Objektive und subjektive physiologische wirkungen des passivrauchens

Zusammenfassung 33 Versuchspersonen wurden in einer Klimakammer dem Nebenstromrauch von Zigaretten ausgesetzt. Wir bestimmten die Lidschluhäufigkeit wahrend des Versuches sowie %FEV₁/VK, MMEAS and Herzfrequenz vor und nach der Rauchexposition. Reizwirkungen und Belästigung wurden durch Fragebogen periodisch ermittelt. Die Konzentrationen von CO, NO, NO₂, Formaldehyd und Akrolein wurden wahrend des ganzen Versuches gemessen. Eine positive Korrelation ergab sich zwischen der Schadstoffkonzentration and den Augen- and Nasenirritationen bzw. der Lids chlußhäufigkeit. Die Augen reagierten auf Zigarettenrauch am empfindlichsten. Die Belastigung durch die Beeinträchtigung der Luftqualität erwies sich als empfindlichstes Kriterium. %FEV₁/VK, MMEAS and die Herzfrequenz änderten sich wahrend des Versuches nicht in signifikanter Weise. Es besteht eine hochsignifikante Korrelation zwischen Lidschlußhäufigkeit and subjektiven Augenreizungen. Mit 10 Zigaretten/30 m3 erreichte Akrolein den MAK-alert (0.1 ppm), wahrend gleichzeitig CO (22 ppm) den MIK-alert von 10 ppm weft überschritt. Bei dieser Rauchbelastung zeigten 22% der VP eine mittlere, starke oder sehr starke Augenirritation, die Lidschlußhäufigkeit von 78% der VP hatte sich mindestens verdoppelt and 70% wünschten den Raum zu verlassen". Schlüsselwörter: Passivrauchen - Irritationen -Lidschlußhäufigkeit - Lungenfunktionen - Belastigung - Rauchanalyse.

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Physiological and psychological effects of passive smoking

Summary Thirtythree subjects were exposed in a climatic chamber to cigarette smoke (side stream) produced by a smoking machine. We determined eye blinking rate during exposure, as well as %FEV₁/VC, MMF, and heart rate immediately before and after exposure. Irritating effects and annoyance were periodically recorded by means of a questionnaire. The concentrations of CO, NO, NO₂, formaldehyde and acrolein were measured.A positive correlation exists between the concentration of the irritants and eye irritation, nose irritation respectively blinking rate. The eyes are the most sensitive organ to cigarette smoke. Annoyance due to air quality proved to be the most susceptible criterion. %FEV₁/VC, MMF and heart rate were not significantly affected during exposure. There is a highly significant correlation between eye blinking rate and subjective eye irritations.With 10 cigarettes/30 m³ acrolein reaches 0.1 ppm, the threshold limit value for industries. Simultaneously, CO (22 ppm) exceeds the clean air standards for outdoor air. At this exposure level, 22% of the subjects show a moderate, strong or very strong eye irritation. The moderate blinking rate of 78% of the subjects doubled at least, and 70% wish to leave the room.

Frau Elisabeth Sancin danken wir für die technische Assistenz. — Der Association Suisse des Fabricants de Cigarettes (ASFC) danken wir für die materielle Unterstützung dieser Arbeit.     

Wirkungen niedriger Kohlenmonoxidkonzentrationen auf den Menschen

Summary The effects of a 3 h exposition to 150 ppm CO on the flicker fusion frequency and the subjective assessment of 20 subjects have been investigated under two different experimental conditions (monotonous and activating). In the monotonous situation the exposition to CO has induced a relative "activation" of the subjective feelings.

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Les effets d'une faible concentration de monoxide de carbone sur l'homme

Résumé Les effets d'une exposition de 3 h à 150 ppm de CO sur la frequence critique de fusion et sur les sentiments subjectifs de 20 sujets ont été analysés dans deux conditions expérimentales différentes (monotone et activatrice). En situation monotone, l'exposition au CO a provoqué une "activation" relative dans le domaine subjectif.

     

Passivrauchen am Arbeitsplatz

Zusammenfassung In 44 Arbeitsräumen wurden Ausmass und Wirkung der Luftverunreinigung durch Tabakrauch untersucht. Dazu wurden die Konzentrationen von CO, NO, Nikotin und der Partikelmasse bestimmt und 472 Arbeitnehmer über Belästigungen und Reizerscheinungen befragt.Die Mittelwerte der auf den Tabakrauch zurückzuführenden Fremdstoffkonzentrationen sind: CO=1.1 ppm, NO=32 ppb, Nikotin=0.9 g/m³, Partikelmasse=133 g/m³. Die Verwendung einer Leitkomponente wird diskutiert.Ein Drittel der Arbeitnehmer beurteilt die Luftqualität bezüglich Rauch im Arbeitsraum als schlecht. 40% der Befragten werden durch die Rauchluft gestört. Ein Viertel der Personen gibt Augenreizungen an. Die Mehrheit der Arbeitnehmer befürwortet eine Trennung der Räume in Raucher- und Nichtraucherräume. Dies scheint uns die geeignetste Massnahme zum Schutz der Nichtraucher am Arbeitsplatz.

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Passive smoking at work

Summary The air pollution due to tobacco smoke and its effects on employees were investigated in 44 work-rooms. For that purpose the concentration of CO, NO, Nicotine and the Particulate Matter were determined and 472 employees were interviewed about annoyance and irritations.The mean values of the concentrations of the components due to tobacco smoke are: CO=1.1 ppm, NO=32 ppb, Nicotine=0.9 g/ m³, Particulate Matter =133 g/m³. The use of an indicator is discussed.One third of the employees qualifies the air with regard to smoke at work place as bad. 40% of the interviewed persons are disturbed by smoke. One quarter of the persons indicates eye irritations. The majority of the employees supports a separation of the rooms in smoking and non-smoking areas. This seems to be the most appropriate preventive measure for the protection of the nonsmokers at work.

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Exposition passive à la fumée de tabac au poste de travail

Résumé Le degré de pollution de l'air due à la fumée de tabac ainsi que ses effets ont été étudiés à 44 postes de travail. Pour ce faire, les concentrations de CO, NO, nicotine et des particules en suspension ont été déterminées et 472 employés ont été interrogés sur la gÊne et les irritations.Les valeurs moyennes des concentrations des composantes provenant de la fumée de tabac sont les suivantes: CO=1.1 ppm, NO=32 ppb, nicotine=0.9 g/m³, particules en suspension=133 g/m³. L'utilisation d'une substance indicatrice pour les effets d'une exposition passive à la fumée est discutée.Un tiers des employés estime que la qualité de l'air relatif à la fumée de tabac est mauvaise. 40% des personnes interrogées sont dérangées par l'air enfumé. Un quart des personnes indique avoir des irritations des yeux. La majorité des employés se prononce en faveur d'une séparation des postes de travail en pièces pour fumeurs et pièces pour non-fumeurs. Ceci nous semble Être la mesure la plus appropriée pour la protection des non-fumeurs au poste de travail.

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Herrn Wolfgang Klöckner danken wir für die wertvolle Mitarbeit bei den Luftanalysen.Dem Schweizerischen Nationalfonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (Kredit Nr. 3.912-0.78) danken wir für die finanzielle Unterstützung der vorliegenden Untersuchung.     

A study of primary dental enamel from preterm and full-term children using light and scanning electron microscopy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the enamel thickness of the maxillary primary incisors of preterm children with very low birth weight (< 1,500 g) compared to full-term children with normal birth weight. METHODS: A total of 90 exfoliated maxillary primary central incisors were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three serial buccolingual ground sections of each tooth were examined under light microscopy, and maximum dimensions of the prenatally and postnatally formed enamel were measured. RESULTS: The enamel of preterm teeth was approximately 20% thinner than that for full-term teeth. Most of the reduction was observed in the prenatally formed enamel. This was 5 to 13 times thinner than that for full-term children (P<.001). The "catch-up" thickness of postnatally formed enamel did not compensate fully for the decrease in prenatal enamel (P<.001). Although none of the teeth used in this study had enamel defects visible to the naked eye, 52% of preterm teeth showed enamel hypoplasia under SEM, compared with only 16% found on full-term teeth (P<.001). These defects were present as pits or irregular, shallow areas of missing enamel. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm primary dental enamel is abnormal in surface quality, and is significantly thinner compared to full-term enamel. The thinner enamel is due mainly to reduced prenatal growth and results in smaller dimensions of the primary dentition.     

Echography in brain imaging in intensive care unit: State of the art

Transcranial sonography (TCS) is an ultrasound-based imaging technique, which allows the identification of several structures within the brain parenchyma. In the past it has been applied for bedside assessment of different intracranial pathologies in children. Presently, TCS is also used on adult patients to diagnose intracranial space occupying lesions of various origins, intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, midline shift and neurodegenerative movement disorders, in both acute and chronic clinical settings. In comparison with conventional neuroimaging methods (such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance), TCS has the advantages of low costs, short investigation times, repeatability, and bedside availability. These noninvasive characteristics, together with the possibility of offering a continuous patient neuro-monitoring system, determine its applicability in the monitoring of multiple emergency and non-emergency settings. Currently, TCS is a still underestimated imaging modality that requires a wider diffusion and a qualified training process. In this review we focused on the main indications of TCS for the assessment of acute neurologic disorders in intensive care unit.     

A coprological survey of parasites of wild carnivores in Ireland

The increasing movement of people to wilderness areas, shrinking of wildlife habitats and the resulting urbanisation of wildlife has led to growing concerns about the transfer of parasitic diseases, particularly from contaminated faeces. Faecal samples from wild carnivores in Ireland were examined for the presence of protozoan and nematode parasites. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) samples (n?=?91) were positive for Uncinaria stenocephala (38 %), Eucoleus aerophilus (26 %), Toxocara canis (20 %), Trichuris vulpis (4 %) and Isospora-like oocysts (9 %). Badger (Meles meles) samples (n?=?50) were positive for Uncinaria criniformis (40 %), E. aerophilus (6 %) and Isospora-like oocysts (16 %). No parasites were observed in pine marten (n?=?48; Martes martes) faeces. Approximately 5 % of American mink (Mustela vison) samples were positive for Cryptosporidium by polymerase chain reaction (identified as Cryptosporidium andersoni (n?=?3) and ‘mink’ genotype (n?=?1)). The results suggest that wild carnivores in Ireland have a range of parasites, although it is unclear from the present study to what extent these infections are associated with morbidity. While it can be expected that, via their faeces, wild carnivores contribute to the spread of these parasites, they are unlikely the primary source of environmental contamination. Therefore, they should not always be the principal target of control measures.     

Unusual presentation of leptospirosis in the late stage of pregnancy

Here we report a case of leptospirosis without fever during the late stage of pregnancy in which the initial clinical presentation was more suggestive of a pregnancy-related liver dysfunction rather than an infectious disease. A 32-year-old primipara at 37 week of gestation was hospitalised with a 10-day history of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain without fever. Initial routine blood tests showed hyperbilirubinemia, a moderate increase in transaminase levels, severe coagulopathy and an increased creatinine level. On clinical suspicion of pregnancy-related liver dysfunction such as HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, low platelet count) or acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), emergency caesarean section was performed and a healthy baby was delivered. Postoperatively, the patient was stable, but 5 days later she developed clouding of consciousness, severe jaundice and respiratory failure. At this time, an infectious disease was considered and leptospirosis was confirmed by serological tests. In conjunction with intensive care management, antibiotic therapy was given; the patient was discharged in good condition and her baby did not develop signs of active leptospirosis. While leptospirosis is rare in pregnancy, this is the first report of acute infection without fever mimicking the clinical pattern of HELLP syndrome or AFLP