bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of hydrodynamic stress on the phenotypic characteristics of single and binary biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Simões M. , Pereira M.O. , Vieira M.J.
Published: April 2007

This study investigates the phenotype of turbulent (Re = 5,200) and laminar (Re = 2,000) flow-generated Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms. Three P. fluorescens strains, the type strain ATCC 13525 and two strains isolated from an industrial processing plant, D3-348 and D3-350, were used throughout this study. The isolated strains were used to form single and binary biofilms. The biofilm physiology (metabolic activity, cellular density, mass, extracellular polymeric substances, structural characteristics and outer membrane proteins [OMP] expression) was compared. The results indicate that, for every situation, turbulent flow-generated biofilms were more active (p<0.05), had more mass per cm2 (p<0.05), a higher cellular density (p<0.05), distinct morphology, similar matrix proteins (p>0.1) and identical (isolated strains – single and binary biofilms) and higher (type strain) matrix polysaccharides contents (p<0.05) than laminar flow-generated biofilms. Flow-generated biofilms formed by the type strain revealed a considerably higher cellular density and amount of matrix polysaccharides than single and binary biofilms formed by the isolated strains (p<0.05). Similar OMP expression was detected for the several single strains and for the binary situation, not dependent on the hydrodynamic conditions. Binary biofilms revealed an equal coexistence of the isolated strains with apparent neutral interactions. In summary, the biofilms formed by the type strain represent, apparently, the worst situation in a context of control. The results obtained clearly illustrate the importance of considering strain variation and hydrodynamics in biofilm development, and complement previous studies which have focused on physical aspects of structural and density differences.
Sensorimotor Impairments and Reaching Performance in Subjects With Poststroke Hemiparesis During the First Few Months of Recovery
Authors: Wagner Joanne M , Lang Catherine E , Sahrmann Shirley A , Edwards Dorothy F , Dromerick Alexander W
Published: April 2007

Background and Purpose

Little is known about the relationship between upper-extremity (UE) sensorimotor impairment and reaching performance during the first few months after stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine: (1) how measures of UE sensorimotor impairment are related to the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of reaching in subjects with hemiparesis during the subacute phase after stroke and (2) how impairments measured during the acute phase after stroke may predict the variance in reaching performance a few months later.

Subjects and Methods

Upper-extremity sensorimotor impairments and reaching performance were evaluated in 39 subjects with hemiparesis at 2 time points: during the acute phase (8.7±3.6 [X̅±SD] days) and the subacute phase (108.7±16.5 days) after stroke. Ten subjects who were healthy (control subjects) were evaluated once. Regression analyses were used to determine which impairments were the best predictors of variance in reaching performance in the subacute phase after stroke.

Results

Only a small amount of variance (<30%) in reaching performance was explained at the subacute time point, using either acute or subacute impairments as predictor variables. Of the impairments measured, UE strength deficits were the strongest, most consistent predictors of the variance in reaching performance during the first 3 months after stroke.

Discussion and Conclusion

Surprisingly, the detailed clinical assessment of UE sensorimotor impairment, measured at the acute or subacute phase after stroke, did not explain much of the variance in reaching performance during the subacute phase after stroke. The findings that UE strength deficits (ie, decreased active range of motion and isometric force production) were the most common predictors of the variance in reaching performance during the first 3 months after stroke are consistent with the current viewpoint that impaired volitional muscle activation, clinically apparent as UE weakness, is a prominent contributing factor to UE dysfunction after stroke.
Spanish-Language Version of the MedRisk Instrument for Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Physical Therapy Care (MRPS): Preliminary Validation
Authors: Beattie Paul F , Nelson Roger M , Lis Angela
Published: April 2007

Background and Purpose

An instrument that provides valid measurements of satisfaction with physical therapy care for Spanish-speaking patients will enhance communication and ensure their representation in quality assurance analyses and research on health care disparities. The purpose of this investigation was to provide preliminary information on the factor structure, group- and individual-level reliability, and criterion-referenced validity of measurements obtained from a Spanish-language version of the MedRisk Instrument for Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Physical Therapy Care (MRPS).

Subjects

A total of 203 Spanish-speaking patients in the New York City area participated in this study.

Methods

Consenting subjects completed a 20-item MRPS after discharge from outpatient physical therapy care. Several translators performed “forward” and “backward” translation of the MRPS, followed by consensus agreement on item structure. Factor structure was investigated using item-correlation and exploratory factor analysis. Group-level reliability for single test administration was assessed using the Cronbach alpha, and individual-level reliability was assessed by calculating the standard error of the measure (SEM). Concurrent validity was tested by comparing the item scores and mean scores of factors to global measures of satisfaction.

Results

The means of individual item scores (1–5) ranged from 3.22 for “I did not wait too long” to 4.80 for “My therapist treated me respectfully.” There were no sex-based differences in item scores. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a 2-factor solution: a 7-item “external” factor and a 3-item “internal” factor. The correlations (r) of the mean scores from these factors with the 2 global measures ranged from .59 to .82. The SEM was 0.16 for the internal factor and 0.25 for the external factor.

Discussion and Conclusion

The underlying factor structure of the Spanish-language version of the MRPS was identical to the English-language version. Our findings provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of measurements obtained from the Spanish-language version of the MRPS. Further study is needed to assess the stability of these findings in other samples. As with English-speaking patients, Spanish-speaking patient's satisfaction with physical therapy care is most strongly linked to the professional behavior of the clinician.
Using Oral History and Forest Management Plans to Reconstruct Traditional Non-Timber Forest Uses in the Swiss Rhone Valley (Valais) Since the Late Nineteenth Century
Authors: Gimmi Urs , Buergi Matthias
Published: April 2007

Changes in forest use are considered as a potential key driver for recently observed changing forest dynamics in the pine forest belt of the upper Rhone valley (Canton of Valais, Switzerland). In this region, traditional non-timber forest uses, such as forest litter harvesting and wood pasture, were practised until the second half of the twentieth century. The practice of traditional non-timber forest uses led to specific environmental conditions which favoured pine as a pioneer species. With the abandonment of these practices the pine was subjected to increased competition and largely replaced by deciduous trees. In this study, the history of traditional non-timber forest uses was reconstructed by combining the analysis of forest management plans and the results from oral history interviews. The forest management plans represent the view of the forest administration whereas the narratives obtained from oral history interviews allow putting the traditional non-timber forest uses into the context of people's daily life. The different characteristics of the two source types are illustrated with two regional case studies. Different socioeconomic and political drivers were identified (changes in non-farming employment, changes in demand for forest products, access to substitute products, regulations), which led to the abandonment of traditional non-timber forest uses in the Valais. The combination of forest management plans and oral history leads to a comprehensive picture of the history and significance of traditional non-timber forest uses. Our findings confirm that information on traditional non-timber forest uses is crucial for an understanding of present day dynamics in the pine forest ecosystems of the Valais.
Subterranean Bodies: Mining the Large Lakes of North-west Canada, 1921-1960
Authors: Piper Liza
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the history of hard rock mining on the large lakes of north-west Canada (Athabasca, Great Slave and Great Bear) from 1921 to 1960. It is based on the records of the three largest mining companies, Eldorado Mining and Refining, Cominco, and Giant Mines as well as government documents, oral histories and published geological and technical reports. The paper opens by assessing the historiography of mines in relation to nature and presents an overview of the regional geology and mine operations. The analysis considers the character of 'subterranean bodies' and how they reveal the physical engagement of miners with nature. It assesses how geology in conjunction with the creation of habitable mine environments animated these bodies. The final section moves into the surface mills where ores were metaphorically and physically digested as part of a larger metabolic process. The manuscript argues that the perception of subterranean bodies masked the negative consequences of mine operations by presenting minerals as renewable resources, by presenting the large lakes as physical rather than cultural landscapes, and by separating ores from their larger environmental contexts even as miners integrated industrial operations into the large lake ecosystems.
Out of the Woods and into the Lab: Exploring the Strange Marriage of American Woodcraft and Soviet Ecology in Czech Environmentalism
Authors: Jehlicka Petr , Smith Joe
Published: April 2007

It is widely assumed that modern environmentalist thinking was imported into post-communist states such as the Czech Republic post 1989. This paper shows these countries had environmental traditions of their own. From its inception in the late 1950s Czech environmentalism was concerned with nature conservation and youth education. At the core of its pedagogy was a concern to educate about and in nature, following the woodcraft and scouting tradition. But formal educational experiences were also significant. Environmental problems were framed as exclusively scientific issues by communist higher education systems. Thus, Czech environmentalism was a blend of the officially sanctioned rational and scientific perception of environmental issues and a more independent romanticising undercurrent. We show how Czech post-war environmental politics blended Soviet ecology with covert references to the mythology of American West, the virtues of pristine nature and of individual freedom. This heritage allowed Czech environmentalism to adapt to both communist and capitalist systems. However, it also meant it was not equipped to deliver a strategic or systematic critique of either. Our research helps to explain the surprisingly muted role of environmentalism in post-communist politics, and confirms the importance of nuanced and culturally specific analyses of the history of environmental politics.
‘Complexity and Contradiction’:The Italian Architectural Landscape
Authors: Puglisi Luigi Prestinenza
Published: April 2007

Italy is renowned the world over for its vibrant design culture. Yet for decades its architectural heritage has held contemporary architecture in a stranglehold, stifling the real possibility of realising innovative schemes in historic cities. In recent years, there has been every outward sign that this situation has abated: a growing number of municipalities are actively setting out to attract signature architecture, and a new generation of architects has emerged ‐ largely educated abroad ‐ who are unhindered by the strictures of historicism. Though, as guest‐editor Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi explains, there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful, the situation is far more complex and contradictory than it first appears, as the passage of architectural advancement in Italy constantly stop‐starts and is beset by some major roadblocks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Between Pragmatism and Theory
Authors: Proto Francesco
Published: April 2007

For the last three decades, Italian architecture has been characterised by an extreme polarisation. At one end of the spectrum have been the neo‐conservators, who are subsumed by Italy's history, and at the other end the avant‐garde for whom innovation is the Holy Grail and the present is a clean slate. Francesco Proto outlines the current potential for steering a middle course that will afford a greater eclecticism, enabling a natural balance between pragmatism and theory. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining Distinction, or Four Good Reasons for Success: The Extraordinary Career of Renzo Piano
Authors: Sacchi Livio
Published: April 2007

For 30 years, Renzo Piano has been producing distinguished buildings and delighting the world with his innovation and sensitivity. Here, Livio Sacchi attempts to tease out some of the reasons behind Piano's sustained success. Having gained an almost unparalleled international profile during the last couple of decades, a period that has been notoriously difficult for Italian architects, Piano's career has an almost mythic quality. It boasts one of the most unlikely competition wins of all time that ceded one of the most prestigious sites in the world, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, to two completely unknown architects in their late 20s. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confronting the Contemporary: Stefano Boeri
Authors: Caramma Diego
Published: April 2007

Diego Caramma describes Stefano Boeri's pervasive influence on architectural thought in recent years as editor of Domus, exhibition curator and founder of the Multiplicity urban research platform. As he explains, Boeri's significance lies in his ability to confront contemporary conditions for architecture rather than just the dissemination of current trends and ideas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nothing More than a Fragile Edge: Blurring the Boundaries with Mario Cucinella
Authors: Giorgi Anna
Published: April 2007

The main focus of Mario Cucinella's work is an overlapping preoccupation with technology and the natural environment. In his hands buildings are transformed into complex climatic machines. Anna Giorgi explains how, when combined with an instinctive sense of place, these concerns allow Cucinella's buildings to remain open objects, fragments of a greater natural or urban system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Italian Architecture from the Inside
Authors: Irace Fulvio
Published: April 2007

Fulvio Irace focuses on the internal tendencies of Italian contemporary architecture. In his identification of national characteristics, he recognises the part that a consolidated approach to Modernism has played. Looking backwards as well as forwards, Modernism in Italy, in all its manifestations, has been simultaneously concerned with ‘the exaltation of the new’ and ‘the obsession with memory’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saucier + Perrotte Architectes
Authors: Carter Brian
Published: April 2007

Brian Carter describes the very distinct architecture of the French‐Canadian practice Saucier + Perrotte. He explains how a string of small, well‐conceived Québécoise arts centres in the 1990s provided a formative route to designing major institutional buildings in Montreal and beyond. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power Plants
Authors: Yeang Ken
Published: April 2007

The famed ecodesigner Ken Yeang files the first of his stories for a new series for AD+. Here he hails the introduction of an exciting new technology ‐ a photovoltaic system ‐ that imitates photosynthesis in nature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Milan From Inside Out
Authors: Croci Valentina
Published: April 2007

Valentina Croci went to discuss with Cecilia Bolognesi, architect and lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture at Milan Bovisa, her new book on her home city: Design City Milan. Lusciously illustrated with new photography by Matteo Piazza, Design City Milan conveys a rich and vital visual portrait of the city. As Croci found out, while combining beautiful photography and graphic design, it also conveys a thoughtful and analytical account of the recent urban development of the metropolis through its interior spaces. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cinemetrics FAQ
Authors: McGrath Brian , Gardner Jean
Published: April 2007

A new book by Brian McGrath and Jean Gardner questions preconceptions of the digital. Previously, working with computers has often been regarded as a simple matter of acquiring technical facility in particular software and techniques. Cinemetrics: Architectural Drawing Today argues that the full potential of digital lies not in technical finesse, but in a perceptual paradigm shift. This shift could be as seismic as the changes associated with the development of perspective in the early Renaissance. Here, McGrath and Gardner provide an FAQ on their innovative new drawing system, Cinemetrics. Inspired by cinema's visual treatment of matter‐flux, this book is set to recast architectural drawing for the 21st century. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spinal origin of human lead neuropathy: This paper marks the 150th anniversary of paralysie de plomb ou saturnine by L. Tanquerel des planches
Authors: Beritic Tihomil
Published: April 2007

One hundred fifty years ago a young but distinguished French scientist, L. Tanquerel des Planches, published a most comprehensive work dealing with almost every known clinical, epidemiological, and occupational aspect of lead poisoning, Traité des Maladies de Plomb ou Saturnines exposing in its second volume. Paralysie de Plomb ou Saturnine his invaluable experience on lead palsy. Among his ideas, based on a rather unique accumulation of human cases of lead palsy, the theory of the neurotoxic action of lead on the spinal cord is of outstanding importance. This site and the mode of action of lead have long been unsettled, although both the nineteenth century classics in neurology and the classics in industrial medicine of the first half of the twentieth century have contributed to solving the pathophysiology of lead palsy. The contributions from these reports, which concur with Tanquerel's assumptions, are presented and discussed. It must be emphasized, however, that only with the advent of electrophysiology has it become possible definitely to recognize the spinal cord involvement as the cause of lead neuropathy. The hypothesis of the axonal degeneration of the “dying back” variant, starting in the biochemical lesion of perikaria of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord, is in full agreement with both the electromyographic signs of denervation and the electroneurographic normal range of conduction velocity. This presumptive conclusion confirming the spinal origin of human lead neuropathy is very much in line with the concepts of Tanquerel des Planches.
Biological monitoring of nitrous oxide exposure in surgical areas
Authors: Trevisan A. , Gori G. P.
Published: April 2007

Exposure to nitrous oxide in surgical theaters was evaluated for duration, numbers, and types of surgical procedures. The concentration of the gas in the air was 92‐444 ppm. Before and after the surgical sessions, samples of urine and expired air were collected from surgical theater personnel for gas determination. Nitrous oxide concentrations in urine and in expired air showed a good correlation with gas concentration in the air (r = 0.760 and r = 0.921, respectively). Moreover, a good correlation (r = 0.823) between gas concentration in urine and that in expired air was also found. A biological threshold limit value (TLV) of 20.6 m̈g/liter for urine and of 29.6 ppm for expired air was calculated, based on the limit of 50 ppm in the air proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Other biological TLVs corresponding to higher proposed limits (200 and 500 ppm) were also calculated.
Case‐control study on occupational exposure to diesel exhaust and lung cancer risk
Authors: Md Paolo Boffetta, , Harris Randall E. , Wynder Ernst L.
Published: April 2007

The association between lung cancer and occupations with probable exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) was studied among 2,584 cases and 5,099 hospital controls. The crudeodds ratio (OR) for probable exposure was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.57), but adjustment for smoking and other confounders reduced the estimate to 0.95 (95% CI = 0.78–1.16). Similar results were observed for truck drivers, the only occupational category large enough for separate analysis. Data on self‐reported exposure for 477 cases and 946 controls revealed a crude OR of 1.45 (95% CI = 0.93–2.27), which was reduced to 1.21 (95% CI = 0.78–2.02) after controlling for smoking and other confounders. The present results and a review of the literature do not definitively support an etiologic association between DE exposure and elevated lung cancer risk.
Chronic neuropsychological sequelae of occupational exposure to organophosphate insecticides
Authors: Rosenstock Linda , Daniell William , Barnhart Scott , Schwartz David , Demers Paul A.
Published: April 2007

The early (immediate and delayed) neurotoxic effects of acute organophosphate intoxication are well documented in the scientific literature; lack of recognition and inappropriate treatment of occupational poisonings continue. Less well understood is the potential development of chronic neuropsychological sequelae from exposures to insecticides. We undertook two cohort studies to assess chronic neuropsychologic effects of insecticide poisoning. Based, in part, on our clinical evaluation of several patients, these studies included: 1) a retrospective cohort study assessing function at least 1 year following moderate to severe poisonings among farm workers; and 2) a prospective cohort study assessing neuropsychological function before and after a season of organophosphate exposures among pesticide applicators. A typical case description, the study design, methodologic problems, and preliminary findings of these ongoing studies are presented.
Mortality from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory system cancer, and stomach cancer among paper mill workers: A case‐referent study
Authors: Torén Kjell , Sällsten Gerd , Järvholm Bengt
Published: April 2007

In an earlier case‐referent study from a soft‐paper mill with levels of paper dust exceeding 5 mg/m3, an increased mortality was found (OR = 3.8, p ≤ 0.05) from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among the employed. Furthermore, other studies on paper mill workers have also indicated an increased mortality from lung cancer. The main objectives of the present case‐referent study were to investigate the mortality from asthma, COPD, and lung cancer in two other Swedish paper mills. In these mills, the levels of paper dust have been below 3 mg/m3. The subjects for the study were all men who died between 1961 and 1985 from asthma and COPD (n = 31), respiratory cancer (n = 27), and stomach cancer (n = 33) selected in three parishes surrounding two paper mills. As referents we randomly selected about six times as many men who had died from nonmalignant nonrespiratory diseases in these parishes (n = 550). On the basis of information found in the personnel records in the mills, the men were classified into different occupational categories or as unexposed. No increased risk of asthma or COPD was found among the workers exposed to paper dust. However, it was found that there was significantly increased mortality (OR = 5.7, p ≤ 0.05) for asthma and COPD among workers in a previous log sorting department. The study also showed a significantly increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 2.1, p ≤ 0.05) among maintenance workers. There was no increased risk of stomach cancer in the study. The results from the study suggest that maintenance workers at paper mills have an increased risk of developing lung cancer, which may be an effect of earlier asbestos exposure. The increased risk for asthma and COPD among the log sorters merits further investigation. In the present study, exposure to low concentrations of paper dust was not found to increase the mortality from asthma or COPD.
Work injuries and exposures in children and young adults: Review and recommendations for action
Authors: Richter Elihu D. , Jacobs Janice
Published: April 2007

Child labor, the penultimate form of cheap labor, is endemic in poor countries; it also occurs in affluent countries. Little information has been available on injuries, disease, and effects on growth and development in the tens of millions of children at risk. Preventive and control measures are eliminating the gross abuses, tracing and banning hazardous exposures to toxic agents, eliminating risks of injuries and ergonomic strain, providing health services for working children through the primary health care network, and developing international failsafe design standards for tools and work systems, if these children must work. There is a need to train public health professionals, pediatricians, and maternal and child health care personnel in carrying out simple descriptive epidemiologic studies and setting up interventive programs. Eliminating the worst conditions and controlling hazards where there is no imminent alternative to child labor are suggested as the basis for a two‐pronged strategy for protecting children who are forced to work.
Chromosomal abnormalities among nurses occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs
Authors: Milković‐Kraus Sanja , Horvat Durda
Published: April 2007

The effect of handling antineoplastic drugs was examined in 42 nurses working in an oncology department, and the same number of nurses not exposed to antineoplastic drugs acted as controls. The exposure effect was evaluated by analysis of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) incidence and structural chromosomal abnormalities. SCE as well as chromosomal abnormalities in the exposed group were increased (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.01, respectively). Sign test for paired sample was used for statistical assessment.
Perspectives on what we formerly called threshold limit values
Authors: Goldsmith John R.
Published: April 2007

From the point of view of an epidemiologist with experience in community air quality standards, occupational health standards, radiation standards, and water quality standards, reasons are given for discarding the assumption that occupational health protection should be based on threshold concepts. The weakness of worker health protection based on prescription of maximal exposure levels is noted, regardless of whose judgement is used for such levels.
Radiographic abnormalities in asbestos insulators: Effects of duration from onset of exposure and smoking. Relationships of dyspnea with parenchymal and pleural fibrosis
Authors: Lilis R. , Miller A. , Godbold J. , Chan E. , Selikoff I. J.
Published: April 2007

Chest radiographs and spirometry were evaluated in 2,907 active and retired asbestos insulators; most (86.8%) had ≥ 30 years from onset of asbestos exposure. Testing was performed in 19 cities in the United States during 1981–1983. Complete demographic, smoking, clinical, and radiologic data were obtained for 2,790 workers. This is the largest single group of insulators that has been studied. Five hundred forty‐eight (19.7%) had never smoked cigarettes, 942 (33.9%) were current cigarette smokers, and 1,300 (46.6%) were ex‐smokers. Only 439 (15.7%) workers had no radiographic evidence of asbestos‐related disease (normal chest X‐ray); 668 (23.9%) had pleural fibrosis only, 325 (11.6%) had parenchymal fibrosis alone, and 1,358 (48.7%) had both parenchymal and pleural fibrosis. The prevalence of radiographic parenchymal changes increased significantly (p < .001) from 38.6% (DURONSET < 30 years) to 70% (≥40 years). For pleural changes the comparative prevalences were 55% and 82%. Those with no history of cigarette smoking were more likely to have normal filMS than those with a history of smoking (19.2% versus 14.4% for current smokers and 15.2% among ex‐smokers), and were less likely to have parenchymal fibrosis (44.5% versus 69.7% for current smokers and 60.2% of ex‐smokers). Dyspnea, MRC grade 3 and higher, was more prevalent when pleural fibrosis was associated with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (at all profusion levels of small opacities) than when pleural fibrosis was absent. Logistic regression analysis of factors contributing to such dyspnea showed that the presence of combined parenchymal and pleural abnormalities was a significant explanatory variable, in addition to age, smoking, and body mass (Quetelet index); the presence of parenchymal changes only or of pleural changes only, as factors contributing to dyspnea, did not reach the level of statistical significance in the regression analysis. The results of these examinations show that pleural fibrosis is a frequent finding in asbestos‐exposed groups with long‐term follow‐up and that its functional significance is not negligible. The contribution of cigarette smoking to prevalence and severity of interstitial fibrosis is an additional reason for smoking cessation among asbestos‐exposed individuals.
Silicon carbide pneumoconiosis: A radiographic assessment
Authors: Durand Pierre , Bégin Raymond , Samson Louise , Cantin André , Massé Serge , Dufresne André , Perreault Guy , Laflamme Jacques
Published: April 2007

Interstitial lung disease and airflow limitation have been reported in silicon carbide workers but it is uncertain whether these recent observations reflect past working conditions alone (30 years ago) or both past and present conditions even if the latter have improved. To investigate this, we analyzed pairs of chest radiographs obtained in 1977 and 1984 in 128 silicon carbide plant workers. Three indices, related to density of small opacities, profusion of opacities, and presence of pleural plaques, were obtained.

Student t‐tests on results obtained in each time period showed the mean density (1.02 in 1977 and 0.56 in 1984) and profusion (4.27 in 1977 and 2.13 in 1984) indices to be significantly different. However, the pleural plaque index was not different in 1984 (0.34) as compared with 1977 (0.32). There was no deterioration of the radiographic image even in groups with density ratios equal or greater than 1/1. We concluded that the actual environmental working conditions did not influence the integrity of the lung radiographic image in these workers within a time span of 6 or 7 years.
Inflammation of the visceral pleura, a nonspecific asbestos‐related pleural reaction: Chest radiograph and computed tomograph correlation
Authors: Solomon Albert , Rubin Ami‐Hai Eliezer , Bar‐Ziv Jacob , Carel Rafael
Published: April 2007

Nonspecific pleuritis, i.e., inflammation of the visceral pleura, is recognized by the presence of pleural strands on the routine posteroanterior chest radiograph. The computed tomograph counterparts of these strands are seen as interlobular septal intrusions and lenticular or wedge‐shaped subpleurai opacities. The pleural reaction is nonspecific and may be found with asbestos exposure, traumatic hemorrhagic effusions, pulmonary embolism, viral pleurisy, malignant pleural effusions, and lupus or rheumatoid effusions. The asbestos‐related pleural changes may be found alone or in association with parietal pleural plaque formation or with asbestotic lung fibrosis.
Renal cell carcinoma among architects
Authors: Lowery Jan T. , Peters John M. , Deapen Dennis , London Stephanie J.
Published: April 2007

Data from a population‐based cancer registry were analyzed according to occupation and industry at the time 'of diagnosis as part of a routine surveillance of the data for associations between occupation and cancer risk. A total of 119 cases of cancer of all sites were reported among architects between 1972–1986. From a total of 2,059 renal cell carcinomas in the registry, the 13 cases were observed among male architects, aged up to 64, 3.1 were expected. Significant elevations were not observed among other professional groups. Architects are exposed to several toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals. We suggest that investigators with cancer registry data coded according to occupation evaluate whether an association between employment as an architect and renal carcinoma exists in their data.
Pulmonary function and pleural fibrosis: Quantitative relationships with an integrative index of pleural abnormalities
Authors: Lilis R. , Miller A. , Godbold J. , Chan E. , Selikoff I. J.
Published: April 2007

Pleural fibrosis due to asbestos exposure was fully appreciated considerably later than pulmonary interstitial fibrosis due to similar exposure. This is well exemplified by the fact that pleura face on was included in the International Labour Office's International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses only in the last revision of the Classification. The functional relevance of pleural fibrosis, in particular circumscribed pleural fibrosis, has remained controversial. Since pleural fibrosis can occur at various sites (diaphragmatic plaques, chest wall in profile and face on, mediastinal) and can be of different thickness and extent, a comprehensive integrative assessment of pleural fibrosis was undertaken in order to permit a quantitative study of relationships between pleural fibrosis and pulmonary function. This approach was used for chest X‐ray films of 1,584 asbestos insulation workers examined (1981–1983); 1,185 (75%) had pleural fibrosis. The distribution pattern of the integrative pleural index was found to be different in the subgroup with circumscribed (n = 975) from that with diffuse (n = 197) pleural fibrosis, with a higher profusion of high INDEX values in the latter. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that there was a significant inverse relationship between forced vital capacity (FVC) and the integrative index of pleural fibrosis in the subgroup with circumscribed pleural fibrosis. In the subgroup with diffuse pleural fibrosis, the obliteration of costophrenic angle(s), even with pleural fibrosis of limited extent, resulted in marked decrement in FVC % predicted; higher values of INDEX did not result in additional significant reductions of FVC. In those with both parenchymal and pleural abnormalities (n = 862) the pleural index was found to make a significant contribution, independent of that of parenchymal abnormalities, to decrements of FVC. Since pleural fibrosis has gradually become the predominant radiologically detectable abnormality in asbestos exposed workers, establishing its quantifiable functional relevance is useful.
Critical review of the toxicity of methyl n‐butyl ketone: Risk from occupational exposure
Authors: Bos Peter M. J. , de Mik Gerrit , Bragt Peter C.
Published: April 2007

Methyl n‐butyl ketone (MBK) was considered rather harmless until an outbreak of peripheral neuropathy occurred in 1973 among workers exposed to MBK. MBK easily penetrates the skin; pulmonary retention is approximately 80–85% in man. Distribution is widespread with highest levels in blood and liver; MBK also reaches the fetal tissues. MBK metabolism probably depends on the route of exposure, and is very similar to that of n‐hexane. The critical organ is the nervous system. These effects find expression as peripheral neuropathy, with potential for serious effects of the central nervous system. From the viewpoint of neurotoxicity, 2,5‐hexanedione is the most important metabolite. The neurotoxicity is potentiated by several compounds, while MBK itself potentiates the toxicity of other chemicals. From animal experiments, a no‐adverse‐effect level (NAEL) could not be established. Peripheral neuropathy may develop in workers exposed to only a few ppm of MBK. The difference in the Occupational Exposure Limits for MBK and n‐hexane, as established by several organizations, is questioned in view of the neurotoxic effects of these substances.
Respiratory disease in a textile factory in nicaragua
Authors: Velazquez Aurora M. , Christiani David C. , McConnell Rob , Eisen Ellen A. , Wilcox Margaret
Published: April 2007

This is the first epidemiologic study conducted in a textile mill in Nicaragua using techniques and diagnostic criteria similar to those used in the United States and England. The prevalence of byssinosis and nonspecific respiratory symptoms were studied in 194 workers in a cotton mill inmanagua. Limited environmental sampling, performed using a vertical elutriator in yarn preparation and weaving areas, indicated that exposures were similar to those reported in other parts of the developing world. A modified translated version of the Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire was administered. Pulmonary function tests were performed before and after the Monday workshift to measure across‐shift change in ventilatory function. The prevalence of byssinosis was 5.9% and all the cases occurred among exposed women. Nonspecific respiratory symptoms were also more prevalent among exposed workers. After adjusting for age, gender, smoking habit, and work tenure, the exposure odds ratios for usual cough and usual phlegm were 3.3 and 2.2, respectively. The association between exposure and across‐shift decrement in FEV, was not significant. Byssinotic workers, however, had greater decrements in FEV1% than those without byssinosis: 5.5% versus 1.8%. A consistent gender effect was observed in which both exposed and unexposed women were found to have greater across‐shift decrements in FEV, than men. The gender difference existed among long‐term workers as well as workers who had been employed less than 2 years. Results are related to cotton dust exposure, as has been documented elsewhere. The poorer health status of the women in this study population deserves follow‐up.
A comparison of occupational data from death certificates and interviews
Authors: McLaughlin Joseph K. , Mehl Eric S.
Published: April 2007

A comparison was made of the occupational data reported on the death certificates of 586 men with their employment history obtained by interviews. Agreement was assessed for 19 occupational and 14 industrial categories of usual employment, with the highest levels of concordance (≥ 80%) found for agricultural, medical, and public administration activities. Between the two sources of information, there was overall agreement of 56% for usual occupation and 51% for usual industry of employment. Concordance was highest among the 68 self‐respondents (usual occupation 66%; usual industry 53%). Among the 518 surrogates, spousal agreement was highest (58% for occupation and 51% for industry). For other surrogate types, agreement was 49% for both industry and occupation. Agreement varied by duration of employment and by level of education, with concordance tending to increase as length of employment and educational attainment rose. These relationships remained when examined by respondent type. Evaluation of agreement levels by age and other study subject characteristics showed little effect on concordance. Review of verbatim data from the interviews and death certificates revealed that most disagreements could be attributed to coding problems caused by vague or misleading information on the death certificates, although some disconcordance was due to uncodable and missing information in the interview history. Based on results from this and prior studies, the value of occupational data derived from death certificates in epidemiologic studies may be limited, although the addition of explicit instructions on the death certificate itself may aid in providing more useful and complete information for usual employment.
Occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk in Los Angeles county: Application of an occupational hazard survey job‐exposure matrix
Authors: Cicioni Carla , London Stephanie J. , Garabrant David H. , Bernstein Leslie , Phillips Karen , Peters John M.
Published: April 2007

We evaluated the newly available National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Occupational Hazard Survey (NOHS) job exposure matrix (JEM) by considering mesothelioma risk from asbestos exposure. We applied this system (NOHS‐JEM) to the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program (CSP) to see how many cancer cases could be assigned asbestos exposure and how asbestos exposure affected mesothelioma risk. Using the same CSP data, our “experts” classified asbestos exposure simply by occupation and industry. Both exposure classifications were divided into low and high; the NOHS‐JEM by the number of exposed people per couplet, and ours by judgments of intensity. Odds ratios (OR) for mesothelioma risk for low and high asbestos exposure for the NOHS‐JEM were 2.0 (95% C.I. 1.2–3.4) and 2.5 (95% C.I. 1.2–4.8). For ours, corresponding risks were 1.6 (95% C.I. 1.1–2.4) and 6.3 (95% C.I. 2.5–15.1). Our system was able to assign more cases to couplets then the NOHS‐JEM (35,895 to 22,369). Three limitations of the NOHS‐JEM were that many occupation‐industry couplets were not classified at all, many couplets associated with past asbestos exposure (before the 1972–1974 NOHS survey) were not classified as asbestos exposure, and no assessment of intensity was made. These limitations may apply to other exposures and should be carefully considered before the NOHS‐JEM is applied to other case‐control studies.
Cancer mortality among danish molders
Authors: Hansen Eva Støttrup
Published: April 2007

This study was set up to investigate potential chronic health effects associated with molding in the foundry industry. For this purpose, a cohort of 632 male molders was followed through 10 years with regard to cause‐specific mortality. Comparisons were made with another cohort of skilled workers. The mortality from cancer was increased among the molders (standardized mortality ratio 152, 95% confidence interval 100–221), mainly because of an excess number of deaths from bladder cancer (standardized mortality ratio 896, 95% confidence interval 329–1,949). It is suggested that certain mold types may emit bladder carcinogens. In addition, phenols, cresols, and aldehydes in the foundry work atmosphere might act as tumor promoters.
Contribution of biological markers to occupational health
Authors: Schulte Paul A.
Published: April 2007

Occupational diseases are now being assessed at the cellular and molecular levels; this presents new opportunities for prevention and control [Calleman et al., 1978; Ong et al., 1987; Stejskal et al., 1989; Welch and Cullen, 1988; Garry et al., 1989]. The key to these opportunities is the ability to detect biological markers that reflect exposure, response, and susceptibility. Biological markers are not new, however. Biological markers such as blood lead, urinary phenol levels in benzene exposure, and liver function assays have long been used in occupational and public health research and practice. What distinguishes the current generation of markers from previous markers is a greater degree of analytical sensitivity and the ability to describe events that occur earlier in the progression between exposure and clinical disease. There are now new domains of response that were not known to exist 20 years ago. Accompanying this sensitivity is the increased requirement to consider the numerous factors that can influence the appearance of biological markers. It has been observed that all workers with similar exposures do not develop disease or markers indicative of exposure or disease. Various acquired and hereditary host factors are responsible for this variation in responses. The role of assessing the nature and degree of variation between individuals is of paramount importance. Finally, the use of biological markers in occupational health research and practice also brings new ethical and legal considerations into high profile. This paper presents my personal opinions on how biological markers can contribute to occupational health efforts and the new requirements that they bring to the field. As with any technological change, the more we can anticipate the impact, the better our ability to adjust.
Alcohol, smoking, and occupational factors in cancer of the larynx: A case‐control study
Authors: Ahrens Wolfgang , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Patzak Wolfgang , Elsner Gine
Published: April 2007

A hospital‐based case‐control study of laryngeal cancer was conducted in Bremen in 1986 and 1987 with 100 prevalent male laryngeal cancer patients and 100 male hospital controls with diseases not considered to be related to smoking, alcohol, or occupational exposures, who were frequency matched by age. The odds ratio for heavy smoking (more than 30 pack‐years) reached a value of 3.5 (95% confidence limits (CL) 1.1, 7.9). Ex‐smokers showed a significant decrease in risk; this reached the level of those who had never smoked about 15 years after smoking cessation. For daily consumers of alcohol an odds ratio of 3.2 (95% CL 1.4, 7.5) was observed. Among the 17 occupations in which at least ten subjects had worked, excess risks were observed for stock keeping and transportation workers, and for leather and textile workers. The odds ratio was significantly increased for the latter (p < 0.05). Among all those persons ever employed in a priori defined‐risk occupations, an odds ratio of 2.74 (95% CL 1.23, 6.06) was observed. Considering responses to an exposure check‐list, no increased risks could be shown for exposure to asbestos, coal tar, or welding fumes. On the other hand, excess risks were observed for exposures to diesel oil, gasoline, and mineral oil, controlling for smoking and alcohol. The findings in occupational and exposure subgroups were based on small numbers of cases and controls and, consequently, were subject to large sampling errors. Many of the results are consistent, however, with occupational risk factors reported from other studies.