bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of occupational interview data to death certificate data in utah
Authors: Turner Darcy W. , Schumacher Mary Catherine , West Dee W.
Published: April 2007

Lifelong occupational histories obtained by interview prior to death were compared to death certificate data for 87 male bladder cancer patients in Utah. Agreement was defined as identical Bureau of Census codes, after predetermined groupings were made. Usual occupation, defined as that with the longest duration, agreed with the death certificate occupation for 54% of the individuals; usual industry agreed for 72%. Most recent occupation and industry agreed for 47% and 53%, respectively. For 69%, at least one interview occupation agreed with the death certificate occupation, and at least one industry agreed for 84%. Variables affecting agreement were duration of the job and education.

Also examined were interview data about employment either during the last 15 years or prior to age 65 years, obtained from 112 male colon cancer patients. The Bureau of Census codes were in agreement for occupation in 63% and for industry in 65%.

Duration of the job and education were related to percent agreement.

We conclude that occupations and industries listed on death certificates reflect at least part of the work history of the majority of individuals.
Respiratory and nonrespiratory morbidity in a titanium oxide paint factory in Nigeria
Authors: Oleru U. G.
Published: April 2007

A study of 67 subjects in a small titanium oxide paint factory in Nigeria showed 50–54% frequency for airway symptoms, 20–40% for neurological symptoms, and 10–27% for other symptoms. The symptoms were well correlated with exposure (p < .05) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). The directly exposed subjects had likelihood odds ratios of 5 to 17 of presenting symptoms compared to controls. The PFT deficit, relative to the expected value, was significantly higher for those with airway symptoms than for those of other symptom categories (p < .005). There were 28 (42%) cases of restrictive lung impairment. Exposure to cotton dust had confounding influence on the PFT of subjects previously exposed. Smoking rate was very low. These findings indicate the need for worker protection in a manufacturing plant in Nigeria.
Mortality among workers at a butadiene facility
Authors: Downs Tom D. , Crane Martin M. , Kim Kwang W.
Published: April 2007

Several studies of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) workers have reported excess cancers at various sites; however, little could be concluded concerning specific etiologic agents because of the multiple exposures encountered by these groups. The current study examined cause‐specific mortality in a cohort of 2,586 male workers employed for at least 6 months between 1943 and 1979 in a butadiene manufacturing plant that supplied butadiene to two SBR plants. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated using national (NSMR) and local (LSMR) comparison populations. The all‐cause NSMR was 80 (p < 0.05) and the all‐cancer NSMR was 84; the corresponding LSMRs were 96 and 76 (p < 0.05). No significant excesses were observed for any cause of death except lymphosarcoma and reticulum cell sarcoma (NSMR = 235). When the cohort was subdivided into routine, nonroutine, and low‐exposure groups, the SMRs were consistently elevated for this cause of death in all three groups. However, direct comparisons between each of the two exposure groups and the low‐exposure group were inconsistent. This suggests butadiene may not be responsible for the excess, but the association deserves close attention in future studies.
Past exposure to asbestos among active railroad workers
Authors: Garshick Eric , Schenker Marc B. , Woskie Susan R. , Speizer Frank E.
Published: April 2007

Before the transition from steam‐ to diesel‐powered locomotives during the 1950s certain railroad workers had the opportunity for significant occupational exposure to asbestos. Past studies have demonstrated that older workers with jobs associated with the repair of steam locomotives had the most exposure. To determine the prevalence of currently employed railroad workers with past asbestos exposure we surveyed 514 white male employees of an active US railroad by mail questionnaire. Twenty‐one percent (50/242) of the workers 50 years old or greater had likely asbestos exposure compared to 3% (9/275) of the workers 49 years old or less (p < .001). Fifteen (30%) of the 50 older workers with likely asbestos exposure had current job titles no longer suggestive of past exposure. The duration of exposure of these older active workers was short, (median = 3 years; range, 6 months to 15 years). A history of past asbestos exposure may still be obtained among active railroad workers with past railroad shop employment.
Study of noise exposure and high blood pressure in shipyard workers
Authors: Wu Trong‐Neng , Ko Ying‐Chin , Chang Po‐Ya
Published: April 2007

A cross‐sectional and case‐reference study of occupational noise exposure and blood pressure was conducted in a shipyard company. There were 158 male workers from the higher noise environment (>85 dBA) and 158 matched workers from a lower noise environment (<80 dBA). The workers in the higher noise environment had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p <.05) after adjusting for confounding factors. Comparison of regression revealed that there is no different increase in blood pressure with age in different environmental noise exposure. Based on 63 matched hypertensive‐normotensive pairs from 2,730 shipyard workers, the relative risk of hypertension among workers exposed to an over‐85‐dBA acoustic environment, compared to those under 80 dBA, was 2.38. It is suggested that there may be a population of noise‐exposed workers at increased risk of high blood pressure.
Blood histamine levels in cotton‐dust exposed workers in a textile mill of Ahmedabad
Authors: Parikh J. R. , Venkatakrishna‐Bhatt H. , Panchal G. M.
Published: April 2007

Blood histamine levels were measured by the bioassay of histamine (on an isolated strip of guinea pig ileum) in workers exposed to cotton dust in a textile mill in Ahmedabad. Byssinotic subjects showed very high levels of blood histamine as compared to nonbyssinotic and control subjects. The blood histamine levels were not well correlated to the dust concentrations or duration of exposure but rather to the day of the week (ie, first, second, third, etc., after weekend break) on which the samples were collected. The blood histamine levels were high on the first day of the work week, when byssinotics complain most of their symptoms.
Sexual assault of women at work
Authors: Seligman Paul J. , Newman Sandy C. , Timbrook Clifton L. , Halperin William E.
Published: April 2007

Review of twenty‐one workers' compensation claims for sexual assault filed in Ohio for the period 1983‐1985 revealed that five (62%) of the rapes by unknown assailants after dark occurred in convenience food stores. The rape rate was 7.0 per 100,000 females employed in convenience food stores per year compared with a rate of 0.3 per 100,000 females employed in Ohio (IRR = 25.6, CI 8.1–132.3). In addition, three rapes occurred among motel maids and housekeepers, and three among residential property managers. Police reports for sexual assault in Memphis, Tennessee for 1985 corroborated the observation of a potential increased risk of rape in female employees of convenience food stores. Strategies for the provision of personal security against assault in the workplace have not previously been addressed in the public health literature. A review of workers' compensation claims has identified an area for which strategies to prevent workplace injuries should be developed.
Modernization and trends in occupational health and safety in the people's republic of China 1981–1986
Authors: Quinn Margaret M. , Punnett Laura , Christiani David C. , Levenstein Charles , Wegman David H.
Published: April 2007

Exchanges between U.S. and Chinese professionals have provided opportunities for observation of recent developments in occupational health in China. For the past decade, China has been committed to an unprecedented drive for economic modernization, including new policies on ownership, business management, employment, health care, and disability as well as increased activity in heavy, light, and service industries. Chinese occupational health professionals and labor organizations have set a goal of modernizing worker health along with the rest of society. Examples of advances in occupational health occurring since 1981 are the coordination of industrial hygiene and health research and services, an emphasis on epidemiology, interdisciplinary approaches to problem‐solving, the pretesting of toxic substances, regulation and standard setting, and on‐site workplace hazard prevention.
Asbestos disease in sheet metal workers: II. Radiologic signs of asbestosis among active workers
Authors: Michaels David , Zoloth Stephen , Lacher Margot , Holstein Edwin , Lilis Ruth , Drucker Ernest
Published: April 2007

A review of chest x‐rays of 707 currently employed New York metropolitan area sheet metal workers found that 29.3% of the workers with 20 years or more of union membership (a surrogate for years of exposure) had radiologic abnormalities characteristic of parenchymal and/or pleural asbestosis, with 18.6% having abnormalities characteristic of parenchymal asbestosis (International Labor Organization [ILO] classification 1/0 or higher) and 17.4% of pleural asbestosis. The prevalence of abnormalities characteristic of either parenchymal and/or pleural asbestosis in the group as a whole was 16.4%, with 10.9% exhibiting signs of parenchymal asbestosis and 9.2% of pleural asbestosis. There was a strong, statistically significant relationship between years in the trade and the prevalence of radiologic abnormalities. These findings underscore the need for medical surveillance of all asbestos‐exposed construction workers, including retirees and workers who have had past exposure but who are no longer exposed.
Nasal cancer in the U.S. shoe industry: Does it exist?
Authors: Decouflé Pierre , Walrath Judy
Published: April 2007

Studies in England and Italy have demonstrated a striking association between employment in the shoemaking industry and cancer of the nasal cavities and sinuses. However, three recent, large‐scale proportionate mortality studies of U.S. shoeworkers do not show any deaths from these tumors. This paper reviews the methodology of those studies, emphasizing the underlying data and statistical power. In addition, epidemiologic and other considerations important in assessing and interpreting the apparent absence of a nasal cancer risk in the U.S. shoe industry are discussed.
Isocyanates and respiratory disease: Current status
Authors: Musk A. William , Peters John M. , Wegman David H.
Published: April 2007

This paper reviews the known respiratory effects of isocyanates. There is good evidence to indicate that isocyanates: cause chemical bronchitis/pneumonitis; are potent pulmonary sensitizers capable of causing “isocyanate asthma”; cause nonspecific airways disease, including chronic bronchitis; can induce a general asthmatic state; and can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Similar dose‐response relationships are seen for both acute and chronic effects. There are plants operating in which exposures are well controlled and in which no respiratory effects can be detected. Suggestions are provided for preplacement assessment and periodic surveillance for workers exposed to these compounds.
Pleural mesotheliomas and asbestos exposure in the pulp and paper industries: A new risk group identified by linkage of official registers
Authors: Järvholm Bengt , Malker Hans , Malker Birgitta , Ericsson Jan , Sällsten Gerd
Published: April 2007

Analysis of data obtained by linking the 1960 Swedish Census and the Swedish Cancer Registry has demonstrated an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma among pulp and paper workers. The present study was undertaken with the aim of revealing possible environmental risk factors. The work histories of the 25 cases identified earlier were reviewed. “Certain” or “probable” exposure to asbestos was found among 70% of these workers. The study illustrates how linkage of official registers can be used to identify new risk environments and encourage the establishment of preventive measures.
Occupational exposures and brain cancer mortality: A preliminary study of East Texas residents
Authors: Speers Marjorie A. , Dobbins James G. , Miller Van S.
Published: April 2007

The relationship between various occupational exposures and brain cancer was investigated in a case‐control study using mortality data from 202 males who died in East Texas from gliomas in 1969‐1978 and 238 male controls randomly selected from all deaths in East Texas in 1969‐1978. Using the occupational classification scheme of the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the risk for brain cancer was significantly increased for male workers employed in the transportation, communication, and utilities industries [odds ratio (OR) = 2.26, confidence intervals (CI) = 1.18‐4.32]. Further examination of this finding showed that male workers employed in occupations associated with electricity or electromagnetic (EM) fields had an elevated risk for brain cancer (OR = 3.94, CI = 1.52‐10.20). In addition, there was a linear relationship between the probability of exposure to EM fields and brain cancer. Significantly elevated risk for brain cancer was also found among male workers in the trucking industry.
Relative risk of mesothelioma among railroad machinists exposed to chrysotile
Authors: Mancuso Thomas F.
Published: April 2007

This study challenges the assertion of low relative risk of chrysotile in the causation of mesothelioma. Data are provided on the time period use of various types of asbestos in the United States and in insulation materials. The focus of the study is on mesothelioma among railroad machinists employed in the steam locomotive era who were exposed to chrysotile. Within a cohort of machinists alive January 1, 1945, a sub‐cohort method was applied to all successive machinists hired in each of the respective years (1920‐1929) followed through 1986. The total cohort was 181 and the number of deaths 156, with 14 mesotheliomas identified among 41 cancer deaths. The findings demonstrated an extremely high relative risk for machinists exposed to chrysotile for the induction of mesothelioma in the individual year of hire cohorts. A similar observation was noted for other crafts hired in the same time period. One mesothelioma occurred for every 13 machinists hired in the succeeding years (1920‐1929) and constituted 34% of all cancer deaths. It is concluded that chrysotile is far more hazardous in the induction of mesotheliomas and that the asbestos cancer risk in the steam locomotive eras was much higher than had been previously estimated.
A retrospective cohort mortality study of workers exposed to formaldehyde in the garment industry
Authors: Stayner Leslie Thomas , Elliott Larry , Blade Leo , Keenlyside Richard , Halperin William
Published: April 2007

In order to assess the possible human carcinogenecity of formaldehyde we conducted a retrospective cohort mortality study of workers exposed for at least three months to formaldehyde in three garment facilities which produced permanent press garments. A total of 11,030 workers contributing 188,025 person‐years were included in the study. Vital status was successfully ascertained through 1982 for over 96% of the cohort. The average (TWA) formaldehyde exposure at the three plants monitored in 1981 and 1984 by NIOSH was 0.15 ppm but past exposures may have been substantially higher. In general, mortality from nonmalignant causes was less than expected. A statistically significant excess in mortality from cancers of the buccal cavity (SMR = 343) and connective tissue (SMR = 364) was observed. Statistically nonsignificant excesses in mortality were observed for cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung (SMR = 114), pharynx (SMR = 112), bladder (SMR = 145), leukemia and aleukemia (SMR = 113), and other lymphopoietic neoplasms (SMR = 170). Mortality from cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung was inversely related to duration of exposure and latency. In contrast, mortality from cancers of the buccal cavity, leukemias, and other lymphopoietic neoplasms increased with duration of formaldehyde exposure and/or latency. These neoplasms also were found to be highest among workers first exposed during a time period of high potential formaldehyde exposures in this industry (1955‐1962). However, it should be recognized that these findings are based on realtively small numbers and that confounding by other factors may still exist. The results from this investigation, although far from conclusive, do provide evidence of a possible relationship between formaldehyde exposure and the development of upper respiratory cancers (buccal), leukemias, and other lymphopoietic neoplasms in humans.
Substance data bases and right to know laws: Application to occupational epidemiology
Authors: Davis F. G. , Chung M. W. , Mallin K. M.
Published: April 2007

The Illinois Right to Know (RTK) law included requirements for substance lists to be submitted by companies to the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). This provided an opportunity to test the feasibility of identifying workplaces utilizing common chemicals for future epidemiologic investigations.

A sample of IDOL files (n = 115) was obtained, and relevant data elements were coded. A second sample of substance names within these files (n = 1,015) was selected, and searches in three standard references were conducted to identify chemical descriptions.

Equal proportions of employers and manufacturer/suppliers were in general compliance with RTK law reporting requirements (58%). Forty‐five percent of substances sampled from employers (chemical users) and 71% of substances sampled from manufacturer/suppliers (chemical producers and distributors) could be identified. The ability to identify substances reported using chemical names was approximately equal across companies (90%), while the ability to identify substances with nonchemical names was greater in manufacturer (59%) than in employer (32%) files.

This study suggests that the ability to identify potential occupationally exposed groups using this resource may be greater among manufacturers than among employers. Recognition of substances used in the workplace could be improved if companies were required to report chemical names.
Asbestos disease in sheet metal workers: Proportional mortality update
Authors: Michaels David , Zoloth Stephen
Published: April 2007

This paper, updating the findings of an earlier study, provides additional evidence that sheet metal workers in the construction trades are at increased risk for asbestos‐related disease. A proportional analysis of cause of death among 331 New York sheet metal workers found a significantly elevated PMR for lung cancer (PMR = 186). In addition, there were six deaths attributable to mesothelioma (three classified as lung cancer deaths) and three death certificates mentioned asbestosis or pulmonary fibrosis, although none of these three deaths were attributed to these diseases.
Studies of Transformer Repair Workers Exposed to PCBs: II. Results of Clinical Laboratory Investigations
Authors: Emmett Edward A. , Maroni Marco , Jefferys Joan , Schmith Joanne , Levin Barry K. , Alvares Alvito
Published: April 2007

Thirty‐eight transformer repairmen currently exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 17 former transformer repairmen, and 56 comparison workers not known to be exposed to PCBs were studied. Measurements were made of serum liver function tests, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lipid profile, thyroid function tests, and other serum biochemistry; hemoglobin; white cell count; 24‐hour excretion of delta‐aminolevulinic acid, porphyrins, 17‐hydroxycorticosteriods and 17‐ketosteroids; sperm count; spirometry; and antipyrine half‐life to evaluate microsomal mixed function oxidase induction. The total exposed group differed significantly from the comparison group in albumin, LDH, T4, T4‐RT3 index, and actual/predicted FEV1. Significant differences among all three exposure groups were seen for albumin, T4, T4‐RT3 index, and 17‐hydroxycorticosteroid excretion. Differences in FEV1 were attributable to smoking. Significant correlations between serum PCBs and serum lipids were removed by adjustment for confounding variables.

After adjustment for confounding variables, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum PCBs and GGT and a negative correlation between adipose PCBs and 17‐hydroxycorticosteroid excretion. These may reflect subtle metabolic effects of PCBs.
Asbestos Exposure and Gastrointestinal Malignancy Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Frumkin Howard , Berlin Jesse
Published: April 2007

The epidemiologic literature linking asbestos exposure with gastrointestinal malignancy is reviewed. Problems in comparing studies are discussed, appropriate strategies for comparison are developed, and study results are pooled using a model which accounts for both intrastudy and interstudy variability. Stratification of cohorts by dose reveals that significant asbestos exposure, as indicated by a lung cancer standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of at least 200, is associated with an elevated gastrointestinal cancer SMR for five or six end points examined.
Comparison of Death Certificate Occupation and Industry Data With Lifetime Occupational Histories Obtained by Interview: Variations in the Accuracy of Death Certificate Entries
Authors: Schade William J. , Swanson G. Marie
Published: April 2007

This study compares usual and recent occupation and industry data from lifetime work histories obtained by interview with death certificate entries for occupation and industry for 2,435 persons diagnosed with cancer. Match rates are calculated as the percent of death certificate occupation and industry entries that were confirmed by interview data and are compared for exact 3‐digit 1980 U.S. Census Bureau occupation and industry codes and for groups of these codes. The overall match rate for individual usual occupation codes was 47.9% and for exact usual industry codes it was 61.8%. Significant differences between the interview data for usual occupation or industry and the death certificate entry were observed by race and gender, marital status, number of years worked, and occupation and industry groups and by age for industry. Misclassification or overreporting of occupation and industry data on the death certificate ranged from 30 to 50% in this study. Our results suggest that the utility of death certificate data for investigations into the occupational risk factors for cancer may be quite limited.
Respiratory Symptoms and Ventilatory Capacity in Soy Bean Workers
Authors: Zuskin Eugenija , Skuric Zdenka , Kanceljak Bozica , Pokrajac Duska , Schachter E. Neil , Witek Theodore J.
Published: April 2007

Respiratory function was studied in a group of 29 soy workers exposed to soy bean dust produced after extraction of soy oil. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was consistently higher in exposed than in control workers, although the differences were not statistically significant. During the Monday work shift there was a significant mean acute across‐shift decrease in maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and 25% vital capacity (FEF50: ‐6.4%; FEF25: ‐12.4%). Changes in vital capacity (FVC: ‐3.6%) and 1‐sec forced expiratory volume (FEV1: ‐2.7%) were smaller, but still statistically significant. There were also statistically significant acute reductions in all ventilatory capacity parameters over the work shift on the following Friday, although the changes were in general smaller than on Monday (except for FEV1). An analysis of Monday preshift values of ventilatory capacity in soy bean workers suggests that exposure to soy bean dust may lead to chronic respiratory impairment in some workers.
Cardiovascular Malformations, Work Attendance, and Occupational Exposures During Pregnancy in Finland
Authors: Tikkanen Jorma , Kurppa Kari , Timonen Henri , Holmberg Peter C. , Kuosma Eeva , Rantala Kaarina
Published: April 2007

To explore for associations between occupational factors and cardiovascular malformations, information on the parents of 160 infants with cardiovascular malformations and 160 control parents was studied. The case infants had been reported consecutively to the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations. All mothers were interviewed identically after delivery, using both open and pro forma questions about detailed work tasks, exposures, and leisure activities during pregnancy. The interview information was evaluated blindly. Neither parental occupational titles nor maternal working per se gave new clues to the teratogenic risk; nor did shift working, wearing of personal protective equipment, or the mother's own opinion on exposures during pregnancy. Identified occupational exposures, as categorized by an industrial hygienist, showed no remarkable associations to cardiovascular malformations. Few mothers were exposed substantially to specific occupational hazards. Comparing mothers who used medications in the first trimester with those who did not showed an odds ratio of 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.3–3.9) when adjusted for potential confounding by multivariate logistic methods.
Effects of exposure to ethylene glycol ethers on shipyard painters: I. Evaluation of exposure
Authors: Sparer Judy , Welch Laura S. , McManus Kevin , Cullen Mark R.
Published: April 2007

An industrial hygiene survey was performed to characterize exposure of shipyard painters to 2‐ethoxyethanol (2‐EE) and 2‐methoxyethanol (2‐ME). One hundred and two samples were taken over six workshifts. Overall results showed that the time‐weighted average (TWA) of airborne exposure to 2‐EE ranged from 0–80.5 mg/m3 with a mean of 9.9 mg/m3 and a median of 4.4 mg/m3. Samples for 2‐ME TWA ranged from 0–17.7 mg/m3 with a mean of 2.6 mg/m3 and a median of 1.6 mg/m3. Limitations of the sampling and a few prior measurements suggest that these data may underestimate usual or previous exposure. These data are discussed in the context of available data on airborne exposure to ethylene glycol ethers from other workplaces.
Lung cancer case‐control study in a rubber manufacturing plant
Authors: Andjelkovich Dragana A. , Abdelghany Naima , Mathew Ravi M. , Blum Steve
Published: April 2007

This report presents the findings of a case‐control study of lung cancer among workers at a rubber manufacturing plant. Detailed work histories of 40 lung cancer deaths, which occurred during 1977 and 1978, were compared with those of 146 controls who were individually matched to cases on age, sex, and race; 66 of the controls were also matched on year of first hire. Elevated odds ratios were noted for different durations of employment in four work areas: Reclaim Operation, Chemicals, Special Products Manufacture, and Curing Preparation. A clear trend of increasing odds ratios with increasing durations of exposure was observed for the first three of these work areas. Several chemicals used in these processes are known respiratory system hazards. The results of this study suggest an association between lung cancer mortality risk and employment in Reclaim Operation, Chemicals, and Special Products Manufacture. A moderate excess risk was observed in these areas among both smokers and nonsmokers, although the risk was greater among the smokers.
Vibration white finger, digital blood pressure, and some biochemical findings on workers operating vibrating tools in the engine manufacturing industry
Authors: Bovenzi Massimo
Published: April 2007

A clinical and laboratory investigation was carried out on 76 operators using pneumatic hand grinders and impact wrenches in the engine manufacturing industry. Twenty‐two vibration‐exposed workers (28.9%) had no symptoms in the hands (stage 0 of the Stockholm Workshop scale), 34 (44.7%) were affected with sensorineural disturbances in the fingers (stage SN), and 20 (26.3%) suffered from vibration white finger (VWF stages 1–2‐3). In the vibration‐exposed operators and in 30 comparable referents not exposed to vibration, finger systolic blood pressure (FSP) was measured on a test finger and on a control finger after digit cooling to 30°C and 10°C. The results of the cold provocation test were expressed as percent change of FSP by cooling the test finger from 30°C to 10°C (FSP%t, 10°) and as digital/brachial pressure index during local cooling at 10°C (DPIt, 10°). After cold provocation the mean values of FSP%t, 10° and DPIt 10° were more significantly reduced in the vibration‐exposed workers with VWF than in those without VWF and the referents (p < 0.001). The cold provocation test was found to differentiate between VWF subjects with stages 1–2 and stage 3 (p < 0.02). It is concluded that the measurement of FSP combined with finger cooling is a useful laboratory test to diagnose objectively Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin. The vibration‐exposed workers and the referents were also tested for serum levels of immunoglobulins and complement and for daily excretion of urinary free catecholamines. Between the reference and vibration groups no differences in the mean values of the immunologic parameters and urinary catecholamines were found. The meaning of these findings is discussed.
Bladder cancer among workers in the textile industry: Results of a spanish case‐control study
Authors: Gonzales Carlos A. , Riboli Elio , Lopez‐Abente Gonzalo
Published: April 2007

This paper presents results from a case‐control study carried out in the county of Mataro, Spain. The study was designed to investigate the possible causes of an unusually high mortality rate from bladder cancer in Mataro county as compared to Spain as a whole, and this report focuses on occupational exposures. The study is based on 57 cases who were hospitalized for or died from bladder cancer between 1978 and 1981. Two controls per case were matched for sex, age, residence, and date of either hospitalization or death. Information was collected on smoking, coffee drinking, and occupation. Occupational histories were then evaluated and coded blind by a group of occupational health physicians. Analyses were carried out by means of conditional logistic regression. Among a group of common occupational sectors, an increased risk for past employment in the textile industry (OR = 2.2; p = .038) was found. Further analyses indicated that the risk is particularly elevated (OR = 4.41; 95% confidence limits: 1.15–16.84) for subjects who worked in dyeing or printing and who were most probably exposed to azo‐dyes. Exposure in the textile industry may be responsible for 16% of the bladder cancers in the Mataro area. A list of dyes commonly used in the Mataro textile industries was compiled and cross‐checked with lists of substances tested or evaluated for carcinogenesis.
Neurotoxic effects of organic solvents in exposed workers: Two controlled follow‐up studies after 5.5 and 10.6 years
Authors: Gregersen Per
Published: April 2007

The findings of acute and/or chronic central and peripheral neurotoxic effects of organic solvents in workers from a previous controlled cross‐sectional study (65 exposed and 33 unexposed) were re‐assessed to ascertain whether the neurotoxic symptoms and signs had become chronic. These follow‐ups were performed 5.5 years later by occupational medical and clinical neurological examination (59 exposed and 30 unexposed) and again 10.6 years later by a mailed questionnaire (53 exposed and 30 unexposed).

Both follow‐ups revealed more acute neurotoxic symptoms in the exposed workers than in the unexposed workers, but fewer than previously, and indeed, the current exposure to solvents had been reduced. However, at both follow‐ups, the exposed workers showed significantly more symptoms of chronic encephalopathy, in particular, memory and concentration impairment. These latter symptoms had also significantly worsened in the workers who were still being exposed, while they were presently unchanged in the previously exposed workers who had been free of exposure for 6.6 years at the latter follow‐up. On the other hand, symptoms of chronic encephalopathy had not appeared in the unexposed group.

Among workers, both still and previously exposed, there were also social consequences in the form of occupational disqualification.

According to the findings, long‐term occupational exposure to organic solvents in concentrations that are not unusual at workplaces may lead to development of chronic neurotoxic symptoms.
Distribution of lost‐work‐time claims for skin disease in California agriculture: 1978–1983
Authors: O'Malley Michael A. , Mathias C. G. Toby
Published: April 2007

In order to identify California agricultural workers at high risk for occupational skin disease, we evaluated the distribution of 2,722 claims for lost‐work‐time skin conditions reported between 1978 and 1983 by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and source of illness. In the overall work force, cases were most frequently attributed to plants (52.1%), chemical exposures (20.4%), and food products (12.5%), but considerable variation occurred in the distribution of cases among the subdivisions of agriculture. The forestry subdivisions (SICs 081, 082, 084, and 085) had the highest rate (given as cases/10,000 employed) of claims for skin disease attributed to plants (53.5), but no cases due to other exposures. For chemical exposures, the highest rate of claims occurred in the horticultural specialties (SIC 018) subdivison (5.1), but this group also had a significant claims rate for plant‐related skin disease (15.9). The highest claims rate for cases attributed to food products occurred in the vegetables/melons subdivision (4.7), but this group had claims rates for exposure to plants (3.8) and chemicals (2.8) that were nearly as high. Efforts to evaluate and prevent skin disease in agricultural workers should recognize the complex range of exposures to which this work force is subject.
Potroom asthma: New Zealand experience and follow‐up
Authors: O'Donnell T. V. , Welford B. , Coleman E. D.
Published: April 2007

Occupational asthma related to work in potlines in an aluminum smelter has been diagnosed on clinical criteria in 57 workers. About half were regular tobacco smokers but atopy was uncommon. There was a wide range in the time for which each had been employed prior to development of symptoms, but the average was about 20 months. Thirty‐four showed nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine. At annual reviews over a period of 5 years following transfer to other work at the smelter, the majority improved in symptoms in 1–2 years and bronchial hyperreactivity returned to normal. However, over the subsequent 3 years, deterioration, not limited to tobacco smokers or atopic subjects, has occurred in some subjects.
Deaths and tumors among workers grinding stainless steel
Authors: Svensson B. G. , Englander V. , Åkesson B. , Attewell R. , Skerfving S. , Ericson Å. , Möller T.
Published: April 2007

This study examined a cohort of 1,164 males who, during the period 1927–1981, had been employed for 3 months or more in an industry that produced objects from stainless steel.

These workers were exposed to the dust of grinding materials, grinding agents, and stainless steel. From 1975 to 1980, measurements of the total dust in the workroom air have shown levels of about one mg/m3 (consisting of chromium at about 0.1 mg/m3 and nickel at about 0.05 mg/m3) during grinding and several mg/m3 (chromium at about 0.01 mg/m3 and nickel at about 0.005 mg/m3) during polishing. Before 1950, the concentrations were probably considerably higher.

Compared to a local reference population, a decrease in mortality (63 observed deaths, standardized mortality (SMR) = 0.79, 95% confidence limits CL = 0.61, 1.01) took place during the 1951–1983 observation period among 318 subjects who had been employed for at least five years, allowing a latency period of at least 20 years. Mortality from cancer of the colon/rectum increased (observed deaths = 6, SMR = 2.47, CL = 0.97, 5.58). The mortality from nonmalignant pulmonary disease did not increase (SMR = 0.29, CL = 0.01, 1.81).

During the observation period (1958–1983), there was no significant overall excess of tumors (observed cases = 33, standardized morbidity [SMR] = 1.09, CL = 0.76, 1.54). However, tumor morbidity of the colon/rectum (observed 11, SMR = 2.83, CL = 1.47, 5.19) significantly increased. There were no cases of respiratory cancer (expected 4.7, CL = 0, 0.21).

Thus, the results indicate an increased risk of intestinal cancer. This is in accordance with earlier observations of grinding material producers and polishers. It is impossible to conclude whether the cause is grinding material, grinding agents, stainless steel, or some other factor. The results do not indicate that dust from stainless steel induces lung cancer.
Some trends in worker access to health care in the United States (1974–1983)
Authors: Pedersen David H. , Sieber W. Karl
Published: April 2007

As a result of national surveys of occupational health and safety conditions in the American workplace, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has collected data on the provision of health care to workers as a consequence of their employment. Two of these surveys, initiated in 1972 and 1981, permit a preliminary examination of the trends in worker access to such care.

This paper presents data on the provision of some aspects of medical care to workers in manufacturing and nonmanufacturing facilities as a result of employment. Among the principal findings are increases in general health care provided to workers, increased use of off‐site physicians, and increased use of screening examinations or tests. Other analyses indicate a decreased use of on‐site physicians and pre‐employment examinations and decreased industrial retention of health information on new employees.
Polymorphisms in the serotonin receptor gene HTR2A are associated with quantitative traits in panic disorder
Authors: Unschuld Paul G. , Ising Marcus , Erhardt Angelika , Lucae Susanne , Kloiber Stefan , Kohli Martin , Salyakina Daria , Welt Tobias , Kern Nikola , Lieb Roselind , Uhr Manfred , Binder Elisabeth B. , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Holsboer Florian , Keck Martin E.
Published: April 2007

Anxiety disorders and specifically panic disorder (PD) are caused by complex interactions of environmental and genetic factors. The latter comprise many different genes, from which those involved in serotonergic neurotransmission have received particular attention. Here we report the results from an association candidate‐gene approach, where we analyzed 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the gene coding for the serotonin‐receptor 2A (HTR2A) in patients suffering from PD and a control sample. We found that the SNP rs2296972 shows an association between the number of T‐alleles and severity of symptoms in PD. By performing tests according to the Fisher product method (FPM), an association between HTR2A and the personality trait reward dependence could be shown. Most pronounced effects were observable for the SNPs rs2770304, rs6313, and rs6311. Furthermore, the polymorphisms rs3742278, rs2296972, and rs2770292 form a haplotype, which may be associated with higher susceptibility for PD. These results further underline a possible important role of genetic variations within the system controlling serotonergic neurotransmission for the development and course of disease in PD. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of mutations in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and 3 genes in a Taiwanese (ethnic Chinese) cohort of familial and early‐onset parkinsonism
Authors: Lin Chin‐Hsien , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Chiang Shu‐Chuan , Tai Chun‐Hwei , Wu Ruey‐Meei
Published: April 2007

Recent reports suggest that CAG triplet expansions of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and 3 (SCA2 and SCA3) genes are the cause of typical levodopa‐responsive Parkinson's disease (PD) in familial cases, several of which were ethnic Chinese. To investigate the role of SCA2 and SCA3 mutations in Chinese familial and early‐onset PD patients, we analyzed CAG triplet repeat expansions of SCA2 and SCA3 genes in a cohort of 73 Taiwanese/Ethnic Chinese familial and early‐onset PD patients [mean age at onset 42.70 ± 7.17 years (mean ± SD)]. Thirteen of them (17.8%) had positive family history. All patients received comprehensive clinical evaluation including a thorough neurological examination, laboratory tests, and neuroimaging studies to exclude secondary causes and atypical parkinsonism. The CAG repeat length in these genes was determined using polymerase chain reaction polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. SCA2 gene CAG repeats ranged from 15 to 26 repeats with a median of 20, and SCA3 gene CAG repeats ranged from 15 to 40 with a median of 15. No long pathogenic repeats were found in either SCA2 or SCA3, although borderline CAG repeat number was detected in the SCA3 gene of four patients. Thus, mutations of SCA2 or SCA3 did not play a major role in familial or early‐onset PD in our study cohort. PD patients without autosomal dominant family history or obvious cerebellar ataxia should not be candidates for routine screening of SCA2 or SCA3 mutations for cost‐effectiveness. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Obsessive–compulsive symptoms in sibling pairs concordant for obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Chacon Priscila , Rosario‐Campos Maria Conceição , Pauls David L. , Hounie Ana Gabriela , Curi Mariana , Akkerman Fernando , Shimabokuro Fabiana Harumi , de Mathis Maria Alice , Lopes Antonio Carlos , Hasler Gregor , Miguel Euripedes Constantino
Published: April 2007

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous disorder of unknown etiology. Phenotypic studies of affected sib‐pairs (SPs) may help to characterize familial components of the phenotype. To determine whether SPs affected with OCD are similar in age at onset of obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS), symptom dimensions and presence of tic disorders (TDs). Forty OCD siblings ranging from 13 to 59 years old were evaluated by expert psychiatrists or psychologists. Families with two or more siblings affected with OCD were recruited from several OCD clinics in Brazil. The Yale Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale Checklist was used to assess OCS and the severity of OCD. The OCD diagnoses were made according to the DSM‐IV. The chi‐square test was used to assess concordance of TD presence within SPs based on the TD frequency reported in the literature (30%). There were significantly more siblings with early‐onset OCS than with late‐onset OCS (P = 0.002). Age at onset of OCS correlated positively and significantly between the two members of each SP (P = 0.005). Fourteen patients (35%) were diagnosed with TDs. There was no concordance of the TD presence within the SPs. When both were male, there was a significant sibling correlation in the contamination obsessions/cleaning compulsions dimension (ICC = 0.74; P = 0.002). Similarly, when both siblings were female, they were comparable in the hoarding obsessions/compulsions dimension (ICC = 0.76; P = 0.01). Familial factors seem to contribute to specific OCD phenotypic components such as age at onset of OCS and specific dimensions. The obvious influence of gender is as yet unexplained. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups and age at onset of schizophrenia
Authors: Magri Chiara , Gardella Rita , Barlati Stefano Davide , Valsecchi Paolo , Sacchetti Emilio , Barlati Sergio
Published: April 2007

A number of studies support a possible link between mitochondrial dysfunction and schizophrenia. To test the hypothesis of a direct contribution of mitochondrial DNA (mt‐DNA) in susceptibility to DSM‐IV‐TR‐schizophrenia, we looked for differences in the frequency distribution of the major European haplogroups (hgs) in 142 patients and 190 controls both of Italian origin. A subgroup of patients (N = 37) and healthy counterparts (N = 41) was also analyzed for possible differences in the relative amount of mt‐DNA versus nuclear‐DNA in blood cells. Patients and controls were comparable for hg frequency distribution and the relative levels of mt‐DNA even after stratification by gender and schizophrenia subtype. However, patients harboring the hg J‐T showed an anticipated onset of the disorder. These results indicate that the J‐T hg of mt‐DNA may have a modulator effect on deeper determinants of schizophrenia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Superovulatory response to a low dose single‐daily treatment of rhFSH dissolved in polyvinylpyrrolidone in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Yang Shihua , He Xiechao , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Zhou Qi , Ji Weizhi
Published: April 2007

To simplify the procedure for superovulation in the rhesus monkey, this study was designed using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution as a solvent for gonadotropins. Thirty‐five cycling females (aged 5–8 years old) were divided into six groups during the breeding season (November– February). The groups were as follows: Group I, animals received twice‐daily 35 IU recombinant human follicle‐stimulating hormone (rhFSH) dissolved in 0.5 ml saline for 8 days as the control; Groups II and III, animals received single‐daily 35 IU and 17 IU rhFSH in 0.5 saline, respectively, for 9 days; Groups IV, V and VI, received single‐daily injection of 35 IU rhFSH, 17 IU rhFSH and 8.5 IU rhFSH dissolved in 0.5 ml 30% PVP (w/v) solution, respectively, for 9 days. After human chorionic gonadotropin was administered to induce the nuclear maturation of oocytes, oocytes were retrieved and the development competence of recovered oocytes treated with in vitro fertilization were observed. The plasma concentrations of follicle‐stimulating hormone and ovarian responses were monitored during the treatment. The results showed that the number of recovered oocytes and the in vitro developmental competence of mature oocytes was equivalent among monkeys when treated with a single‐daily treatment of 17 and 35 IU rhFSH with PVP preparation in Groups IV and V compared with the twice‐daily 35 IU rhFSH treatments received by Group I. However, almost all animals in Groups II, III and VI responded poorly to corresponding stimulations. These findings indicate that a single‐daily low dose of rhFSH dissolved in PVP solution can induce the satisfactory ovarian responses in rhesus monkeys. This has the potential to reduce treatment distress, stress to the animals, the labor of the operator as well as the amount of rhFSH used in ovarian stimulation, compared with traditional superovulation methods. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1278–1284, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological Aspects of Gonadal Morphogenesis in Bufo bufo (Amphibia anura): Bidder's Organ Differentiation
Authors: Falconi Rosanna , Dalpiaz Davide , Zaccanti Francesco
Published: April 2007

We have described the architecture of Bidder's organ, defined its compartmented structure, and affirmed the presence of basal laminae. We did not find morphological differences between sexes in Bidder's organ. All specimens initially developed gonads with a peripheral fertile layer surrounding a thin primary cavity. The first oogenetic wave was observed early, showing all phases of meiosis, including leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene, which had been previously thought to be lacking. The peculiar presence of an asynchronous germ cell nest was discussed. Diplotene oocytes issued from the peripheral layer and migrated inside the primary cavity. They were surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells, which originated from the peripheral layer somatic cells and were delimited by a basal lamina. There were few medulla or central layer cells. At the end of metamorphosis, while the oocytes of the first oogenetic wave came into close contact with blood vessels, a second oogenetic wave took place just as the first, except for the presence of synchronous germ cell nests. The central layer was not visible and we did not observe the formation of an ovarian pocket. Stocks of stem germ cells remained in the peripheral layer during both the first and second oogenetic waves. The asymmetric model, in which there is a tendency toward a primary female differentiation, was confirmed. The female differentiation becomes stable in the Bidder's organ because of the absence of further interaction between germ and medullary somatic cells, which would have led toward a male differentiation. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.