bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations between exposure to arsenic, skin lesions, and glucosuria.
Authors: Rahman M , Tondel M , Chowdhury I A , Axelson O
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: Exposure to arsenic causes keratosis, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation and seemingly also diabetes mellitus, at least in subjects with skin lesions. Here we evaluate the relations of arsenical skin lesions and glucosuria as a proxy for diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Through existing measurements of arsenic in drinking water in Bangladesh, wells with and without arsenic contamination were identified. Based on a questionnaire, 1595 subjects > or = 30 years of age were interviewed; 1481 had a history of drinking water contaminated with arsenic whereas 114 had not. Time weighted mean arsenic concentrations and mg-years/l of exposure to arsenic were estimated based on the history of consumption of well water and current arsenic concentrations. Urine samples from the study subjects were tested by means of a glucometric strip. People with positive tests were considered to be cases of glucosuria. RESULTS: A total of 430 (29%) of the exposed people were found to have skin lesions. Corresponding to drinking water with < 0.5, 0.5-1.0, and > 1.0 mg/l of arsenic, and with the 114 unexposed subjects as the reference, the prevalence ratios for glucosuria, as adjusted for age and sex, were 0.8, 1.4, and 1.4 for those without skin lesions, and 1.1, 2.2, and 2.6 for those with skin lesions. Taking exposure as < 1.0, 1.0-5.0, > 5.0-10.0 and > 10.0 mg-years/l of exposure to arsenic the prevalence ratios, similarly adjusted, were 0.4, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.7 for those without and 0.8, 1.7, 2.1, and 2.9 for those with skin lesions. All series of risk estimates were significant for trend, (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that skin lesions and diabetes mellitus, as here indicated by glucosuria, are largely independent effects of exposure to arsenic although glucosuria had some tendency to be associated with skin lesions. Importantly, however, glucosuria (diabetes mellitus) may occur independently of skin lesions.
Lead induced anaemia due to traditional Indian medicine: a case report.
Authors: Spriewald B M , Rascu A , Schaller K H , Angerer J , Kalden J R , Harrer T
Published: January 2009

Lead intoxication in adults without occupational exposure is a rare and unexpected event. The case of a western European is reported who had severe anaemia after ingestion of several ayurvedic drugs, obtained during a trip to India. Laboratory findings showed high blood lead concentrations, an increased urinary lead concentration, and an increased urinary excretion of delta-aminolaevulinic acid. Also, slightly increased urinary concentrations of arsenic and silver were found. Physicians should be aware that with growing international travel and rising self medication with drugs from uncontrolled sources the risk of drug induced poisoning could increase in the future.
Acquisition and extinction of somatic symptoms in response to odours: a Pavlovian paradigm relevant to multiple chemical sensitivity.
Authors: Van den Bergh O , Stegen K , Van Diest I , Raes C , Stulens P , Eelen P , Veulemans H , Van de Woestijne K P , Nemery B
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: Multiple chemical sensitivity is a poorly understood syndrome in which various symptoms are triggered by chemically unrelated, but often odorous substances, at doses below those known to be harmful. This study focuses on the process of pavlovian acquisition and extinction of somatic symptoms triggered by odours. METHODS: Diluted ammonia and butyric acid were odorous conditioned stimuli (CS). The unconditioned stimulus (US) was 7.4% CO2 enriched air. One odour (CS+) was presented together with the US for 2 minutes (CS+ trial), and the other odour (CS-) was presented with air (CS-trial). Three CS+ and three CS-exposures were run in a semi-randomised order; this as the acquisition (conditioning) phase. To test the effect of the conditioning, each subject then had one CS+ only--that is, CS+ without CO2--and one CS- test exposure. Next, half the subjects (n = 32) received five additional CS+ only exposures (extinction group), while the other half received five exposures to breathing air (wait group). Finally, all subjects got one CS+ only test exposure to test the effect of the extinction. Ventilatory responses were measured during and somatic symptoms after each exposure. RESULTS: More symptoms were reported upon exposure to CS+ only than to CS-odours, regardless of the odour type. Altered respiratory rate was only found when ammonia was CS+. Five extinction trials were sufficient to reduce the level of acquired symptoms. CONCLUSION: Subjects can acquire somatic symptoms and altered respiratory behaviour in response to harmless, but odorous chemical substances, if these odours have been associated with a physiological challenge that originally had caused these symptoms. The conditioned symptoms can subsequently be reduced in an extinction procedure. The study further supports the plausibility of a pavlovian conditioning hypothesis to explain the pathogenesis of MCS.
Work characteristics predict psychiatric disorder: prospective results from the Whitehall II Study.
Authors: Stansfeld S A , Fuhrer R , Shipley M J , Marmot M G
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: The impact of work on the risk of future psychiatric disorder has been examined in few longitudinal studies. This was examined prospectively in a large epidemiological study of civil servants. METHODS: In the Whitehall II study, a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of 6895 male and 3413 female London based civil servants, work characteristics measured at baseline (phase 1: 1985-8) and first follow up (phase 2: 1989) were used to predict psychiatric disorder measured by a 30 item general health questionnaire (GHQ) at phase 2 and phase 3 follow up (phase 3: 1991-3). Work characteristics and GHQ were measured at all three phases. RESULTS: Low social support at work and low decision authority, high job demands and effort-reward imbalance were associated with increased risk of psychiatric disorder as assessed by the GHQ at follow up adjusting for age, employment grade, and baseline GHQ score. CONCLUSIONS: Social support and control at work protect mental health while high job demands and effort-reward imbalance are risk factors for future psychiatric disorder. Intervention at the level of work design, organisation, and management might have positive effects on mental health in working populations.
Incidence of childhood brain and other non-haematopoietic neoplasms near nuclear sites in Scotland, 1975-94.
Authors: Sharp L , McKinney P A , Black R J
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine the risk of cancers other than leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children resident in the vicinity of nuclear sites in Scotland. METHODS: The study dataset comprised registrations of cancer other than leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed in children aged under 15 in the period 1975-94. These were validated for completeness and accuracy and analysed in two groups: (a) tumours of the central nervous system and (b) other malignant tumours (excluding leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). Around each nuclear site observed cases (O) were enumerated and expected numbers (E) calculated with adjustment for age, sex, deprivation, and an urban-rural category. Stone's maximum likelihood ratio test (MLR) was used to determine whether there was any evidence of increased risk of these neoplasms among children living within 25 km of one of the nuclear sites investigated. The significance level of each MLR statistic was estimated by simulation. RESULTS: More tumours of the central nervous system were observed than expected within 25 km of Dounreay (O/E = 1.14), Hunterston (1.14), and Rosyth (1.22). These results were based on 2, 26, and 136 observed cases, respectively. The unconditional MLR was significant only for Rosyth (p = 0.006). The conditional application of the MLR test for Rosyth was not significant (p = 0.771). For the group of other malignant neoplasms, the unconditional MLR test was not significant for any of the seven sites. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence for generally increased risk of either tumours of the central nervous system or other malignant tumours in children living near nuclear sites. The significant excess of tumours of the central nervous system around Rosyth is likely to be due to the high incidence of these tumours in east central Scotland. Further investigations in this area are warranted.
Neuropsychological symptoms in Chinese male and female painters: an epidemiological study in dockyard workers.
Authors: Chen R , Wei L , Seaton A
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalences of neuropsychological symptoms in male and female dockyard painters in China and to compare them with those in British dockyard painters. METHODS: All 116 painters were identified, active and retired, who had been employed in two Chinese dockyards for at least 1 year together with a matched random sample of 263 dockyard non-painters. Neuropsychological and personality questionnaires that we had used previously in a study of United Kingdom dockyard painters were used, translated into Chinese. Neuropsychological symptoms in painters and controls were compared, adjusting for age, educational level, smoking, alcohol intake, and personality. RESULTS: The response rate was 94% for painters and 97% for controls. Highly significant excesses of symptoms were found in painters, suggestive of neuropsychological dysfunction. Both male and female painters showed higher relative risks than were found in similar tradespeople in the United Kingdom. The relative risk increased with increasing score of both neurological and psychological symptoms. Relative risk of having a high symptom score, compared with controls and adjusted for confounders, was 6.61 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.36 to 18.50) for 2-15 years exposure, 14.88 (5.74 to 38.56) for 16-22 years and 9.42 (3.97 to 22.36) for > or = 22 years. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that neuropsychological symptoms are associated with heavy exposure to painting work in China, and that the phenomenon is likely to be found worldwide wherever there is such exposure to solvent based paints. The high response rate in this study answers a possible criticism of the earlier United Kingdom study.
Germicidal ultraviolet irradiation in air conditioning systems: effect on office worker health and wellbeing: a pilot study.
Authors: Menzies D , Pasztor J , Rand T , Bourbeau J
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: The indoor environment of modern office buildings represents a new ecosystem that has been created totally by humans. Bacteria and fungi may contaminate this indoor environment, including the ventilation systems themselves, which in turn may result in adverse health effects. The objectives of this study were to test whether installation and operation of germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) lights in central ventilation systems would be feasible, without adverse effects, undetected by building occupants, and effective in eliminating microbial contamination. METHODS: GUV lights were installed in the ventilation systems serving three floors of an office building, and were turned on and off during a total of four alternating 3 week blocks. Workers reported their environmental satisfaction, symptoms, as well as sickness absence, without knowledge of whether GUV lights were on or off. The indoor environment was measured in detail including airborne and surface bacteria and fungi. RESULTS: Airborne bacteria and fungi were not significantly different whether GUV lights were on or off, but were virtually eliminated from the surfaces of the ventilation system after 3 weeks of operation of GUV light. Of the other environmental variables measured, only total airborne particulates were significantly different under the two experimental conditions--higher with GUV lights on than off. Of 113 eligible workers, 104 (87%) participated; their environmental satisfaction ratings were not different whether GUV lights were on or off. Headache, difficulty concentrating, and eye irritation occurred less often with GUV lights on whereas skin rash or irritation was more common. Overall, the average number of work related symptoms reported was 1.1 with GUV lights off compared with 0.9 with GUV lights on. CONCLUSION: Installation and operation of GUV lights in central heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of office buildings is feasible, cannot be detected by workers, and does not seem to result in any adverse effects.
Work related risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints in the spinning industry in Lithuania.
Authors: Gamperiene M , Stigum H
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of self reported musculoskeletal complaints in the back, arms or neck, and legs among workers in the spinning industry, and to investigate the relations between these complaints and work related variables. METHODS: An interview based questionnaire survey was carried out in two spinning industry factories in Lithuania. RESULTS: The study group consisted of all workers in production (n = 363). Symptoms of the legs were the musculoskeletal symptom reported most often (61%). Many subjects had arms or neck (55%) or back problems (28%). 20% had experienced pain from all three sites. Almost 25% had had musculoskeletal pain every day and 16% had experienced constant pain during previous year. Packers had the highest risk of arms or neck problems whereas spinners had the highest risk of back or leg problems. Working in a strained posture (bending, work with arms raised up above shoulder level, and repetitive movements of the fingers) was associated with all three complaints. Only arms or neck complaints were associated with age. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal disorders are a common problem among workers producing gobelin or synthetic thread in Lithuania and working in a strained posture is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders in three body sites: legs, arms or neck, and back. To better understand the different aspects of physical load as risk factors, a more detailed study of the frequency of postural changes as well as an observation of individually adopted postures would be necessary. This applies to intervention studies in factories of the spinning industry to prevent complaints of the legs and shoulders.
Prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in a meat packing plant.
Authors: Gorsche R G , Wiley J P , Renger R F , Brant R F , Gemer T Y , Sasyniuk T M
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a modern meat packing plant. The secondary objective was to explore the relation between ethnicity and CTS. METHODS: Six hundred and sixty five workers were interviewed and examined to find the prevalence of CTS. Subsequently, 421 workers without CTS were followed up and examined at a median interval of 253 days; of those, 333 remained without CTS and were again examined at a median interval of 148 days. RESULTS: The prevalence and incidence of CTS was 21% and 11/100 person-years, respectively. The incidence for Asian mixed, white, and other ethnicities was 12.0, 12.2, and 7.2 cases/100 person-years, respectively. The observed incidence for men and women was 9.7 and 18.4 cases/100 person-years, respectively. This difference was not quite significant (p = 0.068) with an estimated relative risk (women v men) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.9 to 3.8). The interaction between sex and use of tools was significant (p = 0.04), however, although the relative risk for CTS in women who used tools was 4.2 the numbers were small and not significant. The relative risk for men who used tools was 0.64 and not significant. The percentage of incident cases with comorbid disease was only 6.3% (3/47). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and incidence of CTS in this workforce were higher than in the general population. However, the prevalence of CTS in this modern, mechanised plant was not significantly different from that reported in older plants. No relation was found between ethnicity, age, body mass index, and CTS for either prevalence or incidence. Comorbid disease among the cases of CTS is significantly less than that found in other industry.
Suspected nasopharyngeal carcinoma in three workers with long-term exposure to sulphuric acid vapour.
Authors: Ho C K , Lo W C , Huang P H , Wu M T , Christiani D C , Lin C T
Published: January 2009

Sulphuric acid vapour has been suspected of being an industrial carcinogen. In this study, a cluster is presented of three patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who worked in the same building of a telecommunications conveyance station in southern Taiwan with long term exposure to sulphuric acid vapour concentrations as high as 0.18 mg/m3. All three workers were diagnosed with NPC within a 5 month period between September 1992, and March 1993. Compared with 19 other healthy workers from the same building, these three workers with NPC had worked significantly longer in this building than had the others (mean (SD) (years): 12.7 (0.6) v 7.4 (4.4); p = 0.01). With an in situ nucleic acid hybridisation and immunostaining method for colocalised Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and secretory component (SC) protein among biopsy specimens of these three patients with NPCs, it was found that some tumour cells did not contain EBV and SC protein staining signals. These results indicate that EBV infection is not the only risk factor for NPC and long term exposure to relatively low concentrations of sulphuric acid vapour may be associated with the development of NPC.
Exposure to toluene in the printing industry is associated with subfecundity in women but not in men.
Authors: Plenge-Bönig A , Karmaus W
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE: To examine the possible influence of exposure to toluene on human fertility. METHODS: In a cross sectional study, a sample of 150 male and 90 female printing industry workers were interviewed retrospectively on reproductive experience with a modified version of the European study of infertility and subfecundity questionnaire. Exposure categories comprised job descriptions and information on exposure measurements obtained by industrial hygienists. The fecundability ratio (FR) was estimated on the basis of time to pregnancy (TTP) or periods of unprotected intercourse not leading to pregnancy (PUNP) by means of survival analysis with proportional hazard models. Confounders such as age, ethnicity, smoking, parity, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and frequency of sexual intercourse were controlled for in the analyses. RESULTS: 256 Periods of TTP or PUNP were reported by men and 174 by women. After exclusion of induced abortions, birth control failures, and periods without employment for female workers we were able to analyse 169 periods in men and 100 periods in women. Male workers who had been exposed to different concentrations of toluene and their partners did not show a reduction in fecundity. In women (39 periods occurred during exposure) fecundity was reduced (FR 0.47, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.29 to 0.77). Neither, restriction to only the first period nor exclusion of PUNPs changed the results (FR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.97). CONCLUSION: After considering possible biases, low daily exposure to toluene in women seems to be associated with reduced fecundity. This result is in accordance with other findings for organic solvents and supports both the hypotheses that (a) organic solvents could affect hormonal regulation, and that (b) organic solvents increase early fetal losses which in turn contributes to longer times of unprotected intercourse.
Improved method to measure urinary alkoxyacetic acids.
Authors: Shih T S , Chou J S , Chen C Y , Smith T J
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To simplify the current preparation of samples, and to improve the specificity and reliability of the conventional analytical methods to measure urinary alkoxyacetic acids. METHODS: Samples containing alkoxyacetic acids including methoxy, ethoxy, and butoxyacetic acids (MAA, EAA, and BAA) were acidified with HCl and extracted with a mixed solvent of methylene chloride and isopropyl alcohol, then analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). RESULTS: Optimal results were obtained when pH was 1.05-1.45, the ratio of methylene chloride and isopropyl alcohol was 2:1, and when extraction time was 10 minutes. Over the concentration range 0.3-200 micrograms/ml, MAA, EAA, and BAA could be determined with a pooled coefficient of variation (nine concentrations, six replicate samples) of 5.55%, 6.37%, and 6.41%, respectively. Urine samples were stable for at least 5 months and 3 freeze-thaw cycles at -20 degrees C. The limits of detection of MAA, EAA, and BAA were 0.055, 0.183, and 0.009 microgram/ml, respectively. The matrix effect of urine samples was negligible for MAA and EAA, but were marginally significant for BAA. The average recoveries of alkoxyacetic acids were 99%-101%. In urine samples MAA from 15 exposed workers showed a strong linear correlation (r = 0.999, slope = 1.01) between the new GC/MS method and Sakai's GC method. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified non-derivatisation pretreatment of samples coupled with GC/MS can provide a specific, sensitive, simple, safe, and reliable method for the biological monitoring of occupational exposure of ethylene glycol ethers.
Relation between indicators for quality of occupational rehabilitation of employees with low back pain.
Authors: van der Weide W E , Verbeek J H , van Dijk F J
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess if the implementation of guidelines for occupational rehabilitation of patients with low back pain by means of process variables--a set of objective criteria for technical performance and continuity of care--led to a better outcome in clinical and return to work variables. METHODS: The study group consisted of 59 patients with at least 10 days of sick leave because of low back pain. Univariate analyses as well as multiple logistic regression and Cox's regression analyses were performed to assess the relation between quality of care and outcome. RESULTS: Process indicators for technical competence, continuity of care, and total performance were all significantly related to satisfaction of employees. Continuity of care and total performance were significantly related to working status at 3 months, and time to return to work. None of the process indicators was related to pain or disability after 3 months follow up. Satisfaction was not related to any of the other outcome variables. This indicates that if guidelines for occupational rehabilitation are met, outcome is better. CONCLUSION: Quality of the process of care was related to outcome. Interventions of occupational physicians need improvement in the areas of continuity of care and communication with treating physicians. The effectiveness of an improved intervention should be studied in a subsequent randomised clinical trial.
Mesothelioma: cases associated with non-occupational and low dose exposures.
Authors: Hillerdal G
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the importance of low dose exposure to asbestos on the risk of mesothelioma. METHODS: A review of the literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of a threshold level below which there is no risk of mesothelioma. Low level exposure more often than not contains peak concentrations which can be very high for short periods. There might exist a background level of mesothelioma occurring in the absence of exposure ot asbestos, but there is no proof of this and this "natural level" is probably much lower than the 1-2/million/year which has been often cited.
Effects of exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide on exercise performance and myocardial perfusion in young healthy men.
Authors: Adir Y , Merdler A , Ben Haim S , Front A , Harduf R , Bitterman H
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), as commonly measured in atmospheric urban air pollution and certain occupational environments, on exercise performance and myocardial perfusion in young healthy men, and the possible need for tighter restrictions on ambient concentrations of CO. METHODS: 15 young, healthy non-smoking men, 18-35 years old, were exposed blindly and randomly to air or to a mixture of CO and air, followed by an exercise treadmill test with thallium heart scintigraphy. Blood was drawn for determination of carboxyhaemoglobin before and at the end of the exposure, and for lactic and pyruvic acid at the beginning and the end of the exercise test. The main outcome measures include the duration of the exercise test, the maximal effort expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METs), the mean plasma lactic to pyruvic acid ratio at the end of the ergometry, ECG changes in the exercise test, and perfusion deficits in thallium heart scintigraphy. RESULTS: At the end of exposure to CO, the mean (SD) blood carboxyhaemoglobin concentration rose from 0.59% (0.08%) to 5.12% (0.65%) (p < 0.0001). At the end of the exercise period, the mean (SD) plasma lactate/pyruvate ratio, which reflects the level of anaerobic metabolism (69.9 (5.9) after air and 75.9 (7.0) after CO), was not significantly different between the two experimental groups. Exercise induced electrocardiographic changes were noted in only one subject after exposure to CO. No arrhythmias were detected in any of the subjects. Significant differences were found in the mean duration of the exercise test (p = 0.0012) and the METs (p = 0.0001). The mean adjusted difference of exercise duration between exposure to air and CO was 1.52 minutes 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.73 to 2.32 minutes. The mean adjusted difference of METs between exposure to air and CO was 2.04 95% CI 1.33 to 2.76. The models for duration of exercise and METs showed no significant sequence and period effects. Thallium myocardial perfusion imaging disclosed normal perfusion in all regions of the heart, with no significant differences in perfusion between the two exercise tests (after air or CO). CONCLUSION: Acute exposure to a low concentration of CO which produces blood carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations of 4%-6% significantly decreases exercise performance in young healthy men. No ischaemic electrocardiographic changes or disturbances in myocardial perfusion were found by graded exercise with thallium scintigraphy. Our findings suggest that pollution of atmospheric air by CO at concentrations which are commonly found in urban and industrial environments may exert an adverse effect on skeletal muscles, manifesting as decreased exercise performance.
Pregnancy outcomes and outdoor air pollution: an ecological study in districts of the Czech Republic 1986-8.
Authors: Bobak M , Leon D A
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: Outdoor air pollution has consistently been shown to predict mortality. The finding that this association is stronger in infants than in children or adults raises the question whether air pollution could also be related to pregnancy outcomes--such as birthweight and stillbirth. The association between outdoor air pollution and stillbirths and low birthweight in the Czech Republic, where air pollution was high, was examined. METHODS: An ecological study was conducted, with routinely collected data on stillbirths and low birthweight (< 2500 g), air pollution (total suspended particulates, sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)), and socioeconomic factors (mean income, car ownership, divorce rate, etc). The analyses were restricted to 45 districts on which data on air pollution were available for the period 1986-8. The effects of exposure variables on frequency of pregnancy outcomes were estimated by logistic regression with district-years as the units of analysis. RESULTS: Stillbirth rate (4.2/1000 births in monitored districts) was not significantly associated with any indicator of air pollution, and was weakly related to mean income and proportion of births outside marriage. Crude prevalence of low birthweight (prevalence 5.5%) showed highly significant associations with several socioeconomic factors; after controlling for these, odds ratios (ORs)/50 micrograms/m3 increase in pollutant were: 1.04 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.96 to 1.12) for total suspended particles, 1.10 (1.02 to 1.17) for SO2, and 1.07 (0.98 to 1.16) for NOx. When all pollutants were included in one model, SO2 remained related to low birthweight (OR 1.10 (1.01 to 1.20), p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: These results are consistent with a recent study in China where birthweight was also associated with total suspended particles and SO2 but ecological studies must be interpreted cautiously. Residual confounding by socioeconomic factors cannot be ruled out. The association between air pollution and birthweight requires further investigation.
Case-control study of lung cancer among sugar cane farmers in India.
Authors: Amre D K , Infante-Rivard C , Dufresne A , Durgawale P M , Ernst P
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk of lung cancer among sugar cane farmers and sugar mill workers. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted based in six hospitals in the predominantly sugar cane farming districts of the province of Maharashtra in India. Newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed cases were identified from these hospitals between May 1996 and April 1998. Other cancers were chosen as controls and matched to cases by age, sex, district of residence, and timing of diagnosis. RESULTS: Adjusting for confounders, an increased risk of lung cancer was found for workers ever employed on a sugar cane farm (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.08 to 3.40). Increased risks were found for work involving preparation of the farm (OR 1.81, 95% CI 0.99 to 3.27) and burning of the farm after harvesting (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.99 to 3.34). Non-significant increases in risks were found for harvesting the crop (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.90) and processing the cane in the mills (OR 1.70, 95% CI 0.20 to 12.60). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to fibres of biogenic amorphous silica (BAS) formed from silica absorbed from the soil and deposited in the leaves of the sugar cane crop or crystalline silica formed as a result of conversion of BAS to cristobalite at high temperatures may account for the increased risks of lung cancer among sugar cane farmers.
Shift work, social class, and ischaemic heart disease in middle aged and elderly men; a 22 year follow up in the Copenhagen Male Study.
Authors: Bøggild H , Suadicani P , Hein H O , Gyntelberg F
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: Shift work has been associated with an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Most published studies have had potential problems with confounding by social class. This study explores shift work as a risk factor for IHD after controlling for social class. METHODS: The Copenhagen male study is a prospective cohort study established in 1970-1 comprising 5249 men aged 40-59. Information obtained included working time, social class, and risk factors for IHD. A second baseline was obtained in 1985-6. The cohort was followed up for 22 years through hospital discharge registers for IHD, and cause of death was recovered from death certificates. RESULTS: One fifth of the cohort was shift working at entry with a significantly larger proportion of shift workers in lower social classes. Risk of IHD and all cause mortality over 22 years, adjusted for age only, for age and social class, and finally for age, social class, smoking, fitness, height, weight, and sleep disturbances, did not differ between shift and day workers. The relative risk of IHD, adjusted for age and social class was 1.0 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.9-1.2). Men being shift workers in both 1971 and 1985 had the same risk as ex-shift workers in an 8 years follow up from the 1985-6 baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The present study questions shift work as an independent risk factor for IHD. The results of the study emphasise the importance of controlling adequately for the interplay of shift work and social class.
Managing STIs identified after testing outside genitourinary medicine departments: one model of care.
Authors: Haddon L , Heason J , Fay T , McPherson M , Carlin E M , Jushuf I H
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To develop a local strategy for managing cases of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) which have been identified in the departments of obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G). METHODS: Weekly notification from the local microbiology laboratory to genitourinary medicine (GUM) departments of all positive CT and GC results generated by tests performed in the two local O&G departments. Direct contact made by GUM departments to index patients identified and "fast track" appointments made. Data recorded for future audit include numbers attending, details of health adviser input, and success of contact tracing. RESULTS: Over 18 months, 294 women were identified and 231 (78%) attended GUM departments; 142 (48%) had received antibiotics before attending GUM departments and of these, 58 (41%) had risked reinfection by an untreated partner and 48 (20%) were found on screening to have a previously undiagnosed genital infection. Over 90% were interviewed by a health adviser. Appropriate follow up was achieved in 87% of index cases. Of the contacts, 194 were treated--150 in the local GUM department. Of these 150 men, 99 (66%) had an identifiable genital infection and 84% of those with CT/non-gonococcal urethritis were asymptomatic. There have been no complaints either formal or informal, by women managed by this system. CONCLUSIONS: GUM clinics are the ideal setting to achieve successful treatment of patients with sexually acquired infections, which must include notification and treatment of their partners if reinfection is to be avoided. For patients with infections diagnosed on other settings, such as O&G, a system of direct notification of results to GUM departments by an agreed protocol can be highly successful. For such a system to work, close cooperation and trust between departments is essential.
Periurethral gland abscess: aetiology and treatment.
Authors: Sanders C J , Mulder M M
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To establish some characteristics of patients with periurethral gland abscess, its microbiological profile, and response to treatment. METHOD: The patients were seen at the Khami Road Clinic, Bulawayo, a municipal STD referral clinic, serving an urban population. Twenty consecutive men with periurethral abscesses were studied. Demographic data and a sexual history were obtained from each patient. Aspirates from the abscess cavities and urethral swabs were collected for microbiology, and blood samples taken for syphilis and HIV serology. The patients were treated by aspiration of the abscess cavities, followed by a single injection of kanamycin 2.0 g followed by a 1 week course of oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily. RESULTS: Neisseria gonorrhoeae was cultured from three aspirates and five urethral specimens. Chlamydia trachomatis was found in two aspirates and three urethral specimens. Other organisms isolated included Gram negative and anaerobic bacilli. HIV antibody was detected in 13 of 18 patients tested. The response to initial treatment was good, but the abscesses ruptured in two patients, one of whom developed a urinary fistula. One patient required treatment with an alternative antimicrobial regimen. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a role for N gonorrhoeae and possibly for C trachomatis in the aetiology of periurethral abscess. The prevalence of HIV infection in these patients was high. The results of treatment of periurethral abscess by aspiration of pus and followed by antimicrobial therapy covering both N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis were acceptable.
Genital ulcers associated with acute Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Authors: Taylor S , Drake S M , Dedicoat M , Wood M J
Published: January 2009

To date there have been only five reported cases of females with genital ulceration associated with primary Epstein-Barr virus infection. We describe two further patients and review the clinical features of all seven cases, noting the typical features, particularly purple ulcer margins and systemic symptoms, which should alert the physician to consider this diagnosis.
BINARY AND TERNARY FISSION WITHIN THE STATISTICAL MODEL
Authors: ADAMIAN GURGEN G. , ANDREEV ALEXANDER V. , ANTONENKO NIKOLAI V. , SCHEID WERNER
Published: January 2009

The binary and ternary nuclear fission are treated within the statistical model. At the scission point we calculate the potentials as functions of the deformations of the fragments in the dinuclear model. The potentials give the mass and charge distributions of the fission fragments. The ternary fission is assumed to occur during the binary fission.
CLUSTER FEATURES OF STRONGLY DEFORMED NUCLEI SHAPES
Authors: KUKLIN S. N. , ADAMIAN G. G. , ANTONENKO N. V. , SCHEID W.
Published: January 2009

New methods to identify the high- and low-spin highly deformed nuclear states are suggested.
MOLECULAR RESONANCES AND THE JACOBI SHAPE TRANSITION: THE CASE OF 24Mg+24Mg AND 48Cr
Authors: SALSAC MARIE-DELPHINE , HAAS FLORENT
Published: January 2009

A fast rotating 48 Cr is predicted to be highly prolate and deformed after a Jacobi shape transition and just before fission. In this article, it is proposed that a narrow and high spin 24 Mg +24 Mg resonance corresponds to the formation of this exotic 48 Cr . Moreover the 24 Mg +24 Mg reaction has been studied at the Legnaro Tandem at a CM bombarding energy of 45.7 MeV, where a narrow and high spin resonance has been reported previously. To establish the connection between the resonance and a molecular state of 48 Cr , the decay of the resonance into the inelastic and fusion-evaporation channels has been investigated. The ON and OFF resonance decay yields have been measured using, for the inelastic channels, the fragment spectrometer PRISMA and the γ array CLARA, and, for the fusion-evaporation channels, the Si array EUCLIDES and the γ array GASP. Strong resonant effects have been observed in the inelastic channels involving the 2+ and 4+ states of the 24 Mg ground state (g.s.) band. Weaker effects are also seen in certain fusion-evaporation channels. Both results will be discussed here.
ALPHA-CLUSTER STATES POPULATED IN 24Mg + 12C
Authors: BECK C. , SÀNCHEZ I ZAFRA A. , PAPKA P. , THUMMERER S. , AZAIEZ F. , BEDNARCZYK P. , COURTIN S. , CURIEN D. , DORVAUX O. , LEBHERTZ D. , NOURREDDINE A. , ROBIN J. , ROUSSEAU M. , VON OERTZEN W. , GEBAUER B. , KOKALOVA TZ. , WHELDON C. , DE ANGELIS G. , GADEA A. , LENZI S. , SZILNER S. , NAPOLI D. R , CATFORD W. N. , JENKINS D. G. , ROYER G.
Published: January 2009

Charged particle and γ-decays in light α-like nuclei are investigated for 24 Mg +12 C . Various theoretical predictions for the occurence of superdeformed and hyperdeformed bands associated with resonance structures with low spin are presented. The inverse kinematics reaction 24 Mg +12 C is studied at E lab(24 Mg ) = 130 MeV . Exclusive data were collected with the Binary Reaction Spectrometer in coincidence with EUROBALL IV installed at the VIVITRON Tandem facility at Strasbourg. Specific structures with large deformation were selectively populated in binary reactions and their associated γ-decays studied. Coincident events from α-transfer channels were selected by choosing the excitation energy or the entry point via the two-body Q -values. The analysis of the binary reaction channels is presented with a particular emphasis on 20 Ne -γ and 16 O -γ coincidences.
EXACTLY SOLVABLE PROTON–NEUTRON PAIRING HAMILTONIANS AND QUARTET CORRELATIONS
Authors: DUKELSKY J. , ERREA B. , LERMA H. S. , DUSSEL G. G. , ESEBBAG C. , SANDULESCU N.
Published: January 2009

Exactly solvable models have played an important role in helping to elucidate the physics of strongly correlated systems. Recently, we have extended the Richardson-Gaudin (RG) models of SU(2) like particle pairing to higher rank algebras. In particular, we will discuss here the SO(8) RG model of proton-neutron pairing as a model of strong quartet correlations. The failure of proton-neutron BCS suggests that new approaches have to be developed to account for them.
CLUSTERS IN LIGHT, HEAVY, SUPER-HEAVY AND SUPER-SUPERHEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: GUPTA RAJ K. , ARUN SHAM K. , SINGH DALIP , KUMAR RAJ , NIYTI  , PATRA S. K. , ARUMUGAM P. , SHARMA B. K.
Published: January 2009

Clustering phenomenon in nuclei is studied within the relativistic as well as non-relativistic mean field approaches, and also as a collective clusterization process in the decaying hot compound nucleus.
EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCES OF CLUSTERING IN LOW EXCITED HEAVY NUCLEAR SYSTEMS
Authors: KAMANIN D. V. , PYATKOV YU. V. , TYUKAVKIN A. N. , KOPATCH YU. N.
Published: January 2009

Results of the experiments aimed at revealing of manifestations of collinear cluster tri-partition (CCT) of the 252 Cf and 236 U * nuclei are reported. Presumably, the ternary decay of nuclear molecules based on heavy magic clusters such as isotopes of Ni , Ge , Sn , Te gives rise to the effect observed. Experimental conditions allow one to distinguish two CCT partners flying almost in the same direction, while analysis of their charges ensures the discrimination of the background due to scattering. A total yield of the CCT originated events found at the order of 10-3 per binary fission.
CLUSTER RADIOACTIVITIES — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Authors: POENARU DORIN N. , GREINER WALTER
Published: January 2009

The half-lives of cluster emitters predicted by the analytical superasymmetric fission model have been experimentally confirmed. Potential energy surfaces of cluster emitters are showing deep valleys due to the strong shell effect of the doubly magic daughter 208 Pb . Cluster radioactivities allow us to study transitions from a deformed parent nucleus, with a complex structure resulted from mixing of several single-particle states, to a spherical daughter possessing a pure well known state. Recently, preliminary data concerning the 14 C radioactivity of 223 Ac were reported. The following modes have been experimentally confirmed: 14 C , 20 O , 24,25 Ne , 28,30 Mg , and 32,34 Si ; lower limits for 18 O , 23 F and 26 Ne are available. We give a list of some other experiments which have a good chance to be performed in the future. Applications for true ternary fission, 2α-accompanied fission, and atomic clusters are outlined.
THE EMISSION OF HEAVY CLUSTERS DESCRIBED IN THE MEAN-FIELD HFB THEORY: THE CASE OF 242Cm
Authors: ROBLEDO L. M. , WARDA M.
Published: January 2009

The emission of a nucleus of 34 Si by the parent [Formula: see text] is a process in the diffuse borderline between cluster emission and standard mass asymmetric fission. In this paper we analyze in a microscopic framework such process using the standard mean field techniques used to describe cluster emission. They include Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov constrained calculations with the Gogny D1S interaction and the octupole moment operator as the collective coordinate to describe the process. Collective masses and all kind of zero point energy corrections are considered which allows for a parameter free estimation of the process' half-life. The agreement with experiment is quite satisfactory.
SUPERSYMMETRIC INTERPRETATION OF CORE+α TYPE CLUSTER SYSTEMS
Authors: LÉVAI GÉZA
Published: January 2009

We discuss the U (4|12) supersymmetry scheme that allows the unified treatment of core +α-type configurations of six neighbouring A = 20, 19, and 18 nuclei. The bosons are dipole and monopole excitations of the relative motion, while the fermions are holes on the p-shell core. The validity of the supersymmetry scheme is tested by analyzing correlations in the E2 transitions of the six nuclei and six one-nucleon transfer reactions between them. Further possible cluster supersymmetry schemes are also outlined.
PHASE-TRANSITIONS AND NUCLEAR CLUSTERIZATION
Authors: CSEH JÓZSEF , DARAI JUDIT , YEPEZ-MARTINEZ HUITZILIN , HESS PETER O.
Published: January 2009

After reviewing some basic features of the temperature-governed phase-transitions in macroscopic systems and in atomic nuclei we consider non-thermal phase-transitions of nuclear structure in the example of cluster states. Phenomenological and semimicroscopical algebraic cluster models with identical interactions are applied to binary cluster systems of closed and non-closed shell clusters. Phase-transitions are observed in each case between the rotational (rigid molecule-like) and vibrational (shell-like) cluster states. The phase of this finite quantum system shows a quasi-dynamical symmetry.
T = 1 ISOSPIN EXCITATION SPECTRUM IN 10B
Authors: UROIĆ MILIVOJ , MILJANIĆ DURO , BLAGUS SAŠA , BOGOVAC MLADEN , SKUKAN NATKO , SOIĆ NEVEN , MAJER MARIJA , MILIN MATKO , PREPOLEC LOVRO , LATTUADA MARCELLO , MUSUMARRA AGATINO , ACOSTA LUIS
Published: January 2009

Isobaric analogues of three states in 10 Be forming a rotational band with high moment of inertia are expected in 10 B and 10 C . This article reports a measurement of excitation spectrum in 10 B obtained through 11 B (3 He ,α)10 B reaction. A T = 1 state is found on 11.3 MeV excitation energy. It is a possible candidate for the 4+ state of the analogue rotation band.
PULSE VACCINATION IN THE PERIODIC INFECTION RATE SIR EPIDEMIC MODEL
Authors: JIN ZHEN , HAQUE MAINUL , LIU QUANXING
Published: January 2009

In this paper a pulse vaccination SIR model with periodic infection rate β(t) is studied. The basic reproductive number R0 is defined. The dynamical behavior of the model is analyzed. It is proved that the infection-free periodic solution is globally stable if R0 < 1. The infection-free periodic solution is unstable and the disease will uniform persistence when R0 > 1. We use standard bifurcation theory to show the existence of the positive periodic solution when R0 → 1+. Numerical simulation can give suggestion, the system has a unique positive periodic, and it is globally stable when R0 > 1.
Nardilysin convertase regulates the function of the maxi-K channel isoform mK44 in human myometrium
Authors: Korovkina Victoria P. , Stamnes Susan J. , Brainard Adam M. , England Sarah K.
Published: January 2009

In smooth muscle, large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ channels from the gene KCNMA (maxi-K channels) generate isoforms with disparate responses to contractile stimuli. We previously showed that the human myometrium expresses high levels of the splice variant of the maxi-K channel containing a 44-amino acid insertion (mK44). The studies presented here demonstrate that nardilysin convertase, a Zn2+-dependent metalloprotease of the insulinase family, regulates the plasma membrane expression of mK44 and its response to increases in intracellular Ca2+. We show that nardilysin convertase isoform 1 is present in human myometrium and colocalizes with mK44. Studies indicate that nardilysin convertase regulates 1) retention of the mK44 COOH-terminal fragment in the endoplasmic reticulum in quiescent myometrial smooth muscle and 2) Ca2+-induced translocation of mK44 to the plasma membrane. In mouse fibroblasts, nardilysin convertase significantly attenuates mK44-dependent current. In human myometrial smooth muscle cells, inhibition of nardilysin convertase promotes membrane localization of mK44 and an increase in maxi-K current. Overall, our data indicate that, in human myometrium, nardilysin convertase and mK44 channels are a part of the molecular mechanism that regulates the excitability of smooth muscle cells.