bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rofecoxib: an update on physicochemical, pharmaceutical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects
Authors: Ahuja Naveen , Singh Amarjit , Singh Bhupinder
Published: July 2003

Rofecoxib (MK-966) is a new generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that exhibits promising anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity. It selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 isoenzyme in a dose-dependent manner in man. No significant inhibition of COX-1 is observed with rofecoxib up to doses of 1000 mg. The pharmacokinetics of rofecoxib has been found to be complex and variable. Mean oral bioavailability after single dose of rofecoxib (12.5, 25 or 50 mg) is 93% with tmax varying widely between 2 and 9 h. It is highly plasma-protein bound and is metabolized primarily by cytosolic reductases to inactive metabolites. Rofecoxib is eliminated predominantly by hepatic metabolism with a terminal half-life of approximately 17 h during steady state. Various experimental models and clinical studies have demonstrated rofecoxib to be superior, or at least equivalent, in anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic efficacy to comparator nonselective NSAIDs in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other pain models. Emerging evidence suggests that rofecoxib may also find potential use as supportive therapy in various pathophysiologic conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and in various malignant tumours and polyps, where COX-2 is overly expressed. Rofecoxib is generally well-tolerated. Analysis of data pooled from several trials suggests that rofecoxib is associated with fewer incidences of clinically symptomatic gastrointestinal ulcers and ulcer complications vis-à-vis conventional NSAIDs. However, this gastropreserving effect may be negated by concurrent use of low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular risk reduction. Rofecoxib tends to show similar tolerability for renal and cardiothrombotic events as compared with non-naproxen nonselective NSAIDs. No clinically significant drug interaction has been reported for rofecoxib except with diuretics, where it reverses their salt-wasting effect and thus can be clinically exploited in electrolyte-wasting disorders. There is only modest information about the physicochemical and pharmaceutical aspects of rofecoxib. Being poorly water soluble, its drug delivery has been improved using varied formulation approaches. Although it is stable in solid state, rofecoxib is photosensitive and base-sensitive in solution form with its degradation mechanistics elucidated. Analytical determinations of rofecoxib and its metabolites in biological fluids employing HPLC with varied types of detectors have been reported. Isolated studies have also been published on the chromatographic and spectrophotometric assay of rofecoxib and its degradants in bulk samples and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The current article provides an updated overview on the physicochemical, pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic vistas of rofecoxib.
Transdermal delivery of paracetamol for paediatric use: effects of vehicle formulations on the percutaneous penetration
Authors: Sintov Amnon C , Krymberk Igor , Gavrilov Vladimir , Gorodischer Rafael
Published: July 2003

Paracetamol is a safe and effective analgesic and antipyretic agent, and is one of the most widely used medications for infants and children. The formulations currently available have been designed for oral and rectal administration. However, they are not practical in young patients with vomiting and diarrhoea, or in those who refuse to take the full dose. An alternative route of administration would be a significant contribution to the paediatric pharmacopoeia. The aim of this study was to develop a new transdermal system for optional therapeutic administration of paracetamol in infants and children. In-vivo studies were carried out in animals using a transdermal system of high-loaded, soluble paracetamol in a hydrogel patch, which was also tested in-vitro for 8 h. Although the beneficial contribution of glyceryl oleate to the transdermal penetration of paracetamol seemed to be significant in-vitro, it was shown to be insufficient in-vivo. To improve the penetration of the drug, 4% PEG-40 stearate and 10% ethanol were incorporated as absorption enhancers into the dermal patches. A few hours after application of the improved patches to rats, plasma drug concentrations were elevated to levels comparable with those obtained after oral and subcutaneous administration of a high dose of paracetamol. Since plasma drug concentrations did not reach a constant steady state (as a peak or plateau) during the short-term animal experiments, longer pharmacokinetic studies in conscious animals are necessary.
Spray-dried carbamazepine-loaded chitosan and HPMC microspheres: preparation and characterisation
Authors: Filipović-Grčić Jelena , Perissutti Beatrice , Moneghini Mariarosa , Voinovich Dario , Martinac Anita , Jalšenjak Ivan
Published: July 2003

In this study, the potential of the spray-drying technique for preparing microspheres able to modify the release profile of carbamazepine was investigated. Low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in different drug–polymer ratios were used for the preparation of microspheres. The microspheres, characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were also studied with respect to particle size distribution, drug content and drug release. The results indicated that the entrapment efficiency (EE), as well as carbamazepine release profile, depended on polymeric composition and drug– polymer ratios of the microspheres prepared. The best entrapment efficiencies were obtained when chitosan of low-molecular-weight (CL) or HPMC were used for the microencapsulation. For all types of polymer used, the microspheres with low carbamazepine loading (6.3% w/w) showed better control of drug release than the microspheres with higher drug loadings. The HPMC microspheres showed the slowest carbamazepine release profile with no initial burst effect. Carbamazepine release profiles from ternary systems, carbamazepine–CL–HPMC microspheres, depended mostly on HPMC content and showed similar carbamazepine release profile as CL microspheres when HPMC content was low (9:1 CL–HPMC ratio, w/w). Otherwise, the carbamazepine release from CL–HPMC microspheres was remarkably faster than from either chitosan or HPMC microspheres. The release profile of carbamazepine from the microspheres was highly correlated with the crystalline changes occurring in the matrix.
Formation of nuclear stress granules involves HSF2 and coincides with the nucleolar localization of Hsp70
Authors: Alastalo Tero-Pekka , Hellesuo Maria , Sandqvist Anton , Hietakangas Ville , Kallio Marko , Sistonen Lea
Published: July 2003

The heat-shock response is characterized by the activation of heat-shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), followed by increased expression of heat-shock proteins (Hsps). The stress-induced subnuclear compartmentalization of HSF1 into nuclear stress granules has been suggested to be an important control step in the regulation of stress response and cellular homeostasis in human cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the less-well characterized HSF2 interacts physically with HSF1 and is a novel stress-responsive component of the stress granules. Based on analysis of our deletion mutants, HSF2 influences to the localization of HSF1 in stress granules. Moreover, our results indicate that the stress granules are dynamic structures and suggest that they might be regulated in an Hsp70-dependent manner. The reversible localization of Hsp70 in the nucleoli strictly coincides with the presence of HSF1 in stress granules and is dramatically suppressed in thermotolerant cells. We propose that the regulated subcellular distribution of Hsp70 is an important regulatory mechanism of HSF1-mediated heat shock response.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 is deposited in the extracellular matrix by endothelial cells and is a ligand for theα5β1 integrin
Authors: Orecchia Angela , Lacal Pedro Miguel , Schietroma Cataldo , Morea Veronica , Zambruno Giovanna , Failla Cristina Maria
Published: July 2003

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a tyrosine kinase receptor for several growth factors of the VEGF family. Endothelial cells express a membrane-spanning form of VEGFR-1 and secrete a soluble variant of the receptor comprising only the extracellular region. The role of this variant has not yet been completely defined. In this study, we report that the secreted VEGFR-1 is present within the extracellular matrix deposited by endothelial cells in culture, suggesting a possible involvement in endothelial cell adhesion and migration. In adhesion assays, VEGFR-1 extracellular region specifically promoted endothelial cell attachment. VEGFR-1-mediated cell adhesion was divalent cation-dependent, and inhibited by antibodies directed against the α5β1 integrin. Moreover, VEGFR-1 promoted endothelial cell migration, and this effect was inhibited by anti-α5β1 antibodies. Direct binding of VEGFR-1 to theα5β1 integrin was also detected. Finally, binding to VEGFR-1 initiated endothelial cell spreading. Altogether these results indicate that the soluble VEGFR-1 secreted by endothelial cells becomes a matrix-associated protein that is able to interact with the α5β1 integrin, suggesting a new role of VEGFR-1 in angiogenesis, in addition to growth factor binding.
Ribosomal localization of translation initiation factor IF2
Authors: MARZI STEFANO , KNIGHT WILLIAM , BRANDI LETIZIA , CASERTA ENRICO , SOBOLEVA NATALIA , HILL WALTER E. , GUALERZI CLAUDIO O. , LODMELL J. STEPHEN
Published: July 2003

Bacterial translation initiation factor IF2 is a GTP-binding protein that catalyzes binding of initiator fMet-tRNA in the ribosomal P site. The topographical localization of IF2 on the ribosomal subunits, a prerequisite for understanding the mechanism of initiation complex formation, has remained elusive. Here, we present a model for the positioning of IF2 in the 70S initiation complex as determined by cleavage of rRNA by the chemical nucleases Cu(II):1,10-orthophenanthroline and Fe(II):EDTA tethered to cysteine residues introduced into IF2. Two specific amino acids in the GII domain of IF2 are in proximity to helices H3, H4, H17, and H18 of 16S rRNA. Furthermore, the junction of the C-1 and C-2 domains is in proximity to H89 and the thiostrepton region of 23S rRNA. The docking is further constrained by the requisite proximity of the C-2 domain with P-site-bound tRNA and by the conserved GI domain of the IF2 with the large subunit’s factor-binding center. Comparison of our present findings with previous data further suggests that the IF2 orientation on the 30S subunit changes during the transition from the 30S to 70S initiation complex.
Decreased peptidyltransferase activity correlates with increased programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting and viral maintenance defects in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: MESKAUSKAS ARTURAS , HARGER JASON W. , MULDOON JACOBS KRISTI L. , DINMAN JONATHAN D.
Published: July 2003

Increased efficiencies of programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting in yeast cells expressing mutant forms of ribosomal protein L3 are unable to maintain the dsRNA “Killer” virus. Here we demonstrate that changes in frameshifting and virus maintenance in these mutants correlates with decreased peptidyltransferase activities. The mutants did not affect Ty1-directed programmed +1 ribosomal frameshifting or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Independent experiments demonstrate similar programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting specific defects in cells lacking ribosomal protein L41, which has previously been shown to result in peptidyltransferase defects in yeast. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that decreased peptidyltransferase activity should result in longer ribosome pause times after the accommodation step of the elongation cycle, allowing more time for ribosomal slippage at programmed −1 ribosomal frameshift signals.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii selenocysteine tRNA[Ser]Sec
Authors: RAO MAHADEV , CARLSON BRADLEY A. , NOVOSELOV SERGEY V. , WEEKS DONALD P. , GLADYSHEV VADIM N. , HATFIELD DOLPH L.
Published: July 2003

Eukaryotic selenocysteine (Sec) protein insertion machinery was thought to be restricted to animals, but the occurrence of both Sec-containing proteins and the Sec insertion system was recently found in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a member of the plant kingdom. Herein, we used RT-PCR to determine the sequence of C. reinhardtii Sec tRNA[Ser]Sec, the first non-animal eukaryotic Sec tRNA[Ser]Sec sequence. Like its animal counterpart, it is 90 nucleotides in length, is aminoacylated with serine by seryl-tRNA synthetase, and decodes specifically UGA. Evolutionary analyses of known Sec tRNAs identify the C. reinhardtii form as the most diverged eukaryotic Sec tRNA[Ser]Sec and reveal a common origin for this tRNA in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.
The G2447A mutation does not affect ionization of a ribosomal group taking part in peptide bond formation
Authors: BERINGER MALTE , ADIO SARAH , WINTERMEYER WOLFGANG , RODNINA MARINA
Published: July 2003

Peptide bond formation on the ribosome is catalyzed by RNA. Kinetic studies using Escherichia coli ribosomes have shown that catalysis (>105-fold overall acceleration) is due to a large part to substrate positioning. However, peptide bond formation is inhibited ~100-fold by protonation of a ribosomal group with pKa=7.5, indicating either a contribution of general acid-base catalysis or inhibition by a pH-dependent conformational change within the active site. The function of a general base has been attributed to A2451 of 23S rRNA, and a charge relay system involving G2447 has been postulated to bring about the extensive pKa shift of A2451 implied in the model. Using a rapid kinetic assay, we found that the G2447A mutation, which has essentially no effect on cell growth, lowers the rate of peptide bond formation about 10-fold and does not affect the ionization of the ribosomal group with pKa=7.5 taking part in the reaction. This result does not support the proposed charge relay mechanism involving G2447 and the role of A2451 as general base in the catalysis of peptide bond formation.
Novel functional role of CA repeats and hnRNP L in RNA stability
Authors: HUI JINGYI , REITHER GREGOR , BINDEREIF ALBRECHT
Published: July 2003

CA dinucleotide repeat sequences are very common in the human genome. We have recently demonstrated that the polymorphic CA repeats in intron 13 of the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene function as an unusual, length-dependent splicing enhancer. The CA repeat enhancer requires for its activity specific binding of hnRNP L. Here we show that in the absence of bound hnRNP L, the pre-mRNA is cleaved directly upstream of the CA repeats. The addition of recombinant hnRNP L restores RNA stability. CA repeats are both necessary and sufficient for this specific cleavage in the 5′ adjacent RNA sequence. We conclude that—in addition to its role as a splicing activator—hnRNP L can act in vitro as a sequence-specific RNA protection factor. Based on the wide abundance of CA repetitive sequences in the human genome, this may represent a novel, generally important role of this abundant hnRNP protein.
An in vivo dual-luciferase assay system for studying translational recoding in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: HARGER JASON W. , DINMAN JONATHAN D.
Published: July 2003

A new in vivo assay system has been developed to study programmed frameshifting in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Frameshift signals are inserted between the Renilla and firefly luciferase reporter genes contained in a yeast expression vector and the two activities are directly measured from cell lysates in one tube. Similar to other bicistronic reporter systems, this one allows the efficient estimation of recoding efficiency by comparison of the normalized activity ratios from each luciferase protein. The assay system has been applied to HIV-1 and L-A directed programmed −1 frameshifting and Ty1 and Ty3 directed +1 frameshifting. The assay system is amenable to high-throughput screening.
Adverse Drug Events Involving COX-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Verrico Margaret M , Weber Robert J , McKaveney Teresa P , Ansani Nicole T , Towers Adele L
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the types and severity of adverse drug-related events (ADEs) observed in patients receiving cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors and to increase the awareness of risk factors that predispose patients to ADEs associated with COX-2 inhibitors.

METHODS:

A review of ADEs reported at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital (UPMC-P) revealed significant events related to use of celecoxib or rofecoxib. A query of the internal ADE database was performed to identify ADEs involving COX-2 inhibitors from January 1999 to June 2002. A similar query was performed to identify ADEs involving nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reported during this same time period. Utilization data were also collected.

RESULTS:

Forty-eight ADEs involving 24 patients receiving COX-2 inhibitors were reported and validated via the UPMC-P ADE review process compared with 38 events in 33 patients receiving nonselective NSAIDs. The types of ADEs reported as related to COX-2 inhibitors were similar to those reported in association with nonselective NSAIDs. Forty-two percent of ADEs (n = 20) involving COX-2 inhibitors and 45% of events (n = 17) involving nonselective NSAIDs were classified as severe. All patients receiving COX-2 inhibitors and 91% of patients receiving nonselective NSAIDs exhibited risk factors that increased their risk to experience an ADE; all but 1 of these patients were receiving outpatient COX-2 inhibitor therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

The observed ADEs involving COX-2 inhibitors were similar to those associated with nonselective NSAIDs. Most events may have been preventable, highlighting the need for education regarding the appropriate use of COX-2 inhibitors.
Weight Change after an Atypical Antipsychotic Switch
Authors: Ried L Douglas , Renner Bernard T , Bengtson Michael A , Wilcox Brian M , Wilfred W Acholonu
Published: July 2003

Background

Atypical antipsychotics successfully treat schizophrenia and other conditions, with a lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects than other agents used in treatment of these disorders. However, some atypical antipsychotics are associated with weight gain.

Objective

To quantify the impact on weight and identify atypical antipsychotics causing the least amount of weight gain among patients switched from risperidone to olanzapine and olanzapine to risperidone.

Methods

Patients included in the study (n = 86) were ≥18 years and had received ≥2 prescriptions for risperidone or olanzapine for ≥60 days, switched to the other atypical antipsychotic, and were dispensed ≥2 prescriptions for at least 60 days after the index date. Age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were retrospectively abstracted from automated databases containing patient-specific prescription and vital sign information.

Results

At the time of their switch, the average patient age was 53.2 years (range 25–83). The average weight change in patients switched to olanzapine (n = 47) was +2.3 kg (p = 0.01) and the BMI change was +0.8 kg/m2 (p = 0.02). The average percent body weight change was +2.8% and the BMI change was +3.0%. The average weight change after patients switched to risperidone (n = 39) was −0.45 kg (p = 0.69) and BMI change was −0.2 kg/m2 (p = 0.64). The average percentage weight change was −0.4% and BMI change was −0.5%.

Conclusions

Practitioners' concern regarding weight changes after switching atypical antipsychotics seems warranted and patients should be provided consistent, ongoing weight monitoring. Further investigations should examine whether weight changes associated with atypical antipsychotic treatment further jeopardize this already at-risk population for severe comorbid conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Intravenous Corticosteroids to Reduce Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin Infusion Reactions
Authors: Giles Francis J , Cortes Jorge E , Halliburton Terri A , Mallard Susie J , Estey Elihu H , Waddelow Tracey A , Lim JoAnn T
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To assess whether the addition of a brief course of intravenous corticosteroids reduces the incidence of infusion-related adverse events associated with gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) administration.

METHODS:

One hundred forty-three sequential patients received GO-based therapy for refractory myeloid leukemias: 110 patients received the standard regimen of acetaminophen 650 mg orally with diphenhydramine 50 mg intravenously and 33 patients received the same premedications with methylprednisolone sodium succinate 50 mg intravenous piggyback (IVPB) prior to infusion and repeated 1 hour into the infusion.

RESULTS:

Of 110 patients who received GO with standard premedications alone, 32 (29%) had grade 2 or above infusion-related adverse events. In 33 patients who received these premedications with methylprednisolone 50 mg IVPB prior to infusion and repeated 1 hour into the infusion, only 1 (3%) experienced any infusion-related adverse events (p = 0.0009, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.36). There was no significant difference between the patient cohorts in terms of hepatotoxicity, rate of development of hepatic venoocclusive disease, response rates, or infectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

A brief course of intravenous corticosteroids significantly reduces the incidence of GO infusion–related adverse events.
The alcohol‐aggression relationship and differential sensitivity to alcohol
Authors: Pihl R.O. , Assaad J.M. , Hoaken P.N.S.
Published: July 2003

The determination of which individuals are at risk of responding aggressively when intoxicated and under what conditions this is likely to occur is basic to understanding the alcohol/aggression relationship. Three theorized mechanisms on which individuals display differential vulnerability and which are related to risk are discussed. These are the cue for reinforcement system, the threat system, and the executive control system. Under the latter heading new findings from a number of studies are presented which demonstrate that: under low provocation intoxicated executive cognitive functioning (ECF) individuals performed with significantly more aggression than sober or intoxicated high ECF individuals; that individuals with low ECF, though more aggressive, choose these responses more slowly than those with high ECF; that low ECF, unlike high ECF, individuals do not react to anticipated shock; and, it is specifically low sober state ECF individuals who show increased alcohol induced ECF disruption who are most at risk for intoxicated aggression. Aggr. Behav. 29:302–315, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The contribution of personality to the overlap between antisocial behavior and substance use/misuse
Authors: Lynam Donald R. , Leukefeld Carl , Clayton Richard R.
Published: July 2003

The present study tested the ability of the Five Factor Model (FFM), a general model of personality functioning, to account for the stability across time of antisocial behavior (ASB) and substance use/misuse (SUM), and the correlation between ASB and SUM at a given time. Data from a community‐based longitudinal study of 481 men and women were examined. Specifically, we examined relations among substance use and conduct problems through the 10th grade, lifetime symptoms of substance abuse and dependence, adult symptoms of antisocial personality disorder through age 21, and a measure of the FFM. Results were virtually identical for men and women. Personality traits accounted for relatively large proportions of the variance in ASB and SUM with R2 ranging from .19 for early SUM to .30 for early ASB. Additionally, personality profiles of the four measures were highly similar, with similarity coefficients ranging from .87 to .97. Finally, the inclusion of common personality correlates reduced the relations between the four measures by between 13% (early ASB and SUM) and 29% (early and later SUM). It is concluded that personality, particularly the dimensions of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, is important to understanding ASB and SUM. Aggr. Behav. 29:316–331, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intimate partner violence among abused and neglected children in young adulthood: The mediating effects of early aggression, antisocial personality, hostility and alcohol problems
Authors: White Helene Raskin , Widom Cathy Spatz
Published: July 2003

This study examined whether male and female abused and neglected children report higher levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in young adulthood than a matched control group. We also examined whether this association was mediated by early aggressive behavior, adult antisocial personality disorder, hostility, and problem drinking for men and women. The sample consisted of individuals who had official records of child abuse and/or neglect prior to age 12 and matched controls who were followed up and interviewed at approximately age 29 years. Individuals who had ever been married or lived with someone (N=961) reported on lifetime perpetration of IPV. For the total sample, abused and neglected children reported significantly higher rates of ever hitting or throwing things at a partner, ever hitting or throwing first, and ever hitting or throwing first more than once. Both male and female abused and neglected children reported significantly higher rates of ever hitting or throwing things at a partner than matched controls. Antisocial personality disorder mediated the effects of abuse/neglect on IPV for men and women and hostility and alcohol problems also mediated the effects for abused and neglected women. Early aggressive behavior was not a significant mediator for either gender. Overall the results reveal a link between early childhood victimization and later perpetration of violence against partners for both men and women. Further research on the mechanisms is necessary before firm conclusions may be drawn. Aggr. Behav. 29:332–345, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alcohol consumption and the occurrence and severity of aggression: an event‐based analysis of male to male barroom violence
Authors: Leonard Kenneth E. , Collins R. Lorraine , Quigley Brian M.
Published: July 2003

Although a considerable body of experimental research supports the contention that alcohol facilitates aggression, some investigators have argued that these findings cannot be generalized to actual occurrences of aggression. Moreover, controversy continues concerning whether expectancies supporting alcohol's influence on aggression moderate the relationship. The present study is an event‐based examination of the relationship between alcohol consumption, personality characteristics, contextual variables, and the occurrence and severity of male‐to‐male bar aggression. Men (n=190) who experienced either a physically aggressive episode or an incident of threat in a bar were assessed with respect to stable individual difference factors, such as personality factors, trait anger, and alcohol‐aggression expectancies. The participants were also interviewed about the circumstances surrounding the most severe episode of bar aggression or threat that occurred in the past year. Logisitic regression analyses indicated that while alcohol consumption did not predict the occurrence of aggression, heavy alcohol consumption by the participant and the opponent was associated with aggression severity and physical harm, and that this relationship was present after controlling for personality and situational factors. The belief that alcohol was a cause of aggression was associated with the occurrence of aggression, but it was not related to severity or harm, and did not appear to moderate the alcohol‐aggression relationship. These results suggest that alcohol expectancies may facilitate the occurrence of aggression. However, the results also support the contention that alcohol use may contribute to the severity of aggression occuring in bar contexts. Aggr. Behav. 29:346–365, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc..
Functional deficits in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Sesto Mary E. , Radwin Robert G. , Salvi Frank J.
Published: July 2003

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a major occupational illness in the US. The Wisconsin Test is a quantitative computer‐controlled test battery designed for measuring sensory and psychomotor function. Subjects were recruited from industrial jobs at high‐risk for CTS to determine if subtle sensory and motor deficits were observable in a working population. Outcomes were studied for potential use as an injury surveillance instrument.

Methods

A total of 208 subjects participated (72 males and 136 females). Participants completed a symptom survey, were given a physical examination, administered nerve conduction tests, and were tested using the Wisconsin Test battery.

Results

The greatest functional deficits were observed when nerve conduction findings were positive and were accompanied by either positive symptom survey outcomes or positive physical exam findings. The presence of symptoms alone were not significantly associated with motor deficits and no significant sensory threshold differences were observed among subjects categorized using any single criterion (i.e., nerve conduction, symptom reports, or examination).

Conclusions

Measurable and quantifiable sensory and psychomotor deficits were observed in a working industrial population, and were greatest when positive symptoms or physical exam was accompanied by positive nerve conduction test findings. These data show that clinical criteria used in the diagnosis of CTS corresponds with functional psychomotor and sensory impairments measured in these tests. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:133–140, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work‐related injuries in Lebanon: Does nationality make a difference?
Authors: Nuwayhid Iman , Fayad Rim , Tamim Hala , Kassak Kassem , Khogali Mustafa
Published: July 2003

Background

To compare the type, severity, cause, and cost of work‐related injuries between Lebanese and non‐Lebanese workers in insured workplaces in Lebanon.

Methods

A total of 4,186 claims and medical reports for 3,748 work‐related injuries filed in 1998 at five major insurance companies were reviewed.

Results

Non‐Lebanese workers (46%) were younger (29 vs. 31 years), belonged mainly to the construction sector (62% vs. 29%), and were paid less ($365 vs. $438/month) than Lebanese workers. Non‐Lebanese construction workers reported more feet and eye injuries. Falls were more common among Lebanese workers while non‐Lebanese workers commonly reported being struck by an object. No differences were noted in the severity of injuries (workdays lost; hospitalization) between the two groups, but, overall cost per injury was higher among the Lebanese workers.

Conclusions

There were no salient differences between Lebanese and non‐Lebanese workers regarding severity of work injuries, which may reflect the disparity in access to the Lebanese heath care system by nationality. Syrian migrant workers appear to represent a special group in Lebanon. Additional, in‐depth analysis of the social, political, and workplace mechanisms leading to work injuries is recommended. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:172–181, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term impact of worker notification: Qualitative assessment of a community‐based notification and screening program in Augusta, Georgia
Authors: Needleman Carolyn , Connally Lee Barbara
Published: July 2003

Background

Evaluation of high‐risk worker notification programs often focuses on their immediate effectiveness in communicating information to individual workers. This approach leaves unexamined some important social processes that can influence worker notification's impact and public health consequences over time.

Methods

To explore long‐term effects, ethnographic methods were used for qualitative assessment of a community‐based program carried out by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Augusta, Georgia, during the early 1980s. More than a decade after the original NIOSH intervention, lengthy taped interviews were conducted with 70 members of the notified cohort (chemical workers exposed to beta‐naphthylamine (BNA)) and 32 members of their families.

Results

The notified workers expressed extremely positive feelings about having received the risk information. However, for non‐obvious and unanticipated reasons, most had failed to implement the notification's primary health advice (annual screening for bladder cancer). Both the workers and their family members reported a number of ongoing concerns related to the program.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest four strategies, all relatively low in cost, that are likely to increase the long‐term public health benefits of worker notifications that rely on individually mailed written materials: (1) in designing worker notifications, take into account the information (accurate or not) that the workers already have, and determine what kind of information they most want and need; (2) define the notification audience broadly to include not only the study cohort but also family members and/or other similarly exposed workers; (3) when notifications recommend secondary disease prevention measures over long time periods, follow up the notification health advice with periodic reminders; (4) inform a wide range of community organizations and service providers (non‐medical as well as medical) about the notification, and encourage them to provide appropriate support to the notified workers and their families. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:113–123, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Injury surveillance in construction: What is an “injury”, anyway?
Authors: Welch Laura S. , Hunting Katherine
Published: July 2003

Background

Over the last decade, there has been a decline in injuries with days away from work in construction, associated with an increase in injuries with restricted work activity only.

Methods

We abstracted demographics, diagnosis, cause‐of‐injury, and hospital discharge information for 481 workers from one large construction project treated in an urban Emergency Department (ED). The project safety team provided data on all injuries from this site, including first aid cases.

Results

This site had fewer injuries with days away from work than expected from national rates. Two hundred and fifty‐six injuries were reported on the OSHA log, and of those 93 entailed days away from work; 1,515 injuries were considered first aid/medical only. We used a sample of the data to estimate that the site classified as “recordable” 128 of the 481 ED‐treated injuries from this site (27%).

Conclusions

The pattern of injury varies depending on the subset of injuries examined. Lost time injuries, as reported in BLS data, record fewer lacerations and eye injuries, and more strains and sprains. No one surveillance system presents the full spectrum of occupational injury. Tracking all injuries allow early recognition of injury risks, and therefore can lead to more effective prevention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:191–196, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scrutinizing ACGIH risk assessments: The trichloroethylene case
Authors: Rudén Christina
Published: July 2003

Background

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) for occupational exposure to chemicals and physical agents have been very influential in the setting of occupational exposure limits in many countries.

Methods

Three ACGIH risk assessments of the chlorinated solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) [ACGIH (1989): 5th edition; ACGIH (1992): 5th edition. Revised Vol II; ACGIH (1996): Suppl. 6th edition] are compared to 26 other risk assessments made of the same chemical substance. The documents are compared in terms of their overall conclusions and the data selected for assessment.

Results

It is shown that these ACGIH risk assessment documents were based on incomplete and biased data sets.

Conclusions

The data on which the ACGIH [ACGIH (1996): Suppl. 6th edition] base their TCE risk assessment do not adequately reflect the available scientific knowledge about TCE toxicity and carcinogenicity. This may have influenced their conclusion that TCE is not carcinogenic in either animals or humans which stand out compared to contemporary risk assessments. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:207–213, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atopic symptoms among California veterinarians
Authors: Susitaival Päivikki , Kirk John H. , Schenker Marc B.
Published: July 2003

Background

The prevalence of allergic symptoms among veterinarians has not been studied adequately.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 2,000 California veterinarians; the return rate was 73% (N = 1416).

Results

A history of either asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), or atopic dermatitis (AD) was reported by 66% of respondents. AR was reported by 62%, asthma by 16%, and AD by 11%. Forty percent of the veterinarians reported animal related respiratory and/or skin symptoms. The most commonly reported causes of symptoms were cats and dogs. In multivariate logistic analysis, the significant risk factors for having adult asthma were the history of AR with the history of AD (OR 13.9), AR alone (OR 6.3), and asthma in childhood (OR 6.4).

Conclusions

The prevalence of asthma and other atopic symptoms was high in the studied population. Most veterinarians with respiratory or skin symptoms reported the symptoms as being related to specific animal contact. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:166–171, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work‐related falls among union carpenters in Washington State before and after the Vertical Fall Arrest Standard
Authors: Lipscomb Hester J. , Li Leiming , Dement John
Published: July 2003

Background

Washington State enacted a change in their fall standard for the construction industry in 1991, preceding the Safety Standard for Fall Protection in the Construction Industry promulgated by Federal OSHA in 1994.

Methods

We evaluated changes in the rate of falls from elevations and measures of severity among a large cohort of union carpenters after the fall standard change in Washington State, taking into account the temporal trends in their overall injury rates.

Results

There was a significant decrease in the rate of falls from height after the standard went into effect, even after adjusting for the overall decrease in work‐related injuries among this cohort. Much of the decrease was immediate, likely representing the publicity surrounding fatal falls and subsequent promulgation of the standard. The greatest decrease was seen between 3 and 3½ years after the standard went into effect. There was a significant reduction in mean paid lost days per event after the standard change and there was a significant reduction in mean cost per fall when adjusting for age and the temporal trend for costs among non‐fall injuries.

Conclusions

Through the use of observational methods we have demonstrated significant effects of the Washington State Vertical Fall Arrest Standard among carpenters in the absence of a control or comparison group. Without controlling for the temporal trend in overall injury rates, the rate of decline in falls appeared significantly greater, but the more pronounced, but delayed, decline was not seen. The analyses demonstrate potential error in failing to account for temporal patterns or assuming that a decline after an intervention is related to the intervention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:157–165, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Falls among union carpenters
Authors: Lipscomb Hester J. , Li Leiming , Dement John M.
Published: July 2003

Background

Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the construction trades.

Methods

We identified a cohort of 16,215 active union carpenters, hours worked, and their workers' compensation claims for a 10‐year period. The data on this well‐defined cohort were used to describe their work‐related falls; to define rates of injury and the associated costs; and to identify high‐risk groups.

Results

Same level falls occurred at a rate of 1.8/200,000 hours worked; falls from elevations at a rate of 2.3/200,000 hours worked. These injuries resulted in direct payments of $0.30 per hour of work or $2.40 per 8‐hr day. Mean costs per fall increased with increasing age. Age was not associated with risk of falls from elevations; younger carpenters had modestly reduced rates of falls from the same level. Rates of falls decreased with increasing time in the union. Carpenters whose usual work involved drywall installation or residential work were at highest risk.

Conclusions

Falls are a significant public health risk for carpenters and they are responsible for a significant burden of work‐related injury costs. While there is a need for prevention of falls from elevations—through training, enforcement of fall protection regulations, improved safety climate, or engineering changes—there is also the need to prevent falls from lower elevations. Differences in risk likely reflect varying exposures and safety practices in different areas of carpentry, as well as training, experience, and job assignments based on longevity in the union. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:148–156, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infant mortality after takeovers in wild Ethiopian Hamadryas Baboons
Authors: Swedell Larissa , Tesfaye Teklu
Published: July 2003

In this work we report the first observational evidence of infanticide in wild hamadryas baboons. The study group inhabits the lowlands of the northern Rift Valley in Ethiopia and has been under observation for over 1,200 hr, on and off, since October 1996. Here we report observations from August and September 2002 of the consequences of two takeovers of known females with black infants. After the first takeover, the respective infant disappeared and was presumed dead within 11 days of the takeover. After the second takeover, the infant incurred repeated severe aggression from its mother's new leader male and eventually died 4 days after the takeover. We interpret these findings as support for the sexual selection hypothesis regarding male infanticide. We suggest that hamadryas leader males usually protect infants born into their units, but may withhold this protection–or even directly attack and kill infants–after takeovers. Am. J. Primatol. 60:113–118, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gestural communication in young gorillas (Gorilla gorilla): Gestural repertoire, learning, and use
Authors: Pika Simone , Liebal Katja , Tomasello Michael
Published: July 2003

In the present study we investigated the gestural communication of gorillas (Gorilla gorilla). The subjects were 13 gorillas (1–6 years old) living in two different groups in captivity. Our goal was to compile the gestural repertoire of subadult gorillas, with a special focus on processes of social cognition, including attention to individual and developmental variability, group variability, and flexibility of use. Thirty‐three different gestures (six auditory, 11 tactile, and 16 visual gestures) were recorded. We found idiosyncratic gestures, individual differences, and similar degrees of concordance between and within groups, as well as some group‐specific gestures. These results provide evidence that ontogenetic ritualization is the main learning process involved, but some form of social learning may also be responsible for the acquisition of special gestures. The present study establishes that gorillas have a multifaceted gestural repertoire, characterized by a great deal of flexibility with accommodations to various communicative circumstances, including the attentional state of the recipient. The possibility of assigning Seyfarth and Cheney's [1997] model for nonhuman primate vocal development to the development of nonhuman primate gestural communication is discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 60:95–111, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Chemie – eine zentrale Säule der menschlichen Kultur
Authors: Shaik Sason
Published: July 2003

Die Chemie ist das intellektuelle Abenteuer des Menschen auf seiner Exkursion durch sein eigenes stoffliches Sein und die intellektuelle Ehestifterin zwischen dem stofflichen Sein und der Herrschaft des Menschen über die Materie. Sie definiert die Grenzen der Macht über die Materie und veranschaulicht diese Grenzen durch Umweltverschmutzung, chemische Waffen etc. Die Beherrschung der Materie bedeutet für den Menschen auch, den richtigen Weg des Umgangs mit ihr zu finden. Diese Aspekte unserer Wissenschaft und noch viele andere werden in diesem Essay angesprochen.
Cover Picture: Highly Ordered Merocyanine Dye Assemblies by Supramolecular Polymerization and Hierarchical Self‐Organization (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 28/2003)
Authors: Würthner Frank , Yao Sheng , Beginn Uwe
Published: July 2003

Hierarchical self‐organization of bis(merocyanins), as shown in the cover picture, lead in the first step to helical polymers (top), which come together to form rod‐type aggregates in methylcyclohexane (middle right). These arrange finally at higher concentrations into a hexagonal dense packing (bottom). As F. Würthner et al. describe in their Communication on page 3247 ff., gels and liquid‐crystalline films can be generated in this way with unusual textures, as shown in the background.
New H‐alpha emission stars towards the galactic bulge
Authors: Kohoutek L. , Wehmeyer R.
Published: July 2003

This paper is dealing with the investigation of H‐alpha emission stars towards the galactic bulge. In this important region 533 H‐alpha emission stars have already been discovered. We add 98 new and 9 possible new (perhaps identical with known objects) H‐alpha emission stars found in the objective‐prism survey of planetary nebulae and we give the identification charts, the accurate coordinates as well as a rough description. The distribution in l, b of all objects shows the expected concentration towards the galactic equator with the maximum near l=0. and b=0. distorted probably due to strong interstellar extinction.
Variability of the HeIλ5876 Å line in early type chemically peculiar stars. II
Authors: Catanzaro G. , Leone F.
Published: July 2003

To try to understand the behavior of helium variability in Chemically Peculiar stars, we continued our on‐going observational campaign started by Catanzaro, Leone & Catalano (1999). In this paper we present a new set of time resolved spectroscopic observations of the HeI5876 Å line for a sample of 10 stars in the spectral range B3 ‐ A2 and characterized by different overabundances.

This line does not show variability in two stars: HD77350 and HD175156. It shows instead an equivalent width variation in phase with the Hipparcos light curve for two stars: HD79158 and HD196502. Antiphase variations have been found in 4 stars of our sample, namely: HD35502, HD124224, HD129174 and HD142990. Nothing we can say about HD115735 because of the constancy of Hipparcos photometric data, while no phase relation has been observed for HD90044.

In the text we discuss the case of HD175156, according to photometric calibration and our spectroscopic observations we rule out the membership of this star to the main sequence chemically peculiar stars.

We confirm the results obtained in the previous paper for which phase relations between light, spectral and magnetic variations are not dependent on stellar spectral type or peculiarity subclass.