Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1)
Use of IS6110 DNA fingerprinting in tracing man-to-man transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Czech Republic
Kremer K., D.van Soolingen, Půtová I., Kubín M.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):3-6 
The epidemiological relationship between tuberculosis cases in a prison and between cases within five families was investigated. Therefore, the isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using insertion sequence IS6110 as a probe. In case of 11 patients, the expected links of transmission were confirmed by RFLP typing. In contrast, in case of 4 patients the conclusion of classical contact tracing were not in agreement with the DNA fingerprinting results. These findings reinforce the usefulness of this recently developed technique as an additional tool in contact tracing. The...
Immune response to exhaust gases derived from two-cycle combustion engine following experimental exposure
Reichrtová E., Bencko V.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):7-10
Experimental exposures using laboratory Wistar rats inhaling the exhaust gases derived from a two-cycle combustion engine under the chamber conditions have been carried out. Immune response reflecting a burden of the respiratory system in the exposed animals following the respiratory exposure has been investigated. In variously designed exposure experiments, the dynamics of pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) activity to phagocyte particular antigen (sheep red blood cells), the hemolysis production, the total serum complement level and the capacity of the pulmonary clearance from the inhaled silica dust have been examined. The findings revealed the...
Xenobiotics in food. I. Metabolic phthalate degradation
Weidenhoffer Z., Turek B., Mitera J.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):11-15
In conjunction with the programme of monitoring the food contamination by one of the most widely distributed contaminants - phthalic acid esters - the present investigation was focused on the elucidation of metabolic transformations of phthalates in the organism of the rat and humans and on assessment of the phthalate content of beef and pork liver. As a model substance di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was selected. The paper contains new information on the mechanism of metabolic oxidative phthalate degradation in the rat, identifies the structure of intermediary products and suggests a reaction breakdown pattern. The balance of phthalate excretion from...
Immunotoxic effects of carbon tetrachloride - the effect on morphology and function of the immune system in mice
Jírová D., Sperlingová I., Halasková M., Bendová H., Dabrowská L.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):16-20
Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), a polychlorinated hydrocarbon, is known for its hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritancy. Some epidemiological studies suggest possible carcinogenicity of CCl4. This substance is still present in industrial wastes and in the environment. As the major role of the immune system is immunosurveillance against cancer, we decided to follow the morphological and functional changes of the immune system during acute and subchronic exposures to CCL4 in mice. Mice (A/PhJ) were exposed i.p. to 1.7 mmol CCl4/kg b.w./day administered in olive oil (total volume 0.2 ml), for 2, 7, 14, 23 days. We evaluated: morphology of thymus,...
Impact of pesticides to groundwater resources in an alluvial plain using a geographical information system
Riparbelli C., Ferioli A., Azimonti G., Regidore C., Battipede G., Maroni M.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):21-24
A methodology to evaluate the impact of pesticides to drinking water resources in an agricultural region has been applied in an Italian alluvial plain using a Geographical Information System (GIS). With this technology it is possible to store, process and represent geographical data and update them according to the environmental characteristics. The studied area, covering a surface of 500 km2, is located immediately south of Milan, in the alluvial plain of the Po river. The DRASTIC model (1) has been utilized in order to evaluate the intrinsic vulnerability of aquifers, DRASTIC is a quantitative method proposed by EPA to identify pollution potential...
Contribution to occupational angiopathy diagnosis using special examination method
Buchancová J., Javorka K., Tomíková K., Mesko D., Klimentová G., Zibolen M., Buchanec J., Reznák I.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):26-32
The authors presented 1642 cases of professional diseases caused by vibrations (VD) and 435 cases of extremity overload disease (EOD) diagnosed in the years 1974-1993. In addition to the standard rheoplethysmography there were evaluated the results of digital laser Doppler flowmetry (Moor instruments, UK) in 104 workers exposed to vibration (EV) and 25 controls with the age and smoking habit standardisation. In the selected subgroup were used continual measurements of digital blood pressure (Finapress, Ohmeda), digital LD flux and speed and the measuring of digital skin and central body temperature simultaneously. The records before and after 10 min...
The dynamics of changes of upper extremities caused by vibrations and unilateral excessive load after discontinued risk exposure
Havlásková J.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):33-35
The main aim of our research was evaluation of changes affecting vessels and peripheral nerves of patients with disorder of the upper extremities caused by vibrations and also peripheral nerves due to excessive loads. We evaluated both groups of these patients after two and five years' discontinued exposure. During both examinations 90% of these subjects reported persistence or deterioration of their complaints. We found by objective examination of persons with disorders caused by an excessive load in 80% cases significant improvement of the neuropathy already after two years. But five years after absence from risk exposure we found only a slight further...
Reduction of the vibration of the hand-arm system by optimization of rotary hammer drills
Weinert K., Gillmeister F.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):36-39
When operating a hand-held vibrating power tool, for example impact drills and rotary hammers, high vibration loads are introduced into the hand-arm system of the operator. In the long run these mechanical vibrations can lead to health problems of the hand-arm system. Hammer drilling tools for treatment of mineral materials are offered with many different designs of the cutting edge in the diameter range between 16 mm and 50 mm. In this research project the influences of the cutting edge design of drilling tools on the vibration characteristics of rotary hammers are investigated. The vibration exposure of the hand-arm system due to the tool and the...
Hand-arm vibration hazard and prevention in China
Xiao J.M., Zheng F.Y.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):40-42
The status of the hand-arm vibration exposure and action for reducing vibration risk in China is outlined. The survey indicated that more than three million workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration. The vibration syndrome has been reported in sixteen provinces; over ten industries and twenty types of job. The measurement and assessment were conducted on twenty-four types of vibrating tools under normal working condition. The investigation of preventive measures is described, which includes the development of anti-vibration tools, improvement of technological processes, personal protection. A series of standards and regulations involving local vibration...
Vibration reduction on hand-held grinders by automatic balancing
Lindell H.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):43-45
By automatically balanced hand hold grinders, vibrations are reduced to at least half and thereby reducing the estimated risk for vibration injuries by a factor of four. Simultaneously less grinding disc consumption and better grinding results are obtained. Vibration from grinders originates mainly from unbalance in the grinding wheel. Grinding wheels are low price products. With uneven distribution of mass and coarse tolerances. This gives rise to out-of-balance, which changes as the wheel wears. By fitting an automatic balancer, that consists of steel balls contained in a cylindrical ball race on the shaft of the grinder, unbalances will be compensate...
Effect of contact conditions on the mechanical impedance of the finger
Mann N.A., Griffin M.J.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):46-49
The influence of physical factors on the mechanical impedance at the palmar surface of the finger have been investigated. The studies were conducted with 12 subjects using random vibration over the frequency range 10 to 1000 Hz. It was found that increase in contact force (from 0.25 to 8 N) caused large increases in the modulus of the point mechanical impedance over most of the frequency range, increasing the area of contact with the finger (from 12.6 mm2 to 78.5 mm2) increased impedance at frequencies below 100 Hz and above 400 Hz. The location of contact with the finger also influenced the measured mechanical impedance. The resonance frequency increased...
The influence of individual factors on the absorption of vibration energy in the hand and arm
Burström L.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):50-52
The detrimental effects of vibrating hand-held tools upon humans have been known for a long time, and determination of the absorption of vibration energy into the operator's hand and arm could be an alternative method of risk assessment. The energy absorption in the hand and arm during exposure to random vibration has been measured in 84 subjects, 40 males and 44 females. A special handle was used during the measurements. The influence of various experimental conditions, such as vibration level (3-12m/s2), vibration direction (Xh, Yh, Zh), and grip force (25-75 N) were studied. Furthermore, the influence on the absorption of different individual biological...
Derivation of mean impedance curves as a basis for mechanical models of the human hand-arm system
Kinne J., Melzig-Thiel R.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):53-56
he use of mechanical models of the human hand-arm system in test stands can substitute man in several activities with exposition to vibration. An example is prototype testing of percussion drills. Modelling should be based on ascertained mean impedance curves of the hand-arm system. The method chosen was deriving curves for the three directions by using DIN and ISO standards (such as DIN 45677) as well as comprehensive literature and results of own measurements. At present it can be stated that: Literature is scarce especially with regard to the test conditions. Thus the causes of - sometimes largely - varying test results are difficult or impossible...
Measurement and evaluation of coupling forces when using hand-held power tools
Kaulbars U.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):57-58
Coupling forces at the interface of the hand-arm system and the vibrating tool have a substantial effect on the actual vibration exposure. The paper presents a method for the qualitative assessment of coupling forces. This method - presently under discussion in the form of a draft standard within DIN (1) and ISO (2) - is mainly based on the results of a joint research project (University of Dortmund, University of Mainz and BIA). The workplace-related determination of a coupling factor can be considered the very heart of the method. For technical reasons, the coupling force is split up into the gripping and the pushing force. The paper describes the...
Integrated stand for vibration and ergonomic investigations of hand-held impact tools
Dobry M.W., Barczewski R.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):59-64
This paper presents an integrated test stand for hand-held impact tools (rnu) enabling complex vibration and ergonomic investigations according to the standards ISO 8662, EN 28662 and EU directives. The stand testing range has been established basing on the system investigations (1) concerning all the factors harmful to the operator's health existing on the work stands equipped with rnu. The parameters of rnu supply which should be monitored and recorded during investigations have been also established. Course of investigations is controlled by a computer provided with the original SYS-DEA program (7). The integrated stand is equipped with a Quality...
Development of a grip force dependent hand-arm vibration model
Gurram R., Rakheja S., Boileau P.E., Gouw G.J.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):65-68
The driving-point mechanical impedance of the human hand-arm system is strongly dependent on the grip force and excitation frequency. In this study, the biodynamic response of the human hand-arm is characterized by three and four degree-of-freedom (DOF) linear and nonlinear mass excited model incorporating grip force dependence of the restoring and dissipative properties. The model parameters are identified by minimizing a constrained objective function compromising impedence magnitude and phase errors between the computed and measured target driving-point mechanical impedance characteristics. The target impedance values are established in the 10 to...
Exposure-response relationship for vibration-induced white finger among forestry workers
Bovenzi M., Franzinelli A., Mancini R., Cannava M.G., Maiorano M., Ceccarelli F.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):69-72
The relation between the occurrence of white finger and vibration exposure was investigated in a group of 222 forestry workers using chain saws. The forestry workers and 195 controls never exposed to hand-transmitted vibration were interviewed by occupational health physicians. The diagnosis of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) was made on the basis of subjective symptoms of finger blanching and the results of a cold test with plethysmographic measurement of finger systolic blood pressure. Vibration was measured on a representative sample of AV and non-AV chain saws. Daily vibration exposure was assessed in terms of 8 h energy-equivalent frequency-weighted...
Human response to shock-type vibration on hand
Yonekawa Y., Kanada K., Takahashi Y.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):73-75
Points of subjective equality between continuous vibration and shock-type vibration (repeated vibration) were examined in hand-transmitted vibration to find a tendency of human response to shock-type vibration (repeated vibration with short duration). On time and off time of the repeated vibrations were changed from 10 ms to 5s. Each adjustment involved a 10 second exposure to the repeated vibration and subsequent 10 second exposure to the continuous vibration. Frequencies of the vibrations were 8, 16, 31.5 and 100 Hz. Subjective magnitude of the shock-type vibrations (repeated vibrations) decreased with increase of off-time and with decrease of on-time...
Comparison of different methods for vibration measurements on hand-held vibrating tools
Burström L., Lundström R., Hagberg M., Nilsson T.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):76-78
Vibration measurements have been done on hand-held tools in a group of 48 platers by evaluating the individual vibration acceleration and absorption of vibration energy. The measurement of acceleration has been done frequency-weighted and frequency-unweighted in accordance with ISO 5349 and NIOSH (USA) recommendations for hand-arm vibration standards, respectively. The acceleration and the energy absorption have been measured simultaneously in the three orthogonal directions, the latter by using a specially designed adapter. The exposure time has been determined by both subjective rating and objective measurements. Individual energy-equivalent accelerations...
European standardization in the framework of the machinery directive: aims and strategies
Christ E.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):79-82
The Machinery Directive 89/392/EEC contains the obligation to inform the user about the hand-arm vibration emission of hand-held and hand-guided tools and of steering wheals etc. at mobile equipment of the weighted acceleration value exceeds 2.6 m/s2. The measurements should be made under standardized working conditions (type testing) to obtain comparable results and to allow the user the selection of tools with the lowest vibration emission. The European Standardization Organization CEN is obliged to elaborate all necessary standards for type testing, which only unity realistic working conditions and exclude evaluation of health risks arising from...
7th international conference on hand-arm vibration: an overview
Dupuis H.
Cent Eur J Public Health 1996, 4(1):83-84