bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Historical perspectives in occupational medicine. Victoria M. Trasko: Champion of state‐based surveillance of occupational diseases in the United States, 1937 to 1971
Authors: Costa Carol A. , Castellan Robert M. , Richards Thomas B. , Yaffe Charles D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractVictoria M. Trasko (1907–1979), a relatively unknown figure to many currently practicing occupational health specialists, was a pioneer in state‐based surveillance of occupational diseases in the United States. To highlight her accomplishments during her career with the United States Public Health Service from 1937 to 1971, this report briefly reviews her publications on occupational disease surveillance. Her span of work includes guidelines for state industrial hygiene programs, numbers of workers in state occupational health programs, compilation of state and local laws related to industrial hygiene, proposals for standardized reporting of occupational disease, and analysis of trends in workers' compensation and mortality statistics for occupational diseases. She pilot tested the first state‐based model system for occupational disease reporting in the United States. She documented the great difficulty experienced by states in getting physicians to report cases of occupational diseases, and pointed out that surveillance of other existing data sources was worthwhile, at least for some occupational diseases. She was the first to report on the distribution of silicosis cases in the United States by state, industry, and job title. She was the first to comment on mortality trends for the pneumoconioses and to document problems in comparability between different International Classification of Disease (ICD) periods.
Use of death certificates in epidemiological studies, including occupational hazards: Discordance with clinical and autopsy findings
Authors: Selikoff Irving J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThere has long been evidence of frequent inaccuracy of death certificates, with significant discordance between such designations and clinical and autopsy data. This exists for occupational diseases as well. The use of statistical rates based on death certificates has been seriously questioned despite their utility for total mortality. Programs to supplement death certificate data, particularly in occupational disease studies, may be helpful, and are reviewed.
A case‐control study of cancer of the nose and paranasal sinuses and occupational exposures
Authors: Comba Pietro , Battista Giuseppe , Belli Stefano , De Capua Bruno , Merler Enzo , Orsi Daniela , Rodella Stefania , Vindigni Carla , Axelson Olav 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe association between nasal cancer and various occupations was investigated in a case‐control study in the provinces of Verona and Vicenza (northeastern Italy) and Siena (central Italy). Cases of malignant epithelial neoplasm of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses diagnosed in the years 1982–1987 in the hospitals of Verona, Legnago, Bussolengo, Vicenza, and Siena comprised the study. Controls were patients admitted to the same hospitals as the cases, with any diagnosis except chronic rhino‐sinusal disease and nasal bleeding. Age, gender, residency, and date of admission were taken into account by matching. Cases and controls, or their next of kin, were interviewed or required to fill in a mailed questionnaire; the overall response rate was 70%. Altogether, 78 cases and 254 controls provided information on occupational history. Significantly increased risks were associated (in males) with work in the wood industry (odds ratio [O.R.]: 5.8; 90% confidence interval [C.I.]: (2.2–16) and in the leather industry (6.8; 1.9–25). Textile workers, furnacemen, construction workers, and workers with possible exposure to organic dusts showed increased risks even if statistical significance was not reached.
Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in trieste, Italy
Authors: Giarelli Luigi , Bianchi Claudio , Grandi Giorgio 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOne hundred and seventy malignant pleural mesotheliomas seen at necropsy at the Institute of Pathological Anatomy of the Trieste University during the period 1968–1987 were reviewed. The series included 153 men and 17 women, aged between 33 and 92 years (median 70 years). Lifetime work histories were obtained from the patients' relatives by personal or telephone interviews in 162 cases. A majority of the male subjects had been employed in “naval” work, 99 people having worked in the shipbuilding industry, 19 in the navy and merchant marine, and 7 in docks. A variety of trades appeared in the remaining histories. Work histories were indicative of occupational exposure to asbestos in 150 cases. A further 5 patients with negative or insufficient data showed asbestos bodies in routine lung sections and 5 women had a history of domestic exposure. A majority of the patients had had their first exposure before 1950. The intervals between first exposure and death ranged from 14 to 71 years (median 48 years).
Study of sperm characteristics in persons occupationally exposed to lead
Authors: Lerda Daniel 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe sperm characteristics of 38 male workers exposed to lead in a battery factory were studied. Sperm analysis was performed after 4 days of sexual abstinence. Parameters analyzed were: volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology. Exposure levels were estimated by measuring the concentration of lead and delta‐aminolevulinic acid in the serum. Based on blood lead levels, the tested individuals were divided in three groups: A (12), B (11), and C (15).Significant levels of asthenospermia and teratospermia were found in exposed workers when compared with unexposed controls. Long‐term exposure to lead may lead to changes in sperm characteristics and function.
Introduction: Health and safety education for worker empowerment
Authors: Wallerstein Nina , Weinger Merri 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article introduces a special issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine dedicated to innovative approaches to worker education in health and safety. Contributors to this issue describe applications of an “empowerment approach” in a wide variety of institutions and settings throughout the United States and Canada.In this article, empowerment education is presented and contrasted with other training methodologies. The article offers suggestions on how to implement this approach, discusses evaluation issues, and summarizes the articles contained in this issue. Explored are preliminary outcomes of using this methodology and implications for developing educational programs in the future.
Problem‐solving in the fields: An action‐oriented approach to farmworker education about pesticides
Authors: Weinger Merri , Lyons Mark 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper describes two educational programs initiated to address the problems of farmworker pesticide poisoning in Nicaragua and in the United States and Puerto Rico. Both programs utilize a participatory and action‐oriented educational methodology known as popular education. The methodology is presented using examples to demonstrate its application to the planning, delivery and evaluation of pesticide education programs. Preliminary outcomes of using this methodology are also explored as well as implications for developing future training programs in the field.
Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome training from a union perspective
Authors: Askari Elaine , Mehring John 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe authors developed a union sponsored 2‐day human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) “train the trainer” program for healthcare workers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The program incorporated the “education for action” approach in an effort to respond to the inadequacies in many traditional, institutional trainings. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP) conducted the HIV/AIDS “train the trainer” program for approximately 100 healthcare workers in county public hospitals and community health clinics. After completing the program, these workers went back to their healthcare facilities, or community organizations, and led additional classes on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention for approximately 600 more people. The goal of the program was to empower healthcare workers to: 1) identify the occupational risks associated with exposure to blood and potentially infectious body fluids at the workplace; 2) develop strategies to reduce those risks; 3) discuss their feelings about caring for an HIV/AIDS patient; and, 4) conduct HIV/AIDS workshops at the workplace.
Three participatory exercises on empowerment used in health and safety training of trainers course in Connecticut
Authors: Fleishman Jane M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn a training‐of‐trainers course on health and safety sponsored by the Connecticut Council on Occupational Safety and Health and the Division of Worker Education, Workers' Compensation Commission, various participatory exercises have been utilized to train workers who are then expected to train their co‐workers. Three of the exercises, including hazard recognition, tackling apathy, and strategies for change are described.
Fluorocarbon 113 exposure and cardiac dysrhythmias among aerospace workers
Authors: Egeland Grace M. , Bloom Thomas F. , Schnorr Teresa M. , Hornung Richard W. , Suruda Anthony J. , Wille Kathleen K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe investigated the cardiotoxic effects of 1.1,2‐Trichloro‐1,2,2‐Trifluoroethane (fluorocarbon 113 or FC113) exposures among healthy workers cleaning rocket and ground support equipment for the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) programs. Exposure and ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring data were evaluated on 16 workers, each of whom was examined on exposed and nonexposed workdays. We examined whether there was a greater rate of dysrhythmias on an exposed workday relative to a nonexposed workday. Overall, we found no within subject differences in the rate of ventricular and supraventricular premature beats (number per 1.000 heart beats), fluctuations in the length of the P‐R interval, or heart rate. We found that levels of FC113 exposures below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 8‐hour time‐weighted‐average (TWA) standard of 1,000 ppm did not induce cardiac dysrhythmias or subtle changes in cardiac activity. However, because fluorocarbons may sensitize the heart to epinephrine, this study's negative findings based on sedentary and fairly healthy workers may not be generalizable to other populations of workers who are not as healthy or engaged in more physically demanding work.
A mortality study of workers at seven beryllium processing plants
Authors: Ward Elizabeth , Okun Andrea , Ruder Avima , Fingerhut Marilyn , Steenland Kyle 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that the evidence for the carcinogenicity of beryllium is sufficient based on animal data but “limited” based on human data. This analysis reports on a retrospective cohort mortality study among 9,225 male workers employed at seven beryllium processing facilities for at least 2 days between January 1, 1940, and December 31, 1969. Vital status was ascertained through December 31, 1988. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer in the total cohort was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–1.42); significant SMRs for lung cancer were observed for two of the oldest plants located in Lorain, Ohio (SMR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.28–2.19) and Reading, Pennsylvania (SMR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.03–1.48). For the overall cohort, significantly elevated SMRs were found for “all deaths” (SMR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.01–1.08), “ischemic heart disease” (SMR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.01–1.14). “pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases” (SMR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.21–1.80), and “chronic and unspecified nephritis, renal failure, and other renal sclerosis” (SMR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.00–2.12). Lung cancer SMRs did not increase with longer duration of employment, but did increase with longer latency (time since first exposure). Lung cancer was particularly elevated (SMR = 3.33; 95% CI = 1.66–5.95) among workers at the Lorain plant with a history of (primarily) acute beryllium disease, which is associated with very high beryllium exposure. The lung cancer excess was not restricted to plants operating in the 1940s, when beryllium exposures were known to be extraordinarily high. Elevated lung cancer SMRs were also observed for four of the five plants operating in the 1950s for workers hired during that decade. Neither smoking nor geographic location fully explains the increased lung cancer risk. Occupational exposure to beryllium compounds is the most plausible explanation for the increased risk of lung cancer observed in this study. Continued mortality follow‐up of this cohort will provide a more definitive assessment of lung cancer risk at the newer plants and among cohort members hired in the 1950s or later at the older plants. Further clarification of the potential for specific beryllium compounds to induce lung cancer in humans, and the possible contribution of other exposures in specific processes at these plants, would require a nested case‐control study. We are currently assessing whether available industrial hygiene data would support such an analysis.
Mitochondrial coupling defect in Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 2A disease
Authors: Loiseau Dominique , Chevrollier Arnaud , Verny Christophe , Guillet Virginie , Gueguen Naïg , Pou De Crescenzo Marie‐Anne , Ferré Marc , Malinge Marie‐Claire , Guichet Agnès , Nicolas Guillaume , Amati‐Bonneau Patrizia , Malthièry Yves , Bonneau Dominique , Reynier Pascal 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveMutations of the mitofusin 2 gene (MFN2) may account for at least a third of the cases of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2). This study investigates mitochondrial cellular bioenergetics in MFN2‐related CMT2A.MethodsMitochondrial network morphology and metabolism were studied in cultures of skin fibroblasts obtained from four CMT2A patients harboring novel missense mutations of the MFN2 gene.ResultsAlthough the mitochondrial network appeared morphologically unaltered, there was a significant defect of mitochondrial coupling associated with a reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential.InterpretationOur results suggest that the sharply reduced efficacy of oxidative phosphorylation in MFN2‐related CMT2A may contribute to the pathophysiology of the axonal neuropathy. Ann Neurol 2007;61:315–323
C‐terminal titin deletions cause a novel early‐onset myopathy with fatal cardiomyopathy
Authors: Carmignac Virginie , Salih Mustafa A. M. , Quijano‐Roy Susana , Marchand Sylvie , Al Rayess Molham M. , Mukhtar Maowia M. , Urtizberea Jon A. , Labeit Siegfried , Guicheney Pascale , Leturcq France , Gautel Mathias , Fardeau Michel , Campbell Kevin P. , Richard Isabelle , Estournet Brigitte , Ferreiro Ana 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe giant protein titin is essential for striated muscle development, structure, and elasticity. All titin mutations reported to date cause late‐onset, dominant disorders involving either skeletal muscle or the heart. Our aim was to delineate the phenotype and determine the genetic defects in two consanguineous families with an early‐onset, recessive muscle and cardiac disorder.MethodsClinical and myopathological reevaluation of the five affected children, positional cloning, immunofluorescence, and Western blot studies were performed.ResultsAll children presented with congenital muscle weakness and childhood‐onset fatal dilated cardiomyopathy. Skeletal muscle biopsies showed minicores, centrally located nuclei, and/or dystrophic lesions. In each family, we identified a homozygous titin deletion in exons encoding the C‐terminal M‐line region. Both deletions cause a frameshift downstream of the titin kinase domain and protein truncation. Immunofluorescence confirmed that truncated titins lacking the C‐terminal end were incorporated into sarcomeres. Calpain 3 was secondarily depleted.InterpretationM‐line titin homozygous truncations cause the first congenital and purely recessive titinopathy, and the first to involve both cardiac and skeletal muscle. These results expand the spectrum of early‐onset myopathies and suggest that titin segments downstream of the kinase domain are dispensable for skeletal and cardiac muscle development, but are crucial for maintaining sarcomere integrity. Ann Neurol 2007;61:340–351
The syndrome of transient epileptic amnesia
Authors: Butler Christopher R. , Graham Kim S. , Hodges John R. , Kapur Narinder , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Zeman Adam Z. J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTransient amnesia can be the principal manifestation of epilepsy. This diagnosis, however, is seldom suspected by clinicians and remains controversial. The amnestic attacks are often associated with persistent memory complaints. This study was designed to provide the first description of transient epileptic amnesia in a substantial series of patients.MethodsFifty patients were recruited over 18 months using the following diagnostic criteria: (1) recurrent, witnessed episodes of amnesia; (2) other cognitive functions intact during attacks; and (3) compelling evidence of epilepsy. We assessed clinical features and performed neuropsychological evaluation in cases and 24 matched control subjects.ResultsTransient epileptic amnesia develops in later life (mean onset, 62 years). Amnestic episodes are frequent (median, 12/year), brief (median duration, 30–60 minutes), and often occur on waking (37/50 cases). Epilepsy was the initial specialist diagnosis in only 12 of 50 cases. Attacks ceased on anticonvulsant medication in 44 of 47 treated patients. A total of 40 of 50 cases described persistent memory difficulties. Despite normal performance on standard memory tests, patients exhibited accelerated forgetting of verbal and visual material over 3 weeks by comparison with matched control subjects (p < 0.001). They also showed loss of autobiographical memories for events extending back over 40 years (p < 0.05).InterpretationWe propose that transient epileptic amnesia is a distinctive epilepsy syndrome, typically misdiagnosed at presentation and associated with accelerated long‐term forgetting and autobiographical amnesia. The syndrome is of clinical and theoretic importance. Ann Neurol 2007
Environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis. Part I: The role of infection
Authors: Ascherio Alberto , Munger Kassandra L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAlthough genetic susceptibility explains the clustering of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases within families and the sharp decline in risk with increasing genetic distance, it cannot fully explain the geographic variations in MS frequency and the changes in risk that occur with migration. Epidemiological data provide some support for the “hygiene hypothesis,” but with the additional proviso for a key role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in determining MS risk. We show that whereas EBV stands out as the only infectious agent that can explain many of the key features of MS epidemiology, by itself the link between EBV and MS cannot explain the decline in risk among migrants from high to low MS prevalence areas. This decline implies that either EBV strains in low‐risk areas have less propensity to cause MS, or that other infectious or noninfectious factors modify the host response to EBV or otherwise contribute to determine MS risk. The role of infectious factors is discussed here; in a companion article, we will examine the possible role of noninfectious factors and provide evidence that high levels of vitamin D may have a protective role, particularly during adolescence. The primary purpose of these reviews is to identify clues to the causes of MS and to evaluate the possibility of primary prevention. Ann Neurol 2007;61:288–299
Early editorial manuscript screening versus obligate peer review: A randomized trial
Authors: Johnston S. Claiborne , Lowenstein Daniel H. , Ferriero Donna M. , Messing Robert O. , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Hauser Stephen L. , Stewart Adam F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPeer review is a cornerstone of scientific publication. However, it is time consuming for reviewers and contributors, and must be balanced with editorial oversight for balance and bias. To test a more efficient method of reviewing manuscripts, we performed a randomized trial comparing traditional peer review for all manuscripts received by the Annals of Neurology with an early screening approach in which six editors rejected a manuscript without external review when the chance of acceptance was deemed very low. Of the 351 manuscripts entered into the trial, 88 were randomized to traditional external review and 263 to early screening. Rates of final acceptance were similar in the two groups (p = 0.41). Final decisions were more delayed for traditional review (mean 48 days versus 18 days with early screening; p < 0.0001) and more reviewers were required for each manuscript (mean 2.3 versus 0.7 with early screening; p < 0.0001). Among accepted manuscripts, reviewer ratings of scientific and clinical impact were similar. We conclude that a method of early screening of manuscripts for appropriateness for publication results in substantial decreases in the time between manuscript submission and publication decisions, and reduces the burden on reviewers with minimal impact on the quality of accepted manuscripts. Editorial screening is now journal policy. Ann Neurol 2007;61:A10–A12.
Preparation and characterization of polyamide nanofiltration composite membranes with TiO2 layers chemically connected to the membrane surface
Authors: Mo Joonghwan , Son Seung‐Hee , Jegal Jonggeon , Kim Jaephil , Lee Yong Hwan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA polyamide (PA) nanofiltration (NF) composite membrane with TiO2 layers was designed and prepared, in which the TiO2 layers were chemically linked to the crosslinked polyamide layers of the membrane. In this study, TiO2, one of the well known photo‐catalysts effectively degrading organics with UV light, was introduced to the PA NF membrane by using 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMOS), titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TIP) to improve its antifouling property. In particular, for this membrane, SiO2 layers were formed between the TiO2 layer and the crosslinked polyamide layer of the membrane to protect the organic parts of the membrane from the TiO2 catalyzed UV degradation. The prepared membrane with TiO2 layers was then characterized using several analytical methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and permeation tests. It was found that the prepared membrane was stable; especially the TiO2 layer of the membrane was found to be stable after several times of use for permeation test. The membrane showed a typical NF property, despite of the presence of the TiO2 layer. From long time tests with or without UV light, it was found that there was good antifouling effect on the membrane by the TiO2 layer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007