bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurasthenic complaints and psychometric function of toluene‐exposed rotogravure printers
Authors: Örbák Palle , Nise Gun 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn 1985, 30 rotogravure printers exposed to toluene for 4–43 years (median 29) were examined by means of interviews and psychometric testing. They were 33–61 years of age (mean 50). Comparisons were made with a reference group of 72 men aged 27–69 (mean 47). The referents had never been exposed to solvents and were all in good health. The printers were employed by two Swedish companies. The mean exposure levels were 43 and 157 mg/m3 of toluene, respectively, at the two printing shops. Before 1980 the exposure levels had exceeded 300 mg/m3. On Monday mornings, before psychometric testing at the department of occupational medicine, toluene was measured in venous blood samples from most of the exposed subjects. A high proportion of the printers reported fatigue (60%), recent short‐term memory problems (60%), concentration difficulties (40%), mood lability (27%), and other neurasthenic symptoms. In the psychometric tests their performance was poorer than the reference group's in most of the tests applied. Even performance on the synonyms test, usually considered resistant to mild brain affliction, was worse in the group of printers. Adjusting for this difference in the group comparisons reduced the group differences substantially. Alcohol consumption above 200 g/week was found to reduce the subjects' psychometric function more than toluene exposure. The printers' sum of neurasthenic complaints correlated negatively with their score in several tests. Exposure variables showed only weak associations with test results. Blood toluene levels were positively correlated with scores in spatial tests. The direction of the correlations suggests that the influence of acute pharmacologic effects is undetectable on Monday mornings before work. In conclusion, we found that exposure to toluene at levels below 157 mg/m3 following long‐term exposure did induce neurasthenic problems and might reduce psychometric test performance.
Cancer mortality among a cohort of chromium pigment workers
Authors: Hayes Richard B. , Sheffet Amiram , Spirtas Robert 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA study of mortality among 1,879 male workers employed in a New Jersey chromium pigment factory was carried out, with follow‐up from 1940 to 1982. Vital status of 1,737 (92%) of the eligible cohort members was determined. For all malignant neoplasms, 101 deaths were observed while 108.8 were expected, SMR = 93 (standardized mortality ratio; n.s.). For the entire study group, no significant excess was observed for respiratory cancer or cancer at other sites. However, the total number of years of employment in the factory and the total number of years of exposure to chromate dusts were both statistically significantly (p <.05, for trend) associated with an increased risk for lung cancer. The excess risk for lung cancer associated with duration of exposure to chromate dusts was, however, only clearly apparent for subjects followed for 30 years or more after initial employment. For this group, the SMRs were 81, 139, 201, and 321 for the subjects with 0 years, <1 year, 1‐9 years, and 10+ years of exposure to chormate dusts (p <.01, for trend), respectively. The risk for digestive cancer was only weakly associated with exposure to chromate dusts.
Assessing dermatitis in epidemiologic studies: Occupational skin disease among california grape and tomato harvesters
Authors: McCurdy Stephen A. , Wiggins Patricia , Schenker Marc B. , Munn Susan , Shaieb Annette M. , Weinbaum Zippora , Goldsmith David , McGillis S. Teri , Berman Brian , Samuels Steven 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe conducted a cross‐sectional investigation to determine whether table grape harvesters, who have significant cutaneous contact with crop‐associated materials that may cause skin disease, are more likely to develop dermatitis than are a control group of tomato workers performing mechanical harvesting with minimal cutaneous contact with crop‐associated substances. A secondary aim was to develop methods for studying skin disease in farm workers, including a standard questionnaire and physical examination. California table grape workers (n = 183) and tomato workers (n = 43) completed an interviewer‐administered questionnaire and waist‐up physical examination at their work site during harvest operations. On physical examination, pustular eruptions such as acne and folliculitis were present in 30% of subjects, and eczematous rashes were noted in 10% of subjects. Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 2% of subjects. No significant differences in prevalence for these skin conditions were observed between the two groups of workers. In contrast to the physical examination results, grape workers were more likely than tomato workers to report a rash occurring in the previous 3 months (52% vs. 19%, p<0.001). Explanations for this discrepancy are discussed. The sensitivity of the questionnaire for current skin conditions was 31%, and the specificity was 94%. Improved sensitivity was seen for eczematous skin conditions (55%). We conclude that questionnaires provide an efficient means of assessing subject characteristics, but may have limited sensitivity for some dermatologic outcomes.
Metabolism of triethylamine in polyurethane foam manufacturing workers
Authors: Åkesson B. , Skerfving S. , Ståhlbom B. , Lundh T. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn 20 workers studied before, during, and after exposure to triethylamine (TEA) in a polyurethane‐foam producing plant the amount of TEA and its metabolite triethylamine‐N‐oxide (TEAO) excreted in urine corresponded to an average of 80% of the inhaled amount. An average of 27% was TEAO, but with a pronounced interindividual variation. Older subjects excreted more than younger ones; less than 0.3% was excreted as diethylamine. The data indicate half‐lives for TEA and TEAO excretion in urine of about 3 hr. The postshift level of TEA in urine and plasma are good indicators of the time‐weighted average air level during the preceding work day, and might thus be used for biological monitoring. An air level of 10 mg/m3 (proposed occupational standard) corresponds to a urinary excretion of 65 mmol TEA/mol creatinine and a plasma level of 1.9 μmol/liter (biological exposure indices).
Lung functions in phosphate miners in jordan: A pilot study
Authors: Samara Nabil , Khraisha Salim 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPhosphate mining and processing is a major industry in Jordan. In this study of 56 workers in this industry, there was significant occurrence of cough, chronic bronchitis, and abnormal spirometry among smokers (p < 0.1). There was no correlation between the spirometry, A‐aDO2, and chest x‐ray changes in this occupational group. Smoking was noted to be more detrimental to these workers than was their occupational exposure. Many parameters must be examined when evaluating this pneumoconiosis.
Dioxins and the ah receptor
Authors: Silbergeld Ellen K. , Gasiewicz Thomas A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDespite continuing controversies related to public policy, information on the molecular biology of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) has advanced significantly over the past decade. Current understanding of the biological mechanisms of TCDD action is based upon the interactions of TCDD with a genetically expressed cytosolic macromolecule that functions as a receptor in many cells across many species. The Ah receptor recognizes TCDD and structurally similar molecules and serves as the transducing step whereby TCDD alters gene expression through the association of the TCDD:receptor complex with specific TCDD‐responsive elements on the genome. Understanding these molecular events and their relevance to the organ‐level manifestations of TCDD toxicity may be critical to formulating scientifically based assessments of the risk of TCDD exposure.
Mortality from liver disease among italian vinyl chloride monomer/polyvinyl chloride manufacturers
Authors: Pirastu R. , Comba P. , Reggiani A. , Foa V. , Masina A. , Maltoni C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe possible association in humans between nonangiosarcoma primary liver tumors (PLC‐non‐A), particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and exposure to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is supported by both experimental and human data. This article presents a review of the information regarding 253 deaths that occurred in seven plants manufacturing VCM/PVC and one plant extruding PVC. The retrieval of clinical and pathological data, in addition to the information from death certificate, is referred to as “best evidence” (BE). BE has been carried out for 63 deaths. A total of 14 primary liver cancer (PLC) were detected: seven were angiosarcoma (PLC‐A), and two of the remaining seven were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our series of 14 PLC cases, there was no significant difference between PLC‐A and PLC‐non‐A as to length of exposure and latency. There was no noticeable difference in terms of job title between ASL and non‐ASL cases. The list of longest held jobs shows the presence of various job titles, different from autoclave cleaner, for primary liver cancer, PLC‐A and PLC‐non‐A. In conclusion, our observations show that VCM may have a broader carcino‐genicity action on the liver and that exposure lower than that occurring in autoclave cleaning can cause primary liver cancer, both angiosarcoma and nonangiosarcoma.
Risk for cancer of the urinary bladder among hairdressers in the nordic countries
Authors: Skov Torsten , Andersen Aage , Malker Hans , Pukkala Eero , Weiner Jan , Lynge Elsebeth 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSeveral studies have indicated an increased risk for cancer of the urinary bladder among hairdressers. In a Danish linkage between census data and cancer register data both male and female hairdressers have an elevated risk for bladder cancer. The risk for lung cancer is close to unity, indicating that occupational factors rather than smoking, may be responsible for the increased risk for bladder cancer among hairdressers. To evaluate this hypothesis we conducted a collaborative analysis of data from similar linkages in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The combination of high risk for bladder cancer and low or no risk for lung cancer was not found in the other Nordic countries; however, statistically significant increased risks for both bladder and lung cancer were found among male hairdressers in both Norway and Sweden. The relative risks for bladder cancer were of the same magnitude as the relative risks for lung cancer.
Dehydration and serum electrolyte changes in south african gold miners with heat disorders
Authors: Shearer Afom Stuart Bs Msc 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA study was made on the hydration and serum electrolyte changes in 55 black underground gold miners who presented with heat disorders, and control data were obtained on 52 surface and 50 underground workers without symptoms. Cases were admitted for assessment and treatment, and a questionnaire was administered on symptoms, work, fluid intake, alcohol intake, recent health, and past history of heat disorders. Twenty‐eight men had experienced heat disorders in the past. Blood specimens on days 0, 1, 2, and 7 for serum sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, inorganic phosphate, and serum total protein were obtained from 55 cases, of which 22 also had estimations of hemoglobin and hematocrit. Initial serum electrolyte levels, because of hemoconcentration, were found to be a poor indicator of underlying changes. Changes in serum total protein were used to correct electrolyte levels for dehydration, which showed deficits in serum total sodium and potassium. This method of correction, when compared with one using hemoglobin and hematocrit, showed similar but smaller changes in serum electrolytes. The cases were divided into subgroups of “cramps” and “collapse”; no significant differences were seen in ambient conditions, age, or electrolyte changes. The cramps group, however, had drunk significantly more water. The findings overall were those of dehydration and salt depletion.
Asbestos‐cement pneumoconiosis: First surgically confirmed case in kuwait
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim Yehia 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDuring the periodic medical examination of workers of the only asbestos‐cement pipe factory in Kuwait, an early case of asbestosis was diagnosed. It was the first case of asbestosis to be reported and compensated in Kuwait. According to available information, it is also the first reported case to be confirmed by surgery in the Arabian Gulf countries. Recommendations are given in regard to diagnosis, the institution of very strict preventive and protective measures, and the system of compensation in Kuwaiti law.
Multiplane gallium tomography in assessment of occupational chest diseases
Authors: Cordasco E. M. , O'Donnell J. , Maclntyre W. , Demeter S. , Gonzalez L. , Eren M. , McMahon W. , Burns D. , Feiglin D. H. I. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractGallium‐67 scintigraphy is helpful in the evaluation of inflammatory, respiratory diseases. Single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides three‐dimensional tomographic reconstruction of radioisotope distribution in the body. The addition of SPECT to gallium‐67 scanning in 27 patients demonstrated an improvement in the sensitivity for detecting the presence and extent of interstitial occupational lung disease. This technique may provide earlier detection of parenchymal lung changes than can the chest x‐ray and planar scanning in some patients with asbestosis. Findings in six patients with asbestosis are reported.
Reduction in adverse effect on pulmonary function after exposure to filtered diesel exhaust
Authors: Ulfvarson Ulf , Alexandersson Rolf 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA statistically significant temporary reduction on pulmonary function was measured with spirometry in stevedores on a roll‐on‐roll‐off ro‐ro ship who were exposed to diesel exhausts from trucks during a work shift. When all trucks were equipped with specially designed microfilters mounted on the exhaust pipes, this impairment in pulmonary function was reduced. Removal of the particulate fraction of the exhausts by filtering is an important factor in reducing the adverse effect of diesel exhaust on pulmonary function. The particle fraction should be considered when designing an indicator of the biological effects of diesel exhausts.
Parkinson's disease: A case‐control study of occupational and environmental risk factors
Authors: Hertzman Clyde , Wiens Michele , Bowering David , Snow Barry , Calne Donald 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe compared personal histories of 57 cases and 122 age‐matched controls to identify possible environmental determinants of Parkinson's disease (PD). Odds ratios (OR) adjusted for sex, age, and smoking were computed using stepwise logistic regression. We found a statistically significant increased risk for working in orchards (OR = 3.69, p = 0.012, 95% CI = 1.34, 10.27) and a marginally significant increased risk associated with working in planer mills (OR = 4.11, p = 0.065, 95% Cl = 0.91, 18.50). A Fisher's exact test of the association between PD development and (1) paraquat contact, and (2) postural tremor gave statistically significant probability estimates of 0.01 and 0.03, respectively. The relative risk of PD decreased with smoking, an inverse relationship supported by many studies.
Cohort mortality study of seattle fire fighters: 1945‐1983
Authors: Heyer Nicholas , Weiss Noel S. , Demers Paul , Rosenstock Linda 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFire fighters are known to be occupationally exposed to many toxic substances. However, the limited number of previous studies has not demonstrated any consistent excess mortality from diseases of a priori concern, such as lung cancer, non‐malignant respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease. We studied 2,289 Seattle fire fighters from 1945 through 1983, and observed 383 deaths. Excess mortality from leukemia (SMR = 503, n = 3) and multiple myeloma (SMR = 989, n = 2) was observed among fire fighters with 30 years or more fire combat duty. Lung cancer mortality was elevated (SMR = 177, n = 18) among fire fighters 65 years old or older. We also analyzed the data by considering fire fighters at risk only after 30 years from first exposure. In this analysis, a trend of increasing risk with increasing exposure was observed for diseases of the circulatory system. For this cause of death, fire fighters with 30 years or more fire combat duty had a relative risk of 1.84 compared to those with less than 15 years of fire combat duty.
Pregnancy outcome among women working in laundries and dry‐cleaning shops using tetrachloroethylene
Authors: Ahlborg Gunnar 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCase‐referent studies were performed within two cohorts of women engaged in laundry or dry‐cleaning work. The aim was to elucidate if tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) exposure increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome (spontaneous abortion, perinatal death, congenital malformations or birth weight < 1,500 g). Pregnancies and outcomes were identified in national registers and exposure data were obtained from the women by postal questionnaires. Response rates were 75‐88%. Conditional logistic regression analysis of the total material yielded an adjusted odds ratio for tetrachloroethylene exposure during the first trimester of 1.1 (95% confidence interval 0.6–2.0) when several potential confounding factors were accounted for. The total material included few highly exposed pregnancies and a limited number of cases of specific adverse outcomes. Consequently, the results do not invalidate the recommendation that tetrachloroethylene should be handled with caution by women in childbearing ages.
Cross‐shift and chronic effects of stainless‐steel welding related to internal dosimetry of chromium and nickel
Authors: Kilburn Kaye H. , Warshaw Raphael , Boylen C. Thomas , Thornton John C. , Hopfer Sidney M. , Sunderman F. William , Finklea John 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNinety welders from a stainless‐steel fabricating plant were studied by pulmonary function tests and serum and urine chromium and nickel levels, cross‐sectionally, and 31 were compared across a Monday shift. They had welded for a mean of 11 years, mean age was 44 years, and mean smoking duration was 20 years in 62 current smokers. Baseline spirometric tests were significantly reduced: FVC to 95.4 mean percentage of predicted (pop), FEV1 to 94.5 pop, FEF25‐75 to 85.9 pop, and FEFR75‐85 to 74.8 pop. Current smokers had greater reductions in flow rates and FVC than nonsmokers even after adjustment of their predicted values for the effects of duration of smoking. Neither alveolar volume at 104.3 pop nor diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (single breath) at 98.5 pop was reduced. There were no significant changes in pulmonary function measurements across a Monday workshift in 31 welders, but in seven men who welded stainless steel, levels of serum chromium (Cr) rose 66% from 1.9 2.1 m̈g/liter and urinary Cr increased 22%. Serum nickel levels rose only 7%, although they were elevated before shift, 1.1 0.4 m̈g/liter (compared with 0.21 0.20 m̈g/liter in controls), and urinary nickel levels did not increase. Eleven years of welding had reduced vital capacities and expiratory flows. Monday stainless‐steel welding raised the serum and urine chromium levels (measures of internal dosimetry for exposure) but did not decrease pulmonary function values.
Health effects of long‐term solvent exposure among women in blue‐collar occupations
Authors: Parkinson David K. , Bromet Evelyn J. , Cohen Shelly , Dunn Leslie O. , Dew Mary Amanda , Ryan Christopher , Schwartz Joseph E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe relationship of solvent exposure to self‐reported neurologic and somatic symptoms as well as neuropsychological performance was examined in a sample of 567 female blue collar workers who were members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Structured interviews were conducted at IBEW offices. Five solvent exposure categories were derived—never exposed, exposed prior to but not during the past year, exposed during the past year but not currently, currently exposed <50% of the time, and currently exposed more than 50% of the time. No differences among the groups on neuropsychological performance were found. On the other hand, heightened exposure was significantly related to depression, severe headaches, light‐headedness, room spinning, appetite difficulties, funny taste in mouth, weakness/fatigue, rashes, and abdominal pain after controlling for the effects of seven risk factors (age, smoking, moderate‐heavy alcohol consumption, severe obesity, history of physician‐diagnosed chronic illness, working in a clean room, and exposure to other chemicals). These findings are consistent with Scandinavian studies of solvent‐exposed male workers and point to the need for careful prospective research.
Beyond survelliance: Methodologic considerations in analytic studies of agricultural injuries
Authors: Layde Peter M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA major impediment to current efforts to lower the toll of injuries in agricultural workers is a fundamental lack of knowledge of the causes and risk factors associated with these injuries. Surveillance systems and other descriptive efforts can provide useful information on the scope and spectrum of agricultural injuries but can seldom identify specific factors, such as faulty machinery, risky behaviors, or particularly hazardous environments, which can be the focus of preventive efforts. Since few analytic epidemiologic studies of the causes of agricultural injuries have been conducted to date, a large number of focused, carefully designed studies, of both cohort and case‐control design, will be needed to develop the information on which effective interventions can be based. This paper highlights certain methodologic barriers to effective analytic studies of agricultural injuries and suggests approaches to addressing these methodologic concerns.
Cancer in iowa farmers: Recent results
Authors: Burmeister Leon F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPrevious analysis of Iowa death certificates from 1971 through 1978 identified several cancers with significantly elevated mortality in farmers. Subsequent ecological studies identified farm practices, including pesticide usage, that might be associated with these mortalities. These results led to several case‐control studies and a similar analysis of more recent death certificates. ‘Usual occupation’ has been added to the death certificate tapes for the years 1979–1986. Cancer mortality in Iowa farmers for this period is very similar to that for 1971–1978.Case‐control studies for acute lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma indicated that farming in general is not a risk factor for either cancer type. However, exposure to general classes of insecticides and herbicides is associated with an elevated odds ratio in farmers for incidence of multiple myeloma. The odds ratios are not statistically significant at the 5% level, probably due to relatively small numbers of cases and controls exposed to any one class of pesticides.