova. Kontrolna grupa bilo je 20 radnika iste tvornice. Reakcija testa se temelji na stvaranju plave boje između prisutnog fenola i 2,6-diklorkinon-4-klorimida (Gibbsov reagens) u lužnatom mediju (pH 10,15). Intenzitet boje je linearno proporcionalan koncentraciji fenola u urinu, odnosno koncentraciji benzena u zraku. Rezultati su pokazali da semikvantitativno određivanje daje vrlo dobar uvid u grupnu i individualnu ekspoziciju parama benzena. Zbog jednostavnosti i brzine izvođenja, ta metoda ima praktičnu prednost pred drugima.The value of the semi-quantitative phenol test in relation to quantitative analysis was analysed in a group of 50 workers of a Zagreb pharmaceutical works exposed to benzene vapour. The control group consisted of 20 workers of the same factory. The reaction of the test is based on the production of a blue colour by phenol and 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chloroimide (the Gibbs reagent) in an alkaline medium (pH 10.15). The colour intensity is in a linear proportion to the concentration of phenol in the urine and of benzene in the air, respectively. The results have shown that the semi-quantitative determination of phenol in relation to the quantitative one gives a very good insight into the colective and individual exposure to benzene vapour. The procedure is simple and quick, and for this reason of more practical value than other methods

Occupational asthma II. Inorganic occupational allergens and inorganic stimulators of bronchoconstriction

Kemijske tvari bilo anorganske ili organske koje izazivaju astmu u radnoj okolini mogu se podijeliti u one s antigenim svojstvima i one s nealergijskim bronhokonstriktornirn djelovanjem. Reprezentativna skupina takvih tvari su metali koji mogu djelovati i kao kemijski iritansi i/ili kao antigeni. Budući da se metali jako razlikuju u svojoj antigenosti i toksičnosti, ta su svojstvarazmotrena na temelju njihova položaja u periodskom sustavu. Opisani su profesionalni, imunološki i klinički aspekti djelovanja kroma, niklja, kobalta, platine, vanadija i aluminija na respiratorni sustav općenito a na bronhalni posebno. Kratko prikazani nemetali i persulfati istaknuti su kao primjer kombinacije mehanizama u patogenezi profesionalne astme.Chemicals in the working environment can be differentiated as those with antigenic properties and those with non-allergic bronchoconstriction activity. The representative group of such substances are metals which may act both as chemical irritants and/or as antigens. Since the metals widely differ in their antigenicity and toxicity these properties are discussed on the basis of their position in the periodic system. Occupational, imunological and clinical aspects of chromium, nickel, cobalt, platinum, vanadium and aluminium are described, especially with the regard of their action on respiratory system in general and the bronchial system particular. Briefly presented non-metals and persulphates are pointed out as an example of the combined mechanism in the pathogenesis of occupational asthma

The influence of dichlorodifluoromethan (Arcton 12, CCI2F2) on the heart of rat

Ispitano je djelovanje diklordifluormetana, Arctona 12, na srce 10 štakora. životinje koje su bile podvrgnute samo asfiksiji ili kratkoj ekspoziciji Arctonu 12 imale su blage reverzibilne promjene u elektrokardiogramu. Životinje koje su udisale Arcton 12 u vremenu od 1 do 1,5 minute imale su opsežne promjene u elektrokardiogramu i sve su uginule nakon 8-30 minuta od početka pokusa.The influence of dichlorodifluoromethane (Arcon 12) on the heart of 10 rats is studied. The animals exposed only to asphyxia or short-term action of Arcon 12 showed mild, reversible electrocardiographic changes. The animals which inhaled Arcton 12 during the period of time from 1 to 1.5 minutes had marked changes in ecg, and all died within 8-30 minutes after the beginning of experiment

Immunological status and ventilatory capacity in furriers

Ispitivali smo 54 žene zaposlene u preradi krzna (srednja dob: 34 godine; srednja duljina ekspozicije: 11 godina). Skupina od 31 neeksponirane radnice ispitivana je kao kontrola. Najveća prevalencija pozitivnih kožnih reakcija utvrđena je za kunu (10%), zatim slijede lisica i janje (7%), mink (5%), kinesko janje, domaća lisica i kineski vezir (2%). Precipitirajuća antitijela utvrđena su za janje (17%), astrahan (14%), mink, domaću lisicu i tvora (J 2%), kinesko janje (10%) i kineskog vezira (7%). Povišeni nivo ukupnog IgE utvrđen je u 9,5°/o radnica u preradi krzna. Veća prevalencija kroničnih respiratornih simptoma utvrđena je u radnica na preradi krzna nego u radnika kontrolne skupine. Ti su simptomi bili češće zastupljeni u radnica s pozitivnim kožnim testovima i pozitivnim precipitinima nego u radnica s negativnim kožnim testovima. Visoka prevalencija akutnih simptoma utvrđena je u radnica na preradi krzna. Prevalencija tih simptoma bila je viša u radnica s pozitivnim precipitirajućim antitijelima nego u onih s negativnim precipitinima. Međutim, takvi rezultati nisu dobiveni u odnosu na kožne testove. Testiranje ventilacijske funkcije pluća pokazuje akutne redukcije tijekom radne smjene, s time da su akutne redukcije bile veće u radnika s pozitivnim precipitinima, ali ne i u onih s pozitivnim kožnim testovima. Naše ispitivanje upućuje na to da ekspozicija u preradi krzna može dovesti do razvoja kroničnih i akutnih respiratornih simptoma često povezanih sa specifičnim pokazateljima atopije. Radnike koji predstavljaju rizičnu skupinu treba ukloniti s takvih radnih mjesta.A group of 54 women employed in the fur processing industry and a control group of 31 non-furriers were examined. The highest prevalence of positive immediate skin reactions to antigen from animal hair was found for marten (10%), followed by fox and lamb (7%), mink (5%) and chinese lamb, domestic fox and chinese calf {2%). Precipitating antibodies were demonstrated for lamb (17%), astrakhan (14%), mink, domestic fox and for skunk (12%), chinese lamb (10%), and chinese calf (7%). Increased total IgE was found in 9.5% of the furriers. Chronic respiratory symptoms were more prevalent among workers with positive skin tests and positive precipitins than among chose with negative tests. The prevalence of the acute symptoms was higher among workers with precipitins than in those without them. There was no such relationship between the symptoms and the results of skin tests. Acute reductions of ventilatory capacity over the work shift occurred in workers with positive precipitins but not in those with positive skin tests. Our study suggests that furriers can develop acute and chronic respiratory difficulties frequently associated with specific indicators of atopy

Distribucija 65Zn u serumskim proteinima ispitanika eksponiranih parama cinka. Ispitivanja in vitro

Human sera of the workers exposed to zine labelled with 65Zn (10-7M) in vitro, were investigated by two-dimensional electrochromatography on filter paper. It was found that immediately or 3 hours after labelling the sera with 65Zn almost all 65Zn was in the region of albumin.Ispitana je distribucija 65Zn u serumskim proteinima ispitanika, koji su profesionalno bili izloženi parama cinka. Serumi ispitanika su obilježeni sa 65Zn (I0-7M) in vitro. Separacija bjelančevina je izvršena dvodimenzionalnom elektrokromatografijom. Kako se migracioni putevi bjelančevina separiranih ovom metodom ne preklapaju nema mogućnosti da se inaktivne frakcije kontaminiraju sa 65Zn. Odmah nakon obilježavanja seruma sa 65Zn, skoro sav 65Zn se vezao na bjelančevine seruma. Gotovo sav vezani 65Zn se nalazi u albuminskom području. Elektroforetski najbrži dio albuminske zone nema radioaktivnosti. 65Zn inkubiran u istom barbituratnom puferu, pH 8,6 putuje s velikim kromatografskim efektom, kao kompleks cinka s dietil-barbiturnom kiselinom

Cardiotoxicity of propellants

Iznesen je problem kardiotoksičnosti, klor-fluornih derivata metana i etana, potisnih plinova (propellants), koji se najčešće upotrebljavaju u aerosolima. U pokusima na životinjama inhalacija potisnih plinova poremetila je srčani ritam. Zbog široke upotrebe aerosola istaknuta je nužnost daljeg istraživanja o toksičnosti potisnih plinova.The paper deals with the problem of cardiotoxicity of propellants - the chloro-fluoro derivatives of methane and ethane - which have found a large application in the production of aerosols. In animal experiments the inhalation of propellants was found to disturb the heart rhythm. Owing to extensive use of aerosols the necessity for further research into the toxicity of propellants is pointed out

Cardiotoxicity of propellants

Iznesen je problem kardiotoksičnosti, klor-fluornih derivata metana i etana, potisnih plinova (propellants), koji se najčešće upotrebljavaju u aerosolima. U pokusima na životinjama inhalacija potisnih plinova poremetila je srčani ritam. Zbog široke upotrebe aerosola istaknuta je nužnost daljeg istraživanja o toksičnosti potisnih plinova.The paper deals with the problem of cardiotoxicity of propellants - the chloro-fluoro derivatives of methane and ethane - which have found a large application in the production of aerosols. In animal experiments the inhalation of propellants was found to disturb the heart rhythm. Owing to extensive use of aerosols the necessity for further research into the toxicity of propellants is pointed out