bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Roles of Cellular Lck and p80 Proteins in Herpesvirus Saimiri Tip Function on Lipid Rafts
Authors: Park Junsoo , Cho Nam-Hyuk , Choi Joong-Kook , Feng Pinghui , Choe Joonho , Jung Jae U.
Published: July 2003

Lipid rafts are proposed to function as platforms for both receptor signaling and trafficking. Following interaction with antigenic peptides, the T-cell receptor (TCR) rapidly translocates to lipid rafts, where it transmits signals and subsequently undergoes endocytosis. The Tip protein of herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), which is a T-lymphotropic tumor virus, interacts with cellular Lck tyrosine kinase and p80, a WD domain-containing endosomal protein. Interaction of Tip with p80 induces enlarged vesicles and recruits Lck and TCR complex into these vesicles for trafficking. We report here that Tip is constitutively present in lipid rafts and that Tip interaction with p80 but not with Lck is necessary for its efficient localization in lipid rafts. The Tip-Lck interaction was required for recruitment of the TCR complex to lipid rafts, and the Tip-p80 interaction was critical for the aggregation and internalization of lipid rafts. These results suggest the potential mechanism for Tip-mediated TCR downregulation: Tip interacts with Lck to recruit TCR complex to lipid rafts, and it subsequently interacts with p80 to initiate the aggregation and internalization of the lipid raft domain and thereby downregulate the TCR complex. Thus, the signaling and targeting functions of HVS Tip rely on two functionally and genetically separable mechanisms that independently target cellular Lck tyrosine kinase and p80 endosomal protein.
Redistribution of Cyclophilin A to Viral Factories during Vaccinia Virus Infection and Its Incorporation into Mature Particles
Authors: Castro Ana Paula V. , Carvalho Técia M. U. , Moussatché Nissin , Damaso Clarissa R. A.
Published: July 2003

Cyclophilins are peptidyl-prolylcis-transisomerases involved in catalyzing conformational changes and accelerating the rate of protein folding and refolding in several cellular systems. In the present study, we analyzed the expression pattern and intracellular distribution of the cellular isomerase cyclophilin A (CypA) during vaccinia virus (VV) infection. An impressive increase in CypA stability was observed, leading to a practically unchanged accumulation of CypA during infection, although its synthesis was completely inhibited at late times. By confocal microscopy, we observed that CypA went through an intense reorganization in the cell cytoplasm and colocalized with the virosomes late in infection. CypA relocation to viral factories required the synthesis of viral postreplicative proteins, and treatment of infected cells with cyclosporine (CsA) prevented CypA relocation, clearly excluding the virosomes from CypA staining. Immunoelectron microscopy of VV-infected cells showed that CypA was incorporated into VV particles during morphogenesis. Biochemical and electron microscopic assays with purified virions confirmed that CypA was encapsidated within the virus particle and localized specifically in the core. This work suggests that CypA may develop an important role in VV replication.
Role of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Gene in Viral Fitness
Authors: Rangel Hector R. , Weber Jan , Chakraborty Bikram , Gutierrez Arantxa , Marotta Michael L. , Mirza Muneer , Kiser Patti , Martinez Miguel A. , Este Jose A. , Quiñones-Mateu Miguel E.
Published: July 2003

A human host offers a variety of microenvironments to the infecting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), resulting in various selective pressures, most of them directed against the envelope (
env
) gene. Therefore, it seems evident that the replicative capacity of the virus is largely related to viral entry. In this study we have used growth competition experiments and TaqMan real-time PCR detection to measure the fitness of subtype B HIV-1 primary isolates and autologous
env
-recombinant viruses in order to analyze the contribution of wild-type
env
sequences to overall HIV-1 fitness. A significant correlation was observed between fitness values obtained for wild-type HIV-1 isolates and those for the corresponding
env
-recombinant viruses (
r
= 0.93;
P
= 0.002). Our results suggest that the
env
gene, which is linked to a myriad of viral characteristics (e.g., entry into the host cell, transmission, coreceptor usage, and tropism), plays a major role in fitness of wild-type HIV-1. In addition, this new recombinant assay may be useful for measuring the contribution of HIV-1
env
to fitness in viruses resistant to novel antiretroviral entry inhibitors.
Pseudorabies Virus US3 Protein Kinase Mediates Actin Stress Fiber Breakdown
Authors: Minnebruggen Geert Van , Favoreel Herman W. , Jacobs Liesbeth , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: July 2003

Disruption of specific components of the host cytoskeleton has been reported for several viruses and is thought to be beneficial for viral replication and spread. Our previous work demonstrated that infection of swine kidney (SK-6) cells with pseudorabies virus (PRV), a swine alphaherpesvirus, induced actin stress fiber breakdown. In the present study, using several PRV deletion mutants, we found that the US3 serine/threonine (S/T) protein kinase is involved in breakdown of actin stress fibers in different PRV-infected cell lines. Further, by transfection assays, we showed that PRV US3 itself, in the absence of other viral proteins, is able to trigger actin stress fiber breakdown when it is localized in sufficient amounts in the nucleus.
TT Virus Loads and Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Children with Acute Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Maggi Fabrizio , Pifferi Massimo , Tempestini Elena , Fornai Claudia , Lanini Letizia , Andreoli Elisabetta , Vatteroni Marialinda , Presciuttini Silvano , Pietrobelli Angelo , Boner Attilio , Pistello Mauro , Bendinelli Mauro
Published: July 2003

TT virus (TTV) produces chronic plasma viremia in around 90% of healthy individuals of all ages and has, therefore, been proposed as a commensal human virus. We recently demonstrated that in children hospitalized for acute respiratory diseases high TTV loads were associated with severe forms of disease. Here, we report that in such children TTV loads showed an inverse correlation with the percentage of circulating total T and helper T cells and a direct correlation with the percentage of B cells. Thus, florid TTV replication might contribute to lymphocyte imbalances and, possibly, immunosuppressive effects, thus resembling related animal viruses.
Recombinant Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus Expressing a Heterologous Spike Gene Demonstrates that the Spike Protein Is a Determinant of Cell Tropism
Authors: Casais Rosa , Dove Brian , Cavanagh David , Britton Paul
Published: July 2003

A recombinant infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), BeauR-M41(S), was generated using our reverse genetics system (R. Casais, V. Thiel, S. G. Siddell, D. Cavanagh, and P. Britton, J. Virol.
75:
12359-12369, 2001), in which the ectodomain region of the spike gene from IBV M41-CK replaced the corresponding region of the IBV Beaudette genome. BeauR-M41(S) acquired the same cell tropism phenotype as IBV M41-CK in four different cell types, demonstrating that the IBV spike glycoprotein is a determinant of cell tropism.
Expression of Immunogenic S1 Glycoprotein of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Transgenic Potatoes
Authors: Zhou Ji-Yong , Wu Jian-Xiang , Cheng Li-Qin , Zheng Xiao-Juan , Gong Hui , Shang Shao-Bin , Zhou En-Min
Published: July 2003

The expression of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) S1 glycoprotein in potatoes and its immunogenicity in mice and chickens were investigated. Potato plants were genetically transformed with a cDNA construct encoding the IBV S1 glycoprotein with the
Agrobacterium
system. Genomic DNA and mRNA analyses of the transformed plantlets confirmed the integration of the foreign cDNA into the potato genome, as well as its transcription. Mice and chickens vaccinated with the expressed IBV S1 glycoprotein produced antibodies that neutralized IBV infectivity. After three immunizations, vaccinated chickens were completely protected from virulent IBV infection. These results demonstrate that transgenic potatoes expressing IBV S1 glycoprotein can be used as a source of recombinant antigen for vaccine production.
Vaccinia Virus Recombinant Expressing an 87-Kilodalton Polyprotein That Is Sufficient To Form Astrovirus-Like Particles
Authors: Dalton Rosa M. , Pastrana Esperanza P. , Sánchez-Fauquier Alicia
Published: July 2003

Human astrovirus is an important cause of acute gastroenteritis. We have generated, for the first time, a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing the astrovirus 87-kDa structural polyprotein. The results demonstrate that this expression results in the formation of virus-like particles in the absence of other astrovirus proteins and genomic RNA. The purified trypsin-activated virus-like particles strongly resemble the complete astrovirus particles.
Novel Gamma-1 Herpesviruses Identified in Free-Ranging New World Monkeys (Golden-Handed Tamarin [Saguinus midas], Squirrel Monkey [Saimiri sciureus], and White-Faced Saki [Pithecia pithecia]) in French Guiana
Authors: de Thoisy Benoit , Pouliquen Jean-François , Lacoste Vincent , Gessain Antoine , Kazanji Mirdad
Published: July 2003

The recent finding of a novel Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphocryptovirus (CalHV-3) in a captive colony of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) in the United States modifies the view that the host range of lymphocryptovirus is restricted to humans and Old World primates. We investigated the presence of Epstein-Barr virus-related viruses in 79 samples of New World monkeys caught in the wild, including six species of theCebidaefamily and one of theCallitrichidae, living in the rain forest of French Guiana. Using a degenerate consensus PCR method for the herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene, we identified three novel lymphocryptoviruses from golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas) of theCallitrichidaefamily and squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia) of theCebidaefamily. With the CalHV-3 strain, these three novel viruses constitute a well-supported phylogenetic clade in theLymphocryptovirusgenus, which is clearly distinct from the lineage of Old World lymphocryptovirus, hosted by catarrhine monkeys and humans. In tamarins, the prevalence of the novel lymphocryptovirus was more than 50%, indicating that it circulates well in the wild population, perhaps due to specific ecoethological patterns such as confrontations and intergroup migration. The detection and partial molecular characterization of the polymerase gene of three novelGamma-1-Herpesvirinaefrom New World monkeys caught in the wild clearly indicate that free-ranging populations of platyrrhine are natural hosts of lymphocryptoviruses. Further characterization of these novel viruses will provide new insight not only into the origin and evolution ofGammaherpesvirinaebut also into their pathogenicity.
Risk of hypospadias in relation to maternal occupational exposure to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals
Authors: Vrijheid M , Armstrong B , Dolk H , van Tongeren M , Botting B
Published: July 2003

Background:Reported rises in the prevalence of hypospadias and other abnormalities of the male reproductive system may be a result of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Aims:To analyse the relation between risk of hypospadias and maternal occupation, particularly with regard to exposure to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Methods:Data (1980–96) from the National Congenital Anomaly System (NCAS) were used to analyse the proportion of all congenital anomaly cases (n = 35 962) which were notified with hypospadias (n = 3471) by occupational codes (348 individual job titles) and by categories of exposure to potential EDCs from a job exposure matrix.

Results:Five individual occupations (of 348) showed nominally statistically significant excesses, none of which had possible or probable exposure to potential EDCs. Odds ratios for “possible” or “probable” compared to “unlikely” exposure to potential EDCs did not show statistically significant increases in any of the EDC categories after adjustment for social class of the mother and father, nor was there evidence of an upward trend in risk with likelihood of exposure. In the 1992–96 time period odds ratios were increased for hairdressers (the largest group exposed to potential EDCs) and for probable exposure to phthalates (of which hairdressers form the largest group) before social class adjustment.

Conclusions:There was little evidence for a relation between risk of hypospadias and maternal occupation or occupational exposure to potential EDCs, but as the exposure classification was necessarily crude, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
Associations of lead biomarkers with renal function in Korean lead workers
Authors: Weaver V M , Lee B-K , Ahn K-D , Lee G-S , Todd A C , Stewart W F , Wen J , Simon D J , Parsons P J , Schwartz B S
Published: July 2003

Aims:To compare associations of lead biomarkers with renal function in current and former lead workers.

Methods:Cross sectional analysis of first year results from a longitudinal study of 803 lead workers and 135 controls in South Korea. Clinical renal function was assessed by blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and measured and calculated creatinine clearance. Urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and retinol-binding protein were also measured.

Results:Mean (SD) tibia lead, blood lead, and DMSA chelatable lead levels in lead workers were 37.2 (40.4) μg/g bone mineral, 32.0 (15.0) μg/dl, and 767.8 (862.1) μg/g creatinine, respectively. Higher lead measures were associated with worse renal function in 16/42 models. When influential outliers were removed, higher lead measures remained associated with worse renal function in nine models. An additional five associations were in the opposite direction. Effect modification by age was observed. In 3/16 models, associations between higher lead measures and worse clinical renal function in participants in the oldest age tertile were significantly different from associations in those in the youngest age tertile which were in the opposite direction. Mean urinary cadmium (CdU) was 1.1 μg/g creatinine (n = 191). Higher CdU levels were associated with higher NAG.

Conclusions:These data suggest that lead has an adverse effect on renal function in the moderate dose range, particularly in older workers. Associations between higher lead measures and lower BUN and serum creatinine and higher creatinine clearances may represent lead induced hyperfiltration. Environmental cadmium may also have an adverse renal impact, at least on NAG.
Municipal waste incinerators: air and biological monitoring of workers for exposure to particles, metals, and organic compounds
Authors: Maître A , Collot-Fertey D , Anzivino L , Marques M , Hours M , Stoklov M
Published: July 2003

Aims:To evaluate occupational exposure to toxic pollutants at municipal waste incinerators (MWIs).

Methods:Twenty nine male subjects working near the furnaces in two MWIs, and 17 subjects not occupationally exposed to combustion generated pollutants were studied. Individual air samples were taken throughout the shift; urine samples were collected before and after. Stationary air samples were taken near potential sources of emission.

Results:Occupational exposure did not result in the infringement of any occupational threshold limit value. Atmospheric exposure levels to particles and metals were 10–100 times higher in MWIs than at the control site. The main sources were cleaning operations for particles, and residue transfer and disposal operations for metals. MWI workers were not exposed to higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than workers who are routinely in contact with vehicle exhaust. The air concentrations of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes were low and did not appear to pose any significant threat to human health. Only the measurement of chlorinated hydrocarbon levels would seem to be a reliable marker for the combustion of plastics. Urine metal levels were significantly higher at plant 1 than at plant 2 because of high levels of pollutants emanating from one old furnace.

Conclusion:While biological monitoring is an easy way of acquiring data on long term personal exposure, air monitoring remains the only method that makes it possible to identify the primary sources of pollutant emission which need to be controlled if occupational exposure and environmental pollution are to be reduced.
Occupations with increased risk of pancreatic cancer in the Swedish population
Authors: Alguacil J , Pollán M , Gustavsson P
Published: July 2003

Aims:To identify occupations with increased risk of pancreatic cancer in the Swedish population gainfully employed in 1970 over the period 1971–89.

Methods:The base population was made up of Swedish men (1 779 646) and Swedish women (1 101 669) gainfully employed at the time of the 1970 census and were still alive and over age 24 on 1 January 1971. Information was drawn from two data sets: the Swedish cancer environment register and a background population register. After 19 years of follow up, 4420 men and 2143 women were diagnosed with histologically confirmed incident pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Log linear Poisson models were fitted, allowing for geographical area and town size. Risk estimators were also calculated for workers reporting the same occupation in 1960 and 1970.

Results:Among women, a statistically significant risk excess of pancreatic cancer was observed for “educational methods advisors”, “librarian, archivist, curator”, “motor vehicle driver”, “typographer, lithographer”, “purser, steward, stewardess”, “other housekeeping and related workers”, and the groups of occupations of “electrical, electronic, and related” and “glass, pottery, and tile workers”. Men showed a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer among “technical assistants”, “travelling agents”, “other metal processing workers”, “baker and pastry cook”, “docker and freight handler”, and “waiters”.

Conclusions:This study does not indicate that occupational factors play an important role in the aetiology of pancreatic cancer in Sweden. Few occupations were at increased risk of pancreatic cancer in both men and women, and the associations observed are in accordance with some previous studies from Western countries.
Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and acute leukaemia: analysis of a case-control study
Authors: Willett E V , McKinney P A , Fear N T , Cartwright R A , Roman E
Published: July 2003

Aims:To investigate whether the risk of acute leukaemia among adults is associated with occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Methods:Probable occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields at higher than typical residential levels was investigated among 764 patients diagnosed with acute leukaemia during 1991–96 and 1510 sex and age matched controls. A job exposure matrix was applied to the self reported employment histories to determine whether or not a subject was exposed to electromagnetic fields. Risks were assessed using conditional logistic regression for a matched analysis.

Results:Study subjects considered probably ever exposed to electromagnetic fields at work were not at increased risk of acute leukaemia compared to those considered never exposed. Generally, no associations were observed on stratification by sex, leukaemia subtype, number of years since exposure stopped, or occupation; there was no evidence of a dose-response effect using increasing number of years exposed. However, relative to women considered never exposed, a significant excess of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was observed among women probably exposed to electromagnetic fields at work that remained increased irrespective of time prior to diagnosis or job ever held.

Conclusion:This large population based case-control study found little evidence to support an association between occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and acute leukaemia. While an excess of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia among women was observed, it is unlikely that occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields was responsible, given that increased risks remained during periods when exposure above background levels was improbable.
Occupational exposures and lung cancer in New Caledonia
Authors: Menvielle G , Luce D , Févotte J , Bugel I , Salomon C , Goldberg P , Billon-Galland M-A , Goldberg M
Published: July 2003

Aims:To study the associations between occupational exposures and the risk of lung cancer in New Caledonia.

Methods:All cases diagnosed between January 1993 and December 1995 (228 lung cancers) and 305 population controls were included. Detailed information on lifetime job history, smoking, and other potential risk factors was collected by interview. Occupational exposures were assessed from the questionnaires by an industrial hygienist, without knowledge of case-control status.

Results:No significant association was found with exposures related to nickel mining and refining, the main industrial activity in the territory. Among men, an excess risk of lung cancer was found for bus and truck drivers. Increased risks were also observed in men with the highest level of cumulative exposure to cleaning products and inorganic fertilisers. Exposure to field dust was associated with lung cancer risk in both sexes, and risk increased with cumulative exposure level. In some areas tremolite asbestos derived from local outcroppings was used as a whitewash. The association between exposure to field dust and lung cancer was limited to men and women exposed to this whitewash—that is, living in areas where the soil may contain tremolite.

Conclusion:This study shows several associations between occupational exposures and lung cancer. The findings suggest that exposure to tremolite fibres from cultivated fields may increase the risk of lung cancer in New Caledonia.
Chromium (VI) induced oxidative damage to DNA: increase of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentrations (8-OHdG) among electroplating workers
Authors: Kuo H W , Chang S F , Wu K Y , Wu F Y
Published: July 2003

Aims:To investigate the concentration of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) among electroplating workers in Taiwan.

Methods:Fifty workers were selected from five chromium (Cr) electroplating plants in central Taiwan. The 20 control subjects were office workers with no previous exposure to Cr. Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Results:Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations among Cr workers (1149.5 pmol/kg/day) were higher than those in the control group (730.2 pmol/kg/day). There was a positive correlation between urinary 8-OHdG concentrations and urinary Cr concentration (r= 0.447, p < 0.01), and urinary 8-OHdG correlated positively with airborne Cr concentration (r= 0.285). Using multiple regression analysis, the factors that affected urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were alcohol, the common cold, and high urinary Cr concentration. There was a high correlation of urinary 8-OHdG with both smoking and drinking, but multiple regression analysis showed that smoking was not a significant factor. Age and gender were also non-significant factors.

Conclusion:8-OHdG, which is an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, was a sensitive biomarker for Cr exposure.
Wastewater exposure and health—a comparative study of two occupational groups
Authors: Hansen E S , Hilden J , Klausen H , Rosdahl N
Published: July 2003

Aims:To investigate whether wastewater workers are at increased risk of developing cancer.

Methods:Two cohorts of workers employed by the City of Copenhagen, 591 wastewater workers and 1545 water supply workers (controls), were followed from 1965 until 1998. These two cohorts were compared in terms of cause specific mortality and cancer incidence.

Results:The wastewater workers’ mortality exceeded that of the controls (relative risk (RR) = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.51). A similar small excess was seen for cancer incidence (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.67). Though rare, there was a strongly increased incidence of primary liver cancer among the wastewater workers (RR = 8.9, 95% CI: 1.5 to 51.5).

Conclusion:The excess mortality seen among the wastewater workers was smaller than originally feared. It may partly have been due to their occupational exposure, and for preventive purposes, exposure to wastewater and sludge should be minimised. The possibility that sewage exposure confers an increased risk of primary liver cancer deserves further investigation.
Exposure assessment of monoterpenes and styrene: a comparison of air sampling and biomonitoring
Authors: Liljelind I , Rappaport S , Eriksson K , Andersson J , Bergdahl I A , Sunesson A-L , Järvholm B
Published: July 2003

Background:Within- and between-worker variance components have seldom been reported for both environmental and biological data collected from the same persons.

Aims:To estimate these variance components and their ratio for air contaminants and urinary metabolites in two different work environments and to predict the attenuation of exposure-response relationships based on these measures.

Methods:Parallel measurements of air and urine were performed among workers exposed to monoterpenes in sawmills (urinary metabolite: verbenol) and styrene in reinforced plastics factories (urinary metabolite: mandelic acid).

Results:Among the sawmill workers, variance components of the air and urinary verbenol results were similar; for the reinforced plastics workers the estimated between-worker variance component was greater for styrene in air than mandelic acid in urine. This suggests that attenuation bias would be about equal if air or biological monitoring were employed for monoterpene exposures, but would be greater if urinary mandelic acid were used instead of airborne styrene in an investigation of styrene exposure.

Conclusions:Personal air samplers provide data with similar or superior quality to urinary metabolites as measures of exposure to these monoterpenes in sawmills and styrene in reinforced plastics factories.
Estimating the incidence of occupational asthma and rhinitis from laboratory animal allergens in the UK, 1999–2000: Table 1
Authors: Draper A , Newman Taylor A , Cullinan P
Published: July 2003

We report a survey of the number of persons handling laboratory animals in the UK in 1999–2000. This estimate has allowed us to calculate annual incidence rates of allergic asthma and rhinitis attributable to laboratory animals, insects, and birds using numerators derived from cases reported to a national surveillance scheme (SWORD). The number of exposed employees has almost halved since the early 1980s. From these data, the estimated annual incidence rate of occupational asthma among persons working with small mammals is 1.56/1000 employees. Although reported cases are rare, estimated incidence rates of asthma attributable to birds (23.9/1000/year) and insects (2.35/1000/year) are high.
Should computed chest tomography be recommended in the medical certification of professional divers? A report of three cases with pulmonary air cysts
Authors: Toklu A S , Kiyan E , Aktas S , Cimsit M
Published: July 2003

Pulmonary barotrauma (PBT) is a recognised risk of compressed gas diving. Any reason that causes air trapping in the lung during ascent may cause PBT by increasing intrapulmonary pressure. Chestxray examination is mandatory for medical certification of the professional divers in many countries, but pulmonary air trapping lesions such as an air cyst in the lungs cannot always be detected by plain chestxray examination. Computed tomography (CT) is a reliable, but expensive measure for detecting pulmonary abnormalities in divers. Three cases with pulmonary air cysts are reported in which air cysts were invisible on thexray pictures, but well defined by CT. It is impractical and not cost effective to perform CT for medical certification of all divers, but it can be an option to recommend CT once during the initial examination of the candidates for professional diving, especially if there is a history of predisposing factors, such as smoking or pulmonary infections.
Dermatological powder as hidden cause of occupational allergy due to casein: a case report: Table 1
Authors: Bonadonna P , Senna G , Passalacqua G
Published: July 2003

We report a case of occupational asthma due to hidden casein, contained in a dermatological powder. A 44 year old nurse reported the recent onset of rhinitis and asthma, clearly related to the work environment. Skin tests for food allergens revealed a positivity for milk proteins. The source of dispersed milk proteins in the work environment was found to be a dermatological formulation of an inert refreshing powder, used to treat excoriated areas in the elderly. Skin prick tests confirmed the positivity to casein and to the commercial product.
Ischaemic heart disease among livestock and agricultural workers
Authors: Sjögren B , Weiner J , Larsson K
Published: July 2003

Background:Agricultural workers are exposed to organic dust containing endotoxins, mites, and moulds.

Aims:To compare the occurrence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) among male and female livestock and agricultural workers with gainfully employed men and women in Sweden.

Methods:Male and female livestock and agricultural workers were identified in the Swedish National Censuses of 1970 and 1990 and were followed until the end of 1995. The IHD mortality among the livestock and agricultural workers was compared with that of gainfully employed men and women. Information of smoking habits was gathered from a previous national survey.

Results:Male as well as female livestock workers had slightly higher standardised mortality ratios (SMR) regarding IHD compared with all gainfully employed men and women in Sweden. The SMR for male workers was 1.06 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.18). The SMR for female workers was 1.10 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.23). Agricultural workers had lower SMRs. Adjustments for smoking habits would further increase the SMRs by about 9% in male workers and about 5% in female workers.

Conclusion:The present data suggest a slightly increased risk for IHD among both male and female livestock workers, which may be the result of organic dust exposure.
Respiratory effects of sulphur dioxide: a hierarchical multicity analysis in the APHEA 2 study
Authors: Sunyer J , Atkinson R , Ballester F , Le Tertre A , Ayres J G , Forastiere F , Forsberg B , Vonk J M , Bisanti L , Anderson R H , Schwartz J , Katsouyanni K
Published: July 2003

Background:Sulphur dioxide (SO2) was associated with hospital admissions for asthma in children in the original APHEA study, but not with other respiratory admissions.

Aims:To assess the association between daily levels of SO2and daily levels of respiratory admissions in a larger and more recent study.

Methods:Time series of daily counts of hospital emergency admissions were constructed for asthma at ages 0–14 years and 15–64 years, COPD and asthma, and all respiratory admissions at ages 65+ years in the cities of Birmingham, London, Milan, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, and in the Netherlands for periods of varying duration between the years 1988 and 1997. A two stage hierarchical modelling approach was used. In the first stage generalised additive Poisson regression models were fitted in each city controlling for weather and season. These results were then combined across cities in a second stage ecological regression that looked at potential effect modifiers.

Results:For an increase of 10 μg/m3of SO2the daily number of admissions for asthma in children increased 1.3% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.2%). Effect modification among cities by levels of other air pollutants or temperature was not found. The SO2effect disappeared after controlling for PM10or CO, but correlation among these pollutants was very high. Other respiratory admissions were not associated with SO2.

Conclusion:SO2is associated with asthma admissions in children, indicating that reduction in current air pollution levels could lead to a decrease in the number of asthma admissions in children in Europe.
Animal production and wheeze in the Agricultural Health Study: interactions with atopy, asthma, and smoking
Authors: Hoppin J A , Umbach D M , London S J , Alavanja M C R , Sandler D P
Published: July 2003

Background:Exposure to animals, their feeds, and by-products contribute to respiratory symptoms among farmers.

Aims:To investigate the role of animal exposures and wheeze, and to assess whether their impact differs among susceptible subgroups, including atopics, asthmatics, and smokers.

Methods:Using the Agricultural Health Study, a cohort of pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina enrolled in 1994–97, wheeze associated with animal production was evaluated and interactions among susceptible subgroups assessed. Logistic regression models were used to examine risk factors for wheeze in the past year among 20 468 farmers.

Results:Individuals raising animals requiring direct contact had the highest odds ratios (OR) for wheeze (ORdairy= 1.26; OReggs= 1.70). A significant dose response was observed for both the number of poultry and the number of livestock on the farm. Farmers who performed veterinary procedures on a daily basis had an OR of 1.51. The odds of wheeze associated with poultry production was greater among atopic than non-atopic individuals. Milking cows daily increased the odds of wheeze in all individuals, with the largest association observed among atopic asthmatic individuals. The impact of dairy, poultry, and egg production varied among smoking groups. Past smokers had the highest odds ratios, followed by never smokers, and then current smokers. The OReggswas 2.88 among past smokers but only 1.46 for never smokers. The OReggsfor current smokers of 0.80 might reflect self selection of exposure among smokers.

Conclusions:Results are consistent with animal production and respiratory symptoms, and suggest that subgroups may respond differently to exposure.
Recall and response of smokers and recent quitters to the Australian National Tobacco Campaign
Authors: Wakefield M , Freeman J , Donovan R
Published: July 2003

Objective:To track national population indices of recall and response among smokers and recent quitters to an ongoing national televised anti-smoking campaign in Australia.

Method:National cross sectional population telephone surveys of adults.

Main outcome measures:Unprompted recall of advertising; recognition of advertising; campaign attributed encouragement to quit or stay quit; unprompted awareness of smoking related health effects; new learning about smoking and health; and agreement with campaign related attitudes.

Results:Campaign advertising continued to be highly memorable over the period of study, with 88% having confirmed recognition in 2000. Campaign advertising was consistently thought by half of smokers who had seen it to make them more likely to quit (49% in 2000). Specific changes between surveys in unprompted awareness of smoking related health effects, new learning about smoking and health, and agreement with campaign related attitudes were observed in relation to the main messages of the advertisements, which were time sensitive according to the year of launch of the advert. The “artery” advertisement was associated with the largest and most consistent positive change in all of these parameters. The proportion of respondents who disagreed that the dangers of smoking had been exaggerated increased significantly from 59% in May 1997 to 68% in November 2000.

Conclusion:A national campaign using graphic advertising to emphasise the health risks of smoking can make significant population wide contributions to improving new learning about smoking damage and positively influence attitudes about smoking risks.
Do adult focused anti-smoking campaigns have an impact on adolescents? The case of the Australian National Tobacco Campaign
Authors: White V , Tan N , Wakefield M , Hill D
Published: July 2003

Objectives:To examine adolescents’ awareness of and response to an adult focused anti-smoking advertising campaign.

Design and setting:Data were obtained from two cross sectional surveys of adolescents. The first study, a national evaluation study, involved a telephone survey of a randomly selected sample of 400 14–17 year olds across Australia in 1998. The second study involved a survey of 3714 students aged 12–17 years, randomly selected from a probability sample of secondary schools in the Australian State of Victoria.

Main outcome measures:In both surveys, adolescents answered questions on their awareness of the advertising campaign and actions taken in response to the campaign. Adolescents in the national evaluation study also answered questions assessing knowledge of health effects of smoking, impact of the campaign on adolescents, and relevance of the campaign for adolescents and other groups. Responses for smokers and nonsmokers were examined.

Results:Among the national evaluation sample, 85% of adolescent smokers thought the campaign was relevant to them. Fifty three per cent indicated that the campaign had led some teenagers to at least try to quit and 85% thought it made smoking seem less cool and desirable. Among students who were established smokers the campaign generated quitting activity, with 27% cutting down the number of cigarettes they smoked and 26% having thought about quitting.

Conclusion:Results indicate that adolescents were very aware of this adult focused anti-smoking campaign and thought it relevant to them. The findings suggest that a graphic health effects cessation focused campaign may have been successful in promoting anti-smoking attitudes among adolescents.
Generating Quitline calls during Australia’s National Tobacco Campaign: effects of television advertisement execution and programme placement
Authors: Carroll T , Rock B
Published: July 2003

Objective:The study sought to measure the relative efficiency of different television advertisements and types of television programmes in which advertisements were placed, in generating calls to Australia’s national Quitline.

Design:The study entailed an analysis of the number of calls generated to the Quitline relative to the weight of advertising exposure (in target audience rating points (TARPs) for particular television advertisements and for placement of these advertisements in particular types of television programmes. A total of 238 television advertisement placements and 1769 calls to the Quitline were analysed in Sydney and Melbourne.

Results:The more graphic “eye” advertisement conveying new information about the association between smoking and macular degeneration leading to blindness was more efficient in generating quitline calls than the “tar” advertisement, which reinforced the message of tar in a smoker’s lungs. Combining the health effects advertisements with a quitline modelling advertisement tended to increase the efficiency of generating Quitline calls. Placing advertisements in lower involvement programmes appears to provide greater efficiency in generating Quitline calls than in higher involvement programmes.

Conclusions:Tobacco control campaign planners can increase the number of calls to telephone quitlines by assessing the efficiency of particular advertisements to generate such calls. Pairing of health effect and quitline modelling advertisements can increase efficiency in generating calls. Placement of advertisements in lower involvement programme types may increase efficiency in generating Quitline calls.
Understanding how mass media campaigns impact on smokers
Authors: Borland R , Balmford J
Published: July 2003

Objectives:To explore the immediate impact of the 2001 National Tobacco Campaign (NTC) advertising on movement towards quitting in a broadly representative sample of smokers.

Method:Repeated measures design with surveys two weeks apart. 1000 current smokers aged 18–40 were interviewed. 250 telephone interviews were conducted in each of Sydney and Melbourne (both unexposed at initial survey) and Brisbane and Adelaide (both exposed at initial survey) to measure frequency of negative thoughts about smoking and passive smoking, positive thoughts about smoking, and thoughts about the conduct of tobacco companies; perspective on change; and thoughts and actions about quitting.

Results:At the initial survey, those in regions exposed to the campaign were more advanced in thoughts about quitting. Between surveys, 33% progressed toward cessation and 21% regressed. 69% of participants reported recalling NTC advertising at follow up, which was significantly associated with greater self reported quitting activity and a greater increase in frequency of negative thoughts about smoking.

Conclusions:The results show increased frequency of negative thoughts about smoking and an increase in quitting related thoughts and actions following onset of the NTC campaign. There was also evidence of sustained increase in cessation activity for a month following onset of the campaign. This all occurred in the context of considerable naturally occurring smoking cessation activity, suggesting that the challenge of campaigns in Australia is to induce progress toward quitting among people who are generally engaged with the issue at some level, rather than attempt to stimulate fundamentally new consideration of smoking.
Uptake and effectiveness of the Australian telephone Quitline service in the context of a mass media campaign
Authors: Miller CL , Wakefield M , Roberts L
Published: July 2003

Objectives: Since June 1997, Australia has run its first nationally coordinated mass media anti-smoking campaign, with all States collaborating to offer a standard Quitline service. An overview of the Australian national Quitline service is presented as well as two studies describing (a) the relationship between television advertising and call volume and type, and (b) the quit rates of callers over time.

Design: Data on extent of advertising, as measured by weekly television target audience rating points (TARPs), is compared with weekly call volume and disposition. A randomly selected sample of callers was followed up at 3 weeks, 6 months and 12 months to assess caller appraisal and quit rates.

Setting: The Australian Quitline service, in the context of a nationally coordinated, major anti tobacco campaign.

Results: In a one year period from June 1997, 3.6% of adult Australian smokers called the Quitline. Weekly call volume was strongly related to TARPs and increased further when an advertisement specifically promoting the Quitline was broadcast. Calls involving requests for counselling, as opposed to brief calls to request quit materials, were more likely with lower TARPs. Of the cohort who were smoking at baseline, 28% reported they had quit smoking at a one year follow up and 5% had been quit for an entire year.

Conclusions: In the context of a national mass media campaign, this study illustrates that it is possible to bring together differing State based services to provide an accessible, acceptable, and effective quit smoking service.
Impact of tobacco tax reforms on tobacco prices and tobacco use in Australia
Authors: Scollo M , Younie S , Wakefield M , Freeman J , Icasiano F
Published: July 2003

Objective:To document the impact of changes to tobacco taxes on the range and price of tobacco sold during the period when the National Tobacco Campaign (NTC) was run.

Data sources:Information about brand availability, pack size, and price was extracted fromAustralian Retail Tobacconist. A retail observational survey was undertaken to monitor actual retail prices. Data on cigarette prices, brands, packet configurations, and outlets from which they were purchased were obtained from the benchmark and three follow up population telephone surveys conducted to evaluate the NTC.

Method:Data from the three sources were compared to see the extent to which the impact of tax changes had been offset by greater retail discounting and a more concerted effort by consumers to purchase cheaper products.

Results:Smokers were unable to cushion themselves from the sharp price increases that occurred during the third phase of the NTC. Both average recommended retail prices of manufactured cigarettes and average actual cigarette prices paid by smokers increased by 25% in real prices.

Conclusion:The fall in smoking prevalence over the first two phases of the NTC was substantially greater than would be expected due to tax changes alone. The fall in smoking consumption over the first two phases was slightly less than would be expected and in the third considerably higher than would be expected.
How has the prevalence of cigarette smoking changed among Australian adults? Trends in smoking prevalence between 1980 and 2001
Authors: White V , Hill D , Siahpush M , Bobevski I
Published: July 2003

Objective:To examine trends in the prevalence of cigarette smoking between 1980 and 2001 among several different sociodemographic groups within the Australian population.

Method:National cross sectional surveys conducted by face to face interview every 3 years from 1980. Respondents were classified into five age groups and the occupation of respondents in the workforce were classified into one of upper or lower white collar or upper or lower blue collar.

Main outcome measure:Prevalence of smoking at least weekly.

Results:The prevalence of smoking in 2001 was lower than that found in 1980 and this was true for all sociodemographic groups. Among adults smoking prevalence decreased from 35% in 1980 to 23% in 2001. The differential in smoking prevalence between men and women decreased between 1980 and 2001. Although smoking was more common among younger Australians (<24 years) than older Australians throughout the study, the differential between age groups reduced. For all years except 1980, the proportion of smokers among upper white collar workers was significantly lower than in all other occupation groups.

Conclusion: There had been a continual decline in the prevalence of smoking among the Australian population since 1980. This decline had occurred across both sexes and in all age and occupation groups. Much of the decline in smoking prevalence between 1998 and 2001 was among blue collar worker group.