Effects of dimethylformamide (DMF) on coagulation and platelet activity.

The effects of dimethylformamide (DMF) on hemostatic functions, especially on platelet activity, were examined both in vitro and in vivo in 15 workers exposed to DMF (27 mg/m3, median value). Twenty-eight control subjects who were not exposed to DMF, but comparable for age, anthropometric data, and smoking habits, were also studied. Workers exposed to DMF showed a decrease in the number of platelets and had longer coagulation times, probably due to a change caused by DMF on the membrane receptor of platelets and on the phospholipid components of the clotting system.

[Changes induced by dimethylformamide on platelet function and coagulation activity]. / Modificazioni indotte da dimetilformamide (DMF) sulla funzionalita' piastrinica e sull'attivita' coagulativa.

The effect of Dimethylformamide on platelet function and on clotting system has been studied on eight workers exposed to the product, widely used in industry as a solvent of acrylic resins. A significant reduction of the number of the platelets and a drawing out of PTT and PT has been noticed. Such informations has been explained as chronical peripheral use or as modification of phospholipid components induced by DMF instead of synthesis defect, as no significant variation of the fibrinogen and of AT III values, proteins synthetized by liver, has been observed. The platelet aggregation has pointed out, in vivo, a reduction of ADP aggregation in the exposed subjects; in vitro, increasing quantities have determined an increasing reduction of the primary ADP and adrenaline aggregation.

[Study of a group of subjects occupationally exposed to tartaric acid]. / Indagine su un gruppo di soggetti con esposizione professionale ad acido tartarico.

The Authors report the results of an investigation carried out in a factory producing tartaric acid in order to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure to this substance. A group of 44 subjects exposed to the acid and a group of 30 subjects not exposed, as a means of control, were submitted to anamnestic questionnaire, othorinolaringoyatric examination, spirometry, bronchodilatation test with salbutamol. Our data show a higher prevalence of oropharyngeal and cutaneous lesions in the exposed subjects, while no difference between the two groups was found for dental, bronchial and gastric lesions.

[Simplification of periodic audiometric tests in persons exposed to industrial noise. An operative proposal]. / Semplificazione dei controlli audiometrici periodici in esposti a rumore industriale. Una proposta opertiva.

Today the pure tonal audiometric test is the most used in periodical screening of the "hypoacusis" hazard in exposed patients because of its easy performance. The high number of patients to be tested and the screening frequency suggested to simplify the annual checks by testing only some of the frequency to be tested is made on the basis of the first complete audiogram performed according to a scheduled scheme. Available screening data and testing on the field show that a consistent reduction in testing time is possible and that the complete exam is reliable.

[Lead automated microdetermination in capillary samples of blood by a flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy (author's transl)]. / Determinazione del piombo in sangue capillare mediante impiego di un microcampionatore automatico per forno di grafite.

A method for lead determination in capillary samples of blood based on flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy in connection with an automated microsampling system is described. For such determinations 50 microliter of heparinized whole blood samples from the fingertip or from the ear lobe are sufficient. Immediately after sampling blood is diluted in ratio 1:5 by an aqueous 0.05% Silicon Antifoam solution. Correlation between lead capillary from the same subjects and venous blood levels sampled from the same subjects and in the same sampling session is highly significant and well suited for routine clinical use.