bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An outbreak of N‐hexane induced polyneuropathy among press proofing workers in Taipei
Authors: Wang Jung‐Der , Chang Yang‐Chyuan , Kao Ko‐Pei , Huang Chin‐Chang , Lin Chi‐Chang , Yeh Wen‐Yih 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the etiology of polyneuropathy observed among press proofing workers in Taipei. Neurological examinations of 59 workers, from 16 press proofing factories, were conducted. Fifty‐four of those workers subsequently underwent studies of nerve conduction velocities. Samples of bulk solvent from the involved factories were analyzed for their contents using gas chromatography. Fifteen (25%) of the study group were found to have polyneuropathy. All 15 patients with polyneuropathy were from factories in which solvents containing n‐hexane were regularly used, and there was a significant association between n‐hexane concentration in the bulk samples and prevalence of polyneuropathy. The air concentration of n‐hexane in one factory in which all six employees developed polyneuropathy was 190 ppm. Workers who were exposed to n‐hexane at air levels of less than 100 ppm but who frequently worked overtime showed a significant slowing of motor nerve conduction velocities on median, ulnar, and peroneal nerves. Of 13 workers who regularly slept in the factory, 12 (92%) had polyneuropathy compared to three (7%) of 46 workers who did not sleep in the factory. The outbreak of polyneuropathy was attributed to a combination of the use of solvents with high contents of n‐hexane, poor ventilation, and the practice of sleeping in the factories between shifts.
Lung cancer and diesel exhaust: A review
Authors: Steenland Kyle 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe evidence from animal studies indicates that organic extracts of diesel particulate are mutagenic and carcinogenic. Of four animal inhalation studies, two have been positive and two have been largely negative. The most recent data indicate that inhalation studies may be positive only with high doses of exhaust. Human studies of diesel‐exposed occupations have been inconclusive. These studies have focused on truck drivers, bus drivers and garage workers, railroad workers, and heavy equipment operators. Most human studies have not been able to estimate exposure to diesel exhaust. Negative studies have frequently suffered from insufficient potential latency. Positive studies have often failed to control for smoking, and have sometimes involved confounding occupational exposures. In general, the occupational epidemiology of diesel‐exposed workers is made difficult by the fact that many of the suspected toxic components of diesel‐exhaust are also present in cigarette smoke and in ambient air. There are two ongoing epidemiologic studies in the United States, focusing on railway workers and truck drivers, which attempt to overcome prior difficulties. Preliminary data from the study of truck drivers indicates an excess of lung cancer among workers in the trucking industry compared to the U.S. population, but these data need to be controlled for smoking and analyzed according to diesel exposure
Smoking, morbidity, and pulmonary function in a group of ex‐asbestos workers: A pilot study
Authors: Richter  , Tuch H. , Sarel O. , Shabbat Z. , Weiler D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThirty‐three of 184 formerly exposed asbestos textile workers were interviewed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning smoking and asbestos. Twenty‐three subjects in this group also underwent physical examination to determine smoking‐symptom/sign‐pulmonary function interrelationships. Approximately half of the exworkers smoked, and the majority who had stopped did so mostly because of illness rather than because of knowledge concerning smoking‐asbestos hazards. All workers welcomed the offer of smoking cessation programs. Smokers and exsmokers, but not nonsmokers, were at risk for obstructive‐type impairments, but all three groups contained subjects with impairments interpretable as restrictive. The presence of shortness of breath, cough, rǎles, or decreased breathing sounds alone or in any combination greatly increased the odds that either obstructive‐ or possible restrictive‐ or mixed‐type impairments would be found on spirometry. Mass screening techniques required about one hour of person time per examinee to assess health status, provide educational material on smoking, and counsel workers on referral arrangements. The findings suggest that smoking alerts, smoking cessation clinics, and medical follow‐up are needed, feasible, and acceptable in Israel.
Review of the Israeli technical committee for asbestos
Authors: Brenner S. , Anavi Z. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe concern of the Israeli public regarding health hazards arising from asbestos use led to the formation of a governmental body responsible for finding solutions to these problems. This body was formed in 1983 as a National Medical Committee and included representatives from governmental and nongovernmental bodies. The Israeli Technical Committee for Asbestos, which serves as a subsidiary of the National Medical Committee, is concerned with the technical aspects associated with health hazards associated with asbestos and other harmful dusts.This report describes the major activities of the Technical Committee during the last 2 years.
Dust levels in an asbestos‐cement factory: Problem solving
Authors: Sharon Arieh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIsasbest Ltd., an asbestos‐cement factory in Israel, has established dust‐preventive measures, maintained high ecological and medical standards, and assisted afflicted workers suffering from asbestos‐related diseases. The problems of the handling of asbestos and its relationship to health should be approached according to the conditions in each specific workplace so that reasonable solutions can be found for proper control.
Comparative epidemiology of men exposed to asbestos and man‐made mineral fibers
Authors: Goldsmith John R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractComparative analyses are presented of selected studies of long‐term reactions to occupational exposures to asbestos and man‐made mineral fibers (MMMF), with emphasis on studies with dose‐response information and long enough period of follow‐up to observe lung cancer excess, if it occurred. Uniform dose estimates based on average number of fibers per milliliter were derived and tabulated with the corresponding standard mortality (or morbidity) ratio (SMR), crude probability for each unfavorable outcome, and the likelihood that at least as many deaths would have occurred as a result of the expected numbers under Poisson assumptions. A dose‐response relationship was said to have been indicated when the crude probability increased monotonically with dose and/or the Poisson probability decreased and reached a value of less than 0.05. Some arbitrary assumptions had to be made in estimation of the dose, and they may need to be corrected. Gravimetric dose estimates may have given different results.Studies selected for analysis included Quebec asbestos miners and asbestos cement workers exposed to asbestos, and pooled U.S. and European studies of MMMF workers, as well as a sample of cigarette‐smoking fiberglass workers whose X‐ray films were evaluated for fine nodular or irregular opacities.The lowest dose capable of showing either a statistically significant excess (single point criterion—SP) or the median dose in an apparent dose‐response relationship with cause of death or radiological results is tabulated.Radiological changes show a dose‐response relationship for all types, with a median dose for asbestos of 2.8 fibers/ml. For fiberglass workers, the median dose of electron‐microscopically detected fibers was two orders of magnitude less.For asbestos SP, exposures of 1.4 to 22 fibers/ml were associated with increased lung cancer, while for mineral wool, the minimal level with significant SP increase in lung cancer was an order of magnitude less.Based on fiber or particle counts, man‐made mineral fibers appear to be more potent than asbestos with regard to chronic pulmonary disease.
Analysis of mortality patterns and workers' compensation awards among asbestos insulation workers in Ontario
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMortality and workers' compensation patterns were studied among 1,064 Ontario asbestos insulation workers. A proportional mortality analysis of 153 asbestos worker deaths found increased mortality from malignant diseases (65 deaths observed; 35.1 expected), cancers of the lungs and pleura (32 deaths observed; 11.5 expected), peritoneal mesothelioma (4 deaths), and respiratory diseases (14 deaths observed; 7.9 expected). Despite the publicity given to asbestos‐associated diseases, dependents of many men potentially eligible for workers compensation awards have not received pensions because claims were not filed. These findings suggest that much occupationally related disease is not being recognized in Ontario.
Assessment of exposure to chemicals in a complex work environment
Authors: Ott M. Gerald , Teta M. Jane , Greenberg Howard L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractExposure information was evaluated for two large chemical manufacturing facilities and a research and development center in support of occupational health studies of employees assigned to these facilities. Methodology and rationale underlying the exposure categorization are provided, and descriptive exposure statistics are presented for a sample of 774 employees. Analysis of work patterns and exposure profiles revealed that 1) employee transfers among various production work areas did not follow a predictable pattern, 2) over 41% of the chemicals identified were present in multiple work areas, and 3) individuals exposed to one chemical of toxicologic interest were also likely to be exposed to other similarly toxic materials. The use of both work area and chemical‐specific exposure measures is recommended, as each may be helpful in addressing etiologic questions regarding complex work environments.
Cigarette smoke potentiates the DNA‐damaging effect of manmade mineral fibers
Authors: Leanderson Per , Tagesson Christer 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEpidemiological and experimental studies suggest that manmade mineral fibers (MMMFs) have DNA‐damaging and carcinogenic properties. To investigate the hypothesis that cigarette smoke can potentiate MMMF‐induced DNA damage, we exposed isolated calf thymus DNA to cigarette smoke condensate and/or three different types of MMMFs: rockwool, glasswool, and ceramic fibers. As an index of DNA damage, the hydroxyl radical‐generated formation of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) from deoxyguanosine (dG) was used. All the three fiber types, as well as cigarette smoke condensate alone, caused hydroxylation of dG residues in DNA, and, when smoke was combined with each of the different fibers, rockwool caused a synergistically increased formation of 8OHdG. We suggest that 1) iron‐containing MMMFs such as rockwool are able to enhance synergistically cigarette smoke‐induced DNA‐damage and 2) this damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals.
Health effects from work in swine confinement buildings
Authors: Donham Kelley J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA total of 14 epidemiologic studies from four countries, involving 2,786 workers is reviewed for respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, antibodies to swine house allergens, and exposure‐response variables. Cough and phlegm were the most common symptoms (ranging from 12 to 55%). Tightness of chest and wheezing were frequently reported (12 to 33%) as well as episodes of organic dust toxic syndrome. Acute symptoms, directly associated with work, were from 1.5 to 2 times more prevalent than chronic symptoms. Baseline pulmonary function generally revealed decrements in flow rates, but not volumes; over‐shift changes showed small decrements in both flows and volumes. IgG antibodies to swine house antigens were common; no relation to symptoms could be found. Exposure response studies were limited, but relationships were seen between endotoxin and pulmonary function decrements, or respiratory symptoms.
Health effects of cotton dust exposures
Authors: Rylander Ragnar 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe characteristics of the effects of exposure to cotton dust were adequately described more than 50 years ago. Symptoms of airway irritation, cough with or without phlegm, and Monday morning chest tightness are typical. The symptoms caused by exposure to cotton dust are similar to those induced by other organic dusts. A common pathology is acute or chronic inflammation, and bacterial endotoxins seem to be the causative agents for the acute and some chronic reactions.
Altered immune status in aluminum reduction plant workers
Authors: Davis Robert L. , Milham Samuel 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFrom 1978 to 1985, B‐cell lymphoma occurred in five employees of an aluminum reduction plant (expected = 0.2; Poisson distribution). As immunodeficiency is a known risk factor for B‐cell lymphoma, we did a pilot study to evaluate immune function in apparently healthy plant workers. Twenty‐three volunteers were selected for study from 350 workers, representing a range of experience in the potroom and with exposures to strong magnetic fields and volatilized aromatic hydrocarbons. Potroom workers had significantly higher T8 levels (mean = 1,227) than non‐potroom workers (mean = 597) (p < .05, Wilcoxon rank sums) or established normal values (median = 450). T4 levels were higher for potroom workers (mean = 1,017) than for non‐potroom workers (mean = 558) or for established norms (median = 756) (p < .10, Wilcoxon rank sums). Ten of 20 potroom workers had abnormal T4/T8 ratios (<0.91) due to disproportionate elevation of the T8 subpopulation. These data suggest an underlying immune alteration in the aluminum workers studied. Further study is needed to assess the implications of abnormal T‐cell subsets in a worker population with high rates of lymphoma.
Formation and evolution of the carbon black network in polyethylene/carbon black composites: Rheology and conductivity properties
Authors: Ren Danqi , Zheng Shaodi , Wu Feng , Yang Wei , Liu Zhengying , Yang Mingbo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWe report a detailed investigation on the effect of carbon black (CB) morphology on network formation and evolution in high‐density polyethylene/CB composites. There were three types of networks in our study, the electrical network in the solid state and the electrical and rheological networks in the melt state. The evolution of the network in the polymer melt was traced by simultaneous electrical resistivity (R) and dynamic rheology testing. An oscillation strain sweep was used to investigate the network stability with a large strain. We found that with high‐structure CB with a branched morphology, it was easier to form a filler–polymer or filler–filler network than with low‐structure CB with a spherical morphology in the composite melt. The high‐structure CB network was more stable with a large strain compared to the low‐structure one. Meanwhile, the low‐structure CB aggregates had stronger capability of movement and re‐aggregation in the polymer melt. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39953.
Flame retardancy effects of phosphorus‐containing compounds and cationic photoinitiators on photopolymerized cycloaliphatic epoxy resins
Authors: Li Yong‐Jie , Gu Xiao‐Yu , Zhao Jie , Jiang Peng , Sun Jun , Wang Tao 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThis study presents a promising ultraviolet (UV)‐curable epoxy resin formulation with improved flame‐retardant properties. The formulation is based on the cycloaliphatic epoxide 3,4‐epoxycyclohexylmethyl‐3,4‐epoxycyclohexane carboxylate (ERL4221) and a novel silicon, phosphorous containing flame‐retardant additive. The additive, 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐1,3,5,7‐tetra 2‐(6‐oxido‐6‐H‐dibenzo(c,e) (1,2)oxaphosphorin‐6‐yl) ethylcyclotetrasiloxane (DOPO‐SiD), was synthesized by the addition reaction of 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐1,3,5,7‐tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4Vi) with 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO). Formulations containing the cycloaliphatic epoxy resin ERL4221 and the flame‐retardant DOPO‐SiD additive were prepared in various concentrations and crosslinked by UV irradiation. The effects of DOPO‐SiD and photoinitiators, such as the cyclopentadienyl iron complex of carbazole (In‐Fe) and diphenyl‐(4‐(phenylthiol) phenyl) sulfonium hexafluorophosphate (In‐S), on the flame‐retardant properties and thermal stabilities of UV‐cured ERL4221/DOPO‐SiD composites were investigated with limiting oxygen index, UL‐94 vertical test, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The results showed that DOPO‐SiD can increase the thermal stabilities of the ERL4221/DOPO‐SiD. The char yield was improved when DOPO‐SiD and In‐Fe were simultaneously used. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40011.
Chemoselective Immobilization of Proteins by Microcontact Printing and Bio‐orthogonal Click Reactions
Authors: Tolstyka Zachary P. , Richardson Wade , Bat Erhan , Stevens Caitlin J. , Parra Dayanara P. , Dozier Jonathan K. , Distefano Mark D. , Dunn Bruce , Maynard Heather D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHerein, a combination of microcontact printing of functionalized alkanethiols and site‐specific modification of proteins is utilized to chemoselectively immobilize proteins onto gold surfaces, either by oxime‐ or copper‐catalyzed alkyne–azide click chemistry. Two molecules capable of click reactions were synthesized, an aminooxy‐functionalized alkanethiol and an azide‐functionalized alkanethiol, and self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) formation on gold was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The alkanethiols were then individually patterned onto gold surfaces by microcontact printing. Site‐specifically modified proteins—horse heart myoglobin (HHMb) containing an N‐terminal α‐oxoamide and a red fluorescent protein (mCherry‐CVIA) with a C‐terminal alkyne—were immobilized by incubation onto respective stamped functionalized alkanethiol patterns. Pattern formation was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy.
Nitrate and Nitrite Removal Using a Continuous Heterotrophic Denitrifying Granular Sludge Bioreactor
Authors: Hosseini M. , Sahraei E. , Khoshfetrat A. B. , Ebrahimi S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe denitrification potential of a continuous denitrifying granular‐sludge bioreactor for concentrated nitrate/nitrite wastes was investigated. Granules were cultivated using nitrite as sole electron acceptor. Complete denitrification could be achieved at nitrite, nitrate, and nitrate‐nitrite mixture (50:50) loading rates up to 2.7, 3 and 3 g N L–1d–1, respectively. The maximum nitrite and nitrate reduction capacities were limited by the biomass concentration. Removal of nitrate and nitrite was studied with constant biomass concentration at different pH values. A lower pH value resulted in a considerable increase of inhibitory effects of both nitrite and nitrate whereby nitrate exhibited the more significant impact.
A Radical Process towards the Development of Transition‐Metal‐Free Aromatic CarbonCarbon Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Chan Tek Long , Wu Yinuo , Choy Pui Ying , Kwong Fuk Yee 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTransition‐metal‐free cross‐coupling reactions have been a hot topic in recent years. With the aid of a radical initiator, a number of unactivated arene CH bonds can be directly arylated/functionalized by using aryl halides through homolytic aromatic substitution. Commercially available or specially designed promoters (e.g. diamines, diols, and amino alcohols) have been used to make this synthetically attractive method viable. This protocol offers an inexpensive, yet efficient route to aromatic CC bond formations since transition metal catalysts and impurities can be avoided by using this reaction system. In this article, we focus on the significance of the reaction conditions (e.g. bases and promoters), which allow this type of reaction to proceed smoothly. Substrate scope limitations and challenges, as well as mechanistic discussion are also included.
Chromophore‐Linked Substrate (CLS405): Probing Metallo‐β‐Lactamase Activity and Inhibition
Authors: Makena Anne , van Berkel Sander S. , Lejeune Clarisse , Owens Raymond J. , Verma Anil , Salimraj Ramya , Spencer James , Brem Jürgen , Schofield Christopher J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSerine‐ and metallo‐β‐lactamases present a threat to the clinical use of nearly all β‐lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Efforts to develop metallo‐β‐lactamase (MBL) inhibitors require suitable screening platforms to allow the rapid determination of β‐lactamase activity and efficient inhibition. Unfortunately, the platforms currently available are not ideal for this purpose. Further progress in MBL inhibitor identification requires inexpensive and widely applicable assays. Herein the identification of an inexpensive and stable chromogenic substrate suitable for use in assays of clinically relevant MBLs is described. (6R,7R)‐3‐((4‐Nitrophenoxy)methyl)‐8‐oxo‐7‐(2‐phenylacetamido)‐5‐thia‐1‐azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct‐2‐ene‐2‐carboxylic acid 5,5‐dioxide (CLS405) was synthesised in a three‐step protocol. CLS405 was then characterised spectroscopically, and its stability and kinetic properties evaluated. With a Δλmax value of 100 nm between the parent and hydrolysis product, a higher analytical accuracy is possible with CLS405 than with commonly used chromogenic substrates. The use of CLS405 in assays was validated by MBL activity measurements and inhibitor screening that resulted in the identification of N‐hydroxythiazoles as new inhibitor scaffolds for MBLs. Further evaluation of the identified N‐hydroxythiazoles against a panel of clinically relevant MBLs showed that they possess inhibitory activities in the mid‐ to low‐micromolar range. The findings of this study provide both a useful tool compound for further inhibitor identification, and novel scaffolds for the design of improved MBL inhibitors with potential as antibiotics against resistant strains of bacteria.
Design, development, and validation of a high‐throughput drug‐screening assay for targeting of human leukemia
Authors: Karjalainen Katja , Pasqualini Renata , Cortes Jorge E. , Kornblau Steven M. , Lichtiger Benjamin , O'Brien Susan , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Sidman Richard L. , Arap Wadih , Koivunen Erkki 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDThe authors developed an ex vivo methodology to perform drug library screening against human leukemia.METHODSThe strategy for this screening relied on human blood or bone marrow cultures under hypoxia; under these conditions, leukemia cells deplete oxygen faster than normal cells, causing a hemoglobin oxygenation shift. Several advantages were observed: 1) partial recapitulation of the leukemia microenvironment, 2) use of native hemoglobin oxygenation as a real‐time sensor/reporter, 3) cost‐effectiveness, 4) species specificity, and 5) a format that enables high‐throughput screening.RESULTSFor a proof of concept, a chemical library (size, approximately 20,000 compounds) was screened against human leukemia cells. Seventy compounds were identified (“hit” rate, 0.35%; Z‐factor = 0.71) that had activity, and 20 compounds were examined to identify 18 true‐positive compounds (90%). Finally, the results demonstrated that carbonohydraxonic diamide group‐containing compounds are potent antileukemia agents that induce cell death in leukemia cells and in patient‐derived samples.CONCLUSIONSThe current results indicated that this unique functional assay can identify novel drug candidates and can help with the development of future applications in personalized drug selection for patients with leukemia. Cancer 2014;120:589–602. © 2013 American Cancer Society.