bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seating patterns on the Washington, DC Metro Rail System.
Authors: Trinkoff A M
Published: November 2008

Research on human tolerance in crashes has found that rear-facing seating offers increased protection over forward seating. However, rearward seats are only available in limited settings. In this study, passengers were observed and seating preferences recorded on the Washington Metropolitan Rail System (Metro). Only 25 per cent of adults faced rearward compared to 66 per cent of children. Since children appear willing to face rearward, rear-facing seating in school buses and other vehicles might be acceptable to them and provide safety benefits as well.
Skills intervention to prevent cigarette smoking among adolescents.
Authors: Schinke S P , Gilchrist L D , Snow W H
Published: November 2008

Skills intervention to prevent cigarette smoking was evaluated with 689 adolescents. At 24-month follow-up, youths who received health information and skills intervention had lower intentions to smoke and less cigarette use than youths who received health information alone and youths who received no intervention. Conclusions about the effects of skills intervention are strengthened by the common preparation and random assignment of intervention leaders and by process measurement data.
Cost-benefit analysis of a thalassemia disease prevention program.
Authors: Ostrowsky J T , Lippman A , Scriver C R
Published: November 2008

We offer an economic perspective on prevention of beta-thalassemia disease by means of genetic screening and prenatal diagnosis in an established program in Quebec province. The program screens 80 per cent of at-risk persons in the high-risk communities, provides diagnosis to 75 per cent of at-risk couples, and prevented two-thirds of new cases in the period of study. We measured the additional costs, in 1981 Canadian dollars, of medical and public health resources, both incurred and avoided, resulting from use of these prevention services. The total direct cost per case prevented in the program is less than the cost for a single year of treatment for an individual with the disease. Sensitivity analysis accommodating demographic assumptions, participation rates, and discounting rates indicates that, even at rates of marriage, endogamy, and participation lower than observed in the current program, treatment costs will still exceed prevention costs when discounting is set at conventional rates of 4 per cent and 8 per cent. Cost effectiveness of the program is confirmed.
Benefits, risks and costs of immunization for measles, mumps and rubella.
Authors: White C C , Koplan J P , Orenstein W A
Published: November 2008

For a single year, 1983, we compared the actual and estimated morbidity, mortality, and costs attributable to measles, mumps, and rubella with having or not having a childhood immunization program using the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Without an immunization program, an estimated 3,325,000 cases of measles would occur as compared to 2,872 actual cases in 1983 with a program. Instead of an expected 1.5 million rubella cases annually, there were only 3,816 actual cases. Mumps cases were lowered from an expected 2.1 million to 32,850 actual cases. Comparable reductions in disease-associated complications, sequelae, and deaths are gained with an immunization program. Without a vaccination program, disease costs would have been almost $1.4 billion. Based on the actual incidence of disease in 1983, costs were estimated to be approximately +14.5 million. Expenditures for immunization, including vaccine administration costs and the costs associated with vaccine reactions, totaled $96 million. The resulting benefit-cost ratio for the MMR immunization program is approximately 14:1. The savings realized due to the use of combination rather than single antigen vaccine total nearly $60 million.
Bladder cancer risk among auto and truck mechanics and chemically related occupations.
Authors: Smith E M , Miller E R , Woolson R F , Brown C K
Published: November 2008

Male participants in the NCI National Bladder Cancer study were evaluated for risks in auto and truck mechanic and in chemically related exposure occupations compared with those who had never worked in these areas. In nonsmokers the adjusted rate ratios (RR) for mechanics equalled 1.33, (95% CI 0.77, 2.31). The adjusted RR in the nonsmoker chemically related group was 1.53 (95% CI 1.13, 2.07). Duration of exposure as a mechanic was not clearly associated with bladder cancer risk regardless of smoking status.
Causes of death among female chemists.
Authors: Walrath J , Li F P , Hoar S K , Mead M W , Fraumeni J F
Published: November 2008

A mortality odds ratio analysis of cause of death among 347 White female members of the American Chemical Society (ACS) revealed a five-fold excess of suicide, notably by cyanide poisoning. Risk was also elevated for all cancers combined and for cancers of the breast, ovary, stomach, pancreas, and lymphatic and hematopoietic system. The excess breast and ovary cancer deaths were limited to unmarried women.
Health care attitudes and experiences during gynecologic care among lesbians and bisexuals.
Authors: Smith E M , Johnson S R , Guenther S M
Published: November 2008

Bisexuals (N = 424) and lesbians (N = 1,921) were surveyed regarding their sources of gynecologic care, utilization patterns, openness with physicians, and assessment of quality of care. About 40 per cent of each group believed that physician knowledge about their sexual preference would hinder the quality of medical care and about as many believed that it would have no effect. About one-third in each group had not disclosed their sexual behavior although they desired to do so. Physicians rarely requested this information. A lesbian physician was overwhelmingly preferred for gynecologic care (96 per cent), particularly for problems with sexual functioning. Previous satisfaction with gynecologic care was most often described as "adequate," but almost as often as "variable" and "poor." Data suggest that quality, utilization, and medical outcomes of gynecologic care to this group would be improved if physicians would communicate greater awareness of sexual orientation in a nonprejudicial manner and ensure confidentiality.
Variations in physicians' hospitalization practices: a population-based study in Manitoba, Canada.
Authors: Roos N P , Flowerdew G , Wajda A , Tate R B
Published: November 2008

This paper uses claims data from a universal health care system to describe physicians' hospitalization styles after adjusting for case-mix characteristics of their primary patients. Patients were uniquely assigned to that physician (general or family practitioners, internist, general surgeon, or obstetrician/gynecologist) seen most frequently over each two two-year periods (1972-74 and 1974-76). Four indices were developed including: 1) percentage of primary patients hospitalized; 2) mean number of readmissions for such patients; 3) mean length of stay; and 4) total days of hospitalization per primary care patient (a summary measure combining the first three). Rates of admission, not length of stay, were shown to be strongly related to this summary measure. Marked variations in the hospitalization indices were observed across physicians; these variations cannot be explained by the health or sociodemographic characteristics of a physician's patients. Rural physicians practicing in areas with high bed-to-population ratios and low occupancy rates were particularly high users of hospitals. The economic implications of different practice styles are shown to be large; physicians who were high users of hospitals serve 27 per cent of the patients but their patients consume 42 per cent of the hospital days.
Compensation for occupational disease with multiple causes: the case of coal miners' respiratory diseases.
Authors: Weeks J L , Wagner G R
Published: November 2008

Many diseases associated with occupational exposures are clinically indistinguishable from diseases with non-occupational causes. Given this, how are fair decisions made about eligibility for compensation? This problem is discussed in relation to the federal black lung program. Conflicting definitions of terms--coal workers' pneumoconiosis as defined by the medical profession, pneumoconiosis as defined by the United States Congress, and the popular term, black lung--are important considerations in this discussion. Each is embedded in different logical interpretations of the causes of occupational disease and of disability. Alternative views are presented and critically discussed.
The cumulative risk of tuberculin skin test conversion for five years of hospital employment.
Authors: Ktsanes V K , Williams W L , Boudreaux V V
Published: November 2008

We studied tuberculin skin test conversions in a cohort of 550 new employees followed for five years after assignment to adult inpatient services at Charity Hospital at New Orleans, Louisiana. There were 17 known conversions, an overall five-year cumulative probability of converting of 5.2 per cent. Proportional hazards regression analysis found that race and type of job (nursing vs other) were independent explanatory variables. To examine further the job effect, we compared the conversion curves for Blacks in nursing and Blacks in other jobs and found those in nursing to have higher rates.
Social medicine vs professional dominance: the German experience.
Authors: Light D W , Liebfried S , Tennstedt F
Published: November 2008

This article describes the efforts by German workers' groups and pioneering social physicians to design health care services oriented to prevention and cost-effective treatment. Jews played a key role in developing these prototypes of today's health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). The growing success of these services threatened private practitioners in a number of ways. They formed a trade union and took militant action. Stage by stage, the profession asserted its dominance, culminating in an alliance with the National Socialists and Hitler to take over these services and to purge them of socialist and Jewish physicians. Medical societies assisted Hitler in his policies of "purification," and the health care delivery systems shifted from being local, patient-centered, and health-oriented to being national, physician-centered, and focused on curing illness. After World War II, these changes were not reversed as part of denazification, and 40 years later, social medicine has yet to recover.
Identification and classification of carcinogens: procedures of the Chemical Substances Threshold Limit Value Committee, ACGIH. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
Authors: Spirtas R , Steinberg M , Wands R C , Weisburger E K
Published: November 2008

The Chemical Substances Threshold Limit Value Committee of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has refined its procedures for evaluating carcinogens. Types of epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence used are reviewed and a discussion is presented on how the Committee evaluates data on carcinogenicity. Although it has not been conclusively determined whether biological thresholds exist for all types of carcinogens, the Committee will continue to develop guidelines for permissible exposures to carcinogens. The Committee will continue to use the safety factor approach to setting Threshold Limit Values for carcinogens, despite its shortcomings. A compilation has been developed for lists of substances considered to be carcinogenic by several scientific groups. The Committee will use this information to help to identify and classify carcinogens for its evaluation.
Firearms and youth suicide.
Authors: Boyd J H , Mościcki E K
Published: November 2008

The firearm suicide rate for persons aged 10 to 24 has increased from 2.3 per 100,000 in 1933 to 5.5 per 100,000 in 1982. Over the same period, the suicide rate for this age group by all methods other than firearms has only risen from 2.5 to 3.3. The most dramatic rise in the firearm suicide rate has occurred primarily since 1970, notably among males aged 15 to 24. During the 1960s and 1970s there was a substantial increase in the number of civilian firearms in the United States.
A computer network for the surveillance of communicable diseases: the French experiment.
Authors: Valleron A J , Bouvet E , Garnerin P , Ménarès J , Heard I , Letrait S , Lefaucheux J
Published: November 2008

The description and first results of the French Communicable diseases Network are reported. The network, initiated in November 1984, currently includes the National Department of Health, the local health offices and various clinical, biological, and epidemiological partners. Surveillance of influenza, viral hepatitis, acute urethritis, measles, and mumps is based upon reports from sentinel general practitioners throughout France who are equipped with terminals and can communicate their data on a 24-hour basis. The network distributes electronic bulletins summarizing the surveillance data, the regional statistics concerning other diseases, and epidemiological and administrative news. Electronic mail is used for data validation and enhances communication between the parties of the network.
The nonprofit sector's response to the AIDS epidemic: community-based services in San Francisco.
Authors: Arno P S
Published: November 2008

Community-based organizations in San Francisco have played a key role in providing social support services and public health information to those affected by acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). These services have helped minimize the economic impact of the epidemic by reducing the level and expense of hospitalization of AIDS patients. During fiscal year 1984-85, the three largest community-based groups in San Francisco provided more than 80,000 hours of social support and counseling services, responded to over 30,000 telephone inquiries and letters, and distributed nearly 250,000 pieces of literature. Home-based hospice care was provided to 165 AIDS patients at an average cost per day of $94 per patient. Community-based organizations require a significant level of funding from government and private sources. Local government in San Francisco has provided 62 per cent of the revenues for these groups. At the same time, they are not viable without a steady stream of volunteer labor. More than 130,000 hours were donated this past year. There are intrinsic limits to the current dependency on unpaid labor and contributions made by private charity and local government which will eventually require increased support and intervention at the state and federal levels.
The delivery and uptake of nicotine from an aerosol rod.
Authors: Sepkovic D W , Colosimo S G , Axelrad C M , Adams J D , Haley N J
Published: November 2008

Nicotine aerosol rods were assessed for their possible usefulness as substitutes for cigarettes. Under standard FTC conditions, the per puff delivery of the aerosol rod averaged 0.3 micrograms nicotine/puff after 10 puffs and 6.4 micrograms nicotine/puff after 60 puffs. After puffing on the rods, no nicotine was detected in the plasma or urine of seven subjects.
The relation between overweight and subjective health according to age, social class, slimming behavior and smoking habits in Dutch adults.
Authors: Seidell J C , Bakx K C , Deurenberg P , Burema J , Hautvast J G , Huygen F J
Published: November 2008

Subjective health status was assessed in relation to overweight by administering a list of 51 health complaints to adult men and women who were either chronically overweight as defined by Body Mass Index (BMI) or not overweight, in a continuous morbidity registration in four general practices during the period 1967-83. Responses were received from 455 men (182 overweight) and 790 women (386 overweight), ages 26-66 years. Response rate (71 per cent) and age distribution (mean age 48) were similar in overweight and non-overweight groups of both sexes. BMI was correlated with the total number of complaints in women (r = 0.15) but not in men (r = 0.07). Multiple regression analysis revealed, however, that age was an effect modifier in this relation, there being a negative association between BMI and subjective health in younger men and a positive association in older men, whereas in women the association between BMI and subjective health was much more pronounced at younger ages than at older ages. In addition, current smoking habits and social class (in men and women) and reported slimming behavior (in women) had an independent relation to the total number of health complaints. BMI was also related to specific complaints and groups of complaints, particularly in women.
Blacks in the coronary artery surgery study (CASS): race and clinical decision making.
Authors: Maynard C , Fisher L D , Passamani E R , Pullum T
Published: November 2008

For patients enrolled in the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS), surgery was recommended for 46.5 per cent of Blacks and 59.4 per cent of Whites, despite similar clinical and angiographic characteristics. Of those recommended, 80.5 per cent of Blacks and 90.4 per cent of Whites had bypass surgery. These differences were most apparent for Black laborers. Overall, only 38.0 per cent of Blacks had coronary artery bypass surgery, whereas 58.4 per cent of Whites received surgery.
Changing trends of tobacco use in a teenage population in western Pennsylvania.
Authors: Guggenheimer J , Zullo T G , Kruper D C , Verbin R S
Published: November 2008

Information on tobacco use was obtained from an anonymous questionnaire distributed to 609 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students in the Pittsburgh area. The data disclosed that 22 per cent of the girls and 11 per cent of the boys were smoking. However, 35 per cent of the young men reported using smokeless tobacco; snuff dipping (6 per cent), tobacco chewing (10 per cent), and snuff and/or tobacco chewing (19 per cent).
Acceptance of hepatitis B vaccine among hospital workers.
Authors: Bodenheimer H C , Fulton J P , Kramer P D
Published: November 2008

Data on sociodemographic status, health beliefs, knowledge of hepatitis B, experience with prior vaccinations, health locus of control, and desire to receive hepatitis B vaccine were assessed in 1,500 hospital employees. Twenty per cent of the variance of the decision to accept vaccine could be explained; beliefs about the safety and efficacy of vaccine influenced acceptance most. Beliefs concerning the likelihood of contracting hepatitis B and the chance of becoming severely ill were less important determinants of vaccine acceptance. Additional factors studied, including knowledge, experience with vaccinations, and sociodemographic status, were important independent determinants of health beliefs. We conclude that the beliefs of health care providers, particularly regarding the safety and efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine, have a major impact on their decision to accept or reject vaccine. Health education interventions may be most effective when addressing beliefs about vaccine safety and efficacy.
Community-oriented primary care: an examination of the US experience.
Authors: Nutting P A , Connor E M
Published: November 2008

Community-oriented primary care (COPC) represents a specific variation on the general primary care model. Seven case studies from vastly different health care settings were examined and this report describes the diversity of expression of the principles of COPC observed. The results suggest that COPC is not limited to publicly funded programs, but can find expression in the private sector as well. The organization of financing and the lack of feasible quantitative tools hinder the full development of the model.
Prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibody among Navajo school children.
Authors: Williams R
Published: November 2008

Previous studies of the prevalence of immunity to hepatitis A (anti-HAV) in the United States have used urban settings or institutions for the mentally handicapped. In a rural setting among normal children, a serologic investigation of prevalence of anti-HAV was conducted in a boarding school adjacent to the Navajo reservation. The results show rates of anti-HAV that are the highest reported at the ages tested in any subpopulation in the United States, comparable only with those in developing countries.
Pregnancy outcomes among Spanish-surname women in California.
Authors: Williams R L , Binkin N J , Clingman E J
Published: November 2008

We compared pregnancy outcomes among United States-born and Mexican-born women having Spanish surnames with US-born Whites and Blacks using California's 1981 matched birth-death cohort file. Maternal risk characteristics between US-born Black women and US-born women with Spanish surnames were similar. In contrast, Latino women, regardless of national origin, delivered small proportions of low weight infants as compared to Blacks. Birthweight-specific mortality rates during the fetal and neonatal periods for the offspring of Mexican-born Spanish surname women were generally higher than those for other ethnic groups. Our findings are consistent with the underreporting of postneonatal deaths among Mexican-born Latinos, yet suggest that their relatively low reported infant mortality rates compared to Blacks can be explained by a more favorable birthweight distribution.
Willingness to pay and accept risks to cure chronic disease.
Authors: Thompson M S
Published: November 2008

Measurements of disease burden focus most often on economic outputs--neglecting effects on quality of life. More comprehensive quantification is based on what people would pay or risk to avoid illness. Many, however, find it difficult to respond thoughtfully to hypothetical questions about what they would pay or risk. With response rates frequently under 50 per cent, the practicality of these methods has been of concern. In this study, specially trained interviewers asked 247 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis how much of their income they would pay and how large a mortal risk they would accept to achieve a hypothetical cure. Ninety-eight per cent of the subjects estimated their maximum acceptable risk (MAR) at an average 27 per cent chance of immediate death. Eighty-four per cent gave plausible responses to the willingness-to-pay (WTP) questions, with a mean WTP of 22 per cent of household income. The aspect of disease most strongly associated with WTP was impairment in activities of daily living; measured pain was most associated with MAR. The response rates achieved indicate the overall feasibility of these methods; the associations of WTP and MAR with other variables suggest systematic consideration of personal circumstances.
Parental consent for abortion: impact of the Massachusetts law.
Authors: Cartoof V G , Klerman L V
Published: November 2008

This study assessed the impact of Massachusetts' parental consent law, which requires unmarried women under age 18 to obtain parental or judicial consent before having an abortion. Data were analyzed on monthly totals of abortions and births to Massachusetts minors prior to and following the April 1981 implementation of the law. Findings indicate that half as many minors obtained abortions in the state during the 20 months after the law went into effect as had done so previously. More than 1,800 minors residing in Massachusetts traveled to five surrounding states during these 20 months to avoid the statute's mandates. This group accounts for the reduction in in-state abortions. A small number of minors (50 to 100) bore children rather than aborting during 1982, perhaps because of the law. Findings suggest that this state's parental consent law had little effect on adolescent's pregnancy-resolution behavior.
An outbreak of influenza A in a nursing home.
Authors: Horman J T , Stetler H C , Israel E , Sorley D , Schipper M T , Joseph J M
Published: November 2008

An outbreak of influenza A occurred in an elderly population in a Maryland nursing home between December 8, 1980 and January 13, 1981 and involved 76 of the 170 residents. Throat swabs from two of 10 acutely ill residents yielded influenza A virus similar to the A/Taiwan/1/79 strain. Fourfold or greater increases in the titer of complement-fixing (CF) or hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibodies were detected in paired sera from four of five ill residents and from none of four well residents. One hundred (62.9 per cent) of 159 residents with known vaccination histories had been vaccinated with trivalent influenza virus vaccine in October and November 1980. Crude illness attack rates and mortality rates were similar in vaccinees and nonvaccinees. Various risk factors and hypotheses were examined in an attempt to explain the apparent lack of vaccine efficacy.
Risk factors for drug use among adolescents: concurrent and longitudinal analyses.
Authors: Newcomb M D , Maddahian E , Bentler P M
Published: November 2008

We examined the concurrent and longitudinal associations between risk factors and substance use for a sample of high school students. Ten risk factors were defined that assessed numerous important personal and social areas of life. These factors were found to be associated with ever using, frequency of use, and heavy use of cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, and hard drugs. Few effects were noted for nonprescription medication. No sex differences were evident for number of risk factors. Finally, the number of different risk factors was predictive of increases in use of all types of substances over a one-year period, after controlling for initial level of use.
Comparison of complication rates in first trimester abortions performed by physician assistants and physicians.
Authors: Freedman M A , Jillson D A , Coffin R R , Novick L F
Published: November 2008

The outcomes of 2,458 first trimester abortions performed in a freestanding clinic in Vermont were studied. Procedures were performed by physician assistants and by physicians. Demographic information, medical history, and data relevant to the abortion were recorded. Both immediate and delayed (up to four weeks post-abortion) complications were noted. Direct follow-up four weeks after the procedure by clinic visit, letter, or telephone contact was achieved for 96 per cent all patients. An overall rate of 29.1 complications per 1,000 procedures was observed, with a rate of 27.4 for abortions performed by physician assistants and 30.8 for physicians. The incidence of immediate complications was 6.1 per 1,000 procedures; delayed complication incidence was 23.2 per 1,000 procedures. Overall complication rates varied according to operative procedure used.
Health status and access to health services among the urban homeless.
Authors: Robertson M J , Cousineau M R
Published: November 2008

Self-reported health status and access to care were reported for 238 homeless adults in Los Angeles. One-third reported their health as fair or poor; women reported more health problems than men. Half (53 per cent) of the sample reported no regular source of care, and most (81 per cent) were without health insurance. Lack of financial resources and health insurance were reported as important barriers to care.
Economic development, political-economic system, and the physical quality of life.
Authors: Cereseto S , Waitzkin H
Published: November 2008

This study compared capitalist and socialist countries in measures of the physical quality of life (PQL), taking into account the level of economic development. The World Bank was the principal source of statistical data for 123 countries (97 per cent of the world's population). PQL variables included: indicators of health, health services, and nutrition (infant mortality rate, child death rate, life expectancy, population per physician, population per nursing person, and daily per capita calorie supply); measures of education (adult literacy rate, enrollment in secondary education, and enrollment in higher education); and a composite PQL index. Capitalist countries fell across the entire range of economic development (measured by gross national product per capita), while the socialist countries appeared at the low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income levels. All PQL measures improved as economic development increased. In 28 of 30 comparisons between countries at similar levels of economic development, socialist countries showed more favorable PQL outcomes.
Excess pneumonia and influenza associated hospitalization during influenza epidemics in the United States, 1970-78.
Authors: Barker W H
Published: November 2008

In this study, excess rates of pneumonia and influenza (P&I) associated hospitalization during influenza A epidemics which occurred in the United States between 1970-78 were computed utilizing unpublished data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS). Excesses occurred at rates of 35, 93, and 370 per 100,000 persons per epidemic for age groups 15-44, 45-64, and 65+ years. There was no evidence of a persisting excess or a compensatory decline in P&I hospitalization during post-epidemic months. An average excess of about 172,000 hospitalizations per epidemic at a cost in excess of $300 million was computed. The study quantifies a major impact of epidemic influenza upon health and health services, much of which may be preventable, and illustrates an important use of unpublished data contained in the NHDS.
Delivery type and neonatal mortality among 10,749 breeches.
Authors: Fortney J A , Higgins J E , Kennedy K I , Laufe L E , Wilkens L
Published: November 2008

Data on 10,749 breech presentations were analyzed for the effect of delivery type on neonatal mortality. Most of the data are from developing countries, and most of the hospitals have higher mortality than is found in Europe or the United States. The simultaneous effect of type of hospital where the delivery occurred, type of breech, birthweight, and parity were examined. The benefit of cesarean delivery was greater for nulliparae than multiparae, greater for footlings than for frank or complete breeches, and greater for larger babies than smaller ones. This last finding probably reflects the quality of neonatal care in developing country hospitals rather than the value of cesarean section. Maternal mortality and morbidity was higher among women delivered abdominally than among those delivered vaginally.
Characteristics of women with recurrent spontaneous abortions and women with favorable reproductive histories.
Authors: Strobino B , Fox H E , Kline J , Stein Z , Susser M , Warburton D
Published: November 2008

Women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions (repeaters) are compared with women who have had live births and no spontaneous abortions (multiparae) and women who have had live births and only one spontaneous abortion (sporadics) to identify characteristics of the women and their abortuses that might predict subsequent fetal loss. A number of risk factors for recurrent spontaneous abortion have been identified: the loss of a chromosomally normal conception, loss after the first trimester of pregnancy, a delay in conceiving prior to the study pregnancy, a diagnosis of cervical incompetence, and a history of very low birthweight deliveries. The odds ratios associated with being a repeater vary from 1.4 to 5.6 depending on the number of characteristics present.
Occupational health surveillance: a means to identify work-related risks.
Authors: Froines J R , Dellenbaugh C A , Wegman D H
Published: November 2008

The lack of successful disease surveillance methods has resulted in few reliable estimates of workplace-related disease. Hazard surveillance--the ongoing assessment of chemical use and worker exposure to the chemicals--is presented as a way to supplement occupational disease surveillance. Existing OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Health) data systems are adapted to this function to characterize the distribution and type of hazardous industry in Los Angeles County. A new method is developed for ranking potentially hazardous industries in the county using actual exposure measurements from federal OSHA compliance inspections. The strengths of the different systems are presented along with considerations of industrial employment and types of specific chemical exposures. Applications for information from hazard surveillance are discussed in terms of intervention, monitoring exposure control, planning, research, and as a complement to disease surveillance.
Transmission of Giardia lamblia from a day care center to the community.
Authors: Polis M A , Tuazon C U , Alling D W , Talmanis E
Published: November 2008

An outbreak of giardiasis was investigated in one urban day care center; another day care center was selected as a control. In the study day care center, 35 per cent of the children were infected. Infection was spread to at least one household contact of 47 per cent of the infected children. The data suggest person-to-person transmission of giardiasis and the need for measures to prevent its dissemination. Early recognition and treatment of Giardia lamblia infections in children may be indicated.
Volcanic activity: a review for health professionals.
Authors: Newhall C G , Fruchter J S
Published: November 2008

Volcanoes erupt magma (molten rock containing variable amounts of solid crystals, dissolved volatiles, and gas bubbles) along with pulverized pre-existing rock (ripped from the walls of the vent and conduit). The resulting volcanic rocks vary in their physical and chemical characteristics, e.g., degree of fragmentation, sizes and shapes of fragments, minerals present, ratio of crystals to glass, and major and trace elements composition. Variability in the properties of magma, and in the relative roles of magmatic volatiles and groundwater in driving an eruption, determine to a great extent the type of an eruption; variability in the type of an eruption in turn influences the physical characteristics and distribution of the eruption products. The principal volcanic hazards are: ash and larger fragments that rain down from an explosion cloud (airfall tephra and ballistic fragments); flows of hot ash, blocks, and gases down the slopes of a volcano (pyroclastic flows); "mudflows" (debris flows); lava flows; and concentrations of volcanic gases in topographic depressions. Progress in volcanology is bringing improved long- and short-range forecasts of volcanic activity, and thus more options for mitigation of hazards. Collaboration between health professionals and volcanologists helps to mitigate health hazards of volcanic activity.
Evaluation of mental effects of disaster, Mount St. Helens eruption.
Authors: Shore J H , Tatum E L , Vollmer W M
Published: November 2008

This psychiatric epidemiology study following the Mount St. Helens volcanic disaster revealed a significant morbidity for psychiatric disorders. The increased prevalence showed a dose response pattern in three population groups. The findings are reported as relative and attributable risk for the two exposed populations as compared to a control group. Patterns of significant risk are presented for sex, age, and for victims with pre-existing physical illness. The research utilized a new criteria-based interview schedule for the identification of psychiatric disorders. The methodology is reviewed in the context of the controversies and assumptions within the field of behavioral response to disaster stress. There are important implications for public health planning and intervention.
Preventive health measures in volcanic eruptions.
Authors: Baxter P J , Bernstein R S , Buist A S
Published: November 2008

Medical treatment has only a small role in severe volcanic eruptions and so preventive measures are paramount if injuries and loss of life are to be reduced. The health team must be incorporated in emergency planning and response at the earliest stage. Guidance on the interpretation of geological information about a volcano and the appropriate health measures that should be adopted before and after an eruption are summarized for the benefit of health workers.
WHY IS POOR VENTILATION HARMFUL?
Authors: Reed Carlos I.
Published: November 2008

Ventilation is a much discussed matter in which doctors and engineers are by no means all agreed. Mr. Reed presents a comprehensive, up-to-date consideration that is enlightening. He says that the last word has not been said yet. Note his careful bibliography.
One-to-One Computing: What Does it Bring to Schools?
Authors: Lei Jing , Zhao Yong
Published: November 2008

This study investigates students' use of one-to-one laptops for various activities and the impact of one-to-one computing on student learning and school culture. Based on data collected from surveys and interviews of teachers, students, and parents in a Midwestern middle school over one academic year, this study answers the following major questions: 1) How did students use their laptops? 2) What impact did the one-to-one laptop program have on student learning and school culture? 3) What were the perceptions of and concerns over one-to-one computing? A sound understanding of these issues is increasingly important as more and more schools are joining in this one-to-one computing initiative and more money is being invested. Results revealed that students used their laptops for various tasks related to learning, communication, expression, and exploration. Students gained significantly in their technology proficiency. The one-to-one laptops have provided great opportunities and resources for teaching and learning, but also raised issues such as student discipline problems, concerns on digital literacy, and fear of over-dependency on information technology.
CO2 diffusion in polar ice: observations from naturally formed CO2 spikes in the Siple Dome (Antarctica) ice core
Authors: Ahn Jinho , Headly Melissa , Wahlen Martin , Brook Edward J. , Mayewski Paul A. , Taylor Kendrick C.
Published: November 2008

One common assumption in interpreting ice-core CO2 records is that diffusion in the ice does not affect the concentration profile. However, this assumption remains untested because the extremely small CO2 diffusion coefficient in ice has not been accurately determined in the laboratory. In this study we take advantage of high levels of CO2 associated with refrozen layers in an ice core from Siple Dome, Antarctica, to study CO2 diffusion rates. We use noble gases (Xe/Ar and Kr/Ar), electrical conductivity and Ca2+ ion concentrations to show that substantial CO2 diffusion may occur in ice on timescales of thousands of years. We estimate the permeation coefficient for CO2 in ice is ∼4 × 10−21 mol m−1 s−1 Pa−1 at −23°C in the top 287 m (corresponding to 2.74 kyr). Smoothing of the CO2 record by diffusion at this depth/age is one or two orders of magnitude smaller than the smoothing in the firn. However, simulations for depths of ∼930–950 m (∼60–70 kyr) indicate that smoothing of the CO2 record by diffusion in deep ice is comparable to smoothing in the firn. Other types of diffusion (e.g. via liquid in ice grain boundaries or veins) may also be important but their influence has not been quantified.
Chemistry of the Calceolaria Genus. Structural and Biological Aspects
Authors: Garbarino Juan A. , Chamy María C. , Piovano Marisa
Published: November 2008

Autochthonous species of the Calceolaria (Scrophulariaceae) genus are studied. From their apolar extracts 55 new diterpenes of six skeleton types, naphtoquinones and flavonoids have been isolated. Among the different diterpenes malonic substitutions and bis-diterpenes in which both units are joined by a malonic acid unit stand out. Pimaranes present C-9 epimerisation and, consequently, H-9 has the same orientation as Me-20. From C.sessilis naphthoquinones with antichagasic activity have been isolated; and the biotransformation of 2α,19-dihydroxy-9-epi-entpimara-7,15-diene with Giberella fujikuroi produced 7 new diterpenes.
Mechanisms of Water Catalysed Reactions
Authors: Humeres Eduardo
Published: November 2008

n/a
New Anti-Neoplastics Obtained by a Molecular Connectivity Method
Authors: Villagra S. , Jáuregui E. , Gálvez J.
Published: November 2008

Molecular Connectivity is a method, which allows to discriminate different pharmacological activities on the basics of numeric parameters of the molecules in study, related with specific and exclusive indexes. In the present study, we propose two potentially anti-neoplasic compounds: tricromil and zomepirac, by analyzing more than a hundred different chemicals.
Total Synthesis of Marchantinquinone
Authors: López V. , Pandolfi E. , Seoane G.
Published: November 2008

During the last years, many bisbibenzylic macrocyclic ethers were isolated and identified in Hepaticae. One of them is MARCHANTINQUINONE, a quinonic macrocycle with interesting biological activity. In the following report, we present the last steps of the total synthesis.
Macrocyclic Trichothecene Production by the Fungus Epibiont of Baccharis Coridifolia
Authors: Rosso M. L. , Maier M. S. , Bertoni M. D.
Published: November 2008

Cultures of the fungus epibiont from the herbaceous shrub B. coridifolia yielded four macrocyclic trichothecenes. As these toxins are the same as those found in B. coridifolia, the relationship between the plant and the epibiont must be considered as mutualistic.
Lipase-Catalyzed Polymerization of Glycerol and Dicarboxylic Acids in an Organic Medium
Authors: Pessagno Romina C. , Baldessari Alicia
Published: November 2008

Lipases from different sources catalyze the polyesterification of glycerol and several dicarboxylic acids in presence or organic solvents
Photodynamic Effect Of 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4-Methoxyphenyl) Porphine (TMP) on Hep-2 Cell Lines
Authors: Alvarez M. G. , Yslas E. I. , Rivarola V. , Mori G. , La Penna M. , Silber J. J. , Durantini E. N.
Published: November 2008

The photodynamic effect of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)porphine (TMP) on Hep-2 cell line is reported. The incorporation of TMP was analyzed at different times and photosensitizer concentrations. The irradiation of cell cultures produces cell mortality, while no toxicity was observed in dark condition.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some N-Heterocyclic Carbohydrate Derivatives
Authors: Martins Alho M. A. , D’Accorso N. B.
Published: November 2008

The nucleophilic bimolecular substitution on 1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-α-Dgalactopyranose with NH2-heterocyclic derivatives allows us to obtain some new compounds with potential biological activities. The characterization of them as well as a discussion of their reactivities toward sulfur analogues are present.
Reaction of 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene with Aromatic Amines in Toluene: Effect of Nucleophile Structure
Authors: Alvaro C. E.S. , Savini M. C. , Nicotra V. , Yankelevich J. S. , Nudelman N. S.
Published: November 2008

The kinetics of the reaction of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNClB) with aniline and substituted anilines such as p-anisidine, p-toluidine and N-methylaniline have been studied in toluene. Except for N-methylaniline the reactions have shown a third order in amine rate dependence which is consistent with aggregates of the amine acting as the nucleophile. On the other hand, the reaction of DNClB with N-methylaniline under the same conditions shows a linear dependence of the second order rate coefficient, kA, vs [amine], which is consistent with the previous mechanism.
1-Nitronaphtalene as a Dienophile in Diels-Alder Reactions
Authors: Paredes E. , Biolatto B. , Kneeteman M. , Mancini P. M.
Published: November 2008

the utilization of substitued dienes with electron-donor groups and under high pressure conditions, induces the dienophilic character of 1-nitronaphtalene in Diels-Alder reactions, giving the products with and without the nitro-group, the yield depending on the nature of the dienes substituent groups.
Cyclodextrin Effect on Intramolecular Catalysis
Authors: Granados A. M. , Andres G. O. , De Rossi R. Hoyos
Published: November 2008

HPCD inhibits the hydrolysis reaction of monoamides and monoesters of phthalic and maleic acid at pH 2. The magnitude of inhibition depends on the leaving group. For some of the substrates, the reaction in the cavity is more than 100 times slower than that in solution.
Synthesis of Aziridinosteroids
Authors: Di Chenna P. , Dauban P. , Ghini A. A. , Burton G. , Dodd R. H.
Published: November 2008

11α,12α-aziridinosteroids (2a, b, c) were prepared from 5β-H-11-pregnene-3,20-dione (1) using different iminophenyliodinanes and cloramine aziridination reagents.
3,3-Dimethylacylthioureas: "S", "-S", "U" or "W" Conformation?
Authors: Sosa M. , Piris M. , Burton G.
Published: November 2008

We report a study of 3,3-dimethyl substituted acylthioureas. X ray data and quantum mechanical calculations demonstrated that the "S" conformation is the most stable both for the acylthioureas and the corresponding anions. The high regioselectivity towards S-alkylation is explained on the basis of the localization of the HOMO mainly over the sulfur atom.
Teorethical Studies of the Stability of 8a-Alkyll-1,2,3,4,6,8ahexahydronaphtalen-1-ones Using Semiempirical Methods
Authors: Labadie Guillermo R. , Cravero Raquel M. , Estiú Guillermina , Sierra Manuel Gonzalez
Published: November 2008

The Birch alkylation products are very unstable. We are showing, in this communication, the results of a theoretical study that compares different decomposition reaction mechanisms. The conclusions are in agreement with our experimental results.
A Different Behaviour of the Phthalimide Ion in Srn1 Reactions
Authors: Maquieira Manuel Bajo , Peñéñory Alicia B. , Rossi Roberto A.
Published: November 2008

The phthalimide anion reacts by the SRN1 mechanism under photostimulation with different substrates. Whilst with 1-iodonaphthalene only reduction of the naphthyl radical is observed, with 1-iodoadamantane coupling at the carbon instead of at the nitrogen takes place.
Gastric Cytoprotective Activity of Ilicic Aldehyde in Rats and Mice
Authors: Donadel O. J. , María A. , Wendel G. , Guerreiro E. , Giordano O.
Published: November 2008

Ilicic alcohol, a natural sesquiterpene, was converted into an aldehyde by using Jones’ oxidation. The gastroprotective activity of ilicic aldehyde was evaluated in mice and rats.
Synthetic Studies on Natural Stephaoxocanes. Elaboration of a Tetrahydrooxazaphenalene Potential Intermediate
Authors: Kaufman Teodoro Saul
Published: November 2008

The elaboration of a 2,3,7-9a-tetrahydro-1H-8-oxa-1-aza-phenalen-9-one derivative, as a potential key intermediate for the synthesis of stephaoxocanes, employing Jackson’s tosylamidoacetal cyclization, is presented.
Synthesis of 1,2,6-Thiadiazin 1,1-Dioxide Derivatives as Trypanocidal Agents
Authors: Cerecetto H. , Di Maio R. , Seoane G. , Ochoa C. , Gómez-Barrio A. , Muelas S.
Published: November 2008

It describes the synthesis of new 1,2,6-Thiadiazin 1,1-dioxide derivatives using condensation of the Knoevenagel type. The products are evaluated in vitro as trypanocidal agents.
Studies on a New Synthetic Route towards Cassiol
Authors: Colombo M. I. , Bacigaluppo J. A. , Zinczuk J. , Mischne M. P. , Rúveda E. A.
Published: November 2008

The synthesis of the acyclic intermediate 7 towards the preparation of cassiol (2) is described. The cyclization of 7 led to 5, a precursor of 2 and to the unexpected product 8.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Naphthoquinonic Derivatives Containing the Pyrazole Ring: Pyrazolylnaphthoquinones
Authors: Sperandeo Norma R. , De Bertorello María M.
Published: November 2008

The reaction of 3-aminopyrazole (1) with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonic acid sodium salt (2) was studied in different aqueous media. The novel pyrazolylnaphthoquinones synthesized were physical and spectroscopically characterized, including 2D NMR spectroscopy (HETCOR). The possible reaction mechanism is proposed.
Shelf-Life of an Extruded Blend of Peanut, Soybean and Corn
Authors: Bustamante V. S. , Guzmán C. A.
Published: November 2008

The Shelf-Life (SL) of peanut, soybean and corn blend extruded without (A) and with butylhydroxytoluol (B) and extract of Rosmarinum sp (C) was determined. Only B significativaly increased SL. In function of temperature would be defined by: A- SL = e -0.0465x + 5.1762, B- SL = e -0.0421x + 5.3332, C- SL = e -0.581x +5.626
A Facile High-Yield Synthesis of [10 B]-8-Dihydroxyboryl Harmine, a Potential Agent for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Sintas Jose , Macareno Norberto , Vitale Arturo
Published: November 2008

n/a