[Synergistic exposure to noise and styrene and cochlear functionality in a sample of exposed workers: preliminary results]. / Esposizione sinergica a rumore e stirene e funzionalità cocleare in un campione di lavoratori esposti: risultati preliminari.

This study is aimed at testing the cochlear functionality using otoacoustic emissions, analyzing the synergistic effects of simultaneous exposure to noise and organic solvents EBTx on workers of a glass-reinforced plastic products factory. Exposure to organic solvents was assessed using ambiental measurements and evaluation of the salivary concentration. Biological monitoring was performed evaluating the urinary concentration of the styrene metabolites. Statistical analysis shows that otoacoustic tests can discriminate between different exposure groups. Significant differences were found between controls and subjects exposed to high styrene and low noise levels, showing the ototoxic effect (at sub-clinical level) of the styrene exposure.

[Exposure to volatile organic solvents in a group of carpentry craftsmen]. / Esposizione a solventi organici volatili in un gruppo di falegnamerie artigiane.

BACKGROUND: The wide use of volatile organic solvent-based products in wood carpentry and the possible effects of long-term exposure to low dose mixtures of these solvents prompted an investigation in a group of small enterprises. OBJECTIVES: The investigation aimed at estimating risk in wood carpentry work via assessment of exposure. METHODS: Exposure to solvents was studied in a group of 13 enterprises (selected from a group of 52), via personal samplings, both active and passive. The solvents to be examined were selected on the basis of the information contained in the technical-toxicity sheets of the products used in these factories. RESULTS: The results show an average exposure generally within the TLV-TWA recommended by the various industrial hygiene associations. However, considering the wide variability of the concentration values observed, the possibility that these limits might be exceeded in the long term cannot be excluded. Comparison of the results of active and passive samplings, showed a substantial similarity of the two systems, with evident advantages of the passive system, as far as ease of use, workers' acceptance and costs are concerned. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be a useful reference for all those (employers, occupational physicians, technicians, workers' representatives) who are required to take preventive measures especially in cases where environmental investigations are hindered by technical difficulties or are not regularly used in evaluation systems.

[Exposure to wood dust in a group of carpentry craftsmen in secondary wood processing]. / Esposizione a polveri di legno in un gruppo di falegnamerie artigiane di seconda lavorazione del legno.

In order to evaluate the risk connected with wood dust exposure in millwork on a group of 13 craft industries, 74 area dust samplings and 74 personal dust samplings were made. In personal samplings both the total portion and the respirable fraction were calculated. Area samplings showed dust levels (average, standard deviation, fiducial limit, FLS95%) under ACGIH TLV-TWA for soft wood dust: TLV-TWA for hard wood was basically reached, and OTL levels gave evidence for high risk of exceeding TLV-TWA in the medium-long term. The exposure levels by personal samplings (average, standard deviation, fiducial limit, FLS95%) were clearly over TLV-TWA, both for hard woods and, although less clear, for soft woods. OTL levels gave evidence for a frankly unacceptable exposure condition in the medium-long term. Differences between average levels of total dust exposure (2.5 mg/m3) and respirable portion (2.3 mg/m3) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) as well as the differences among the 4 groups of companies with homogeneous product activity (p > 0.05). In consideration of toxicological peculiarity of wood dust and carcinogenicity of wood manufacture as exposure circumstances classified in group 1 by IARC, the results show the need for prevention measures to reduce workers' exposure risk, by means of environmental improvement and better work organization, technological structures, individual attitudes and personal protection.

Interferon-alpha-induced biologic modifications in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Serum neopterin (Np), beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M), and 2',5'-adenylate (2',5'A) levels and intracellular 2',5'A and human Mx (Hu-Mx) protein synthesis were measured in 20-24 chronic myeloid leukemia patients before and during 1 year of IFN-alpha treatment and in a further 8-9 patients before and at the end of the first and second treatment weeks only. Univariate analysis showed that IFN-alpha increased Np and 2',5'A serum levels and intracellular concentrations of 2',5'A and Hu-Mx significantly from the end of the first week to month 12 of therapy. The biologic marker profiles were similar in cytogenetic responders and nonresponders, as well as in patients treated with IFN-alpha early (< 12 months from diagnosis) or late (after > 12 months standard chemotherapy). Further, there were no differences in the short-term (first 14 days) or long-term (during 12 month therapy) induction of the biologic markers irrespective of whether IFN-alpha 2a or IFN-alpha 2b was given. Because multivariate analysis revealed no significant interactions between cytogenetic response, time to treatment, and type of IFN-alpha used, increments in intracellular 2',5'A and Hu-Mx protein were similar at all study times for all factor combinations tested. Np levels varied significantly only during the first 14 therapy days; changes in serum 2',5'A were never statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Double-blind randomized phase I study on the clinical tolerance and pharmacodynamics of natural and recombinant interferon-beta given intravenously.

The clinical tolerance and biological properties of 6 x 10(6) IU of Chinese hamster glycosylated recombinant interferon-beta (rHuIFN-beta) and natural IFN-beta (Frone) given i.v. were compared in 12 healthy volunteers in a randomized cross-over, double-blind trial. All subjects received a single injection of each type of IFN-beta. Both were well tolerated and provoked similar changes in clinical indices. Serum neopterin (Np) values increased significantly from the 24th to 72nd h post-injection of rHuIFN-beta and Frone. beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2-M) serum levels were statistically above baseline 24-96 h after rHuIFN-beta, and from the 24th to the 120th h with Frone. Both IFNs provoked a rise in intracellular 2',5'-adenylate (2-5A) levels from the 10th to the 48th h, as well as in Hu-Mx synthesis, which was significant from the 10th to the 96th h. Serum levels of 2-5A, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) remained unchanged. There were no statistical differences in the changes provoked by the two differently derived IFN-beta in any of the biological parameters studied. Overall, the results of this study indicate that rHuIFN-beta and Frone have similar pharmacodynamics.