bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical relevance of urinary delta‐aminolevulinic acid/logarithm of creatinine ratio in screening for occupational lead exposure
Authors: Hudák Aranka , Náray Miklós , Süveges Éva 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUsing receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the clinical relevance of urinary delta‐aminolevulinic acid concentration adjusted to the logarithm of creatinine concentration (ALA/log.Cn) proved to be better than that of uncorrected ALA or ALA/Cn ratio for the detection of blood lead levels (Pb‐B) exceeding 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 μmol/l in 483 men occupationally exposed to lead. Ala/log.Cn yielded validities of 1.63, 1.75, and 1.79 at Pb‐B levels 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 μmol/l, respectively. The same values for ALA/Cn were 1.59, 1.70, 1.78 and for ALA 1.52, 1.65, 1.72, respectively. The simple adjustment to log.Cn makes urinary ALA determination more efficient in biological monitoring of the effect of occupational lead exposure. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of occupational exposure to cadmium in the Netherlands, 1980–1989
Authors: Zwennis Willem C. M. , Franssen Agnes C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOne thousand five hundred fifty urine samples and 1,295 blood samples, collected from 919 workers, were analyzed for cadmium (Cd). The workers were employed at 16 different types of workplaces. In about 7.5% of the samples, the concentration of Cd exceeded the biological limit values proposed by the Dutch Expert Committee for Occupational Standards. Levels higher than these values were measured in both urine samples and blood samples of workers involved in electrochemical plating, in production of Cd‐stabilizers and enamels, and in soldering with silver‐cadmium solder. Significantly higher concentrations of β2‐microglobulin (MG) were found in urine samples with CdU > 10 μg/g creatinine. Cd levels in urine increased with age. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro activity of silicon carbide whiskers in comparison to other industrial fibers using four cell culture systems
Authors: Johnson N. F. , Hoover M. D. , Thomassen D. G. , Cheng Y. S. , Dalley A. , Brooks A. L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSilicon carbide whiskers (SiCW) and continuous glass filaments are important components of composite materials having potentially widespread use in the automotive, aerospace, and power generation industries. We determined the in vitro activity of three well‐characterized samples of silicon carbide whiskers and a continuous glass filament sample in four different cellular assays and compared this to the activities of UICC crocidolite, JM Code 100 glass microfiber, and erionite in the same assay systems. The SiCW had a diameter range of 0.32–0.75 μm and a length range of 4.5–20.1 μm. The SiCW was significantly toxic; on a mass basis, one SiCW sample was more toxic than crocidolite; however, JM Code 100 glass microfiber, which is not toxic in vivo (i.e., it does not cause fibrogenesis or carcinogenesis when inhaled), was also more toxic than crocidolite. The glass filament sample was the least cytotoxic of all the samples tested. On a fiber number basis, all three SiCW samples were more toxic than crocidolite. The results of our study showed that SiCW exhibits significant in vitro biological reactivity. Thus, despite the caution that must be exercised in extrapolating the results of in vitro studies to conclusions about in vivo health effects, SiCW should be considered toxic until further toxicological data are available. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung cancer risk among workers exposed to man‐made mineral fibers (MMMF) in the swedish prefabricated house industry
Authors: Gustavsson Per , Plato Nils , Axelson Olav , Brage Helle Noorlind , Hogstedt Christer , Ringbäck Gunilla , Tornling Göran , Wingren Gun 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMortality and cancer incidence was investigated among 2,807 workers, employed for at least one year before 1972, at 11 Swedish companies manufacturing prefabricated wooden houses. A total of 1,068 workers had been exposed to man‐made mineral fibers (MMMF) used for insulation. Mortality was followed from 1969 to 1988 and cancer incidence from 1969 to 1985. Exposure conditions were investigated at all plants.There were 14 deaths from lung cancer in the total cohort, whereas 20.7 would be expected (SMR = 68; 95% CI:37‐113), based on regional mortality. After a latency of 20 years or more, two lung cancer cases had occurred among all workers exposed to MMMF, whereas 4.3 would be expected (SMR = 46; 95% CI: 5‐168). The exposure levels that have prevailed do not seem to be associated with an increased lung cancer rate, but extended follow‐up is necessary for a definitive evaluation. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irregular opacities in the lung, occupational asthma, and airways dysfunction in aluminum workers
Authors: Kilburn Kaye H. , Warshaw Raphael H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe examined chest X‐rays, measured expiratory flows and FVC by spirometry and TLC by projected lung area, ascertained respiratory data by questionnaires, and performed chest examinations in 670 Southeastern aluminum workers and 659 unexposed regional controls. Both groups were asbestos exposed. More aluminum workers had irregular opacities and fewer had pleural abnormalities than did regional pipefitter referents. The pulmonary function tests were expressed as percentage of predicted to adjust for height, age and duration of smoking based on a randomly selected U.S. reference population. Data from aluminum workers were compared to regional controls with students “t” tests run for unequal size groups. Aluminum workers had significant reductions in FEV1 of 3.2% predicted (p < .003), FEF25‐75 of 11.3% predicted (p < .0001), FEF75‐85 of 22.5% predicted (p < .0001), and an increased TLC of 2.0% predicted (p < .005). The 145 who had never smoked (NS) were compared with 124 NS controls and showed this same pattern of differences; but in smokers, the differences were significant for mid and terminal flows, but not for FEV1. In aluminum workers who never smoked, asthma prevalence by history was 7.6% vs. 4.0% in controls, and wheezes were heard in 21.4% vs. 2.4% in controls. In aluminum workers who were current smokers, asthma prevalence was 16.4% vs. 9.4% in controls, and wheezes were heard in 43.7% vs. 21.1% in controls. Aluminum workers had significantly more asthma, wheezing, airways obstruction, and pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities similar to asbestosis than did regional blue collar controls not melting and casting aluminum. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung function and exposure to asbestos among vehicle mechanics
Authors: Dahlqvist Monica , Alexandersson Rolf , Hedenstierna Göran 
Published: April 2007

AbstractVehicle mechanics (n = 99) exposed to asbestos (annual median value 0.08 f/ml), and local controls (n = 83) not occupationally exposed to asbestos were studied with regard to symptoms and pulmonary function. The inclusion criteria to participate in this study was an age of at least 40 years with no known exposure to lung irritating agents, and for the exposed subjects, more than 15 years occupational exposure to asbestos with at least 20 years from the first exposure. The subjects were studied during identical conditions by means of dynamic and static spirometry, single breath wash‐out with nitrogen (N2) and carbon monoxide (CO). The median for cumulative exposure of asbestos during the entire work life among the studied mechanics was 2.3 f*y/ml. The mechanics had reduced transfer factor (TLCO), after adjustment for age, height, and smoking category. A significant dose‐response relationship was noted between the cumulative exposure of asbestos and CV%. The findings suggest a slight influence of small airways and alveoli. The evaluation of the prognostic significance of this requires a longitudinal study. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
General mortality and respiratory cancer among a cohort of male chemical workers in california
Authors: Burchfiel Cecil M. , Cartmill Janice B. , Axe Fredric D. , Bond Gregory G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCohort mortality and nested case‐control studies were conducted involving 2,901 men employed 1 year or more between 1940 and 1986 at any of four California facilities of a major chemical company. Employees experienced fewer deaths from each of the major causes than were expected based on U.S., California, and local county mortality rates. Respiratory cancer was significantly elevated in one socioeconomic category comprised of operators (SMR = 157, 95% CI = 109–220). The 34 cases who died from respiratory cancer and 136 matched controls, all of whom were operators, were included in a nested case‐control study. Departments in which subjects had worked were grouped into 13 work assignment or product categories by an industrial hygienist without knowledge of case‐control status. Smoking habits and other occupational exposures were ascertained by telephone interview from subjects or surrogate‐responders. As expected, current cigarette smoking was strongly related to respiratory cancer. After adjustment for smoking, cases were significantly more likely than controls to have ever worked in one of the 13 work areas (supervision, services, and business support). However, no dose‐response relationship was evident with duration of employment in this work area and the departments involved were associated with plant security and not chemical production. Results were similar when a 15‐year latency period was assumed. These findings suggest that the excess of respiratory cancer mortality among operators was most likely due to differences in cigarette smoking or other factors not ascertained, rather than to a specific occupational exposure. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of exposure to carbon disulfide in viscose production workers from urinary 2‐thiothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid determinations
Authors: Riihimäki V. , Kivistö H. , Peltonen K. , Helpiö E. , Aitio A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe follow‐up of environmental carbon disulfide (CS2) exposure and urinary excretion of 2‐thiothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (TTCA) among 20 operatives over a 4‐day working week in two viscose producing factories confirmed earlier observations that TTCA is a sensitive and reliable indicator of exposure to CS2. Exposure to as low as 0.5–1.0 ppm (1.6–3.2 mg/m3) of CS2 (8‐hour time‐weighted average [TWA]) was associated with detectable amounts of TTCA in end‐of‐shift urine. Moreover, the excretion of TTCA, relative to estimated CS2 uptake, appeared surprisingly constant in the studied work force. Approximately 3% (range 2–6.5%) of absorbed CS2 was detected in urine as TTCA. The proportional TTCA excretion did not show dose dependency in the estimated CS2 dose range which varied by about 20‐fold. TTCA elimination exhibited both a fast (T 1/2 6 hour) and a slow (T 1/2 68 hour) phase. The slow elimination is compatible with a high lipid solubility and reversible protein binding of CS2. Consequently, urinary excretion of TTCA, relative to CS2 exposure, increased by about a third during the workweek. Urinary TTCA concentration of 4.5 mmol/mol creatinine in a postshift sample corresponded to a TWA exposure to 10 ppm CS2 towards the end of the working week. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hormone status in occupational toluene exposure
Authors: Svensson B.‐G. , Nise G. , Erfurth E.‐M. , Nilsson A. , Skerfving S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTwenty toluene‐exposed rotogravure printers, without signs of solvent‐induced toxic encephalopathy, had lower median plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (3.2 vs. 4.9 IU/L; p = .02) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (6.4 vs. 7.2 IU/L; p = .05) and also lower serum levels of free testosterone (76.8 vs. 86.8 pmol/L; p = .05), respectively, than 44 unexposed referents. The individual time‐weighted toluene levels in air were 36 (median; range 8–111) ppm. The printers' median toluene levels in blood were 1.7 (1.0–6.6) μmol/1, and in subcutaneous adipose tissue 5.7 (2.5–21) mg/kg fat. There was a negative association between blood toluene and plasma levels of prolactin. In eight printers, the levels of FSH and LH increased during a 4 week vacation, while the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine decreased during the same period. The results indicate a slight, reversible efect of toluene on the cortical level or on the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis at exposures well below the permissible levels, possibly mediated through an effect on catecholamine neurotransmission. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further scientific issues in determining an occupational standard for cadmium
Authors: Chettle David R. , Ellis Kenneth J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis contribution responds to the recent paper of Thun et al. (American Journal of Industrial Medicine 20:629–642, 1991) on an occupational standard for cadmium. The contribution of non‐invasive in situ measurements of cadmium in liver and in kidney to the study of cadmium industrial toxicology is particularly reviewed. It is contended that clear scientific grounds do not exist for recommending cadmium in air occupational standard below 10 μg m−3, and that other arguments would need to be adduced to support a recommendation for a lower level. Last, a number of unanswered questions are identified and the need for further work is highlighted. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health physics: Its development, successes, failures, and eccentricities
Authors: Morgan Karl Z. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHealth Physics began at the University of Chicago as a science and profession during the early World War II years. It was initiated by Drs. A.H. Compton and R.S. Stone, director and associate director, respectively, of the early Plutonium Project cryptically called the Metallurgical Laboratory. It was to be a science and profesion to protect radiation workers and members of the public from exposure to ionizing radiation. It succeeded to some extent in this objective but during the past decade in the United States, it has reverted into an organization primarily to protect the nuclear industry from liability resulting from radiation exposure. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Small airways function of silica‐exposed workers
Authors: Chia K. S. , Ng T. P. , Jeyaratnam J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSmall airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident. Several spirometric indices, especially flow rates at low lung volumes, may reflect the status of small airways. Time domain indices, by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram, have also been shown to be sensitive indicators of small airways obstruction. In this study, we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological evidence of obstruction to the larger airways. The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and normal FVCThe volume‐time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed. The workers were divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history. With adjustment for age, height, and smoking status, all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure. Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non‐smokers, with a similar trend of increase in small airways obstruction in relation to higher exposureOur present study suggests that small airways obstruction is present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways obstruction. There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group. Our study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory disorders and atopy in cotton, wool, and other textile mill workers in denmark
Authors: Sigsgaard Torben , Pedersen Ole F. , Juul Svend , Gravesen Suzanne 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA cross‐sectional study of respiratory disorders and atopy in Danish textile industry workers was conducted to survey respiratory symptoms throughout the textile industry, to estimate the association of these disorders with atopy, and to study dose‐response relationships within the cotton industry. Workers at cotton mills, a wool mill, and a man‐made fiber (MMF) mill were examined. Four hundred nine (90%) of the 445 workers participated in this survey, i.e., 253, 62, and 94 workers at the cotton mills, the wool mill, and the MMF mill, respectively. An interview designed to assess the prevalence of common respiratory and allergic symptoms was given to all workers willing to participate, and blood samples were drawn. Lung function measurements determined a baseline FEV1, FVC and the change in FEV1 and FVC during work hours on a Monday. The working environment was examined for dust, bacteria, endotoxins, and molds, and the exposure was estimated for each participant. The mean personal samples of airborne respirable dust and respirable endotoxin were highest in the cotton industry, i.e., 0.17–0.50 mg/m3 and 9.0–126 ng/m3 respectively, whereas mold spores were found in the highest concentrations in the wool mill: 280–791 colony‐forming units (cfu)/m3. Only small concentrations of microorganisms were found in the MMF mill. The mean change in FEV1% and FVC% was greatest among atopic individuals in both cotton and wool industry and other textile industries although the differences were not significant. FEV1% and FVC% in the cotton workers were significantly associated with the cumulative exposure to respirable endotoxin. Byssinosis was diagnosed only in the cotton industry. We found a dose‐response relationship between endotoxin exposure and byssinosis, and a significant association between A‐1‐A serum concentrations ≦ 35 μmol/liter and byssinosis, a finding we are further evaluating in subsequent studies. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational exposures and cancer of the colon and rectum
Authors: De Verdier Maria Gerhardsson , Plato Nils , Steineck Gunnar , Peters John M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe associations between occupational risks and colorectal cancer were examined in a Swedish population‐based, case‐referent study. The study was performed in Stockholm in 1986–1988 and included 569 cases and 512 referents. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for different occupations/chemicals. Elevated risks of colon cancer were found among male petrol station/automobile repair workers (RR = 2.3, 0.8–6.6) and among males exposed to asbestos (RR = 1.8, 0.9–3.6), while elevated risks of rectal cancer were found among males exposed to soot (RR = 2.2, 1.1–4.3), asbestos (RR = 2.2, 1.0–4.7), cutting fluids/oils (RR = 2.1, 1.1–4.0), and combustion gases from coal/coke/wood (RR = 1.9, 1.0–3.7). However, due to a high correlation between the above‐mentioned variables and the few exposed subjects, it is difficult to separate their effects properly. These analyses were adjusted for age. Further adjustments for diet, body mass, and physical activity had little or no influence on the results.
Toluene vapor exposure and urinary excretion of hippuric acid among workers in China
Authors: Liu Shi‐Jie , Qu Qing‐Shan , Xu Xiao‐Ping , Liu Yu‐Tang , Yin Song‐Nian , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Watanabe Takao , Inoue Osamu , Yoshida Munehiro , Ikeda Masayuki 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA factory survey was conducted in three provinces in China from 1985 to 1989. The time‐weighted average toluene concentrations in breathing zone air were monitored by diffusive sampling, whereas hippuric acid (HA) concentrations in shift‐end urine samples were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Exposed workers (456 men and women) were those for whom toluene (up to 548 ppm toluene) accounted for ≥ 90% of total exposure (by vapor concentration in ppm), whereas 517 nonexposed controls were recruited from the same factories or from factories of the same region. There was a linear correlation between the intensity of toluene exposure and HA concentration in the shift‐end urine. Comparison of the results with findings in the literature shows that the toluene‐induced increase in urinary HA concentration among workers in China is significantly smaller than the published values, whereas HA concentrations in urine samples from nonexposed controls are comparable to the levels previously reported.
Morbidity in retired coke oven plant workers
Authors: Mayer L. , Chau N. , Bertrand J. P. , Guenzi M. , Patris A. , Pham Q. T. , Mur J. M. , Moulin J. J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe effect of past occupational exposure on morbidity was studied in 354 coke oven workers in Lorraine Collieries (France) who retired between 1963 and 1982, and were still alive in 1988; 96% of them participated in this study. Occupational exposure to respiratory hazards during the working life was retraced for each subject. No significant association between the occupational exposure and the frequency of ischemic cardiopathies, arterial hypertension, gastro‐duodenal ulcers, and respiratory symptoms was revealed. However, subjects who had worked on the Ovens, in the Workshops, and in the Byproducts showed a prevalence of arterial hypertension significantly higher than the non‐ or slightly exposed subjects. The healthy worker effect phenomenon, the exclusion of deceased subjects, and the small size of this retiree population may conceal possible differences between exposure groups.
Microgranulomatous aspergillosis after shoveling wood chips: Report of a fatal outcome in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Conrad Douglas J. , Warnock Martha , Blanc Paul , Cowan Morton , Golden Jeffrey A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractChronic granulomatous disease is characterized by recurrent infections that result from an inability of phagocytes to kill organisms effectively. We describe a patient with this disease who developed aspergillus pneumonia after shoveling moldy cedar wood chips. Despite aggressive therapy, the patient's condition deteriorated and he died. At autopsy, the lungs revealed diffuse granulomas, all of the same age, with aspergillus organisms confined to the granulomas. We propose the term “microgranulomatous aspergillosis” for this response, which does not conform to the commonly described aspergillus syndromes. We conclude that susceptible immunosuppressed patients should be advised to avoid occupational situations where high spore concentrations are generated.