bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in the mechanical properties of a porous multi-phase biofilm under compression due to void closure
Authors: Laspidou C.S. , Aravas N.
Published: April 2007

Biofilm properties change drastically from one point to another inside the matrix, and from one minute to the next, bringing about similar variations in biofilm mechanical properties, both in time and space. In this article, we present a theory that quantifies deformation-dependent changes in the mechanical properties of a composite porous material that undergoes compression. Such changes are a result of the pores either closing (when the biofilm is under compression) or opening (when under tension). The theory borrows well-established principles of continuum mechanics and is modified to represent a biofilm composed of four different phases, three different solid biomass materials (active biomass, extracellular polymers and inert biomass) and pores. We see that, when the evolution of the volume fractions of the different phases in a uniaxial compression test is taken into account, the material “hardens” or becomes stiffer as the deformation increases, due to void closure. Once complete void closure is achieved, the material reaches its maximum stiffness. Different homogenisation schemes are presented and comparisons are performed with stress-strain calculations for all of them.
Influence of biofilm composition on the resistance to detachment
Authors: Simões M. , Cleto S. , Pereira M.O. , Vieira M.J.
Published: April 2007

Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens were used to develop monoculture biofilms in a bioreactor rotating system using a stainless steel cylinder for biofilm formation. The biofilms were allowed to grow for 7 days, exposed continuously to a Reynolds number of agitation (ReA) of 2,400. Afterwards, the biofilms were characterised in terms of respiratory activity, amount of biomass, cellular density, cellular size and total and extracellular proteins and polysaccharides. The biofilm mechanical stability was assessed by sequential submission of the biofilms to increasing ReA, respectively, 4,000, 8,100, 12,100 and 16,100. The results showed that P. fluorescens biofilms were five times more active, had a higher amount of biomass, cellular density, a reduced cellular size and a four-fold higher amount of extracellular proteins and polysaccharides than B. cereus biofilms. The application of shear stress forces higher than the one under which the biofilm was formed (ReA=2,400) caused biomass removal. The high percentage of removal occurred with the implementation of a ReA of 8,100 for both B. cereus and P. fluorescens biofilms. The total series of ReA did not give rise to total biofilm removal, as only about 76% of P. fluorescens biofilm mass and 53% of B. cereus biofilm mass were detached from the cylinders. This latter result evidences that B. cereus had a higher mechanical stability than P. fluorescens biofilms. The overall results demonstrate that P. fluorescens and B. cereus formed physiologically distinct biofilms, B. cereus biofilms mainly being constituted by cells and P. fluorescens biofilms largely constituted by extracellular proteins and polysaccharides. B. cereus biofilms had a substantially higher mechanical stability than P. fluorescens biofilms.
Texture analysis of spatial biofilm development
Authors: Milferstedt K. , Pons M.-N. , Morgenroth E.
Published: April 2007

The quantitative evaluation of images taken during biofilm experiments is an important step in determining the relation between biofilm performance and biofilm architecture. Whereas areal descriptors are used by some researchers, descriptors of biofilm texture have received limited attention. In our research, the texture of images documenting long-term biofilm experiments was evaluated using a spatial grey level dependence matrices (SGLDM) approach. By calculating SGLDM for a wide range of position operators (angle–distance combinations), the discriminatory power of this approach was extended. For some descriptors, surface plots allowed the direct spatial interpretation of texture. Using principal component analysis (PCA) a subset of independent textural descriptors was identified. It is suggested to determine textural fingerprints of stages during biofilm development by making use of PCA and biplots.
A dual-electrochemical cell to study the biocorrosion of stainless steel
Authors: Lopes F.A. , Perrin S. , Féron D.
Published: April 2007

The presence of microorganisms on metal surfaces can alter the local physical/chemical conditions and lead to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The goal of the present work was to study the effect of a mixed aerobic–anaerobic biofilm on the behaviour of stainless steel (316 L) in underground conditions. Rather than testing different bacteria or consortia, investigations were based on the mechanisms of MIC. Mixed biofilms were simulated by the addition of glucose oxidase to reproduce the aerobic conditions and by sulphide or sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) for the anaerobic conditions. A double thermostated electrochemical cell has been developed to study the coupling between aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Results suggested a transfer of electrons from the stainless steel sample of the anaerobic cell to the stainless steel sample of the aerobic one. Inorganic sulphide was replaced by SRB in the anaerobic cell revealing an increase of the galvanic current which may be explained by an effect of lactate and/or acetate on the anodic reaction or by a high sulphide concentration in the biofilm. The results of this study underline that the dual-electrochemical cell system is representative of phenomena present in natural environments and should be considered as an option when studying MIC.
Carbon Electrodes Modified with TiO2/Metal Nanoparticles and Their Application for the Detection of Trinitrotoluene
Authors: Filanovsky B. , Markovsky B. , Bourenko T. , Perkas N. , Persky R. , Gedanken A. , Aurbach D.
Published: April 2007

The preparation of modified, catalytically active, functional carbon electrodes and their application to the electrochemical reduction of trinitrotoluene (TNT) is reported. Modification of the electrodes is performed with composites of nanometer‐sized, mesoporous titanium dioxide, which acts as a support containing inserted/deposited nanoparticles of ruthenium, platinum, or gold. These composites are prepared by a novel sonochemical synthesis using simple and low‐cost precursors. Cyclic voltammetry shows that 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene can be reduced on thus‐modified carbon‐paper electrodes at potentials of around –0.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl/Cl–) in aqueous solutions. Unexpectedly, carbon‐paper electrodes modified with the TiO2/nano‐Pt composites demonstrate a remarkable electrochemical activity toward the reduction of trinitrotoluene. A significant finding is that the two electrode processes—the reduction of TNT and of oxygen—are quite well separated in potential on the modified carbon‐paper electrodes because of selective electrochemical activity of the TiO2/nano‐Pt and TiO2/nano‐Au composites. TiO2/nano‐Ru composites are found to be much less electrochemically active for the detection of TNT compared to the previous two. It was also established that the titanium dioxide support of TiO2/nano‐Pt composites plays a specific role for facilitating the TNT‐ and oxygen‐reduction processes.
Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Fibers for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Berson S. , De Bettignies R. , Bailly S. , Guillerez S.
Published: April 2007

A new method for the preparation of active layers of polymeric solar cells without the need for thermal post‐treatment to obtain optimal performance is presented. Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofibers are obtained in highly concentrated solutions, which enables the fabrication of nanostructured films on various substrates. Here, the preparation of these fibers along with their characterization in solution and in the solid state is detailed. By mixing these nanofibers with a molecular acceptor such as [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) in solution, it is possible to obtain in a simple process a highly efficient active layer for organic solar cells with a demonstrated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 3.6 %. The compatibility of the room‐temperature process developed herein with commonly used plastic substrates may lead to applications such as the development of large‐area flexible solar cells.
Mortality among employees of an ontario factory manufacturing insulation materials from amosite asbestos
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M.
Published: April 2007

The mortality of workers from an Ontario factory manufacturing amosite asbestos insulation materials under poorly controlled environmental conditions is reported here. Seven (58%) of 12 deaths among exposed workers 10 or more years after first exposure were due to malignancies; four (25%) were from lung cancer, and there were two deaths from peritoneal mesothelioma. Those dying from mesothelioma were 47 and 49 years of age. Three (25%) of 12 deaths were from respiratory disease, two were attributed to asbestosis (in men 42 and 53 years of ages), and one to pneumonia in a 54‐year‐old male.
Occupational injury and illness in the semiconductor manufacturing industry
Authors: McCurdy Stephen A. , Schenker Marc B. , Lassiter Donald V.
Published: April 2007

Two thousand nine hundred and ninety‐four reports of OSHA‐reportable occupational injury or illness cases in 1984 from member companies of a national trade association of semiconductor manufacturing firms were analyzed. The 37 participating manufacturing facilities represented 16 companies employing over 95,000 persons, or approximately one‐third of the U.S. work force for this industry in 1984. The annual incidence rate for all reportable injuries and illnesses was 2.7 per 100 full‐time employees (FTE) for men and 3.7 per 100 FTE for women. Strains, sprains, or dislocations were the most frequently reported incidents (N = 956 [31.9%]), followed by cuts, lacerations, punctures, scratches, and abrasions (N = 445 [14.9%]), and chemical burns (N = 401 [13.4%]). Increased work‐loss days per case were associated with manufacturing sites that did not have an employee health clinic on the premises, with custodial occupations, and with female gender.
Asbestos‐related chest X‐ray changes among greek merchant marine seamen
Authors: Velonakis Emmanuel G. , Tsorva Athina , Tzonou Anastasia , Trichopoulos Dimitrios
Published: April 2007

One hundred forty‐one retired Greek mariners were examined radiologically for asbestos‐related lung disease. Thirty‐eight (27%) had small opacities classified as ILO category 1/0 or more; 37 (26%) had radiologic evidence of pleural lesions; 17 (12%) had both parenchymal and pleural lesions; and a total of 58 (41%) had one or more radiologic findings of asbestos‐related lung disease.

In discriminant analysis, duration of maritime employment was predictive of pleural lesions, but the association was not statistically significant (one‐tail, p = 0.16). The prevalence of pleural lesions was also higher among sailors than among officers, and this association was statistically significant (one‐tail, p = 0.05). In this group, none of the occupational variables studied (age, duration of maritime employment, and rank) was related to lung fibrosis.

After controlling by multiple regression for mutual confounding effects, suggestive negative associations for the presence of pleural lesions were found with FVC (one‐tail, p = 0.13) as well as with FEF25% (one‐tail, p = 0.09) and FEF50% (one‐tail, p = 0.07). By contrast, no association was found between pulmonary fibrosis and any of the respiratory volumes.

The results of this study suggest that mariners may present evidence of asbestos‐related disease after many years from onset of exposure on ships.
Occupational mercury exposure and male reproductive health
Authors: Alcser Kirsten H. , Brix Kelley A. , Fine Lawrence J. , Kallenbach Lee R. , Wolfe Robert A.
Published: April 2007

This retrospective cohort study was designed to investigate the relationship of male occupational exposure to elemental mercury and several reproductive outcomes. All subjects worked at least 4 months between 1953 and 1966 at a plant that used elemental mercury; 247 white male employees who had the highest exposures were compared to 255 matched nonexposed employees. Individual exposure to mercury was estimated from urinary mercury measurement records.

Information on reproductive history and potential confounding variables was obtained through personal interview with each of the employees and with a subset of their wives. No associations were demonstrated between mercury exposure and decreased fertility or increased rates of major malformations or serious childhood illnesses. After controlling for previous miscarriage history, mercury exposure was not a significant risk factor for miscarriage. Because of this study's potential problems with long‐term recall, further studies of the effect of mercury on pregnancy outcome are warranted in other populations.
Minnesota highway maintenance worker cohort mortality study: Methods and noncancer mortality
Authors: Parker David L. , Bender Alan P. , Johnson Rebecca A. , Scharber Wendy K. , Williams Allan N. , Marbury Marian C. , Mandel Jack S.
Published: April 2007

In 1984, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began a cohort mortality study of 4,849 workers to follow up concerns with the health and safety of highway maintenance workers (HMWs). A total of 1,530 deaths had occurred, resulting in a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 91 (p < 0.01) and an all cancer SMR of 84 (p < 0.01). There was a significant elevation in the SMR for chronic renal failure among long‐term rural workers (SMR = 676, p < 0.05). The SMR was also elevated for transportation injuries. The latter SMR was highest among short‐term urban workers (SMR = 280, p < 0.01). In addition, the SMR for transportation‐related injury deaths tended to increase the later the decade of starting work. The SMRs were 137, 259, 502, and 2,145 for urban workers starting work in the decades 1945–1954, 1955–1964, 1965–1974, and 1975–1984, respectively. This study demonstrates the possible adverse health effects of highway maintenance work and the need to comprehensively evaluate injury mortality among selected occupational cohorts.
Computerized tomographic identification of visceral pleural changes other than in interlobar lung fissures
Authors: Solomon Albert
Published: April 2007

Computer window adjustments are possible when viewing the pictures obtained on computerized tomography (CT). A mediastinal window setting is used for pleural viewing (soft tissue), whereas a double‐window adjustment allows pleura and lung substance to be viewed concomitantly. The lung can also be viewed on its own by using a corresponding window setting. Relevant cases with pleural changes were investigated by CT. With the window adjustments, it was possible to demonstrate pleural extrusions (tags) penetrating the lung substance and retracting the thickened or calcified overlying pleural areas. The areas of pleural retraction are identified as the pleura covering and encasing the lung itself, i.e., the visceral pleura.
Study of lung cancer histologic types, occupation, and smoking in missouri
Authors: Zahm Shelia Hoar , Brownson Ross C. , Chang Jian C. , Davis James R.
Published: April 2007

A case‐control study of lung cancer was conducted to evaluate the relationship between lung cancer histologic types and occupation, adjusted for smoking. A total of 4,431 white male cases and 11,326 cancer controls, diagnosed between 1980 and 1985, were identified through the Missouri Cancer Registry. For all histologic types combined, excess risk was observed among many a priori suspected high‐risk occupations. Lung cancer was elevated among men employed as insulators (odds ratio [OR] = 6.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7, 137.8), carpenters (OR = 1.3; 95% CI= 1.0,1.7), painters, plasterers, and wallpaper hangers (OR = 2.0; 95% CI=1.2,3.3), structural metal workers (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 0.6,6.0), mechanics and repairers (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0,1.7), motor vehicle drivers (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.2,1.8), police and firefighters (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1,2.3), and food service personnel (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.0,3.5). A deficit of lung cancer was observed among farmers (OR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.7,1.0). Adenocarcinoma of the lung was elevated among carpenters (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0,2.5) and cabinet and furniture makers (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 0.4,8.1), which is interesting because of the previous reports of excess adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity associated with wood dust exposure. Adenocarcinomas were also elevated among plumbers (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.0,3.8) and printers (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 0.7,4.2). Electricians were at slightly increased risk for adenocarcinoma (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.7,2.8) and “other” or mixed cell types of lung cancer (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.8,2.9) but at decreased risk for small cell (OR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.3,2.0) and squamous cell (OR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.4,1.6) tumors. Among welders, adenocarcinoma (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 0.7,3.8) and squamous cell (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 0.9,3.3) cancers were elevated, but small cell and “other” lung cancers were not. Despite the limitations of the Cancer Registry data, some interesting associations were observed that merit further study, particularly the association between lung adenocarcinoma and occupational exposure to wood and wood dust.
Dermatoses among poultry slaughterhouse workers
Authors: Hayashi Masato , Saitoh Megumi , Fujii Nobuo , Suzuki Yasuo , Nishiyama Keitaro , Asano Seiichiro , Hayashi Hisashi
Published: April 2007

A survey on the incidence of occupational dermatoses among poultry slaughterhouse workers, who, in order to do their work more efficiently, protected their hands only with cotton gloves, revealed that many workers had dermatoses of the hands.

Their symptoms included maceration, erosio interdigitalis, paronychia, trichophytia unguium, and eczema, presumably caused by the constant wetness of their hands during work. Candida albicans was detected in the ungual lesions of some patients.

A second survey including a skin examination was performed at a plant where preventive measures such as better working gloves and improved sanitary conditions had been implemented because of the high incidence of skin disorders. The results of this survey showed marked improvement in the reduction of the incidence of dermatoses.
Silica exposure and silicosis among ontario hardrock miners: I. Methodology
Authors: Muir D. C. F. , Shannon H. S. , Julian J. A. , Verma D. K. , Sebestyen A. , Bernholz C. D.
Published: April 2007

An epidemiological investigation was undertaken to determine the relationship between silicosis in hardrock miners in Ontario and cumulative exposure to silica (crystalline silica–‐α quartz) dust. This first report describes the cohort, the method of classifying the radiographs, and the identification of a case of silicosis.
Prevalence of hazardous exposures in veterinary practice
Authors: Wiggins Patricia , Schenker Marc B. , Green Rochelle , Samuels Steven
Published: April 2007

All female graduates of a major U.S. veterinary school were surveyed by mailed questionnaire to obtain details of work practice and hazard exposure during the most recent year worked and during all pregnancies. Exposure questions were based on previously implicated occupational hazards which included anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonoses, prostaglandins, vaccines, physical trauma, and pesticides. The response rate was 86% (462/537). We found that practice type and pregnancy status were major determinants of hazard exposure within the veterinary profession. Small‐animal practitioners reported the highest rates of exposure to anesthetic gas (94%), X‐ray (90%), and pesticides (57%). Large‐animal practitioners reported greater rates of trauma (64%) and potential exposure to prostaglandins (92%), Brucella abortus vaccine (23%), and carbon monoxide (18%). Potentially hazardous workplace practices or equipment were common. Forty‐one percent of respondents who reported taking X‐rays did not wear film badges, and 76% reported physically restraining animals for X‐ray procedures. Twentyseven percent of the respondents exposed to anesthetic gases worked at facilities which did not have waste anesthetic gas scavenging systems. Women who worked as veterinarians during a pregnancy attempted to reduce exposures to X‐rays, insecticides, and other potentially hazardous exposures. Some potentially hazardous workplace exposures are common in veterinary practice, and measures to educate workers and to reduce these exposures should not await demonstration of adverse health effects.
Return to work following back surgery: A review
Authors: Taylor Marvin E.
Published: April 2007

Nineteen articles published between 1980 and 1986 were reviewed to determine the prognosis for returning to previous employment following back surgery. Seventy‐seven percent of the cases reviewed returned to their previous level of employment. Nearly 11% of cases had additional back surgery during the period of follow‐up. Data from three articles suggest that 82% of patients are able to return to their previous level of employment following primary back surgery compared to 59% of patients who have had multiple back surgeries. Recommendations for work activity following back surgery should be individualized for each patient. A work‐hardening program including assessment of cardiovascular fitness and task performance can be used to progressively increase activity to the highest achievable level. Prevention of back injuries in the workplace will increase employee morale and reduce employee turnover and workers' compensation costs.
Occupation and bladder cancer in utah
Authors: Schumacher Mary Catherine , Slattery Martha L. , West Dee W.
Published: April 2007

The relationships between bladder cancer and occupation, industries, and occupational exposures in Utah were examined in a population‐based, case‐control study conducted between 1977 and 1983. Life‐long occupational histories were obtained for 417 cases (332 men and 85 women) and 877 controls (685 men and 192 women). Although few positive findings emerged in this study, increased risks were detected among men for employment in the leather and textile industries which increased with duration of employment. The effects were most marked for employment beginning 45 or more years prior to interview (odds ratio [OR] for textiles = 1.92, confidence interval [CI] = 0.89–4.46; for leather OR = 2.95, CI = 0.63–13.76). Among men and women, increased risk was detected among clerical workers employed for <10 years (OR = 1.59, CI = 1.16–2.17) although the risk decreased with increased duration of employment (OR = 0.88, CI = 0.55–1.40 for 10 years). A protective effect was seen among men and women for 10 or more years employment in professional, managerial, and technical occupations (OR = 0.68, CI = 0.50–0.92). Employment as a carpenter resulted in increased risk which increased with duration. Increased risk for bladder cancer was detected among carpenters who smoked but not among carpenters who never smoked. We used an occupation‐exposure linkage system to identify workers exposed to aromatic amino compounds; such workers did not have increased risk of bladder cancer, although interaction between long‐term exposure to aromatic amino compounds and smoking was detected. Interactions between smoking and other industrial or occupational exposures were not demonstrated, and for the most part, smoking did not confound the estimates of the bladder cancer‐occupation relationships.
Case‐control study of lung cancer in los angeles county welders
Authors: Hull Corky J. , Doyle Edward , Peters John M. , Garabrant David H. , Bernstein Leslie , Preston‐Martin Susan
Published: April 2007

A case‐control study of lung cancer in white male welders was undertaken to investigate possible environmental and occupational causes of a 50% excess of lung cancer observed in this occupational group. The subjects were identified from a populationbased cancer registry in Los Angeles County. A standardized questionnaire was administered to either subjects or proxy informants of 90 lung cancer cases and 116 non‐lung‐cancer controls. Significantly increased risks of lung cancer were associated with tobacco smoking (odds ratio 7.6, p < .005) and shipyard welding with at least a 10‐year latency since first exposure (odds ratio 1.7, p < .05). Although there were elevated risks associated with some specific welding processes, none were statistically significant. Control subjects were more likely to have had exposure to confined‐space welding (odds ratio 0.6, 95% CI = 0.3–1.2), and this association was greatest where there had been at least a 20‐year latency since first exposure (0.5, 95% CI = 0.3–1.0). We conclude that the excess of lung cancer in this welding population is contributed to by a higher frequency of smoking and probable exposure to asbestos in shipyards. Other factors may be important, but probably because of limited power and reliance on proxy information, this study failed to detect other statistically significant risks.
Follow‐up of subjects who developed chloracne following TCDD exposure at seveso
Authors: Assennato G. , Cervino D. , Emmett E. A. , Longo G. , Merlo F.
Published: April 2007

Three follow‐up surveys from 1976 to 1985 were carried out on 193 subjects who developed chloracne following the Seveso accident (1976).

A comparison group, age and sex matched, was selected randomly from the list of residents of the town of Varedo (in the same health district but out of the dioxincontaminated zone).

At each follow‐up a questionnaire was administered and biochemical tests, skin examination, and electrophysiologic measurements were performed.

Biochemical indicators of hepatic function and nerve conduction studies did not show significant differences either between groups or for temporal trends.

Chloracne was shown to be clinically reversible: all the chloracne cases (except for one subject) clinically recovered by 1983.

The discrepancy between our results and those from other previous experiences can be related to a different type of exposure, the young age of the target population, and the interval since exposure.
Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans in workers exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin
Authors: Patterson D. G. , Fingerhut M. A. , Roberts D. W. , Needham L. L. , Sweeney M. Haring , Marlow D. A. , Andrews J. S. , Halperin W. E.
Published: April 2007

Review of employment and chemical production records at a Missouri chemical plant and of questionnaires with self‐reported occupational exposure to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachloro‐dibenzo‐p‐dioxin (2,3,7,8‐TCDD) for 16 Missouri workers has explained the wide diversity of 2,3,7,8‐TCDD levels previously reported in the workers' adipose tissue (3.5‐750 ppt on whole‐weight basis). We show that the highest exposures reported to date in the United States occurred in a group of nine production workers who made products contaminated with 2,3,7,8‐TCDD. The nine workers had adipose tissue levels with a mean of 246 ppt and a range of 42 to 750 ppt. Seven persons who worked at the same chemical company, but not in the 2,3,7,8‐TCDD‐contaminated process, had a mean of 8.7 ppt and a range of 3.5 to 25.8 ppt. We also report serum levels of 2,3,7,8‐TCDD in these individuals. The adipose tissue from a subset of four production workers with elevated levels of 2,3,7,8‐TCDD and seven Missouri residents with normal 2,3,7,8‐TCDD levels was also analyzed for other isomers of the PCDDs and PCDFs. The mean adipose tissue level of 2,3,7,8‐TCDD in the subset of production workers was 45 times higher than the mean level in the unexposed Missouri residents, but similar levels of the other PCDDs and PCDFs were found in both groups.
Asbestos and kidney cancer: The evidence supports a causal association
Authors: Smith Allan H. , Shearn Valerie I. , Wood Rose
Published: April 2007

The role of asbestos in the etiology of lung cancer and of mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum has been well documented. The evidence for a causal association between asbestos and other human cancers is not as extensive but suggests that asbestos may be carcinogenic at several different sites. This paper is concerned specifically with a possible causal association between asbestos and human kidney cancer. A review of the evidence to date indicates that only three human studies have sufficient statistical power to detect an excess mortality from kidney cancer among workers exposed to asbestos. All three were occupational cohort studies, and two of these gave strong direct evidence for such an excess; a study of U.S. insulators (kidney cancer SMR = 2.22, 90% CI 1.44–3.30), and a study of U.S. asbestos products company workers (kidney cancer SMR = 2.76, 90% CI 1.29–5.18). The third study, of Italian shipyard workers, reported excess mortality from “cancers of the kidney, urinary bladder, and other urinary organs” (SMR = 1.98, 90% CI 1.42–2.70). Further support for a causal association includes studies finding asbestos fibers in human kidneys and urine, as well as reports of kidney tumors in two animal bioassays. It is concluded that asbestos should be regarded as a probable cause of human kidney cancer.
Respiratory function in animal food processing workers
Authors: Zuskin Eugenija , Mataija Marina , Pokrajac Duska , Schachter E. Neil , Witek T. J.
Published: April 2007

A group of 71 men employed in animal food processing was studied to assess the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and the presence of lung function abnormalities. In addition, a control group of 55 unexposed men was studied for the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. A significantly higher prevalence for most of the chronic respiratory symptoms was found among the exposed workers compared to the control workers. Those workers who smoked had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, chronic bronchitis, and chest tightness than the smokers in the control group. For nonsmokers, the differences between exposed and control workers were significant for chronic phlegm and chest tightness. The frequency of acute symptoms associated with the work shift was high among the animal food workers. There were significantly lower measured values for FVC, FEV1, and FEF50 in the exposed group (smokers and nonsmokers) compared to predicted lung function values. In smokers, all measured parameters of ventilatory capacity were significantly less than predicted; for nonsmokers, the FVC and FEV1 were less than normal. Our data indicate that exposure to dust in the animal food industry may be associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and the impairment of lung function. Smoking, in this setting, appears to aggravate these changes.
Effects of respirator dead space, inspiratory resistance, and expiratory resistance ventilatory loads
Authors: Harber Philip , Shimozaki Steven , Barrett Thomas , Losides Peter , Fine Gil
Published: April 2007

The effects of respiratorlike inspiratory resistance (IR), expiratory resistance (ER), and dead space (DS) were assessed in a group of 11 normal volunteers during moderate steady‐state (SS) and rapidly incremented (RI) exercise. The physiologic effects of IR were predominant, increasing inspiratory time, duty cycle, and several measures of ventilatory work. Effects of DS appear related to increased minute ventilation and include increasing flow rates and duty cycle and requiring greater ventilatory work; during RI exercise, the DS effect became relatively smaller at higher exercise levels. ER compressed expiratory time. These results characterize the response to IR, ER, and DS loads and suggest that DS may be relatively less physiologically significant than IR.
Predisposing factors in laboratory animal allergy: A study of atopy and environmental factors
Authors: Sjöstedt Lars , Willers Stefan
Published: April 2007

A population of 101 laboratory technicians handling laboratory animals was studied with regard to predisposing factors for allergy. Twenty‐seven had symptoms indicating laboratory animal allergy (LAA); of these, nine had asthma and were skin prick test positive for animal allergens. The LAA asthmatics had an increased frequency of a family history of allergy (relative risk, RR = 3.8); the predictive value was 0.27. There was also an increase of skin prick positivity against common nonanimal allergens (RR = 15); the predictive value was 0.60. All persons with marked positive skin prick tests (> + 2) to environmental allergens had developed animal‐test‐positive LAA asthma. In 56% of the LAA asthma cases the serum IgE levels were elevated (<100kU/L). In preemployment screening of susceptible individuals two important selection criteria emerged, viz., family history of allergy and positive skin prick reactions against environmental allergens.
Were the hatters of new jersey “mad”?
Authors: Wedeen Richard P.
Published: April 2007

Conventional wisdom holds that the “Mad Hatter” of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland earned his name because he exhibited psychotic behavior from mercury poisoning. The first description of mercurialism in hatters was published by J. Addision Freeman, M.D., in the Transactions of the Medical Society of New Jersey in 1860, just 5 years before Lewis Carrol's famous tale. But it is unlikely that Alice's creator was aware of this obscure provincial report. Numerous subsequent studies of hatters in New Jersey showed that the hatters' shakes were rampant among the immigrant workers. The pathologic shyness of mercurialism, however, was not noted in New Jersey hatters until 1912. The idea that hatters were “mad” stemmed from popular perceptions more than from medical knowledge. Nor did medical studies lead to elimination of mercury in felt hat manufacturing. The hatters' occupational disease was curbed only in 1941 when mercury was required for the manufacture of detonators in World War II. The hatters of New Jersey were not only not mad, but neither were they, the physicians, nor the public of the period sufficiently angry to control the conditions under which the hatters worked.
Mineral fiber concentration in lung tissue of mesothelioma patients in finland
Authors: Tuomi Timo , Segerberg‐Konttinen Margaretha , Tammilehto Lauri , Tossavainen Antti , Vanhala Esa
Published: April 2007

The mineral fibers in lung tissue samples of 19 mesothelioma patients and 15 randomly selected autopsy cases were analyzed using low‐temperature ashing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x‐ray microanalysis. The fiber concentration ranged from 0.5 to 370 million fibers per gram of dry tissue in the mesothelioma group and from < 0.1 to 3.2 million fibers per gram of dry tissue in the autopsy group. In 80% of the mesothelioma patients and in 20% of the autopsy cases, the fiber concentration exceeded 1 million fibers per gram of dry tissue. Amphibole asbestos fibers predominated in both groups, and only a few chrysotile fibers were found. In the lungs of six mesothelioma patients, anthophyllite was the main fiber type. The overall analytical precision of sample preparation and fiber counting with SEM was 22%.
Corporate response to reproductive hazards in the workplace: Results of the family, work, and health survey
Authors: Paul Maureen , Daniels Cynthia , Rosofsky Robert
Published: April 2007

As a part of a Family, Work, and Health Survey, we analyzed corporate practices regarding reproductive hazards in the chemical and electronics manufacturing industries in Massachusetts. Over half of the 198 firms surveyed had at least one of four designated reproductive hazards in use. Among these firms, 57% provided information on reproductive risks to employees. Nearly 20% of companies excluded certain classes of workers from substances, work areas, or occupations on the basis of reproductive health concerns. Another 13% offered voluntary transfers to workers concerned about reproductive risks. With one exception, all restrictions and transfers applied to women only–‐even when scientific evidence supports potential reproductive risk to both sexes. Analysis of corporate practices by industry type, and size, gender stratification, and unionization of the workforce was carried out. Results of the survey raise important public health concerns about corporate practices that may restrict women's job opportunities on the basis of reproductive status while underprotecting the health of male workers.
Lung function of welders of zinc‐coated mild steel: Cross‐sectional analysis and changes over five consecutive work shifts
Authors: Marquart Hans , Smid Tjabe , Heederik Dick , Visschers Maarten
Published: April 2007

Spirometric lung‐function measurements were conducted 5 days before and after the work shift of 11 welders of zinc‐coated steel, ten nonwelders who were indirectly exposed to welding fumes, and 17 controls. The exposure to dust and zinc of all participants was monitored personally using PAS‐6 samplers. Geometric mean concentrations for welders were 0.91 mg/m3 (dust) and 34.0 μg/m3 (zinc).

Cross‐sectional analysis of Monday morning values showed no differences in lungfunction parameters between groups. However, the number of years the participants were engaged in welding was of borderline statistical significance and correlated negatively with values of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Changes in lung function over a work shift or a working week were not related to the exposure level.
Social and economic determinants of occupational health policies and services
Authors: Walker Bailus Jr.
Published: April 2007

Current changes in technology and in economic, social, and demographic trends must be taken into account in the formulation or reformulation and implementation of policies and programs for the prevention and control of occupational disease and dysfunction.
Geographic distribution of deaths due to sentinel health event (occupational) causes
Authors: Wagener Diane K. , Buffler Patricia A.
Published: April 2007

This report describes the Compressed Mortality File available from the National Center for Health Statistics that can be used to easily and efficiently generate annual mortality rates for geographic areas as small as counties for any period from 1968 to 1985. Several ways of presenting geographic variation in mortality rates due to potentially work‐related deaths and changes in these rates over time are discussed for the 15‐year period from 1969 through 1983. Causes of death that are potentially work‐related were identified using the sentinel health events (occupational) [SHE(O)] concept. Data are given for nine diagnostic groups of occupationally related disorders, and maps are presented for bladder cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and pneumoconioses. Significant changes in age‐adjusted mortality rates were noted for pneumoconioses and acute myeloid leukemia that could not be due to changes in the disease coding of death certificates. Racial differences in mortality rates due to pneumoconioses may be due to differences in employment patterns. The use of SHE(O) codes to search the Compressed Mortality File may be helpful in identifying areas for public health concern, even if only as a monitoring signal for subsequent time periods. This file also provides an easy way to generate reference population mortality rates for epidemiologic studies.
Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma in an urban hospital: Clinical spectrum and trend in incidence over time
Authors: Shepherd Kenneth E. , Oliver L. Christine , Kazemi Homayoun
Published: April 2007

This retrospective analysis reviews the clinical experience of a major urban referral hospital with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma during the 14‐year period from 1973 through 1986. Seventy‐five cases of definite or equivocal mesothelioma were identified. There were four cases of primary malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, seven cases of benign fibrous mesothelioma, and 64 cases of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. In 43 cases (67%) of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, there was historic evidence of asbestos exposure. In 21 cases (33%), there was no known history of asbestos exposure. An increase in annual incidence of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma was observed over the study period, from three cases in 1973 to ten cases in 1986.

Despite greater awareness of this disease, the diagnosis remains a difficult one to establish given the nonspecific symptoms, signs and radiographic appearance, variable histologic appearance, and poor diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of thoracentesis and closed pleural biopsy. Thoracotomy, thoracoscopy, and CT‐guided needle biopsies gave higher yields and are the diagnostic measures of choice when diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma is suspected.
One hundred years of chromium and cancer: A review of epidemiological evidence and selected case reports
Authors: Langrrd Sverre
Published: April 2007

The present review is motivated by the fact that 100 years have passed since the first cancer case in a chromium worker was reported in Scotland. Old and recent case reports and epidemiological studies among chromate workers are reviewed to elucidate the importance of valency states and water solubility of chromium compounds for carcinogenic potency. It is concluded that all chromium[VI] compounds should be considered carcinogenic among exposed populations, and that no evidence has been presented indicating that human exposure to chromium[III] is associated with increased cancer risk. Strong evidence has been presented that zinc chromate is a potent carcinogen and suggests that calcium chromate may be a potent carcinogen. Evidence also suggests that water‐soluble chromates in general may be more potent carcinogens than those with low solubility. Primary and secondary prevention of chromate‐related cancer and the success in preventive measures are briefly discussed, and recommendations for future research are made.
Fluoride in workplace air and in urine of workers concentrating fluorspar
Authors: Rees Doh David Bch, , Rama Dhirajlal B. K. , Yousefi Vali
Published: April 2007

The urinary fluoride concentrations of workers exposed to calcium fluoride (CaF2) during fluorspar processing were measured. Personal dust measurement showed that the mean occupational exposure to fluoride for 12 workers in the most dusty environment was 24.3 mg/m3, which is 9.7 times the threshold limit value (TLV) of 2.5 mg/m3. Exposure was below the TLV for the remaining 23 workers. Urinary fluoride concentrations were measured pre‐ and postshift. The heavily exposed workers had a mean preshift concentration of 3.3 mg/liter (range 1.4–8.5 mg/liter), only slightly higher than the mean of 2.8 mg/liter (range 1.3–4.2 mg/liter) in the workers with fluoride exposure below the TLV. Four of the preshift concentrations exceeded the recommended upper limit of 4 mg/liter.

The mean postshift concentration for workers exposed above the TLV was 4.4 mg/liter (range 2.4–7.1 mg/liter) and the difference between pre‐ and postshift concentrations was significant (p < 0.05). Only one urinary concentration exceeded the recommended upper limit of 7 mg/liter. There was poor correlation between intensity of environmental exposure to fluorspar and postshift fluoride concentration in the urine. Eighteen workers provided a urine sample 7‐14 hr after the end of a shift. The mean fluoride concentration was 4.7 mg/liter (range 2.4–11.7 mg/liter), which exceeded their postshift concentration by 0.2 mg/liter. These results indicate that the low aqueous solubility of fluorspar reduced the biologic availability of the fluoride ion but that this did not prevent excessive fluoride absorption in some workers.
Surveillance of occupational skin diseases: A method utilizing workers' compensation claims
Authors: Mathias C. G. Toby , Sinks Thomas H. , Seligman Paul J. , Halperin William E.
Published: April 2007

In order to determine the feasibility of using workers' compensation claims (WCC) for surveillance of occupational skin diseases, we reviewed all WCC received in the state of Ohio from 1980 through 1984. A total of 4,214 WCC for occupational skin diseases were filed by 2,610 Ohio companies, of which 1,656 (63%) companies were classified in Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) categories with average annual WCC rates above the overall state average for skin diseases. During the five year study period, 102 companies filed six or more WCC, of which 85 (83.3%) companies were classified in SICs with above‐average WCC rates. WCC from 65 (63.7%) of these 102 companies implicated either the same occupation or causal agent in 50% or more of WCC received from each respective company. Using SIC classifications with WCC rates above the state average and six or more filed WCC as measures of risk, there was good correlation between company risk ranking by SIC categorization and number of WCC filed. This study suggests that active intervention strategies to prevent occupational skin diseases can be based on primary identification of companies filing WCC, followed by secondary identification of high‐risk occupations or causal agent exposures within these companies.
Chloracne associated with employment in the production of pentachlorophenol
Authors: O'Malley Michael A. , Carpenter Arvind V. , Sweeney Marie Haring , Fingerhut Marilyn A. , Marlow David A. , Halperin William E. , Mathias C. G.
Published: April 2007

To evaluate the association between exposure to pentachlorophenol (PCP) and the occurrence of chloracne, we studied the medical and personnel records for individuals employed in the manufacturing of PCP. Forty‐seven cases of chloracne were identified among 648 workers (7.0%) assigned to PCP production at a single plant between 1953 and 1978. The annual incidence rate varied considerably, ranging from 0 (in 1953) to 1.46 (in 1978). No linear trend in the risk of chloracne was observed with the duration of employment in the pentachlorophenol department. Workers with a documented episode of direct skin contact with PCP had a significantly increased risk of chloracne compared with workers who did not have a documented episode of direct skin contact (cumulative incidence ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval 2.6–8.1). Our results confirm that chloracne is associated with exposure to PCP contaminated with hexachlorinated, heptachlorinated, and octachlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans.
Spontaneous abortions among women exposed to organic solvents
Authors: Lindbohm Marja‐Liisa , Taskinen Helena , Sallman Markku , Hemminki Kari
Published: April 2007

We investigated the association between medically diagnosed spontaneous abortions and occupational exposure to organic solvents. The study population was composed of women biologically monitored for solvents. The workers were classified into exposure categories on the basis of work description and the use of solvents as reported in the questionnaires, and on biological exposure measurements. The odds ratio of spontaneous abortion for solvent exposure, adjusted for potentially confounding factors, was significantly increased (2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.2–4.1). The increase was most consistent among workers exposed to aliphatic hydrocarbons: the odds ratio for high exposure was 3.9 (95% CI = 1.1–14.2) and for exposed graphics workers 5.2 (95% CI= 1.3–20.8). The odds ratio was increased also among toluene‐exposed shoe workers (9.3, 95% CI= 1.0–84.7). The results of the study support the hypothesis of a positive association between spontaneous abortion and exposure to organic solvents during pregnancy and suggest that exposure, especially to aliphatic hydrocarbons, increases the risk of abortion.