An experimental human model of metal fume fever

Article Abstract:

Metal fume fever is a reaction that occurs after inhalation of metal oxides, and is characterized by fever, muscle aches, and malaise. Zinc oxide fumes generated by welding are the most common cause of metal fume fever. A group of 14 skilled welders volunteered for a study of lung function after exposure to zinc oxide fumes. Under carefully controlled conditions, the 14 men welded metal for 15 to 30 minutes, and then underwent lung function tests at one hour, and then again at six hours (early group) or 22 hours (late group). They also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage, in which a saline solution is flushed through the lungs and then suctioned back and studied. By 22 hours, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid contained significant numbers of inflammatory cells, although not all patients demonstrated symptoms of metal fume fever. The degree of inflammation observed was such that the short course of metal fume fever seems remarkable. Only one of the original 14 men studied underwent a second bronchoalveolar lavage eight weeks after the study, and his lavage fluid showed virtually no signs of ongoing inflammation. Very little effect of the fumes was detected on lung function studies. The mechanism that induces metal fume fever remains unknown. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Research, Occupational diseases, Zinc oxide, Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonous, Poisonous gases, Gas metal arc welding

---

Experimental challenge of volunteers with malaria

Article Abstract:

Deliberately infecting volunteers with the malaria parasite poses ethical problems but is probably necessary in order to develop effective malaria drugs and vaccines. The malaria parasite typically enters the liver and reproduces for 5 to 10 days. Then tens of thousands of parasites are released into the bloodstream, where they can infect red blood cells. One type of vaccine attempts to block parasite reproduction in the liver, since infection of red blood cells causes most malaria symptoms. If the vaccine fails, the volunteers can be promptly treated. Reducing the mortality rate from malaria is more important than preventing infection.

Editorial, Testing, Prevention, Malaria, Malaria vaccine, Malaria vaccines

---

Ethics in mid-century cardiovascular research: apologia

Article Abstract:

The ethics of cardiovascular research during the past half-century have been a subject of intense controversy, particularly in the areas of the patient's autonomy and the informed consent procedure. The generally adversary attitude of the critics toward clinical investigators led them to distort facts and publicize critiques of generalized half truths. The comparisons of invasive investigational techniques to Nazi medical research crimes are inappropriate. Scientific investigators have, for the most part, been as interested in the welfare of individual patients as they were in the advance of science.

Standards, Medical personnel, Malpractice, Medical malpractice, Medical ethics, Cardiovascular research

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Placental metastasis from primary ocular melanoma: a case report. Annexin V is critical in the maintenance of murine placental integrity
• Abstracts: Visual processing impairment and risk of motor vehicle crash among older adults. Safety and mobility of the older driver: a research challenge
• Abstracts: Clinical features of genetic hemochromatosis in women compared with men. Clinical profile and outcome in 52 patients with cardiac pseudoaneurysm
• Abstracts: Tracking hospital deaths in a developing region. Lokomaika'i (inner health) in a remarkable hospital. Developing and testing changes in delivery of care
• Abstracts: A behavioural approach to obsessive compulsive disorder. Music therapy for people with life-limiting illness

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.