bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silica‐induced alveolar cell tumors in rats
Authors: Johnson N. F. , Smith D. M. , Sebring R. , Holland L. M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMin‐U‐Sil5, a form of alpha quartz, has been shown to induce peripheral lung tumors in rats exposed to the dust by inhalation. The animals were exposed to a nominal particle concentration of 12.4 mg/m3 for 8 hr/day, 4 days/week, for 2 years. The induced tumors were large and peripheral, and, when examined by electron microscopy, were found to be composed predominantly of alveolar type II cells. These cells were found in papillary, acinar, and solid forms of the tumors and were characterized by lamellar inclusion bodies. This is in contrast to the mouse, in which the papillary form was associated with Clara cells and the acinar form was linked with the type II cell. In this study, the Clara cell was a minor component of the tumor mass. No clear risk is established in man linking silica exposure to increased lung tumor rates.
A rapid and simple method of extracting asbestos bodies from lung tissue by cytocentrifugation
Authors: Ehrlich Albert , Suzuki Yasunosuke 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDuring analyses of alkali digested lung tissue for asbestos bodies, we observed that the number of asbestos bodies in the discarded waste frequently exceeded the number in the filtered residue, the number reported in the standard diagnostic method. This observation led to the exploration of alternative techniques that would optimize the recovery of asbestos bodies. We describe a new, simple, and rapid method for extracting asbestos bodies from digested lung tissue using a cytocentrifuge, in which the waste extraction and filtration steps are eliminated. Samples of digested lung tissue are ready for light microscopy after 10 minutes of cytocentrifugation directly onto a glass slide. The standard method was compared with the cytocentrifuge technique using lung tissue from four asbestos‐exposed workers and four controls with no known history of exposure. The number of asbestos bodies extracted by the centrifuge method was, on average, seven times higher than the number found with the standard method. A detailed quantitative study was made of the case that had the most asbestos bodies (comparison of the number of asbestos bodies counted in both “residue” and “waste”, applying the filtration and cytocentrifuge methods). The number of asbestos bodies found in the discarded waste significantly exceeded the number in the “reportable” filtered residue.
Occupational exposure to lead and blood pressure: A study in 105 workers
Authors: de Kort W. L. A. M. , Verschoor M. A. , Wibowo A. A. E. , van Hemmen J. J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA group of workers, occupationally exposed to lead and cadmium compounds (n = 53), was compared to a group of workers not exposed to these metals (n = 52). The average values of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were found to be higher in the exposed group (p < 0.05). In contrast with the correlation between CdU and blood pressure, the correlation between PbB and systolic and mean blood pressure remained statistically significant after controlling for age and pulse rate (r = 0.22, p < 0.05). The prevalence of potential hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95 mm Hg and/or under treatment for hypertension) was higher in the exposed group, but the observed relative risk was not statistically significant: relative risk = 1.91 (95% confidence limits, 0.90‐4.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation between PbB and Hgb (r = ‐0.28, p=0.004) was observed. Differences in kidney function, as assessed in this study, were not detected.
Cancer incidence and mortality among workers exposed to acrylonitrile
Authors: Chen Jean L. , Walrath Judy , O'Berg Maureen T. , Burke Cheryl A. , Pell Sidney 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA cohort of 1,083 male employees who had potential for exposure to acrylonitrile between 1944 and 1970 at a Du Pont textile fibers plant were followed through 1981 for mortality and through 1983 for cancer incidence. In total, the 21 cancer deaths were fewer than expected based on either Du Pont or U.S. rates. No significant excesses were seen by primary site. In all, 37 cancer cases occurred as compared with 36.5 expected based on company rates. Five lung cancer cases were observed and 6.9 expected. There were 5 prostate cancer cases as compared with 1.9 expected. Of these, 4 occurred among wage employees during the 1975‐1983 period, compared to 0.9 expected. This excess was statistically significant.
Cancer mortality of capacitor manufacturing workers
Authors: Bertazzi Pier Alberto , Riboldi Luciano , Pesatori Angela , Radice Laura , Zocchetti Carlo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractExperimental studies have demonstrated that certain types of commercially produced polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are carcinogenic. Data in humans are still controversial. This study was undertaken in order to determine possible long‐term effects, particularly cancer, in workers engaged in the manufacture of capacitors impregnated with PCBs in a plant operating since 1946. All workers employed for at least 1 week between 1946 and 1978 were admitted to the study (544 males and 1,556 females), and their mortality was examined for the period 1946‐1982. Data on environmental contamination, workers' PCBs intake, and health effects (chloracne) were available, which documented the general exposure conditions in the plant. Vital status was ascertained for over 99% of the subjects, and death certificates were obtained for all deceased persons. Expected deaths were calculated using two sets of mortality rates, national and local. Among male workers, cancer deaths (14 obs.) were significantly increased as were deaths owing to cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (6 obs.). Also, mortality from hematologic neoplasms (3 obs.) and lung cancer (3 obs.) was higher than expected; however, the excess was statistically not significant. Female workers exhibited an overall mortality that was significantly increased above expectations. Cancer deaths (12 obs.) and hematologic neoplasms (4 obs.) were significantly higher than expected when compared with the local population. Interpretation of the results is limited by the small number of deaths; however, the point of interest is the consistency of these results with previous experimental and epidemiologic studies, which indicated the GI tract and lymphatic and hemopoietic tissue as the most probable target sites of the PCBs carcinogenic activity.
A cross‐sectional survey of kidney function in refinery employees
Authors: Viau C. , Bernard A. , Lauwerys R. , Buchet J. P. , Quaeghebeur L. , Cornu M. E. , Phillips S. C. , Mutti A. , Lucertini S. , Franchini I. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe examined sensitive biochemical and immunological markers of kidney function and damage in 53 male oil refinery workers exposed to hydrocarbons and compared their results with those of a control group of 61 age‐matched nonexposed males. The mean duration of employment of exposed males was 11 years. The current levels of exposure to a variety of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, as determined by personal monitoring, were well below the current threshold limit values. No difference was found in the urinary tubular parameters β‐N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosaminidase, β2‐microglobulin (β2‐m) and retinol‐binding protein. Similar serum β2‐m levels indicated no impairment of the glomerular filtration rate in the exposed workers. The levels of circulating immune complexes were also identical in both groups. The mean albuminuria was slightly higher (p < .005) in the exposed group in a quantitative assay but was not dipstick‐detectable. The mean urinary excretion of a renal antigen was also higher (p < .05) in the exposed group and correlated with the excretion of albumin. Finally, slightly higher titers of anti‐laminin antibodies were found in five exposed employees, but this was not accompanied by an increased albuminuria. We conclude that chronic low‐level hydrocarbon exposure in these refinery workers does not lead to clinically significant renal abnormalities. Nevertheless, some findings are consistent with the possible role of hydrocarbon exposure in the induction of renal disturbances.
Malignant mesothelioma in non‐asbestos textile workers in florence
Authors: Paci E. , Dini S. , Buiatti E. , Costantini A. Seniori , Lenzi S. , Zappa M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBy means of a review of histological diagnosis in the Pathology Department of the University of Florence, suspected cases of malignant mesothelioma, diagnosed in the period 1979–1984, were identified. Study of histological specimens permitted the selection of 13 cases of malignant mesothelioma resident in the Province of Florence. To these cases, referents were matched for age, sex, and year of hospital admission, with residence weighted for the general population of the Province. Both cases and referents (or their next of kin) completed an occupational questionnaire detailing possible occupational exposures. Out of the 13 cases of mesothelioma, 6 were textile workers and 5 of these were “rag‐sorters”. There were only 5 textile workers among the 52 controls. No asbestos cloth production plants have been in operation in the area from which the cases and referents are derived. Possible sources of exposure to asbestos in the textile industry of this area are discussed.
A case‐referent study of lung tumors in non‐asbestos textile workers
Authors: Paci E. , Buiatti E. , Geddes M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA case series in the Province of Florence showed an increased risk of mesothelioma in textile workers (nonasbestos) and a survey of working conditions confirmed potential exposure to asbestos. In order to investigate the risk in textile workers, including some specific job titles, a case‐referent study on lung tumors was carried out. The lung cancer cases included 441 males with histologically confirmed primary lung cancer during the period 1980–1983. Referents included 1,075 males selected from two hospitals and matched for age, sex, and smoking habits. Those who had “ever worked” in the textile industry showed an adjusted odds ratio of 1.52 (95% C.I. 1–2.25) compared with other “industrial workers.” This moderately increased risk is maintained in selected jobs in the textile industry. An analysis of the modifying effect of time factors showed an increased risk in the period of 15–35 years from the date of first employment in the industry. The results support the hypothesis that a probable risk of lung cancer in textile workers in the Prato area was related to asbestos exposure.
Early detection of the nephrotoxic effects of industrial chemicals: State of the art and future prospects
Authors: Lauwerys Robert R. , Bernard Alfred 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper discusses several tests that may permit the early detection of renal changes induced by long‐term exposure to nephrotoxic industrial chemicals and may possibly serve as advance warning of pending renal damage.Some tests mainly attempt to assess the integrity of the glomerulus: high molecular weight proteinuria, glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigens in blood and in urine, circulating anti‐GBM antibodies, glomerular filtration rate after an acute oral load of proteins, and estimation of membrane negative charges (ie, glomerular polyanion). Others mainly attempt to identify functional and/or morphological changes at the tubular level: low molecular weight proteinuria, aminoaciduria, glucosuria, hyperphosphaturia, hypercalciuria, enzymuria, tubular antigen excretion, kallikrein, and prostaglandin excretion.Some of these tests are already routinely used, although controversy may still persist with regard to their clinical significance. Recently, new tests have been developed that may open new perspectives for assessing the significance of the early renal changes induced by chemicals.
Respiratory health status of gilsonite workers
Authors: Keimig Deborah Gellerman , Castellan Robert M. , Kullman Greg J. , Kinsley Kathleen B. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractGilsonite, a solidified hydrocarbon used in the manufacture of automotive body seam sealers, is mined only in the Uinta Basin of Eastern Utah and Western Colorado. Health effects of gilsonite dust exposure have not previously been published and exposure to gilsonite dust is not regulated. To examine potential respiratory health effects associated with gilsonite dust exposures, this cross‐sectional study surveyed the 100 current male employees who had been exposed to gilsonite dust at 3 existing gilsonite companies. Total dust exposures up to 28 times the nuisance dust standard were found, and 5 of 99 (5%) workers had chest radiographs consistent with pneumoconiosis of low profusion. Increased prevalences of cough and phlegm were found in workers with high‐exposure jobs, but no evidence for dust‐related pulmonary function impairment was noted. To prevent pulmonary health effects, we recommend reducing dust exposures for those workers in jobs currently characterized by relatively high dust exposures.
Occupational factors and carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Silverstein Barbara A. , Fine Lawrence J. , Armstrong Thomas J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most commonly reported nerve entrapment syndrome. The prevalence of CTS among 652 active workers in jobs with specific hand force and repetitiveness characteristics was estimated. The prevalence of CTS ranged from 0.6% among workers in low force–low repetitive jobs to 5.6% among workers in high force–high repetitive jobs. When controlling for potential confounders, the odds ratio for the high force‐high repetitive jobs was more than 15 (p < .001) compared to the low force–low repetitive jobs. High repetitiveness appears to be a greater risk factor than high force (odds ratio of 5.5, p < .05 versus 2.9 and not statistically significant).
Understanding student information behavior in relation to electronic information services: Lessons from longitudinal monitoring and evaluation, Part 1
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Urquhart Christine 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis two‐part article establishes a model of the mediating factors that influence student information behavior concerning electronic or digital information sources that support their learning. The first part reviews the literature that underpinned the development of the research methodology for the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) User Behavior Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, as well as the literature that has subsequently helped to develop the model over the 5 years the Framework operated in the United Kingdom, in five cycles of research that were adjusted to meet the emerging needs of the JISC at the time. The literature review attempts to synthesize the two main perspectives in the research studies: (a) small‐scale studies of student information behavior; and (b) the studies that focus on the quantitative usage of particular electronic information services in universities, often including implications for training and support. As the review indicates, there are gaps in the evidence concerning the browsing and selection strategies of undergraduate students and the interaction of some of the mediating influences on information behavior. The Framework developed a multimethod, qualitative and quantitative methodology for the continued monitoring of user behavior. This article discusses the methods used and the project‐management challenges involved, and concludes that at the outset, intended impacts need to be specified carefully, and that funding needs to be committed at that point for a longitudinal study. A research project on information behavior, intended to inform current policymaking on infrastructure provision, is inherently difficult as behavior changes lag behind provision.
Prediction of lateral pelvic node involvement in low rectal cancer by conventional computed tomography
Authors: Yano H , Saito Y , Takeshita E , Miyake O , Ishizuka N 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical significance of lateral pelvic lymphatic spread in rectal cancer remains unknown. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of preoperative computed tomography (CT) for prediction of lateral node involvement in patients with low rectal cancer and to determine the prognostic significance of extended lateral node dissection.MethodsA total of 109 patients with primary low rectal cancer were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The preoperative CT findings were compared with the histopathological results and with follow-up data.ResultsCT diagnosed lateral lymph node status with high accuracy (sensitivity 95 per cent, specificity 94 per cent), in marked contrast to mesorectal node status. Of 68 patients who had R0 resection without lateral node dissection, only two developed pelvic wall recurrence during median follow-up of 4·1 years. Metastatic nodes in the lateral pelvic region were significantly larger than those in the mesorectum (P &lt; 0·001).ConclusionCT accurately predicted lateral lymph node status in low rectal cancer, allowing preoperative identification of patients who might benefit from extended lateral node dissection.
Preoperative but not postoperative systemic inflammatory response correlates with survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Crozier J E M , McKee R F , McArdle C S , Angerson W J , Anderson J H , Horgan P G , McMillan D C 
Published: April 2007

Abstract

Background
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the preoperative and postoperative systemic inflammatory response and survival in patients undergoing potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer.

Methods
One hundred and eighty patients with colorectal cancer were studied. Circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured before surgery and in the immediate postoperative period.

Results
The peak in CRP concentration occurred on day 2 (P &lt; 0·001). During the course of the study 59 patients died, 30 from cancer and 29 from intercurrent disease. Day 2 CRP concentrations were dichotomized. In univariable analysis, advanced tumour node metastasis stage (P = 0·002), a raised preoperative CRP level (P &lt; 0·001) and the presence of hypoalbuminaemia (P = 0·043) were associated with poorer cancer-specific survival.

Conclusion
Preoperative but not postoperative CRP concentrations are associated with poor tumour-specific survival in patients undergoing potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer.
How 77Se NMR Chemical Shifts Originate from Pre‐α, α, β, and γ Effects: Interpretation Based on Molecular Orbital Theory
Authors: Nakanishi Waro , Hayashi Satoko , Hada Masahiko 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPlain rules founded in a theoretical background are presented that can be used to determine the structure of selenium compounds on the basis of δ(Se) data and to predict δ(Se) data from a given structure with satisfactory accuracy. As a first step to establish such rules, the origin of δ(Se) is elucidated on the basis of MO theory. The Se2− ion was chosen as the standard for the analysis. The concept of the pre‐α effect is proposed, which is defined as the downfield shift due to protonation of a lone‐pair orbital of Se. The pre‐α effect of two protons in H2Se is explained by the generation of double σ(SeH) and σ*(SeH) through protonation of the spherical Se2− ion. The orbitals, together with np(Se), result in effective transitions for the pre‐α effect. The α effect is the downfield shift caused by the replacement of SeH by SeMe. The extension of HOMO−2 [4py(Se)], HOMO−1 [4px(Se)], and HOMO [4pz(Se)] over the whole Me2Se molecule is mainly responsible for the α effect. The β effect originates not from the occupied‐to‐unoccupied (ψi→ψa) transitions but from the occupied‐to‐occupied (ψi→ψj) transitions. Although ψi→ψj transitions contribute to upfield shifts in Me2Se, the magnitudes become smaller as the methyl protons are substituted by Me groups one after another. The γ effect of upfield shifts is also analyzed, although complex. The effect of p(Se)–π(CC) conjugation is analyzed in relation to the orientational effect. Contributions from each MO (ψi) and each ψi→ψa transition are evaluated separately, by using a utility program derived from the Gaussian 03 program suite (NMRANAL‐NH03G). The treatment enables us to visualize and understand the origin of 77Se NMR chemical shifts.
Chiral Supramolecular Assemblies of a Squaraine Dye in Solution and Thin Films: Concentration‐, Temperature‐, and Solvent‐Induced Chirality Inversion
Authors: Jyothish Kuthanapillil , Hariharan Mahesh , Ramaiah Danaboyina 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe prepared novel cholesterol‐appended squaraine dye 1 and model squaraine dye 2 and investigated their aggregation behavior in solution and thin films using photophysical, chiroptical, and microscopic techniques. Investigations on the dependence of aggregation on solvent composition (good/poor, CHCl3/CH3CN) demonstrated that squaraine dye 1 forms two novel H‐type chiral supramolecular assemblies with opposite chirality at different good/poor solvent compositions. Model compound 2 formed J‐type achiral assemblies under similar conditions. The supramolecular assembly of 1 observed at lower fractions of the poor solvent could be assigned to the thermodynamically stable form, while a kinetically controlled assembly is formed at higher fractions of the poor solvent. This assignment is evidenced by temperature‐ and concentration‐dependent experiments. With increasing temperature, the chirality of the kinetically controlled aggregate was lost and, on cooling, the aggregate with the opposite chirality was formed. On further heating and cooling the aggregates thus formed resulted in no significant changes in chirality, that is they are thermodynamically stable. Similarly, at lower concentrations, the thermodynamically stable form exists, but at higher concentration aggregation was found to proceed with kinetic control. Based on these observations it can be assumed that formation of the kinetically controlled assembly might be largely dependent on the presence of the nonpolar cholesterol moiety as well as the amount of poor solvent present. However, under solvent‐free conditions, structurally different aggregates were observed when drop cast from solutions containing monomer, whereas a left‐handed CD signal corresponding to the thermodynamically controlled assemblies was observed from pre‐aggregated solutions.
Molecular modeling of chiral‐modified zeolite HY employed in enantioselective separation
Authors: Jirapongphan Siricharn S. , Warzywoda Juliusz , Budil David E. , Sacco Albert 
Published: April 2007

AbstractInsight into enantioselective separation utilizing chiral‐modified zeolite HY could be useful in designing a chiral stationary phase for resolving pharmaceutical compounds. A model was employed to better understand the enantioseparation of valinol in zeolite HY that contains (+)‐(1R;2R)‐hydrobenzoin as a chiral modifier. This model incorporates the zeolite support and accounts for the flexible change. Results from grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the associated diastereomeric complex consists of a single (+)‐(1R;2R)‐hydrobenzoin and a single valinol molecules located in the zeolite HY supercage. Supercage‐based docking simulation predicted an enantioselectivity of 2.6 compared with that of 1.4 measured experimentally. Also, the supercage‐based docking simulation demonstrated a single binding motif in the S complex, and two binding motifs in the R complex. The multiple binding modes in the R complex resulted in its lower stability. This is hypothesized to be the origin of the weaker binding between (−)‐(R)‐valinol and the chiral modifier, and explains why (+)‐(R)‐valinol is retained more in the chiral‐modified zeolite system studied. Chirality, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.