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A E Di Rosa,
S Gangemi,
M Cristani, C Fenga,
S Saitta,
E Abenavoli,
S Imbesi,
A Speciale,
P L Minciullo,
G Spatari,
S Abbate,
A Saija,
F Cimino
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ABSTRACT: Today the most important problem in the work place is psychological abuse, which may affect the health because of high levels of stress and anxiety. There is evidence that most psychiatric disorders are associated with increased oxidative stress but nothing is reported about the presence of oxidative stress in mobbing victims.
This study has been carried out in a group of 19 patients affected by workplace mobbing-due adjustment disorders, in comparison with 38 healthy subjects, to evaluate whether oxidative stress may be induced by mobbing.
Serum levels of protein carbonyl groups and of nitrosylated proteins, biological markers of oxidative stress conditions, were higher than those measured in healthy subjects.
These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the redox homeostasis dysregulation occurring in victims of workplace mobbing.
Biological psychology 09/2009; 82(3):308-11. · 4.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We previously showed that apoptosis in the lungs of sheep exposed to fluoro-edenite fibres is induced via the receptor pathway. The present study was performed to gain further insights into the mechanisms of activation of programmed cell death induced by the fibres. Fluoro-edenite fibres are similar in size and morphology to some amphibolic asbestos fibres. They have been found in benmoreitic lavas, in the local stone quarry, in building materials and in road paving at Biancavilla, a town in eastern Sicily (Italy), where epidemiological surveys revealed a cluster of mortality from pleural mesothelioma. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Since fluoro-edenite has been shown to activate the apoptotic process, we set out to characterise the expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins in fluoro-edenite-exposed lung disease and sought to determine if apoptosis results from fluoro-edenite exposure. Lung tissue from apparently healthy sheep habitually grazing near Biancavilla was processed for immunohistochemical localisation of bcl-2 and bax. Results showed epithelial and interstitial bax overexpression, especially in cells directly in contact with the fibres, and negative bcl-2 immunoexpression. TUNEL-positive cells were detected in alveoli and connective tissue. The integrity of alveolar epithelium and alveolar apoptosis are critical determinants in the pathways that initiate fibrogenesis in the lung and fibroblastic foci are usually found close to abnormal or denuded alveolar epithelium. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that apoptosis is an important mechanism for removing cells with irreparable fluoro-edenite-induced genetic changes that predispose them to a neoplastic evolution.
Histology and histopathology 04/2008; 23(3):319-26. · 2.48 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common ocular disorders encountered in clinical practice. The clinical manifestations of MGD are related to the changes in the tear film and ocular surface with symptoms of ocular discomfort. In recent years, many surveys have evaluated symptoms associated with the use of Video Display Terminals (VDT), and VDT use is recognized as a risk factor for eye discomfort. The aim of the present study was to determine if the presence of MGD contributes to the signs and symptoms of ocular discomfort during the use of VDT.
In course of a routine health surveillance programme, a group of 70 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria and responded to a questionnaire about symptoms of ocular discomfort. The following ocular tests were performed: tear break-up time, fluorescein corneal stain, and basal tear secretion test.
A total of 52 subjects out of 70 (74.3%) had MGD. A statistically significant correlation between the symptoms of ocular discomfort and hours spent on VDT work was observed in the total population (r=0.358; P=0.002; 95% CI 0.13-0.54) and in the group of subjects with MGD (r=0.365; P=0.009; 95% CI 0.103-0.58). Such correlation was not shown in subjects without MGD.
The high prevalence of MGD among the subjects with symptoms of ocular discomfort suggests that this diagnosis should be considered when occupational health practitioners encounter ocular complaints among VDT operators. It appears that MGD can contribute to the development of ocular discomfort in VDT operators.
Eye 02/2008; 22(1):91-5. · 1.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this pilot study was to relate the eye symptoms complained of by subjects working in the operating rooms of a hospital in southern Italy, with the observations of alterations of the ocular surface.
An epidemiological study was carried out by a questionnaire aimed at investigating the prevalence of ocular discomfort symptoms among 213 subjects working in operating rooms and 40 subjects working in the wards. The investigated symptoms were the following: tiredness, heaviness, burning, redness, tearing, itching, blinking, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. A randomised comparative study of the ocular surface and conjunctival cytology was also carried out, comparing two groups of age- and gender-matched subjects. Group 1 included 24 subjects randomly chosen from the operating room workers with ocular discomfort symptoms; group 2 included ten subjects randomly enrolled from hospital personnel working in the wards. Ophthalmological examination of the ocular surface was performed on each subject in the following order: slit-lamp examination, break-up time (BUT) of the pre-corneal tear film, corneal fluorescein stain, lachrymal basal secretion test, conjunctival impression cytology.
A high prevalence (72.3%) of ocular discomfort symptoms was reported by operating room workers, while in ward personnel the prevalence was 55% (P = 0.04). The ocular tests showed that the conjunctival features and BUT were statistically significantly altered in subjects in group 1. Also, the conjunctival impression cytology study showed statistically significant alterations of all the investigated parameters: specimen cellularity, cell-to-cell contacts, nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, chromatin pattern, goblet cell distribution, keratinisation and the total cytological score.
Our results show that self-reported eye complaints and ocular surface alterations have a high prevalence in subjects working in the operating rooms. This seems to indicate that the operating room environment could play a role in the onset of the eye disturbances.
Archiv für Gewerbepathologie und Gewerbehygiene 04/2001; 74(2):123-8. · 1.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research is to estimate the causal and/or pre-existing causal influence of some working factors, such as the standing (position) in pelvic pain syndrome, in relation to the reduction in working performance.
The research was carried out by means of an inclusive questionnaire, the purpose being to analyse anamnestic and working information. The questionnaire was proposed to a group of female sanitary staff selected in relation to their working activity.
Examination of the questionnaire shows prominently the association between pelvic pain and orthostatic working activity, kept not below 4-6 hours each duty. In fact, 70% of the people selected have reported this mutual relationship.
Working activities in the orthostatic position can produce pelvic pain, whose origin and intensity seem to be related to extended orthostatic working activity. The mechanism by which the upright position can produce an outbreak of pelvic pain in women seems to be linked to the compression on abdominal vessels, with slowing-down and reduction of the hematic uterine discharge.
Minerva ginecologica 04/2000; 52(3):69-72.
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ABSTRACT: Back disorders are a major health problem in many occupations. Physical loads at work, such as manual materials handling frequent bending and twisting, lifting, and forceful movements, have been identified as possible risk factors for low back pain (LBP). Aim of the present study was to evaluate the rehabilitative treatment in the chronic lumbago.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 29(3 Suppl):586-7.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asthenopia and work with video display terminals (VDT). 62 office workers (29 males and 33 females), that use VDT for more than 20 hours each week, were investigated by means of standardized questionnaires (elaborated by the Italian Society of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene). The authors analyzed the prevalence of occupational asthenopia and its correlation with the duration of weekly VDT use and the presence of refractive alterations. It was demonstrated a prevalence of asthenopia of 51% and a statistically significant correlation between the entity of asthenopic symptoms and number of weekly hours and years of work at VDT, in particular in subjects with presbyopia.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 29(3 Suppl):500-1.
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Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 23(4 Suppl):15-23.
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Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 24(3):202-4.
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the prevalence of latex sensitisation and latex-related symptoms, we performed a study on 837 hospital employees. All subjects were asked for medical and occupational history, and underwent Skin Prick Test (SPT) with latex and other airborne allergens. The results showed a prevalence of latex sensitisation of 6.1% and a prevalence of symptoms of 5.26%. The most frequent symptoms were oculorhinitis, dermatitis and asthma. The one-year retrospective evaluation showed, in a group of 767 hospital attendants selected by the whole population, an incidence of sensitisation of 0.26%; no new cases of latex-related symptomatology were observed. The improvement of symptoms was due to the reduction of the exposure to latex gloves. The results of the study confirm the importance of prevention strategies.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 23(4):448-53.
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to present a surveillance health protocol concerning the procedures and measurement suitable to highlight the "Office Eye Syndrome". Some researches showed that fully enclosed environment, with air conditioning system and sealed windows promotes objective changes accompanied by self reported complaints. Therefore it is important to perform a regular health check-up to prevent the ocular surface disturbances.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 22(3):265-8.
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ABSTRACT: Petroleum and its derivatives are a complex mixture of many constituents in varying proportions, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers and additives. It is well established that petroleum derivatives are absorbed through the skin but exposure has not been quantified. Manifestations of cutaneous exposure vary from squamous cell carcinoma to irritative contact dermatitis such as occurs in the workplace. The aim of the investigation was to evaluate cutaneous histomorphological alterations in a group of 10 healthy workers occupationally exposed to repeated and low amounts of gasoline for a prolonged period. Histological examination and immunocytochemical techniques were performed after taking punch biopsies. The results showed the presence of perivascular lympho-plasma cell infiltration and leucocyte cells scattered in the dermal layer. A mild increase in epidermal Langerhans cells was also observed while the detection of the Ki-67 antigen in keratinocytes gave a normal appearance. In conclusion, the overall histomorphological and immunological features was not specific, but resembled skin reactions due to several irritative agents. Such skin alterations can lead to contact dermatitis.
La Medicina del lavoro 92(1):25-31. · 0.32 Impact Factor
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Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 24(3):188-91.
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ABSTRACT: The analysis of the epidemiological studies carried out in Italy give us the idea for a very precise survey of the occupational leptospirosis. We have identified the occupational hazards and the precautionary measures. In Italy the first epidemiological data about human leptospirosis goes back to 1917. During following decades were highlighted several occupational forms of leptospirosis, specifically seasonal epidemics among rice-workers. Epidemiological studies carried out in Italy from 1950 to 1990 showed that leptospirosis was again widespread although precautionary measures and there was a probable spread of the "minor leptospirosis" at the same time of common cases of "major leptospirosis". The latest data issued by Ministry of the Health related years '94-'97 confirm the persistence of leptospirosis, for the most part in the north. However there is a problem of underestimate because many times human leptospirosis show itself with minor clinical forms. In the working environment is essential the function of the Medico Competente. He must avail himself of the precautionary measures for the biological risk specified in D.lgs 626/94.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 22(3):223-8.
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ABSTRACT: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staphylococcus that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Staphylococcus infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The present study was performed to investigate the in vitro activity of oxacillin and other antimicrobial agents against S. aureus strains obtained from nursing personnel. The study included 56 hospital personnel of Universitary Policlinic of Messina. S. aureus strain was isolated in 14 samples (25%); resistent patterns have been studied and results have demonstrated: none methicillin resistant, while 14% oxacillin and tetraciclin resistant. The incidence of methicillin sensitive was 100%, while 86% proved to be sensitive to oxacillin and tetraciclin. In conclusion, the usually hygienic methods (disposable gowns, hygienic hand disinfection after each patients contact, masks use when is a risk of aerosolization of MRSA) are indicate for significantly reducing of these strains. Continuing education programmes can help to increase awareness among hospital staff.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 29(3 Suppl):416-7.
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ABSTRACT: Expression of human involucrin (hINV) a protein of the cornified cell envelope, was studied in the skin of gasoline storage workers, in order to evaluate the effects of the exposure to petroleum derivatives. A total of 25 forearm skin punch biopsies were carried out. Twenty of which were performed on exposed subjects and five on controls. The specimens were processed for immunohistochemistry and hINV expression was evaluated using an anti-hINV monoclonal antibody and the ABC technique. Percentage of immunolabeled keratinocytes was significantly higher in subjects exposed to gasoline with respect to the control sample. A premature hINV expression was detected both in suprapapillary and interpapillary keratinocytes. Such overexpression of hINV seems to be related to an attempt of increasing skin defence mechanism. Therefore it was concluded that also in absence of clinical skin manifestation the exposure to gasoline determines an involvement of keratinocytes on molecular basis.
Bollettino della Società italiana di biologia sperimentale 76(9-10):67-72.
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ABSTRACT: The objective of the present research was to evaluate the effect of environmental parameters (temperature, air velocity, relative humidity, illumination level, cubature) on ocular symptoms (tiredness, tearing, redness, blinking, itching, burning, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and heaviness) in a group of 54 male Video Display Terminal (VDT) workers. The subjects were employed in a public office placed in Messina and naturally ventilated; the investigation was performed in Spring time. Information about the ocular symptoms, occurring during the workshift, were gathered through a questionnaire; environmental measurements were performed by a data collector LSI. The results showed that 43 subjects out of 54 (79%) reported a lack of eye comfort; in addition the illumination level, temperature and air velocity were not consistent with those suggested by the Italian Regulatory Authority. A significant correlation between illumination level, temperature, air velocity and eye discomfort (tearing, heaviness, blinking, photophobia itching, respectively) was found. The Authors conclude that the inadequate environmental condition, possibility in interaction with the indoor chemical contaminants and the workload at VDT, may be responsible for the irritative eye symptoms complained by VDT-workers at workplace.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 27(4):417-21.
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ABSTRACT: Brucellosis is a world-wild zoonosis of bacterial origin. In Italy, where reporting of the disease is mandatory, the incidence is 2.1 cases every 100,000 inhabitants, but tends to be higher in southern regions. However, the incidence decreased from 1999 to 2002.
Five cases of occupational brucellosis, four slaughter-house operators and one veterinary surgeon, were reported in a slaughter-house in south-eastern Sicily employing 15 people.
A study of the slaughtering process for sheep and goats led to identification of 23 different operations, some of which involved greater probability of infection: animal consignment; unloading and leading animals from the stable to the trap; strangling and bleeding; skinning and removal of mammary glands; removal and processing of abdominal viscera; post-mortem examination; mobile equipment and facility maintenance, and washing/disinfection. All affected workers had participated in one or more of these operations.
Eradication of brucellosis in stock-farms should lead to the disappearance of the human disease, since the two are closely related. Despite legislation aimed at eradicating brucellosis in cattle, which has been in force since 1992, the prevalence of the human disease has risen in Italy, especially in Sicily. Within the framework of prevention, occupational physicians should exercise specific surveillance of brucellosis risk by carefully examining the plasma antibody content of workers involved in the slaughtering process. Occupational health physicians should also provide ad hoc information regarding the infectious agent and modes of transmission during slaughtering operations as well as specific training in the use of protective equipment, which is the only way of providing protecting from contagion by infected animals.
La Medicina del lavoro 96(2):134-41. · 0.32 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Recent legislation regarding the safety of workers aboard fishing vessels requires the appointment by ship owners of a Reference Physician in charge of health surveillance, preventive inspections and related tasks. As maritime workers, especially fishermen, have always been excluded from legal protection of occupational health, there are no exhaustive data on the incidence of their occupational disease. Several epidemiological studies of fishermen have evidenced a high prevalence and incidence of occupational conditions, among which noise-related hypoacousia. We report data of a phonometric survey conducted aboard six fishing vessels carrying a crew of less than six fishing in the mid-Adriatic. Measurements were performed during fishing and navigation aboard five vessels fitted with a fixed-pitch propeller and during fishing only aboard one vessel fitted with an controllable pitch propeller. Measurements were conducted: 1) in the engine rooms; 2) in the work area on deck; 3) at the winch; 4) in the wheelhouse; 5) in the mess-room and kitchen; 6) in the sleeping quarters. Results show that the equivalent sound pressure level in the engine rooms consistently exceeded 90 dBA on all vessels. The speed of the vessels fitted with the fixed-pitch propeller is 3-4 knots in the fishing phase and around 10 knots during navigation to and from the fishing grounds; noise emission is lower with the former regimen because of the smaller number of engine revolutions per minute. Our survey demonstrated considerably different noise levels in the various areas of vessels. One key element in workers' exposure, the tasks assigned and the environmental working conditions is of course the type of fishing in which the vessel is engaged. Further phonometric studies are required to assess the daily level of exposure per crew member, which represents the reference for the noise-related risk of each subject. Knowledge of the sound pressure levels in the work environment and the length of daily exposure of each crew member will allow to assess the level of occupational exposure and consequently enact the proper prevention and protection measures by the Reference Physician.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 26(3):191-6.
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ABSTRACT: Vibration exposure of the hand-arm system is associated with an increased risk of upper-limb vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal lesions, or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The prevalence of occupational HAVS and upper-limb disorders was studied among 278 Forestry Service workers in Sicily and Calabria. Subjects who used chain-saws (18 weeks/year) had a greater prevalence of peripheral sensory-neural disturbances (28%), upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders (33%) and carpal tunnel syndrome (19%) compared with 260 manual workers from the same Corps not exposed to hand-transmitted vibration. Raynaud's phenomenon was comparable in exposed and control subjects (5.3% vs. 4.7%.) Upper-limb neuropathies were significantly associated with energy-equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration; exposure duration; and cumulative vibration dose (m2/s4h). The variable "years of work with vibrating tools" was strongly associated with peripheral neuropathies; carpal tunnel syndrome; and upper-limb musculotendinous syndromes. Data suggest that in Sicily and Calabria, where the climate is milder than in other areas of Italy, forestry work with hand-held vibrating tools does not entail a greater prevalence of peripheral vascular disorders (Raynaud's phenomenon), while the prevalence of occupational upper-limb neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, in which combined ergonomic and mechanical risk factors have a large pathogenic role, is significantly increased.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia 29(3 Suppl):592-3.
