Lead level in blood and urine of fishermen in Canh Duong village, Phu Loc, Thua Thien Hue province

Background: In Viet Nam, there were many researches on determining lead level in blood, food and environment. But until now, there were not researches on determining lead level in fishermen community. Objectives: Determine trace amount of lead by von-ampe dissolve anot using electrode BiFE. Analysis on trace amount of lead in blood and urine of fishermen in Canh Duong village. Propose solutions for preventing lead poisoning in studied community. Subjects and method: Fishermen in Canh Duong village, Phu Loc, Thua Thien Hue province. The method differential pulse-anodic stripping voltametry (DP-ASV) using Bismuth Film Electrodic in situ was successfully applied to measure lead levels in blood and 24h urine of fishermen in Canh Duong village. Results: The mean level of lead in blood of the suspected group (fishermen) in Canh Duong village (34,7 \xb5g/dL) was higher than that of the control group (16,3 \xb5g/dL). For both groups, 37 out of 40 blood samples (92,5%) had lead level higher than WHO\u2019s recommended level (10 \xb5g/dL). Especially, 6 of 40 blood samples (15%) had lead level higher than 50 \xb5g/dL. The lead level in 24h urine of suspected group had slightly higher (about 1,2 times) than that in the control group. The lead level of the two groups was much higher than the normal level. Conclusion: The method DP-ASV/BiFE in situ was applied successfully to determine lead level in blood and 24h urine. The investigative results of related information showed that: the risk of chronic lead poisoning in studied community very high.

Noise pollution, occupational failing hearing and occupational hearing loss among auto-engineering workers in Hue city

Background: Noise pollution has seriously negative effects on worker\u2019s health, especially their hearing ability. Occupational hearing loss is one of 21 insured occupational diseases. Occupational hearing loss is common in workers in transpostation, construction, energy heavy and light industry areas. Objectives: 1. To determine the degree of noise pollution in Thua Thien Hue Unity Auto Mechanical Joint Stock Company. 2. To evaluate occupational failing hearing and occupational hearing loss among workers in the company. 3. To promote preventive measures which imnimize occupational failing hearing and occupational hearing loss. Subjects and method:A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in 254 employees in Thua Thien Hue Unity Auto Mechanical \r\n', u'Joint Stock Company. Results and Conclusion: 72.7% the employees of Thua Thien Hue Unity Auto Mechanical \r\n', u'Joint Stock Company have exposed to environmental noise at the level higher than the permitted one. The rate of occupational failing hearing among these people is rather high (33.1%), and occupational hearing loss rate is 11.8%. There is a increased rate of occupational hearing loss according to the employee\u2019s age and seniority. Proposed preventive measures should be immediately conducted (P < 0.05).\r\n', u'

Adrenal myelolipoma and lipoma

Introduction: Adrenal myelolipomas and lipomas are extremely rare benign tumors. They are usually asymptomatic and in most cases are incidentally found at radiological examinations or autopsy. Symptoms such as abdominal pain and increasing girth occur only when the tumor grows large. Objectives: To evaluate and treat this situation. Subjects: We report the case of a giant adrenal myelolipoma with dimensions of 9 x 8 x 8cm and a giant adrenal lipoma with dimensions of 20 x16 x 12cm. Firstly, in a 48 year old man admitted to hospital on the 18 January 2005 without symtoms of adrenal lipoma or adrenal mylolipoma and another one is a 25 year old man who was hospitalized on the 8 December, 2004 with pain in the right hip since two months prior, normal blood pressure and undiscovered tumor by hand. Result: Other tests were normal. Looking at the CT scan images, a dark and consistent block located between the liver and right kidney can be seen. It pushed and turned the right kidney. Both of them were resected by laparoscopy. Conclusion: We discuss the prevalence, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of these uncommon tumors.

Remark on the various clinical characteristics and treatment results of mobile tongue cancer at K Hospital from 1994 to 2004

Background: Tongue cancer is the most common cancer in oral cavity and often occurs in men over 50 years of age. Although it can be detected early, most patients have late diagnosis and treatment. Objectives: Remark on various clinical characteristics and treatment result of mobile tongue cancer at K Hospital from 1994 to 2004. Subjects and method: A prospective study was carried out on 290 patients with mobile tongue cancer treated in K Hospital between 1994 and 2004. Results: Among the 290 patients, there were 102 women and 170 men, the male/female ratio = 1.4:1. Cancer of the tongue was most seen at the age of 50-69 years old (52.2%). Common initial symptoms were the tumor of the tongue (27.6%) and tongue ulceration (28.3%). 91% of lesions were on the free border of the tongue. 45.9% patients had metastases in local lymph nodes. Most patients were diagnosed at the advance stage (stage III: 43.8%, stage IV: 25.5%). Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 99.3%. 38.2% of cervical non-palpable nodes were pathological metastases. Surgical treatments and radiotherapy were commonly used (24.1% and 43.1%, respectively). Conclusion: Tongue cancer often metastasized early into cervical lymph nodes. It is required to diagnose at the early stage to improve treatment outcomes.