bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality among urban policemen in Rome
Authors: Forastiere Francesco , Perucci Carlo A. , di Pietro Antonio , Miceli Maria , Rapiti Elisabetta , Bargagli Annamaria , Borgia Piero 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA total of 3,868 urban policemen in Rome were investigated through a historical cohort study with emphasis on mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Overall mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, digestive and genitourinary diseases, and accidents was lower than expected. An excess risk of ischemic heart disease was observed among subjects aged less than 50 years [14 deaths, standardized mortality ratio (SMR = 1.63), 95% CI = 0.89–2.73], corresponding to workers with a short duration of employment and a short latency since first employment. Overall cancer mortality was as expected and no excess was found for lung cancer (82 deaths, SMR = 1.05). Increased mortality was observed from colon cancer (16 deaths, SMR = 1.47), melanoma (four deaths, SMR = 2.34), bladder cancer (13 deaths, SMR = 1.27), renal cancer (seven deaths, SMR = 1.39), and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (six deaths, SMR = 1.51), although none of the excesses were statistically significant. Two deaths from male breast cancer (SMR = 14.36) and three from cancer of endocrine glands were found (SMR = 3.44). Nested case‐control studies were conducted to evaluate cancer mortality risk by job category. Bladder cancer was significantly increased among car drivers (OR = 4.17); for kidney cancer, an increased odds ratio (OR = 2.27) was found among motorcyclists; non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma clustered among motorcyclists (OR = 5.14). In summary, excess risk for specific cancer sites (colon, male breast, and endocrine glands) might be linked to occupational exposures; professional drivers seem to be at higher risk of bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Asbestos‐related disease associated with exposure to asbestiform tremolite
Authors: Srebro Sharon H. , Roggli Victor L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTremolite is nearly ubiquitous and represents the most common amphibole fiber in the lungs of urbanites. Tremolite asbestos is not mined or used commercially but is a frequent contaminant of chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite, and talc. Therefore, individuals exposed to these materials or to end‐products containing these materials may be exposed to tremolite. We have had the opportunity to do asbestos body counts and mineral fiber analysis on pulmonary tissue from five mesothelioma cases and two asbestosis cases with pulmonary tremolite burdens greater than background levels. There were no uncoated amosite or crocidolite fibers detected in any of these cases. Three patients were occupationally exposed to chrysotile asbestos; two patients had environmental exposures (one to vermiculite and one to chrysotile and talc) and one was a household contact of a shipyard worker. The tremolite burdens for the asbestosis cases were one to two orders of magnitude greater than those for the mesothelioma cases. Our study confirms the relationship between tremolite exposure and the development of asbestos‐associated diseases. Furthermore, the finding of relatively modest elevations of tremolite content in some of our mesothelioma cases suggests that, at least for some susceptible individuals, moderate exposures to tremolite‐contaminated dust can produce malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Workers' compensation for nonmalignant asbestos‐related lung disease
Authors: Nevitt Courtney , Daniell William , Rosenstock Linda 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWorkers' compensation claims filed for occupational illness are generally more complicated to resolve than are injury claims, and they may therefore face higher likelihood of rejection. This study analyzed outcomes and predictive factors for claims filed from one clinic in Washington State between 1982 and 1986 by 157 male patients for non‐malignant asbestos‐related lung disease. Among 50 federal Longshore claims, 46 (92%) were unresolved or could not be located by claims administrators. In contrast, 118 (89%) of State Fund claims had been resolved, with 48% accepted without consistent relationship to disease severity. Claims filed under both jurisdictions showed a twofold greater risk of rejection by the State Fund (relative risk, RR = 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 1.3–3.2). State Fund claims filed for nonwhite patients were rejected more often than those of white patients, although the association was explained at least partially by jurisdictional overlap (adjusted RR = 1.5;95% CI = 1.05–2.1). This study indicates a need to scrutinize the handling of occupational disease claims by the federal Longshore system and to consider the adverse influences of jurisdictional conflicts and possible race‐associated factors on compensation of occupational illness.
Critical issues for agrichemical safety in South Africa
Authors: London L. , Myers J. E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA review is made of the potential for environmental and occupational exposure to agrichemicals in South Africa. Data from the farming industry in the Western and Southern Cape regions of South Africa confirm substantial use of a range of insecticides, fungicides, and other agrichemicals. The potential for worker exposure to hazardous agrichemicals is also substantial but, to date, such exposures have been poorly characterized. Further data identify important deficiencies in industrial hygiene measures with regard to safekeeping of chemicals on farms, disposal of empty containers, use of protective equipment, and levels of safety training among farm workers. Evidence is presented for widespread underreporting of agrichemical morbidity and mortality. Surveys investigating acute health effects among farm workers with occupational exposure to agrichemicals in South Africa have produced conflicting results. The possibility of chronic health sequelae from low‐dose long‐term exposure is an underresearched area that is only now being investigated. A number of important obstacles to agrichemical safety are identified: the multiplicity of laws relating to pesticides administered by different departments resulting in poor coordination; the failure of existing occupational health legislation to address the agricultural workplace adequately; the unavailability and incoordination of safety training; the absence of adequate surveillance data; and inadequacies in statutory requirements with regard to waste disposal on farms. Drawing on experiences of local initiatives, possible solutions are identified that address the public health context of the problem.
PMR study of mortality among Alabama workers and farmers
Authors: Austin Susan G. , Huang Ningyi , Woernle Charles W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractComputerized records of all Alabama deaths occurring to persons 16 years of age and over for the 5‐year period 1984‐1988 were obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Using proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) methodology and death certificate occupation, cause‐specific mortality patterns were examined for all Alabama decedents (N = 182,178), for all Alabama workers (N = 125,369), and for the occupational group of “farm operators and managers” (N = 11,691). In comparison with the U.S. general population, little difference was found between cause‐specific PMR results for the total Alabama population and those for all workers, suggesting the absence of a generalized “healthy worker effect.” In comparison with the U.S. population, PMR results for farmers suggested lowered mortality from all malignant neoplasms and all heart disease, and elevated mortality from all external causes of death. In comparison with the Alabama population, PMR results for farmers continued to suggest lowered mortality from all malignant neoplasms, specifically for cancers of the respiratory, digestive and lymphopoietic systems. However, significantly elevated PMRs for external causes of death appeared only among nonwhite female farmers. Further investigation of these deaths suggested that this finding was more likely attributable to an increased risk of housefire deaths associated with rural lifestyle than with occupational factors.
Suicide, cancer, and other causes of death among california veterinarians, 1960‐1992
Authors: Miller Joy M. , Beaumont James J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPrevious studies reporting on mortality patterns in veterinarians have been restricted to deaths among white male veterinarians. In an effort to examine the mortality of male and female veterinarians of all races, we conducted a standardized proportionate mortality ratio (SPMR) analysis of 450 California veterinarians who died between January 1960 and December 1992. In comparison to State of California general population statistics, white male veterinarians had significantly elevated mortality from malignant melanoma of the skin (SPMR 3.47, 95% CI 1.74. 6.94), cancer of the large intestine (SPMR 1.74, 95% CI 1.04, 2.09), rheumatic heart disease (SPMR 3.50, 95% CI 1.90, 6.43), and suicide (SPMR 2.50, 95% CI 1.84, 3.38). White female veterinarians had significantly elevated mortality from suicide (SPMR 5.89, 95% CI 3.02, 11.48). We also examined veterinary mortality for different lengths of time in the profession. Significantly elevated SPMRs were noted for suicide in veterinarians in the profession for less than 30 years; deaths due to malignant melanoma of the skin and rheumatic heart disease in veterinarians in the profession 20 years or more; and cancer of the large intestine in veterinarians in the profession 30 years or more. Because of significant findings in mortality from suicide among veterinarians of both sexes, it was recommended that future studies and efforts toward suicide prevention include both male and female veterinarians.
Work‐related fatalities in the agricultural production and services sectors, 1980‐1989
Authors: Myers John R. , Hard David L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA total of 6,727 workers died of work‐related injuries in the agricultural production and agricultural services sectors between 1980 and 1989, as established by data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system. The agricultural production sector accounted for the higher fatality rate (22.9 deaths per 100,000 workers), due largely to deaths caused by machinery and motor vehicles. The leading cause of death in the agricultural services sector was being struck by falling objects, primarily trees. Fatality rates were highest in the East South Central United States and lowest in the New England states. Blacks had the highest fatality rate (26.4 deaths per 100,000 workers) while workers other than white or black had the lowest rate (18.9 per 100,000 workers). Males were at higher risk of death than females, with the 65 years of age and older male group having the highest rate (60.5 deaths per 100,000 workers). Males 16‐24 years of age exhibited the largest decrease in their average annual fatality rate during the 10‐year period, down to 7.2 from 20.6 deaths per 100,000 workers. Possible reasons for this decrease are suggested.
Bronchial reactivity and work‐related symptoms in farmers
Authors: Carvalheiro Maria Fernanda , Peterson Yvonne , Rylander Ragnar 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWork‐related respiratory symptoms and bronchial reactivity were studied in 76 never‐smoking farmers and in a control group not exposed to organic dusts. The farmers were divided into those working with vegetables/grain crops, animals but not swine, and with swine. The extent of symptoms was evaluated using a specific organic dust questionnaire. Bronchial reactivity was assessed with the methacholine challenge test. An increased incidence of organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), mucous membrane irritation (MMI), and chronic bronchitis (CB) was found among farmers working with swine or other animals. Pulmonary function baseline values were normal. Bronchial reactivity was increased and related to subjective symptoms of MMI and CB. There was also a relation between fatigue at work and bronchial reactivity.
Relations between upper limb soft tissue disorders and repetitive movements at work
Authors: English C. J. , Maclaren W. M. , Court‐Brown C. , Hughes S. P. F. , Porter R. W. , Wallace W. A. , Graves R. J. , Pethick A. J. , Soutar C. A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo make a preliminary assessment of whether upper limb soft tissue disorders might be associated with activities at work, we have conducted a case‐control study of subjects attending orthopedic clinics in three cities. All subjects between the ages of 16 and 65 years, in whom defined soft tissue conditions of the upper limb were diagnosed by the participating orthopedic surgeons, were invited to take part. Controls were subjects attending the same clinics within the same age range whose clinical diagnosis did not include disease of the upper limb, cervical or thoracic spine. Information concerning repetitive movements of the upper limbs at work was elicited by questionnaire. Five hundred eighty cases and 996 controls were studied, representing 96% and 93%, respectively, of those invited to participate. The diagnoses of the cases included soft tissue conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, thumb, hand, and fingers. The diagnoses of the controls included traumatic, degenerative, and inflammatory conditions, mostly of the legs and lower back. Women predominated among the cases (70%) and men among the controls (56%). Of 221 female cases with injury to the wrist and forearm, 32 were cleaner/domestics (14.5%) compared to 35 of 439 controls (8%), a difference statistically significant at the 2 1/2% level. Other jobs significantly overrepresented (5% level) among female cases with injuries at various anatomical sites included hairdressers, secretary/temps, assembly line workers, and machine operators (type unspecified). Among male cases, electricians were significantly overrepresented (5% level). Jobs for which there was a suggestion (p < 0.1) of overrepresentation among cases included butchers and teacher/ lecturers (both males only) and the combined job groups (chosen a priori for analysis) of keyboard operators, machine operators, and music teachers (all three jobs, females only).
Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Filtration of Diesel Exhaust by Biologic Exposure Indicators
Authors: Ulfvarson Ulf , Dahlqvist Monica , Sandström Thomas , Bergström Björn , Ekholm Ulla , Lagerstrand Lars , Figler Barbara , Nilsen Asbjørn , Bjermer Leif , Trønnes Torkel , Nilsen Odd G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe airway resistance, compliance of the respiratory system, transfer factor, and alveolar volume of 33 healthy rabbits were studied before and after exposure to diluted diesel exhaust generated in an experimental motor. Three diesel fuels and two particle traps were tested. Subsequent to the post‐exposure lung function measurements, the animals were sacrificed and the lungs were processed for morphologic examination. The concentrations of particles, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde were measured. The inflammatory airway changes were most pronounced in animals exposed to exhaust from standard fuel. Small changes were identified in animals exposed to exhaust filtered through the catalytic trap as well or exposed to unfiltered exhaust from fuels intended for densely built‐up areas. Increase in compliance of the respiratory system was associated with the concentration of soot particles and formaldehyde. Compliance decreased significantly in animals exposed to exhaust from standard fuel filtered through the particle traps and increased almost significantly in animals exposed to unfiltered exhaust from the same fuel.
Pneumoconiosis and Associated Medical Conditions
Authors: Rosenman Kenneth D. , Zhu Zhiwei 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHospital discharge data from Michigan for the years 1990 and 1991 were used to examine potential associations between pneumoconiosis and pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, obstructive lung disease, and connective tissue disease among both men and women. Lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and obstructive lung disease were associated with coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Pulmonary hypertension and obstructive lung disease were associated with asbestosis and silicosis. Rheumatoid arthritis was associated with silicosis. The potential is suggested that misdiagnosis is the cause of the association between lung cancer and coal workers' pneumoconiosis.
Asbestos‐related diseases in construction carpenters
Authors: Garcia‐Closas Montserrat , Christiani David C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo assess the association of minimal parenchymal fibrosis and pleural plaques with respiratory functional impairment, we conducted a survey of 631 asbestos‐exposed construction carpenters. This population had a relatively low prevalence of radiographic abnormalities and lung function impairment. Pleural plaques was the asbestos‐related disease most prevalent, followed by interstitial fibrosis with predominantly low profusion scores. The most frequent functional impairment was the obstructive pattern, followed by restrictive and mixed patterns.After adjusting for potential confounders, the presence of pleural plaques was significantly associated with a mixed respiratory pattern of impairment (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.4‐12.3). Furthermore, our data were consistent with a weak association between pleural plaques and a predominately restrictive defect (OR—1.3, 95% CI 0.4‐3.9). This study also suggested an association between minimally detectable profusions and both obstructive (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 0.6‐6.3) and mixed (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 0.3‐7.1) defects. Although only 631 of a potential 7,649 active and retired union members participated in this first‐time survey and were relatively young, these findings add new evidence to the functional importance of pleural fibrosis and minimal parenchymal fibrosis. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of pneumoconiosis and its relationship to dust exposure in a cohort of U.S. Bituminous coal miners and ex‐miners
Authors: Attfield Michael D. , Seixas Noah S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractInformation on radiographic evidence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is presented for a group of 3,194 underground bituminous coal miners and ex‐miners examined between 1985 and 1988. Prevalence of CWP was related to estimated cumulative dust exposure, age, and rank of coal. On the basis of these data, miners of medium to low rank coal, who work for 40 years at the current federal dust limit of 2 mg/m3, are predicted to have a 1.4% risk of having progressive massive fibrosis on retirement. Higher prevalences are predicted for less severe categories of CWP. Miners in high rank coal areas appear to be at greater risk than those mining medium and low rank coals. Ex‐miners who said that they left mining for health‐related reasons had higher levels of abnormality compared to current miners.
Modeling epidemiologic studies of occupational cohorts for the quantitative assessment of carcinogenic hazards
Authors: Stayner Leslie , Smith Randy , Bailer A. John , Luebeck E. Georg , Moolgavkar Suresh H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpidemiologic studies of occupational cohorts have played a major role in the quantitative assessment of risks associated with several carcinogenic hazards and are likely to play an increasingly important role in this area. Relatively little attention has been given in either the epidemiologic or the risk assessment literature to the development of appropriate methods for modeling epidemiologic data for quantitative risk assessment (QRA). The purpose of this paper is to review currently available methods for modeling epidemiologic data for risk assessment. The focus of this paper is on methods for use with retrospective cohort mortality studies of occupational groups for estimating cancer risk, since these are the data most commonly used when epidemiologic information is used for QRA. Both empirical (e.g., Poisson regression and Cox proportionate hazards model) and biologic (e.g., two‐stage models) models are considered. Analyses of a study of lung cancer among workers exposed to cadmium are used to illustrate these modeling methods. Based on this example it is demonstrated that the selection of a particular model may have a large influence on the resulting estimates of risk.
Occupational epidemiology in the rubber industry: Implications of exposure variability
Authors: Kromhout Hans , Heederik Dick 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe variability of exposure has important implications for the design of occupational epidemiologic studies. To assess the influence of this variability in the rubber industry, the efficiency of different schemes for classification of exposure to particulates, cyclohexane‐soluble contaminants, and solvents was assessed. Groupings based on job title, plant, factors affecting exposure, published classifications, and the International Standard Classification of Occupations of the International Labor Organization (ISCO‐ILO) were compared. Statistical parameters for contrast in average exposure between groups and precision of average exposure within groups were developed to enable comparison of the efficiency of different classification schemes.Grouping of exposure to particulates and dermal exposure appeared to be less efficient than grouping of exposure to solvents. Grouping of solvent exposure using occupational title groups, existing classification schemes, and schemes based on factors affecting exposure showed comparable high resolution in exposure levels. Even the most detailed grouping schemes based on the combination of plant and occupational title group showed relatively modest resolution in particulate and dermal exposure levels. Groupings based on factors affecting exposure showed similar resolution for these exposures, but had higher precision due to having fewer groups.Application of optimal exposure grouping strategies will benefit new research on cancer among rubber workers. Eventually, this might resolve the situation in which a complete industry was included on the list of proven human carcinogens.
Cancer incidence among seamen in iceland
Authors: Rafnsson Vilhjálmur , Gunnarsdóttir Hólmfridur 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe cancer incidence was investigated among 27,884 fishermen and sailors from the merchant fleet who had been members of a pension fund for seamen during 1958‐1986 in Iceland. The cancer incidence was followed through 1966‐1988. Expected values were based on rates for the general male population in Iceland. In the whole cohort, 758 malignant neoplasms had occurred as compared to 688.43 expected, standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.10, 95% confidence limit (CI) 1.03‐1.18. There was an excess for cancer of the stomach, rectum, larynx, and lung and nonmelanoma skin cancer; the SIRs were 1.29, 1.44, 1.77, 1.61, and 1.51, respectively. When analyzing the cancer incidence according to length of employment, the SIRs for many of the cancer sites were high for those with a short employment and many SIRs decreased with increasing length of employment. The SIRs for lung cancer were high in all subgroups. Only for stomach cancer and leukemia was there a substantial increase in SIR with increasing length of employment. The SIR was 1.55 for stomach cancer (CI 1.01‐2.27) in the group with longer than 10 years of employment, and 1.97 for leukemia (CI 0.85‐3.87) in the same group. It is concluded that the risk of both stomach and lung cancer seems to be associated with the occupation of seamen.