bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The structure of expert diagnostic knowledge in occupational medicine
Authors: Harber Philip , McCoy J. Michael , Shimozaki Steven , Coffman Phil , Bailey Kevin 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDevelopment of an artificial intelligence expert system for diagnosing occupational lung disease requires explicit specification of the structure of knowledge necessary in clinical occupational medicine independent of the process by which the knowledge is utilized. Furthermore, explicit recognition of sources of uncertainty is necessary. Seven categories of knowledge define the diagnostic knowledge base in occupational pulmonary medicine. These include four objects (jobs, industries, exposures, and diseases) and three relationships between pairs of objects. This analysis demonstrates some of the unique aspects of occupational medicine expertise.
Pleural lesions and the ILO classification: The need for a revision
Authors: Hillerdal Gunnar 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe ILO system for radiographic classification of pneumoconioses is a very important epidemiological tool. Unfortunately, the classification is not precise for pleural lesions, which are especially important for evaluation of asbestos‐related diseases. The classification cannot separate extrapleural fat from diffuse thickening of the pleura, nor large plaques from diffuse thickening. In this paper, a short review of the different lesions are given and a revised scheme is suggested. This scheme includes as separate lesions: pleural fat; lesions of the parietal pleura, i.e., pleural plaques; and lesions of the visceral pleura, i.e., diffuse thickening and rounded atelectasis. The extent and width, as in the present ILO scheme, could be abolished.
Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in chicken catchers in poultry confinement units
Authors: Morris Peter D. , Lenhart Steven W. , Service William S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo evaluate the respiratory consequences of working in poultry confinement units, we completed a cross‐sectional epidemiologic study of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in 59 chicken catchers. The results were compared to a published reference standard of nonexposed blue‐collar workers. Chicken catchers reported a high rate of acute symptoms associated with work in poultry houses. They also reported statistically significant higher rates for chronic phlegm (39.0%) and chronic wheezing (27.1%) than nonexposed blue‐collar workers. Chicken catchers had significant decrements over a work shift in forced vital capacity (−2.2%) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (−3.4%), and there was suggestive evidence that they had decreased preshift pulmonary function compared with nonexposed blue‐collar workers. These results indicate that chicken catchers are at risk for respiratory dysfunction and emphasize the need to develop measures to minimize their exposure to respiratory toxicants in poultry confinement units.
Silicosis among gemstone workers in South Africa: Tiger's‐eye pneumoconiosis
Authors: White Neil W. , Chetty Runjan , Bateman Eric D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSix cases of silicosis in workers involved in the processing of semiprecious gem stones have been seen in our clinic since 1976. They had been employed as stone sculptors in lapidaries where they processed tiger's‐eye, rose quartz, amethyst, quartz crystal, and a variety of other locally occurring semiprecious stones. In five of the cases, exposure was in small and poorly regulated lapidaries without specific dust control measures. The sixth was detected during the course of a health and hygiene survey (including dust sampling) that was conducted in one of two lapidaries still operating in our area. Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) or accelerated silicosis was noted in four of the six cases, three of whom had progression of their disease after cessation of exposure. With the development of PMF, the initial restrictive pulmonary function abnormalities were followed by steadily worsening airflow obstruction. Lung biopsies confirmed silicosis in three cases. Tuberculosis was confirmed in two cases and suspected and treated in a third. Workmen's Compensation was awarded in five cases. The survey confirmed that in semiprecious gem stone processing, the risk of silicosis appears to be confined to stone sculptors. Tried and proven techniques of general and local exhaust ventilation combined with water or oil to control dust at source were capable of effectively reducing dust emission to acceptable levels.
Outcome of the abduction external rotation test among manual and office workers
Authors: Toomingas Allan , Hagberg Mats , Jorulf Lars , Nilsson Tohr , Burström Lage , Kihlberg Steve 
Published: April 2007

AbstractReactions during the Abduction External Rotation (AER) test were studied among 71 platers and 70 assemblers exposed to vibratory tools and manual work and 45 unexposed white collar workers. The frequency of positive neurological reactions was 31% among the platers, 6% among the assemblers, and 16% among the white collar workers. Platers reported the highest fatigue rates in the shoulder regions during the test. A positive association was noted between a pathological AER test and current problems in the neck/scapula or shoulder/upper arm regions, day‐ or night‐time numbness in the hands, tension neck, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Age, length of daily vibration exposure, and vibration acceleration level were also positively associated with a positive AER test outcome. The results indicate that the outcome of the AER test is sensitive to neck and shoulder disorders but also, to some extent, to the carpal tunnel syndrome.
Asbestos‐related disease in public school custodians
Authors: Oliver L. Christine , Sprince Nancy L. , Greene Reginald 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA cross‐sectional prevalence study of 120 public school custodians was carried out. The purposes were 1) to investigate the prevalence of asbestos‐related disease in a group of custodians at risk for asbestos exposure in public schools and 2) to determine the proportion with disease attributable to exposures in school buildings. Medical and occupational histories, flow‐volume loops, and posterior‐anterior, lateral, and anterior oblique (AO) chest radiographs were obtained. Single breath DLCO was measured and chest auscultation performed. Mean age of subjects was 57 years and mean duration of work as a custodian, 27 years. Fifty‐seven (47.5%) had no known or likely exposure to asbestos outside of their work as a school custodian (NOE). Pleural plaques (PP) occurred in 40 (33%) of the total group and 12 (21%) of the group with NOE. Pulmonary restriction (FVC <80% predicted, FEV1/FVC% ≥ 70) occurred in 22 (18%) of the total group and 10 (17%) of those with NOE. DLCO was lower in the group with restriction. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations (p <0.05) between both PP and restriction and duration of asbestos exposure. AO radiographs increased PP detection by a factor of 1.9. Our results reveal PP prevalence in excess of background and pulmonary restriction in the study population, and indicate that PP are attributable to asbestos in schools. Findings with regard to pulmonary restriction need further investigation. Prudent management of asbestos in buildings is indicated for the prevention of related disease.
Occupation and the occurrence of testicular cancer
Authors: Van Eeden Stephen K. Den , Weiss Noel S. , Strader Clifton H. , Daling Janet R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo investigate what role a man's occupation may have on his risk of testicular cancer, we conducted a case‐control study among noncryptorchid white males who were between 20 and 69 years of age and resided in western Washington State. Cases were men in whom a germ cell tumor of the testis was diagnosed between 1977 and 1984 (n = 323). Their occupational histories were compared to those of controls of the same age, race, and geographic area who were selected through random‐digit dialing (n = 658). Administrators/managers (relative risk (RR) = 1.5), salesmen (RR = 1.5), electricians (RR = 2.8), and sailors and fishermen (RR = 3.1) were among the jobs reported more commonly by cases than controls. The risk among farmers/farm managers was also elevated (RR = 1.9), but not that among farm workers (RR = 0.6).No consistent association between any one occupation and testicular cancer has been observed across studies of this topic. The most frequent observation has been an over‐representation among cases of certain types of white collar worker; this may reflect the influence of some other aspect of socioeconomic status and not occupational exposures per se.
An epidemiologic study of cancer and other causes of mortality in San Francisco firefighters
Authors: Beaumont James J. , Chu George S. T. , Jones Jeffrey R. , Schenker Marc B. , Singleton James A. , Piantanida Lillian G. , Reiterman Marc 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo test the hypothesis that firefighter exposures may increase cancer risk, mortality rates were calculated for 3,066 San Francisco Fire Department firefighters employed between 1940 and 1970. Vital status was ascertained through 1982, and observed and expected rates, rate ratios (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using United States death rates for comparison. The total number deceased (1,186) was less than expected and there were fewer cancer deaths than expected. However, there were significant excess numbers of deaths from esophageal cancer (12 observed, 6 expected), cirrhosis and other liver diseases (59 observed, 26 expected), and accidental falls (21 observed, 11 expected). There were 24 line‐of‐duty deaths, which were primarily due to vehicular injury, falls, and asphyxiation. Heart disease and respiratory disease deaths occurred significantly less often than expected. It was concluded that the increased risks of death from esophageal cancer and cirrhosis and other liver diseases may have been due to firefighter exposures, alcohol consumption, or interaction between alcohol and exposures. Because this was an older cohort and firefighter exposures have changed due to the increasing use of synthetic materials, it is recommended that the effects of modern‐day exposures be further studied.
The IARC classification system: Input, internal logic, output, and impact
Authors: Richter Elihu D. , Goldsmith John 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe IARC Monographs “Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man” elegantly condense and classify information on carcinogenic hazards. They serve as an invaluable basis for the regulation of carcinogenic exposures, yet the monographs are inadequate in several respects.The monographs reflect only what is reported and published in peer‐reviewed sources; they have not themselves generated support for studies on agents and processes for which information is lacking, partial, or inadequate. 2. There has been misuse of the output, which reflects varying levels of certainty as to human health hazards. Lack of absolute certainty on human carcinogenicity has been used as a basis for deferring regulations or other preventive action to restrict exposures. 3. The monographs ignore high‐risk situations which may result from combined or interactive effects, because of the orientation mostly on specific agents. There is not adequate attention to frequently reported excesses of disease other than cancer in certain occupations with mixed exposures. Earlier recognition of more widespread and more reversible effects, other than cancer, needs to be emphasized to control exposures. 4. Control of carcinogenic exposures for workers has been less exacting and consistent than control of exposures for the community at large (water, air, food, and drugs). 5. The gap between knowledge of risks and action to control them is great and calls attention to the need for more aggressive professional input.
Reproductive hazards of fire fighting II. Chemical hazards
Authors: McDiarmid Melissa A. , Lees Peter S. J. , Agnew Jacqueline , Midzenski Malinda , Duffy Richard 
Published: April 2007

AbstractStudies of the health of fire fighters have historically focused on non‐malignant respiratory disease and cancer. More recently, concerns have surfaced about reproductive health effects in many areas of the workforce, including fire fighting. These concerns prompted this review of chemical exposures that may contribute to adverse reproductive health outcomes in male as well as female fire fighters. A review of the industrial hygiene literature was undertaken to identify agents commonly found in fire smoke. These agents were then examined for evidence of reproductive toxicity or mutagenicity/carcinogenicity. This profile of chemical agents and their reproductive toxicities permits a qualitative determination that fire fighters are exposed to potential reproductive toxicants as a part of their normal fire fighting duties. Considerations for mitigating these risks are also discussed.
New Swedish occupational standards for some organic solvents
Authors: Lundberg Per , Löt Agneta , Johanson Gunnar , Wennberg Arne , Högberg Johan , Holmberg Bo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn 1987, the Swedish government requested a unique investigation of the consequences of a 50% reduction of permissible exposure levels (PEL) for organic solvents. As a result, 29 solvents were investigated and for 25 of them a reduction—if not to 50%—was suggested. For 13 of the solvents, there existed scientific arguments for a reduction of the PEL. For 12 solvents, no specific biomedical information was available. Presumed interactions between solvents may have influenced the decisions, but technological/economic feasibility criteria may also have been used by the regulators.This suggests that the use of technological/economic feasibility criteria can give lower PELs than health criteria. This is within the intentions of the Swedish Work Environment Act.
Solvent exposure and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wilcosky Timothy C. , Simonsen Neal R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA review of cardiovascular disease (CVD) resulting from environmental exposures pointed out the lack of studies concerned with the cardiovascular effects of hazardous environmental exposures. A later Working Group report on CVD in the workplace recommended further occupational studies of CVD, and it identified carbon monoxide, nitrates, and organic solvents as exposures especially deserving of study. The literature lacks a detailed, critical epidemiologic overview of work on this last topic. Therefore, the following review focuses on the cardiovascular effects of solvent exposures. Some major difficulties inherent in studies of CVD and environmental exposures are brought out, and some suggested areas for future epidemiologic research are discussed.
Mortality among sulfide ore miners
Authors: Ahlman Kaj , Koskela Riitta‐Sisko , Kuikka Pertti , Koponen Matti , Annanmäki Martti 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLung cancer mortality was studied during 1965‐1985 in Outokumpu township in North Karelia, where an old copper mine was located. Age‐specific lung cancer death rates (1968‐1985) were higher among the male population of Outokumpu than among the North Karelian male population of the same age excluding the Outokumpu district (p ≤ .01). Of all 106 persons who died from lung cancer during 1965‐1985 in Outokumpu township, 47 were miners of the old mine, 39 of whom had worked there for at least three years and been heavily exposed to radon daughters and silica dust. The study cohort consisted of 597 miners first employed between 1954 and 1973 by a new copper mine and a zinc mine, and employed there for at least 3 years. The period of follow‐up was 1954‐1986. The number of person‐years was 14,782. The total number of deaths was 102; the expected number was 72.8 based on the general male population and 97.8 based on the mortality of the male population of North Karelia. The excess mortality among miners was due mainly to ischemic heart disease (IHD); 44 were observed, the expected number was 22.1, based on the general male population, and the North Karelian expected number was 31.2 (p ≤ .05). Of the 44 miners who died from IHD, 20 were drillers or chargers exposed to nitroglycerin in dynamite charges, but also to several simultaneous stress factors including PAHs, noise, vibration, heavy work, accident risk, and working alone. Altogether 16 tumors were observed in the cohort. Ten of these were lung cancers, the expected number being 4.3. Miners who had died from lung cancer were 35‐64 years old, and had entered mining work between 1954 and 1960. Five of the ten lung cancer cases came from the zinc mine (1.7 expected). Three of them were conductors of diesel‐powered ore trains. The slight excess mortality from lung cancer could be explained by exposure to radon daughters and by the combined effect of silica dust and diesel exhaust gases in the zinc mine.
Parental occupation and intracranial neoplasms of childhood: Anecdotal evidence from a unique occupational cancer cluster
Authors: Wilkins J. R. , McLaughlin Judy A. , Sinks Thomas H. , Kosnik Edward J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNear the end of the data‐collection phase of a case‐control interview study of environmental factors and childhood brain tumors, an unusual space‐time cluster was revealed. Not only had six genetically unrelated children been diagnosed with a primary intracranial tumor in a recent 2.4 year period in a rural county in Ohio, but each child had one parent employed by the same company (two mothers, four fathers). This represents an observed/expected ratio > 70 (p < 0.001). All tumors were microscopically confirmed, and all case parents worked at the facility in question for at least 1 year prior to conception, during the index pregnancy, and for at least 6 months after birth. The place of parental employment was an electronics firm (Standard Industrial Classification [SIC] group number 367, electronic components and accessories), where more than 100 chemical compounds are used by the company in a manufacturing process. Results of the cluster investigation are described, including a description of the case series. This cancer cluster is unique in that the index case series is composed of the offspring of workers, not the workers themselves.
Equilibria involved in the diorganotin(IV) and triorganotin(IV) phosphomycin interaction in aqueous solution
Authors: Casella Girolamo , Fiore Tiziana , Mohamed Mahmoud M. A. , Nagy László , Pellerito Claudia , Pellerito Lorenzo , Sammartano Silvio , Scopelliti Michelangelo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe interaction of the dimethyltin(IV) and trimethyltin(IV) cations with the phosphomycin disodium salt, Na2[(1R, 2S)‐1,2‐epoxypropylphosphonate], has been investigated using potentiometric and UV–visible techniques at 25 °C and 0.1 M ionic strength (NaClO4) in aqueous solution. The species Me2SnLH+, Me2SnL, Me2SnL22−, Me2SnLOH− and Me2SnL(OH)22− (L = phosphomycinate2−) for dimethyltin(IV)–phosphomycinate, and the species Me3SnL−, and Me3SnLOH2− for trimethyltin(IV)–phosphomycinate systems were considered. The protonation of the phosphomycinate2− and formation constants of the complexes formed in solution were calculated using different computer programs. The speciation diagrams of the various complex species were evaluated as a function of pH. The involvement of different ligand functional groups in the binding to organotin(IV) is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2‐Iminopyridylpalladium dichloride as highly active catalyst for the Heck reaction
Authors: Chen Weixuan , Xi Chanjuan , Yang Ke 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHeck reactions of bromoarenes with various olefins catalyzed by 2‐iminopyridylpalladium (II) have been investigated. The scope of a coupling reaction has been tested in 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone at 140 °C using K2CO3 as base. Using 0.1% molar ratio of palladium catalysts, aryl bromides were converted into 1,2‐substitutedethene products in good to high yields through coupling with both vinylarenes and alkylolefins. With butyl vinyl ether, an electron‐rich olefin, however, the effective coupling reaction produced a mixture of two regio‐isomers, 1,2‐ and 1,1‐substitutedethenes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the value of a journal beyond the impact factor
Authors: Coleman Anita 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe well‐documented limitations of journal impact factor rankings and perceptual ratings, the evolving scholarly communication system, the open‐access movement, and increasing globalization are some reasons that prompted an examination of journal value rather than just impact. Using a single, specialized journal established in 1960, about education for the Information professions, the author discusses the fall from citation grace of the Journal of Education for Library and Information Science (JELIS) in terms of impact factor and declining subscriptions. Journal evaluation studies in Library and Information Science based on subjective ratings are used to show the high rank of JELIS during the same period (1984–2004) and explain why impact factors and perceptual ratings either singly or jointly are inadequate measures for understanding the value of specialized, scholarly journals such as JELIS. This case study was also a search for bibliometric measures of journal value. Three measures, namely journal attraction power, author associativity, and journal consumption power, were selected; two of them were redefined as journal measures of affinity (the proportion of foreign authors), associativity (the amount of collaboration), and calculated as objective indicators of journal value. The affinity and associativity for JELIS calculated for 1984, 1994, 2004, and consumption calculated for 1985 and 1994 show a holding pattern; however, they also reveal interesting dimensions for future study. Journal value is multidimensional and citations do not capture all the facets; costs, benefits, and measures for informative and scientific value must be distinguished and developed in a fuller model of journal value.
In vitro LC‐MS cocktail assays to simultaneously determine human cytochrome P450 activities
Authors: Dixit Vaishali , Hariparsad Niresh , Desai Pankaj , Unadkat Jashvant D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUsing liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), two sensitive cocktail assays were developed, one to simultaneously determine activities of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP1A2 (phenacitin), 2B6 (bupropion), 2C8 (amodiaquine) and 2C19 (omperazole), and the other to determine simultaneously activities of CYP3A4/5 (testosterone), 2C9 (tolbutamide) and 2D6 (dextromethorphan). These cocktail assays are sensitive, require only a small amount of microsomal protein, employ selective and high turnover CYP substrates and do not require post‐incubation extraction. In each of these cocktails, no interactions were observed between the substrates. Combining the two cocktails into a single cocktail resulted in significant inhibition of CYP2D6 by amiodiaquine. These assays were used successfully to determine induction of CYP enzymes in microsomes isolated from human hepatocytes treated (72 h) with or without the prototypic inducer, rifampin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.