bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propensity for osteoarthritis and lower limb joint pain in retired professional soccer players
Authors: Drawer S , Fuller C W 
Published: July 2002

Objective—To quantify the prevalence of osteoarthritis and the severity of pain in the lower limb joints of players retired from English professional soccer.Method—An anonymous self administered questionnaire was distributed to 500 former players registered with the English Professional Footballers' Association. The questionnaire was designed to gather information on personal details, physical activity loading patterns, history of lower limb joint injury, and current medical condition of the lower limb joints.Results—Of 500 questionnaires distributed, 185 (37%) were returned. Nearly half of the respondents (79: 47%) retired because of injury; 42% (33) were acute injuries and 58% (46) chronic injuries. Most of the acute injuries that led to early retirement were of the knee (15: 46%), followed by the ankle (7: 21%) and lower back (5: 15%). Most of the chronic injuries that led to early retirement were also of the knee (17: 37%), followed by the lower back (10: 22%) and the hip (4: 9%). Of all respondents, 32% (59) had been medically diagnosed with osteoarthritis in at least one of the lower limb joints. More respondents had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the knee joints than either the ankle or the hip joints. Significantly (p<0.001) more respondents reported pain in one lower extremity joint during one or more daily activities than those who did not (joint pain: 137, 80%; no joint pain: 35, 20%).Conclusion—The risk for professional soccer players of osteoarthritis in at least one of the lower extremity joints is very high and significantly greater than for the general population. The results support the suggestion that professional soccer players should be provided with health surveillance during their playing career.
Absence of endogenous interleukin 10 enhances early stress response during post-ischaemic injury in mice intestine
Authors: Zingarelli B , Yang Z , Hake P W , Denenberg A , Wong H R 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDInterleukin 10 (IL-10) exerts a wide spectrum of regulatory activities in immune and inflammatory responses.AIMSThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of endogenous IL-10 on modulation of the early inflammatory response after splanchnic ischaemia and reperfusion.METHODSIntestinal damage was induced by clamping the superior mesenteric artery and the coeliac trunk for 45 minutes followed by reperfusion in IL-10 deficient mice (IL-10−/−) and wild-type controls.RESULTSIL-10−/−mice experienced a higher rate of mortality and more severe tissue injury compared with wild-type mice subjected to ischaemia and reperfusion. Splanchnic injury was characterised by massive epithelial haemorrhagic necrosis, upregulation of P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and neutrophil infiltration. The degree of oxidative and nitrosative damage was significantly higher in IL-10−/−mice than in wild-type littermates, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde levels and formation of nitrotyrosine. Plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 were also greatly enhanced in comparison with wild-type mice. These events were preceded by increased immunostaining and activity of the stress regulated c-Jun NH2terminal kinase and activation of the transcription factor activator protein 1 in the cellular nuclei of damaged tissue.CONCLUSIONSThese data demonstrate that endogenous IL-10 exerts an anti-inflammatory role during reperfusion injury, possibly by regulating early stress related genetic response, adhesion molecule expression, neutrophil recruitment, and subsequent cytokine and oxidant generation.
Inhibition of carbachol stimulated acid secretion by interleukin 1β in rabbit parietal cells requires protein kinase C
Authors: Beales I L P , Calam J 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDInterleukin 1β (IL-1β) is a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. Regulatory actions at several levels have previously been demonstrated, including direct inhibition of parietal cell acid secretion. Although IL-1β may activate several intracellular signalling pathways, the mechanisms responsible for inhibition of carbachol stimulated acid secretion have not been determined.AIMSTo investigate the roles of protein kinase C (PKC) and the sphingomyelinase signalling pathways in the regulation of acid secretion by IL-1β.METHODSRabbit parietal cells were obtained by collagenase-EDTA digestion and centrifugal elutriation. Acid secretion stimulated by carbachol andA23187 (to mimic elevations in intracellular calcium) was assessed by14C aminopyrine uptake in response to IL-1β, PKC, and sphingomyelinase manipulation.RESULTSIL-1β inhibited carbachol and A23187 stimulated acid secretion in a dose dependent manner. The inhibitory actions were completely reversed by each of three different PKC inhibitors, staurosporine, H-7, and chelerythrine, as well as by PKC depletion with high dose phorbol ester pretreatment. IL-1β did not downregulate parietal cell muscarinic receptor. IL-1β significantly increased membrane PKC activity. Activation of the sphingomyelinase/ceramide pathway had no effect on basal or stimulated acid secretion. The inhibitory action of IL-1β was independent of protein kinase A and protein kinase G activity.CONCLUSIONSIL-1β directly inhibits parietal cell carbachol stimulated acid secretion. This action occurs distal to muscarinic receptor activation and elevations in intracellular calcium and requires PKC.
Interferon responsiveness in patients infected with hepatitis C virus 1b differs depending on viral subtype
Authors: Nakano I , Fukuda Y , Katano Y , Toyoda H , Hayashi K , Hayakawa T , Kumada T , Nakano S 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDGenotype 1b of hepatitis C virus (HCV) comprises mainly three subtypes, each named for its geographic prevalence (worldwide, W; Japan, J; and not in Japan, NJ).AIMTo characterise the newly identified subtypes of genotype 1b and to review factors associated with response to interferon (IFN) for each subtype.PATIENTSChronic hepatitis patients (80 men and 41 women; mean age 48.5 years, range 20.7–69.3) with HCV genotype 1b (W type, n=41; J type, n=38) or genotype 2a (n=42) were treated according to the same IFN protocol. Forty four patients (36.4%) negative for serum HCV RNA six months after cessation of treatment were considered complete responders.METHODSFactors associated with complete response were investigated.RESULTSGenotype 2a patients had lower viral loads (odds ratio 0.11 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.049–0.256)) and a better IFN response (odds ratio 0.25 (95% CI 0.117–0.552)) than genotype 1b patients whereas W type and J type patients had similar viral loads and responses to IFN. IFN response in W type patients was associated with female sex (odds ratio 0.23 (95% CI 0.055–0.983)) and low viral load (odds ratio 84.00 (95% CI 14.04–502.6)) whereas response in J type patients was related to transfusion history (odds ratio 7.20 (95% CI 1.443–35.91)), low viral load (odds ratio 117.0 (95% CI 17.82–768.3)), and genetic mutation in the interferon sensitivity determining region of the virus (odds ratio 0.08 (95% CI 0.013–0.553)). Multivariate analysis found low viral load (odds ratio 64.19 (95% CI 14.66–281.06)) to be the only significant independent factor associated with IFN response.CONCLUSIONSFactors associated with IFN responsiveness in HCV infection differ with viral subtype.
Detection of specific antibodies to pigeon serum and bloom antigens by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in pigeon breeder's disease
Authors: Rodrigo M J , Benavent M I , Cruz M J , Rosell M , Murio C , Pascual C , Morell F 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDPigeon breeder's disease is an extrinsic allergic alveolitis in the lungs of sensitised people, caused by hypersensitivity reactions to inhaled pigeon antigens. Antigens from different sources of the animal are used for diagnostic purposes, with serum being the most widely used. Bloom is rarely used; very little is known of its antigenicity and diagnostic performance, particularly when used with the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, which is the most popular test as it permits measurement of the antibody response.METHODSTo (a) standardise an ELISA for the measurement of specific IgG against pigeon serum and pigeon bloom extract; (b) to establish reference values for specific IgG in 73 non-exposed controls, (c) to show the presence of specific IgG against pigeon serum and bloom in serum samples of 17 patients with bird fancier's lung and 11 asymptomatic fanciers, and (d) to study the similarity of the two antigen sources by cross reactivity experiments.RESULTSReference values of specific IgG were defined with the 97.5 percentile (367.9 U/ml for pigeon serum and 953.7 U/ml for pigeon bloom extract). Of symptomatic patients 100% had values higher than the cut off for both antigens. In asymptomatic fanciers values were higher than the cut off for pigeon serum in 45% and bloom extract in 54%. Cross reactivity experiments showed that the two antigens differed in antigenic content although some components may be common to both.CONCLUSIONThe ELISA methods used proved to be useful tools for evaluating specific IgG antibody responses against both antigens. The diagnostic performance of both ELISA methods performed with these antigen sources was similar, showing very high sensitivity but moderate specificity. Although some antigenic similarity was found between pigeon serum and bloom extract, cross reactivity studies showed that various antigens seemed to be specific to the bloom extract. However, the antigens responsible for pigeon breeder's disease seem to be present in both antigenic sources.
Validity of self reported occupational exposures to hand transmitted and whole body vibration
Authors: Palmer Keith T , Haward Barbara , Griffin Michael J , Bendall Holly , Coggon David 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo assess the accuracy with which workers report their exposure to occupational sources of hand transmitted (HTV) and whole body vibration (WBV).METHODS179 Workers from various jobs involving exposure to HTV or WBV completed a self administered questionnaire about sources of occupational exposure to vibration in the past week. They were then observed at work over 1 hour, after which they completed a second questionnaire concerning their exposures during this observation period. The feasibility of reported sources of exposure during the past week was examined by questioning managers and by inspection of tools and machines in the workplace. The accuracy of reported sources and durations of exposure in the 1 hour period were assessed relative to what had been observed.RESULTSThe feasibility of exposure in the previous week was confirmed for 97% of subjects who reported exposure to HTV, and for 93% of subjects who reported exposure to WBV. The individual sources of exposure reported were generally plausible, but occupational use of cars was substantially overreported, possibly because of confusion with their use in travel to and from work. The accuracy of exposures reported during the observation period was generally high, but some sources of HTV were confused—for example, nailing and stapling guns reported as riveting hammers, and hammer drills not distinguished from other sorts of drill. Workers overestimated their duration of exposure to HTV by a median factor of 2.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.6–5.9), but estimated durations of exposure were more accurate when the exposure was relatively continuous rather than for intermittent short periods. Reported durations of exposure to WBV were generally accurate (median ratio of reported to observed time 1.1, IQR 1.0–1.2).CONCLUSIONSSources of recent occupational exposure to vibration seem to be reported with reasonable accuracy, but durations of exposure to HTV are systematically overestimated, particularly when the exposure is intermittent and for short periods. This raises the possibility that dose-response relations may have been biased in some of the studies on which exposure standards might be based, and that the levels in currently proposed standards may be too high. Future studies should pay attention to this source of error during data collection.
Cancer in veterinarians
Authors: Fritschi Lin 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESVeterinarians come into contact with several potentially carcinogenic exposures in the course of their occupation. These exposures include radiation, anaesthetic gases, pesticides (particularly insecticides), and zoonotic organisms. This review aims to summarise what is known about the carcinogenic risks in this profession.METHODSThe levels of exposure to potential carcinogens in the veterinary profession are examined and evidence is reviewed for carcinogenesis of these substances in humans at doses similar to those experienced by veterinarians. The few published studies of cancer in veterinarians are also summarised.RESULTSVeterinarians have considerable potential for exposure to several known and potential carcinogens. Risks may be posed by work in clinics with poorly maintainedxray equipment, by use of insecticides, and from contact with carcinogenic zoonotic organisms. The few studies available suggest that veterinarians have increased mortality from lymphohaematopoietic cancers, melanoma, and possibly colon cancer.CONCLUSIONSThe exposures examined in this review are not unique to the veterinary profession, and, as a consequence, information gathered on the carcinogenic risks of these exposures has implications for many other occupations such as veterinary nurses, animal handlers, and some farmers, as well as dentists, radiographers, and anaesthetists.
Update of a study of crude oil production workers 1946–94
Authors: Divine Barbara J , Hartman Christine M 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVETo update information on workers in the petroleum industry engaged in the production of crude oil to determine whether the patterns of mortality have changed with 14 additional years of follow up.METHODSAll workers were employed at company production and pipeline locations sometime during 1946–94. The cohort now consists of 24 124 employees with an average of 22 years of follow up.RESULTSThe overall mortality, and most cause specific mortalities were lower than or similar to those for the general United States population. For white men (81% of the cohort), there were 4361 observed deaths and 5945 expected, resulting in a significantly lower standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 73. There were significant deficits for all the leading causes of death in the United States including all cancers, cancer of the lung, stroke, heart disease, respiratory disease, and accidents. Slightly increased mortality was found for cancer of the prostate, cancer of the brain and central nervous system, and cancer of other lymphatic tissue. For benign and unspecified neoplasms, the SMR was 152 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 95 to 230). There was a significant increase for acute myelogenous leukaemia that was restricted to people who were first employed before 1940 and who were employed in production and pipeline jobs for >30 years. Overall mortality patterns for non-white men and women were similar to those for white men. Mortality patterns for white men were also examined by duration of employment, time first employed, and by job group.CONCLUSIONSThe results of the updated study showed a favourable mortality experience for crude oil production workers compared with the United States population.
Development of an asthma specific job exposure matrix and its application in the epidemiological study of genetics and environment in asthma (EGEA)
Authors: Kennedy Susan M , Le Moual Nicole , Choudat Dominique , Kauffmann Francine 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo develop a method suitable for estimating exposure risks in population studies of asthma from job titles and international codes, by combining a new job exposure matrix (JEM) with the expert judgement approach. The method was applied in the French epidemiological study of the genetics and environment in asthma (EGEA).METHODSThe JEM contains 22 exposure groups including 18 high risk groups based on known risk factors for occupational asthma, divided into high molecular weight agents, low molecular weight agents, and mixed environments. After applying the JEM to job codes, exposure estimates for each subject were re-evaluated by examining job title texts. Three high risk exposure estimates for asthma were compared: firstly, applying the JEM to original codes (from different coders in each study centre); secondly, applying the JEM to revised codes (from one experienced coder); and thirdly, after reviewing JEM exposure estimates in the light of job title texts.RESULTSThe study comprised 173 cases with asthma and 285 controls (age 18–65). Odds ratios (ORs) for asthma for high risk jobs were 1.0 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.6 to 1.7), applying the JEM to original codes; 1.4 (95% CI 0.8 to 2.3), applying the JEM to revised codes; and 1.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.7), applying the JEM and subsequently re-evaluating exposure estimates from job title texts. Asthma ORs were 1.4 (95% CI 0.6 to 2.9) for high molecular weight agents, 2.3 (95% CI 1.2 to 4.4) for low molecular weight agents, and 2.1 (95% CI 0.9 to 5.2) for mixed environments.CONCLUSIONSThis asthma JEM, when enhanced by expert re-evaluation of exposure estimates from job title texts, may be a useful tool in general population studies of asthma. In this study, a 1.7-fold increase in prevalence odds of high risk exposures was found among asthmatic workers compared with controls, with risk magnitude varying for different classes of exposure.
The role of extended weekends in sickness absenteeism
Authors: Vahtera J , Kivimäki M , Pentti J 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESEmployees are thought to lengthen their weekends by voluntary absenteeism, but the magnitude of such potentially reversible behaviour is not known.METHODSA follow up study based on employers' registers on the dates of work contracts and absences in 27 541 permanent full time municipal employees in five towns during 1993–7. The absence rate on each weekday separately for all sick leaves and for 1 day sick leaves was determined.RESULTS3.4% of the male employees and 5.0% of the female employees were on sick leave daily. The mean rate of sickness absence was lowest on Mondays, after which it increased towards Wednesday, and remained on the same level for the rest of the week. This pattern applied to both sexes, to each year of the follow up, and across towns, age groups, and income groups. For 1 day sick leaves, representing 4.5% of the total sickness absenteeism, the rates of sick leave for Mondays and Fridays were 1.4 and 1.9 times greater than those for other weekdays. However, these excess rates account for less than 1% of all days lost due to sickness absenteeism. Extended weekend absences were more common in men, in young employees, and in those in a low socioeconomic position, and they varied between towns.CONCLUSIONExtended weekends seem to contribute only marginally to the days lost due to sickness absenteeism.
Longitudinal study on work related and individual risk factors affecting radiating neck pain
Authors: Viikari-Juntura E , Martikainen R , Luukkonen R , Mutanen P , Takala E-P , Riihimäki H 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo study the effects of work related and individual factors affecting radiating neck pain.METHODSA longitudinal study was carried out with repeated measurements. A total of 5180 Finnish forest industry workers replied to a questionnaire survey in 1992 (response rate 75%). Response rates to follow up questionnaires in 1993, 1994, and 1995 were 83%, 77%, and 90%, respectively. The outcome variable was the number of days with radiating neck pain during the preceding 12 months with three levels (<8, 8–30, >30 days). The generalised estimating equations method was used to fit a marginal model and a transition model was used in a predictive analysis.RESULTSItems showing associations with radiating neck pain in both analyses were sex, age, body mass index, smoking, duration of work with a hand above shoulder level, mental stress, and other musculoskeletal pains. In the transition model, radiating neck pain in a previous questionnaire was included in the model. Although it was a strong predictor, the variables already mentioned retained their significance.CONCLUSIONProgrammes targeted to reduce physical load at work, mental stress, being overweight, and smoking could potentially prevent radiating neck pain.
Primary haematogenous osteomyelitis of the patella: a rare cause for anterior knee pain in an adult
Authors: Kankate R K , Selvan T P 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
Acute osteomyelitis of the patella is a very rare condition, which commonly affects children between the ages of 5–15 years. Primary haematogenous osteomyelitis in an adult usually occurs in patients with associated risk factors like intravenous drug abuse, HIV infection, and trauma. This report discusses a similar condition in a 46 year old women with no associated predisposing risk factors. The rarity of this condition and its atypical presentation should be borne in mind while treating an adult patient with anterior knee pain. Point tenderness over the patella should alert a physician to the possibility of osteomyelitis of the patella. The value of bone scan and computed tomography in the early stages to help diagnose this condition has been stressed. The literature has been reviewed and discussed briefly.
Churg-Strauss syndrome associated with montelukast
Authors: Mukhopadhyay A , Stanley N N 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) has recently been reported in patients with asthma receiving leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). In this paper a case of CSS after treatment with montelukast is described. As in other LTRA treated cases, prior withdrawal of maintenance oral steroid may have unmasked a previously occult CSS in the patient, but a dramatic improvement in his eosinophilia after withdrawing montelukast implied that the drug also had a direct effect in activating this condition.
Changes in the corrected QT interval and corrected QT dispersion during haemodialysis
Authors: Howse M , Sastry S , Bell G M 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
The link between increased QT dispersion and cardiac death in subjects with diabetes and arterial disease is well recognised. Corrected QT dispersion was studied in subjects with end stage renal failure on haemodialysis. Thirty one stable, chronic subjects on haemodialysis had 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) taken before and after a single haemodialysis session. The QT interval was measured manually in each and the corrected QT and corrected QT dispersion calculated. Serum concentrations of potassium, calcium, and magnesium were measured at the same time as ECG acquisition. Corrected QT dispersion increased from a mean (SEM) 90.6 (5.8) to 117.7 (10.2) ms (p=0.002). Serum potassium and magnesium decreased from 5.0 (0.14) to 3.5 (0.09) mmol/l and 0.95 (0.04) to 0.89 (0.09) mmol/l respectively, while serum calcium increased from 2.56 (0.04) to 2.77 (0.04) mmol/l. Intradialytic weight fell by a mean of 2.1 kg. There was no significant correlation between the change in QTc dispersion and the changes in measured serum anions or the subjects’ weight during dialysis. Corrected QT dispersion was higher in subjects on haemodialysis than previously suggested normal values, and was significantly increased by haemodialysis. This reflects increased inhomogeneous ventricular repolarisation, which may lead to an increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden death. Studies looking at QT dispersion in subjects on dialysis should standardise the timing of ECG recordings taken with respect to dialysis.