Burnt sugarcane harvesting is associated with rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers / Colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada está associada a sintomas de rinite e marcadores inflamatórios

Abstract Introduction: Burnt sugarcane harvesting requires intense physical exertion in an environment of high temperature and exposure to particulate matter. Objective: To evaluate the effects of burnt sugarcane harvesting on rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers in sugarcane workers. Methods: A total of 32 male sugarcane workers were evaluated with questionnaire for rhinitis symptoms, and for inflammatory markers on peripheral blood and nasal lavage, in the non-harvesting, and 3 and 6 months into the sugarcane harvesting period. Weather data and particulate matter fine concentrations were measured in the same day. Results: The particulate matter concentrations in sugarcane harvesting were 27 (23-33 µg/m3), 112 (96-122 µg/m3), and 63 (17-263 µg/m3); 24 h temperatures were 32.6 (25.4-37.4 ºC), 32.3 (26.7-36.7 ºC) and 29.7 (24.1-34.0 ºC) and relative humidities were 45.4 (35.0-59.7%), 47.9 (39.1-63.0%), and 59.9 (34.7-63.2%) in the non-harvesting period, three and 6 months of the harvesting period. The age was 37.4 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence of rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher at 3 months of the harvesting period (53.4%), compared to non-harvesting period (26.7%; p = 0.039) and at 6 months into the harvesting period (20%; p = 0.006). Concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in nasal lavage increased after 3 months of the harvesting period compared to the non-harvesting period (p = 0.012). The presence of rhinitis symptoms, after 3 months of the harvesting period, was directly associated with blood eosinophils and inversely associated with neutrophils. Conclusions: After 3 months of work in burnt sugarcane harvesting the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms and IL-6 in nasal lavage increased. Furthermore, eosinophil counts were directly associated with the rhinitis symptoms in the period of higher concentration of particulate matter.

Resumo Introdução: A colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada requer esforço físico intenso em um ambiente com altas temperaturas e exposição a material particulado. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada nos sintomas de rinite e marcadores inflamatórios de cortadores de cana-de-açúcar. Método: Foram avaliados 32 cortadores de cana-de-açúcar do sexo masculino por meio de um questionário para sintomas de rinite, e marcadores inflamatórios em sangue periférico e lavado nasal, no período de entressafra, e em 3 e 6 meses após o início da colheita da cana-de-açúcar. Os dados climáticos e as concentrações de material particulado fino foram medidos no mesmo dia. Resultados: O material particulado fino na entressafra e em 3 e 6 meses de safra foi 27 (23-33 µg/m3), 112 (96-122 µg/m3) e 63 (17-263 µg/m3), respectivamente; a temperatura de 24 horas foi 32,6 (25,4º-37,4ºC), 32,3 (26,7º-36,7ºC) e 29,7 (24,1º-340ºC) e a umidade relativa do ar foi 45,4 (35,0%-59,7%), 47,9 (39,1%-63,0%), e 59,9 (34,7%-63,2%), na entressafra, 3 e 6 meses após o início da colheita. A idade foi de 37,4 ± 10,9 anos. A prevalência de sintomas de rinite foi significativamente maior em 3 meses da S (53,4%), comparado com a entressafra (26,7%; p = 0,039) e 6 meses da safra (20%; p = 0,006). As concentrações de interleucina 6 (IL-6) no lavado nasal aumentaram após 3 meses do início da colheita comparado com a entressafra (p = 0,012). A presença de sintomas de rinite, após 3 meses do início da colheita, foi diretamente associada com eosinófilos e inversamente associada com neutrófilos. Conclusões: Após 3 meses do início da colheita da cana-de-açúcar queimada, houve aumento na prevalência de sintomas de rinite e IL-6 em LN. Além disso, as contagens de eosinófilos foram diretamente associadas aos sintomas de rinite no período de maior concentração de material particulado.

Analysis of serum microRNA expression in male workers with occupational noise-induced hearing loss

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a prevalent occupational disorder that impairs auditory function in workers exposed to prolonged noise. However, serum microRNA expression in ONIHL subjects has not yet been studied. We aimed to compare the serum microRNA expression profiles in male workers of ONIHL subjects and controls. MicroRNA microarray analysis revealed that four serum microRNAs were differentially expressed between controls (n=3) and ONIHL subjects (n=3). Among these microRNAs, three were upregulated (hsa-miR-3162-5p, hsa-miR-4484, hsa-miR-1229-5p) and one was downregulated (hsa-miR-4652-3p) in the ONIHL group (fold change >1.5 and Pbon value <0.05). Real time quantitative PCR was conducted for validation of the microRNA expression. Significantly increased serum levels of miR-1229-5p were found in ONIHL subjects compared to controls (n=10 for each group; P<0.05). A total of 659 (27.0%) genes were predicted as the target genes of miR-1229-5p. These genes were involved in various pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-1229-5p dramatically inhibited the luciferase activity of 3′ UTR segment of MAPK1 (P<0.01). Compared to the negative control, HEK293T cells expressing miR-1229-5p mimics showed a significant decline in mRNA levels of MAPK1 (P<0.05). This preliminary study indicated that serum miR-1229-5p was significantly elevated in ONIHL subjects. Increased miR-1229-5p may participate in the pathogenesis of ONIHL through repressing MAPK1 signaling.

Insulin resistance and associated factors: a cross-sectional study of bank employees

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance is characterized by the failure of target cells to respond to normal levels of circulating insulin, and this condition is related to cardiovascular disease. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of insulin resistance and its association with markers of metabolic abnormalities and metabolic syndrome in bank employees. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 498 working men and women aged ≥20 years old. The Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to determine the presence of insulin resistance based on cut-off values of ≤2.71 for normal insulin levels and >2.71 for insulin resistance, as established for the adult Brazilian population. RESULTS: It was observed that the 52 (10.4%) overweight individuals with insulin resistance were 4.97 times (95%CI 1.31-18.83) more likely to have high HOMA-IR values than the normal-weight participants; among those who were obese, the likelihood increased to 17.87 (95%CI 4.36-73.21). Individuals with large waist circumferences were 3.27 times (95%CI 1.03-10.38) more likely to develop insulin resistance than those who were within normal parameters. The HOMA-IR values differed between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, with values of 2.83±2.5 and 1.10±0.81 (p=0.001), respectively. The levels of insulin, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and uric acid were also associated with insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of insulin resistance among bank employees is high, and insulin resistance is associated with and serves as a marker of metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome-associated metabolic abnormalities were observed, and insulin resistance may be a risk factor in this group of professionals.

Nutritional, meaabolic and cardiovascular correations of morning cortisol in hhealth care workers in a gastroenterology service / Correlações nutricionais, metabólicas e cardiovasculares do cortisol matutino em profissionais da saúde de um Serviço de Gastroenterologia

Background Workplace stress has been associated with obesity. Diminished body weight has also been anticipated in some contexts. Objective In a cohort of healthcare personnel, morning cortisol was compared to nutritional and metabolic variables, aiming to identify the correlates of such marker. Methods Population n=185, 33.8 ± 9.8 years, 88.1% females, body mass index (BMI) 25.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2, included nurses and other nosocomial professionals, the majority with high social-economic status (75.2%). Participants were stratified according to BMI, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Fasting plasma cortisol and the Framingham Coronary Risk Score was calculated. Results Mean cortisol was acceptable (19.4 ± 7.9 µg/dL) although with elevation in 21.6%. No correlation with FBG or MS occurred, and nonobese persons (BMI <25) exhibited the highest values (P=0.049). Comparison of the lowest and highest cortisol quartiles confirmed reduced BMI and waist circumference in the former, with unchanged Framingham Coronary Risk Score. Conclusion Cortisol correlated with reduced BMI. Despite low BMI and waist circumference, Framingham Coronary Risk Score was not benefitted, suggesting that exposure to cardiovascular risk continues, besides psychological strain. Initiatives to enhance organizational and staff health are advisable in the hospital environment. .

Contexto O estresse no ambiente de trabalho tem sido associado com obesidade. Peso corporal diminuído também tem sido relatado em algumas circunstâncias. Objetivo Numa casuística de profissionais da saúde, o cortisol matutino foi comparado com variáveis nutricionais e metabólicas, objetivando identificar as correlações de tal marcador. Métodos A população com n=185; 33,8 ± 9,8 anos; 88,1% mulheres, índice de massa corporal (IMC) 25.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2, incluía enfermeiros e outros funcionários nosocomiais, em sua maioria (75,2%) com nível sócio-econômico elevado. Os participantes foram estatrificados de acordo com IMC, glicemia de jejum, e síndrome metabólica. O cortisol de jejum e o escore Framingham de risco cardiovascular foram registrados. Resultados O cortisol médio era aceitável (19.4 ± 7.9 µg/dL), todavia com valores elevados em 21,6%. A glicemia de jejum e a síndrome metabólica não exibiram correlação, sendo que no tocante ao IMC, os não obesos (IMC <25) apresentaram o cortisol mais alto (P=0,049). Comparando-se os quartis superior e inferior do cortisol, confirmou-se o vínculo com o IMC e perímetro abdominal mais baixos, com escore Framingham de risco cardiovascular inalterado. Conclusão O cortisol alterado concentrou-se nos casos de IMC mais reduzido. A despeito do baixo IMC e perímetro abdominal, esta população não se beneficiou de escore de risco cardiovascular menor, sugerindo que, mesmo na ausência de obesidade, este grupo estava exposto a elevado risco cardiovascular, ao lado do estresse. Iniciativas direcionadas para melhor saúde organizacional e da equipe de profissionais, são recomendáveis no ambiente hospitalar. .

Sensibilidade ao Látex e Dosagem de Anticorpos Específicos em Profissionais da Área da Saúde / Sensitivity to latex and the dosage of specific antibodies in professionals in the area of health

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência da reação de sensibilidade ao látex e realizar dosagem de anticorpos antilátex em profissionais dos cursos de odontologia, medicina e enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória-ES, Brasil. Estudo observacional, transversal. A amostra intencional foi composta por 295 profissionais. A sensibilidade foi avaliada por meio de questionário estruturado e validado, e a presença de IgE-látex por meio da coleta de 10ml de sangue submetido a análise com emprego do sistema Immunocap-Pharmacia®. Os valores IgE-látex foram distribuídos em diferentes classes. Resultados: 22,4, por cento (n=66) apresentaram sensibilidade ao látex, classe V IgE latex (17,6-42 KUA/L); 77,6 por cento (n=229) sem sensibilidade, classe 0 IgE-látex (<0,35KUA/L). O teste de Fisher mostrou correlação estatística significativa (p<0,05) em relação às seguintes variáveis: gênero; atopia; eczema nas mãos; alergia a medicamento; doença crônica; uso de anti-inflamatório; cirurgias anteriores. Conclusão: Observou-se valores positivos de IgE-látex nos profissionais com sensibilidade ao látex, sugerindo a necessidade de adoção de medidas profiláticas para a prevenção e ou adequação do ambiente de trabalho, preservando a saúde destes trabalhadores.

The scope of this study was to verify the occurrence of sensitivity to latex and conduct dosage of anti-latex antibodies in health professionals of the Dental, Medical and Nursing Schools of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional observational study. The intentional sample was composed of 295 professionals. Sensitivity was evaluated by means of a structured and validated questionnaire and the presence of IgE-latex by means of collection of 10 ml of blood submitted to analysis using the Immunocap-pharmacia® system. The IgE-latex values were categorized in different groups. Results: 22.4 percent (n=66) showed latex sensitivity, class V of the IgE latex (17.5-42 KUA/L); 77.6 percent (n=229) showed no sensitivity, class 0 or 1 of the IgE-latex (<0.35KUA/L-8,6KUA/L). Fisher's test showed a significant correlation statistic (p<0.05) in relation to the following variables: gender; atopy; eczema of the hands; allergy to medicination; chronic illness; use of anti-inflammatory; prior surgeries. Conclusion: Positive values of IgE were observed in the professionals with sensitivity, suggesting the adoption of prophylactic measures for the prevention and or adaptation of the work environment, preserving the health of these workers.

Anticuerpos contra Leptospira sp. en primates neotropicales y trabajadores de un zoológico colombiano / Leptospiral antibodies in a Colombian zoo's Neotropical primates and workers

Objetivo Detectar anticuerpos contra Leptospira sp. en primates neotropicales y funcionarios de un zoológico colombiano e identificar factores de riesgo de la enfermedad. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en 65 primates y 20 funcionarios del Zoológico. Las muestras fueron procesadas mediante la técnica de Microaglutinación macroscópica (MAT) usando un cepario de referencia conformado por 21 serovares de Leptospira sp. Se aplicó un instrumento estructurado al personal evaluado para identificar factores de riesgo. Resultados La seroprevalencia de la infección por Leptospira sp. fue del 25 % (5/20) en el personal y 23,07 % (15/65) en los monos neotropicales. Los serovares más frecuentes entre los funcionarios fueron bataviae, gryppotyphosa y hurstbridge. En los monos neotropicales predominaron los serovares icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona y ranarum. Las especies mono araña negro (Ateles fusciceps), mono cariblanco (Cebus albifrons) y tití gris (Saguinus leucopus), presentaron mayor reactividad. La mayor proporción del personal usaba dotación de protección. Conclusiones Se evidenció el contacto de los primates neotropicales y del personal con diferentes serovares de Leptospira. El uso de la dotación de protección y el tiempo de experiencia de los funcionarios del zoológico se consideraron como factores protectores de la enfermedad. Se sugiere que existe un riesgo de transmisión de leptospirosis, en los animales del zoológico y el personal, siendo por lo tanto importante fortalecer la vigilancia epidemiológica activa e implementar programas de promoción y prevención.

Objective Detecting antibodies against Leptospira spp. in Neotropical primates and workers in a Colombian Zoo and identifying the risk factors associated with the disease. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed regarding 65 Neotropical primates and 20 zookeepers. The samples were processed by microagglutination test (MAT) using a reference strain collection consisting of 21 Leptospira serovars. The people being evaluated were given a structured survey to identify risk factors. Results There was 25 % (5/20) Leptospira spp. infection seroprevalence in the staff and 23.07 % (15/65) in Neotropical monkeys. The most frequently occurring serovars in workers were bataviae, gryppotyphosa and ranarum; icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona and ranarum were the predominant serovars in non-human primates. The black spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps), white-fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons) and white-footed tamarin (Saguinus leucopus) showed the highest reactivity. Most of the personnel were using protective clothing. Conclusions The contact between primates and zookeepers involving different Leptospira sp. serovars was evident. Zoo personnel using protective clothing and their length of experience were considered to be protective factors for the disease. There may be a risk of Leptospira transmission between zoo animals and staff, and it is therefore important to strengthen active surveillance and implement promotion and prevention programs.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and related factors in Taiwanese high-tech industry workers

OBJECTIVES: In light of the increasing number of high-tech industry workers and the differences in their working conditions compared to those of the general population, the health status of these workers merits serious attention. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its correlates among Taiwanese high-tech industry workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 4,666 workers who participated in labor health examinations at a hospital in southern Taiwan in 2008. Participants with metabolic syndrome were defined using the criteria proposed by the Taiwan National Department of Health in 2007. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 8.2 percent, and the prevalence was higher in men than in women (14.0 percent vs. 2.3 percent, p<0.01). Male gender, advanced age, elevated white blood count, and elevated levels of blood biochemistry markers, such as alanine aminotransferase and uric acid, can independently predict metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among high-tech industry workers is lower than in the general population. Our study's findings may facilitate early health assessments and the provision of proper workplace health promotion programs to reduce the risks faced by high-risk workers.

Plumbemia em trabalhadores da indústria de reciclagem de baterias automotivas da Grande Porto Alegre, RS / Blood lead levels in the battery recycling industry of the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, RS

A reciclagem de baterias pode contaminar o ar, o solo e a água, não só no lugar de processamento, mas também nas regiões circunvizinhas, sendo que os resíduos permanecem no local mesmo após o término da atividade. No presente artigo descrevemos os resultados da avaliação da plumbemia em 53 operários que trabalhavam com reciclagem de baterias automotivas e em 53 indivíduos sem história de exposição. Os dados obtidos foram comparados e discutidos em relação às normas do Ministério do Trabalho (MT) e da Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A plumbemia no sangue do grupo controle foi de 2,44±1,15 µg/dl e, no grupo exposto, de 59,43±28,34 µg/dl, sendo que 79,2 por cento dos indivíduos mostraram níveis acima do valor de referência (até 40 µg/dl). Estudos recentes recomendam estratégias para prevenir a intoxicação com chumbo: identificação, eliminação ou controle da fonte, monitoração da exposição e respectivos danos e um programa de recompra de baterias usadas das por parte da indústria de origem.

Battery recycling may contaminate soil, air and water not only at the processing site but also in the neighboring areas, inasmuch as the residues remain at the site even after the end of the activity. In the present article, we describe the results of plumbism evaluation in 53 individuals that work with car battery recycling and 53 individuals without history of lead exposure. The obtained data were compared and discussed according to the regulations of Brazilian Ministry of Labor and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Blood lead levels in the control group were 2.44 ± 1.15 µg/dl and 59.43 ± 28.34 µg/dl in the exposed group. 79.2 percent of the individuals presented levels above the reference value (40 µg/dl). Recent studies recommend strategies to prevent lead intoxication: source identification, control or elimination, monitoring of environmental exposure and hazards and a buy-back program of used batteries by the industry of origin.

Uso do chumbo em urina como indicador de exposição e sua relação com chumbo no sangue / Use of urine lead level as an exposure indicator and its relationship to blood lead

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se há correlação estatisticamente significativa entre as concentrações de chumbo no sangue (Pb-S) e urina (Pb-U). A espectrometria de absorção atômica eletrotérmica foi utilizada na determinação da concentração de chumbo no material biológico. As amostras de sangue e de urina foram coletadas entre trabalhadores expostos ocupacionalmente (95) e entre adultos (130) e crianças até 15 anos (22) expostos ambientalmente. Após um teste que mostrou diferenças significativas entre Pb-U e as três categorias previamente determinadas, pontos de corte em Pb-U puderam ser fixados para a predição dos valores de Pb-S pela curva ROC. Assim, para Pb-U até 0,55 µg.dL-1, pode-se esperar que Pb-S seja menor do que 10 µg.dL-1, ao passo que níveis de chumbo no sangue até 27,6 µg.dL-1 são esperados quando o teor do metal na urina é menor do que 2,05 µg.dL-1. Logo, a urina pode ser utilizada em substituição ao sangue para avaliação da exposição ocupacional ao chumbo. Contudo, recomenda-se cautela no caso da exposição ambiental, devendo-se utilizar o chumbo urinário como uma estimativa do conteúdo do metal no sangue.

The aim of this work was to verify whether there are statistically significant correlation between the concentrations of lead in blood (Pb-B) and urine (Pb-U). Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was used in the determination of lead concentration in biological material. Venous blood and spot urine were collected from workers occupationally exposed (95), adults (130) and children up to 15 years old (22) environmentally exposed. After a test showing significant differences between Pb-U and the three categories previously determined, cutting points for Pb-U were established to predict Pb-B values by the ROC curve. Thus, it is expected that Pb-B is lower than 10 µg.dL-¹ with Pb-U up to 0.55 µg. dL-¹, whereas lead levels in blood below 27.6 µg. dL-¹ are expected when the amount of the metal in urine is lower than 2.05 µg.dL-¹. So, urine can be used to replace blood for the assessment of the occupational exposure to lead. However, caution is advised in the case of environmental exposure, since urinary lead should be used just as an estimation of the metal content in blood.

Determinación y estandarización de plomo en sangre en operarios de estaciones de servicio del Estado Mérida / Blood lead determination and standardization in petrol station workers in the State of Merida

En este trabajo se ha determinado el contenido de plomo (Pb) en sangre en operarios de estaciones de servicio de la ciudad de Mérida (Venezuela) y en un grupo de personas no expuestas ocupacionalmente. Las muestras de sangre provenientes de sujetos de ambos sexos n=21 (controles) y n=65 (personal expuesto) fueron procesadas por absorción atómica con atomización electrotérmica (ETAAS). Las concentraciones obtenidas de 15,27±9,62 y 83,74±28,95 µg/L para los grupos denominados como control y expuesto respectivamente, muestran diferencias altamente significativas que evidencian una exposición directa al Pb, por cuanto los valores del grupo expuesto ocupacional son más de 5 veces superiores a los del grupo control. Los resultados obtenidos también muestran que valores iguales o superiores a 54,79 µg/L son indicadores de exposición directa al Pb, permitiendo establecer valores de tolerancia entre los intervalos de 24,89 y 112,69 µg/L. Estos valores de referencia se encuentran por debajo de lo descripto por Burguera y cols. (1997), lo cual podría atribuirse al reemplazo gradual de la gasolina con plomo, en los últimos años, que ha llevado a una disminución de un 27% en los niveles de plomo en sangre, en comparación con un estudio similar realizado en esta misma ciudad en el año 1997.

In this work the lead (Pb) content in blood was determined in petrol station workers in the city of Merida-Venezuela and in a group of people not occupationally exposed. The blood samples coming from subjects of both sexes n=21 controls and n=65 exposed workers were processed by atomic absorption with electrothermal atomization (ETAAS). The 15.27±9.62 and 83.74±28.95 µg/L concentrations obtained for the group referred to as control and exposed respectively show highly significant differences that evidence a direct exposure to Pb, since the values of the occupationally exposed group are more than 5 times higher than those of the control group. The results obtained also show that values equal to or higher than 54.79 µg/L are indicative of direct exposure to Pb, making it possible to establish tolerance values between the 24.89 and 112.69 µg/L intervals. These reference values are below what was reported by Burguera et al (1997) which could be attributed to the gradual substitution of gasoline for lead that has originated a 27% decrease in lead levels in blood, if compared with a similar study carried out in the same city in 1997.

Prevalencia de alteraciones hematologicas en intoxicación ocupacional por plomo

Objetivos: establecer la prevalencia de sintomas y alteraciones hematologicas asociadas con intoxicacion por plomo (Pb), asi como asociaciones exposicion-efecto. Diseño: transversal analitico en dos fases. Tamizaje inicial de niveles de Pb en individuos expuestos a plomo en razon de su actividad laboral y seleccion de los intoxicados con plomo como cohorte de estudio. Marco de referencia. Nueva empresas fabricantes de baterias de Santa Fe de Bogota. Participantes se realizo el tamizaje de niveles de Pb venoso en 287 hombres mayores de 17 años de edad, conformandose una cohorte de estudio de 51 trabajadores intoxicados, con base en un nivel de Pb venoso mayor de 76 ug/dL. Mediciones principales. Evaluacion clinica, cuantificacion de Pb, valoracion cualitativa de depositos de hierro y analisis citomorfologico en muestras de medula osea, frotis de sangre periferica para analisis citomorfologico, determinaciones automatizadas de cuadro hematico completo, recuento de reticulocitos, indices eritrocitarios y coeficiente de variabilidad de tamaño de los globulos rojos. Resultados: De los intoxicados 74.5 porciento tuvieron al menos una manifestacion clinica sociada de manera inespecifica con algun sistema organico. la manifestacion clinica mas comun fue la cefalea en 43.1 porciento de casos, seguida por el colico abdominal en un tercio de los casos. la frecuencia de anemia (hemoglobina <14g/dl) fue de 5.9 porciento, explicada por deficiencia de hierro en solo un caso. Se encontro punteado basofilo en los eritrocitos en el 58,8 porciento. La microcitosis y la hipocromia se encontraron en igual proporcion en intoxicados con adecuados depositos de hierro en la medula osea, que en los depletados de hierro de deposito. La celularidad de la de la medula osea fue esencialmente normal en la mayoria de los casos. No se encontro correlacion exposicion-efecto estadisticamente significativa en trabajadores intoxicados. Conclusiones: El que ningun cambio relevante se haya apreciado en el cuadro sanguineo ni en la medula osea de trabajadores intoxicados con Pb, no significa que niveles de Pb susperiores a 76 ug/dL sean seguros desde el punto de vista hematologico

Serum cholinesterase levels of vector control workers in Trinidad, West Indies 1979-1982

During the period 1979-1982, serum cholinesterase levels were determined in blood samples collectedfrom workers employed at the Insect Vector Control Division, Trinidad, W.I. A total of 1,162 blood samples were collected, of which 116 showed suppressed cholinesterase levels. Those workers with low serum cholinesterase levels included 46 residual spraymen, 66 Aedes aegypti operators and 4 controls. The difference in number of spraymen and Aedes operations with low cholinesterase levels was significant (p<.001). No significant differences were found in the number of Aedes operators with low cholinesterase levels from North and South Trinidad. Similarly, no differences were found in the number of residual spraymen from North and South Trinidad with low cholinesterase levels. A total of 7 Aedes operators and 4 residual spraymen had persistently low serum cholinesterase levels. It is likely that the main areas of absorption were the hands and forearms, with further absorption occurin via respiration. The need for continuous monitoring and supervision of vector contro workers who handle insecticides is stressed