bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyisocyanates in occupational environments: A critical review of exposure limits and metrics
Authors: Bello Dhimiter , Woskie Susan R. , Streicher Robert P. , Liu Youcheng , Stowe Meredith H. , Eisen Ellen A. , Ellenbecker Michael J. , Sparer Judy , Youngs Fred , Cullen Mark R. , Redlich Carrie A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundDetermination of polyisocyanates is important because they are a major contributor of exposure to the isocyanate functional group in many workplace environments and are capable of inducing sensitization and asthma. However, with multiple different measurement metrics in use, comparison of isocyanate exposure data between studies and development of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for polyisocyanates is difficult.MethodsAn analysis of existing problems in the measurement and regulation of isocyanates is presented based on the published analytical, toxicological, and regulatory literature, and the authors' own analytical data and experience with isocyanates.ResultsThis analysis supports a need for standardization of isocyanate measurement metrics and provides a framework for the development of an OEL for polyisocyanates.ConclusionsThe total isocyanate group (μg NCO/m3) is recommended as the most feasible and practical metric (unit) by which to express polyisocyanate exposures for research, control, and regulatory purposes. The establishment of a comprehensive isocyanate OEL that simplifies the current agent‐by‐agent approach and expands coverage to polyisocyanates is also recommended. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:480–491, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elbow and wrist/hand symptoms among 6,943 computer operators: A 1‐year follow‐up study (the NUDATA study)
Authors: Lassen Christina Funch , Mikkelsen Sigurd , Kryger Ann Isabel , Brandt Lars P.A. , Overgaard Erik , Thomsen Jane Frølund , Vilstrup Imogen , Andersen Johan Hviid 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine relations between computer work aspects and elbow and wrist/hand pain conditions and disorders.MethodsIn a 1‐year follow‐up study among 6,943 technical assistants and machine technicians self‐reported active mouse and keyboard time, ergonomic exposures and associations with elbow and wrist/hand pain were determined. Standardized clinical examinations were performed among symptomatic participants at baseline and at follow‐up.ResultsFor continuous duration of mouse time adjusted linear effects were statistically significant for all investigated pain conditions. For continuous duration of keyboard time the corresponding effects were statistically significant for wrist/hand pain conditions except incident ‘severe’ wrist/hand pain. There were no threshold effects above 0 hr per week (hr/w) of mouse exposure in association with pain conditions, while keyboard exposure showed a threshold effect with 12‐month wrist/hand pain at follow‐up. Clinical diagnoses were not associated with exposure.ConclusionsDetailed examination of self‐reported exposures showed that mouse and keyboard time predicted elbow and wrist/hand pain from low exposure levels without a threshold effect, but mouse and keyboard time were not predictors of clinical conditions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:521–533, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The British approach to asbestos standard setting: 1898–2000
Authors: Greenberg Morris 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe asbestos industry started in the late 1870s, and the first accounts of severe respiratory disease in its workers were published in England (1898, 1906), France (1907), and Italy (1908). For a hundred years, a series of increasingly lower standards were set for asbestos in Britain: initially they purported to prevent asbestosis, and latterly to reduce asbestosis and malignancies to acceptable levels.MethodsPublished accounts of how British asbestos exposure standards came to be derived are reviewed in the light of archival materials originated by industry and government.ResultsThe earliest standard, of necessity, was not evidence based and while subsequent standards purported to relate doses to effects, the indifferent quality of the measurement of dose, and the poor discrimination of effects, militated against arriving at a standard in which trust should be placed. Each successive standard that was accepted, conformed to what could be achieved in production processes, as far as it was reasonably practicable on technological and economic grounds.ConclusionsFor the better part of a hundred years, confidence was misplaced in the ability of process engineers and physicians to protect workers against asbestos. Finally, deciding that asbestos was neither technologically nor economically essential, and was unsafe in use, Europe issued a Directive, to which Britain will conform, that will virtually ban it use throughout the Community by 2006. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:534–541, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory findings in pharmaceutical workers
Authors: Zuskin Eugenija , Mustajbegovic Jadranka , Schachter E. Neil , Kern Josipa , Deckovic‐Vukres Vlasta , Pucarin‐Cvetkovic Jasna , Nola‐Premec Iskra A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundPharmaceutical workers may be at risk for the development of respiratory problems as a result of their work environment.MethodsThis study investigated 163 female and 35 male workers, employed in a pharmaceutical plant processing different types of medication, primarily antibiotics, in order to characterize the risk of this environment. Chronic respiratory symptoms were recorded by using the British Medical Research Council questionnaire. Acute symptoms, which developed during the work shift, were also recorded. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow‐volume (MEFV) curves on which FVC, FEV1, FEF50, and FEF25 were measured. Controls (113) were selected from a food packing facility.ResultsA significantly higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was recorded among workers (compared to controls), the highest being for sinusitis, nasal catarrh, and dyspnea. There was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms recorded during the workshift. Odds ratio showed that the most significant risk factors for these respiratory findings were smoking and length of time worked in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in men. Pulmonary function testing demonstrated significantly decreased measured values in comparison to predicted European pulmonary function measurements (P < 0.01). This was particularly pronounced for FEF50 and FEF25, suggesting obstructive changes in smaller airways.ConclusionsOur data suggest that workers employed in the pharmaceutical industry may develop respiratory symptoms accompanied by ventilatory impairment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:472–479, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emergency management program operational responses to weapons of mass destruction: Veterans Health Administration, 2001–2004
Authors: Hodgson Michael J. , Bierenbaum Arnold , Mather Susan , Brown Mark A. , Beatty John , Scott Margie , Brewster Peter 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundDespite the recognition of chemical emergencies, terrorist events, and ongoing threats, little practical guidance exists for healthcare facilities.MethodsAn approach and materials developed by the Veterans Health Administration in a five‐element program over the last 2 years to enhance the existing emergency management program is outlined. Nine steps to the development of a comprehensive all‐hazards, emergency plan and program, with auditing and improvement tools are offered.ResultsCognitive aids for clinical use are available on‐line and in hard copy. A hazard assessment modeled patients as emission sources documenting the operations strategies under which level C personal protective equipment will protect healthcare workers. The development of this response program appears to support a broader, long‐standing VHA approach to problem solving. This involves bringing together individual talented field staff, representing specific skills, geographic regions, and work styles; investing in face‐to‐face consensus development; and developing programs with extensive internal peer‐review (“field‐based,” “bottom‐up and top‐down,” and external reviews).ConclusionsComprehensive and effective programs can be constructed at low cost with reasonable speed within large systems with a public mandate, leading to responsible use of public funds internally, and as models for private sector programs. It is the long‐term operational cost implications, under budget constraints in health care, which often present the true challenge. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:446–452, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Worker training for new threats: A proposed framework
Authors: Mitchell Clifford S. , Doyle Mary L. , Moran John B. , Lippy Bruce , Hughes Joseph T. , Lum Max , Agnew Jacqueline 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundIn an effort to identify health and safety training needs for various groups of workers related to weapons of mass destruction, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons and high yield explosives (CBRNE), a conference, “Worker Training in a New Era: Responding to New Threats,” was held at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in October 2002.MethodsTwo questions were addressed: Which general skills and knowledge are common to all workers who might be exposed to terrorist threats from CBRNE weapons? What are the particular skills and knowledge relevant to these threats that are specific to workers in different sectors?ResultsThirteen core components for pre‐ and post‐event training were identified. Pre‐event training applies to all workers. Post‐event training applies to selected personnel including first responders, skilled support personnel, and other workers involved in these operations. Recommendations to improve worker safety training related to preparedness include: identify specific competencies for worker pre‐ and post‐event training; coordinate Federal policy on worker training for CBRNE hazards; adopt federal guidelines or standards on worker training for new CBRNE threats, based on the competencies and coordinated Federal policy; conduct an inventory of training programs and other resources that could be used or adapted for use for new threats; and develop new training content and methods for pre‐ and post‐event training to address specific competencies.ConclusionsGiven the possibility for the introduction of CBRNE threats into the workplace, all workers need some training in the potential hazards involved: the individual worker's specific role in an emergency; incident command; activation of the emergency notification system; use of personal protective equipment (PPE); and safe evacuation of the workplace. While some occupational sectors have developed effective training related to these new threats, there is a need to develop, implement, and evaluate training programs across many different sectors of the workforce. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:423–431, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer mortality and incidence among a cohort of benzidine and dichlorobenzidine dye manufacturing workers
Authors: Rosenman Kenneth D. , Reilly Mary Jo 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundBenzidine is classified as a definite human carcinogen and dichlorobenzidine as a probable human carcinogen.MethodsA cohort study of 538 workers potentially exposed to benzidine and/or dichlorobenzidine from a single chemical manufacturing facility was conducted. Social Security records were used to identify all employees who worked at the facility from 1960 to 1977. Vital status was determined through 2001 and cancer incidence through 2002.ResultsA total of 22 bladder cancer cases were identified. For three individuals, bladder cancer was the underlying cause of death. Increased standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were found for all cancer 1.54 (95% CI 1.04–2.19), bladder cancer 8.34 (95% CI 1.72–24.78), and lymphohematopoietic cancer 2.84 (95% CI 1.04–6.18). The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for bladder cancer was 6.85 (95% CI 4.30–10.4). Only one case of bladder cancer was identified among the workers who were exposed to dichlorobenzidine only. However, an increased risk for lymphohematopoietic cancer was found among these dichlorobenzidine only workers (SMR 6.62 (95% CI 1.37–19.36)).ConclusionsThis study confirms the high risk of bladder cancer among benzidine exposed workers even years after exposure has ceased, and raises suggestive evidence of increased risk to lymphohematopoietic cancer from exposure to benzidine or dichlorobenzidine. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:505–512, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis with an anti–interleukin‐2 receptor monoclonal antibody
Authors: Rose John W. , Watt Hilary E. , White Andrea T. , Carlson Noel G. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractWe examined whether treatment with daclizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the interleukin‐2 receptor α chain, was safe and efficacious in relapsing–remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients. Nineteen ambulatory patients with clinically active disease were treated for 5 to 25 months. Seventeen patients were not responding to other immunotherapies. Daclizumab was generally well tolerated. Sustained clinical improvement (10 patients) or stabilization (9 patients) was observed. Daclizumab treatment produced significant reduction in magnetic resonance imaging activity. Ann Neurol 2004
Study on limiting nutrients and phytoplankton at long‐line‐culture areas in Laizhou Bay and Sanggou Bay, northeastern China
Authors: Liu Hui , Fang Jianguang , Zhu Jianxin , Dong Shuanglin , Wang Fang , Liang Xingming , Zhang Jihong , Lian Yan , Wang Lichao , Jiang Weiwei 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Concentrations of major nutrients (NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, NO2−‐N, HPO4−‐P, Si(OH)4‐Si) were measured, nutrient enrichment experiments (oxygen‐production bioassay) were conducted and phytoplankton were analysed at typical long‐line‐culture areas in Laizhou Bay and Sanggou Bay, northeastern China, from March 2001 to March 2002.
Generally, much variation of nutrient indices was detected among the sampling stations, between the two bays and in different seasons: the concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) fluctuated more violently and ranged much more widely in Sanggou Bay. N‐limitation was usually found in both bays, and the ranking of limiting potentials of major nutrients was N>Fe>P=Si in Laizhou Bay and N>P>Fe>Si in Sanggou Bay. Diatoms dominated the phytoplankton community in Sanggou Bay, but only dominated in eight months (with flagellates dominant in four months) in Laizhou Bay.
Linear and nonparametric correlation analyses suggested that a large number of the nutrient and phytoplankton variables measured have intrinsic relationships within themselves. Much more complicated correlations between phytoplankton and nutrient indices were found in Laizhou Bay than in Sanggou Bay. This, together with the violent fluctuations of DIN concentrations, indicated a more fragile ecosystem stability in Sanggou Bay.
The relatively exposed locations and less crowded settings of the rafts in the long‐line‐culture areas in Laizhou Bay allowed for a better water exchange, and the effect of aquaculture activity on the environment was not significant. Because of the intensity of aquaculture activities in Sanggou Bay, the biological, chemical and physical characteristics in the bay are greatly affected; a reduced cultivation density based on more comprehensive studies of carrying capacity of the bay is suggested.
Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Descriptive analysis of parent–child interactions in young children with or at risk for developmental delay
Authors: Passey Jennifer , Feldman Maurice 
Published: October 2004

AbstractChildren with developmental delay (DD) are at risk for behavior problems, but little is known about natural contingencies of reinforcement that these children experience. The present study used descriptive analysis (antecedent–behavior–consequence observations) to study parent–child interactions of fourty‐seven, 2–3 year‐old children with or at risk for DD. Child adaptive and inappropriate behavior as well as their antecedents and consequences were observed across four conditions (free play, parent‐directed play, mealtimes, parental distraction). When parents were engaged in another task (distraction), child appropriate behavior occurred less frequently than in the other conditions, and child inappropriate behavior occurred 63% of the time. A lack of parental attention and no activity were the most frequent antecedents for inappropriate behavior. Potential positive reinforcers appeared as consequences of inappropriate child behavior 77% of the time. These findings have implications for the development and prevention of serious behavior disorders. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative screening of embryonic stem cell differentiation: Endoderm formation as a model
Authors: Chang Karen H. , Zandstra Peter W. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractEmbryonic stem (ES) cells have attracted much attention as a possible source of functional cells for regenerative medicine. Therapeutic use of ES cells requires control over the types and frequencies of cells generated during their in vitro differentiation. Due to the complexity of factors that impact upon ES cell differentiation, novel approaches for the optimization of tissue‐specific development are required. This motivates our use of factorial and composite design methods to make empirical investigations more efficient, and to reveal unexpected interactions missed by conventional dose–response analysis. Factorial experiments would benefit from the high content evaluation of a large number of test conditions, necessitating the development of a quantitative screening technology (QST) capable of reporting the absolute number and frequency of target cells. We have developed and validated such a technology for ES cell differentiation analysis using automated fluorescence microscopy, employing endoderm differentiation as a model system. To test this platform, a two‐level factorial experiment was carried out to identify major and interactive effects of glucose, insulin, retinoic acid (RA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on endoderm formation. RA was found to have inhibitory effects on endoderm formation, while low glucose proved beneficial. QST was demonstrated to be a powerful tool to study factors impacting endoderm‐specific ES cell differentiation, and should be applicable to the analysis of a range of ES cell–derived tissues. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell population dynamics model for deconvolution of murine embryonic stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation responses to cytokines and extracellular matrix
Authors: Prudhomme Wendy A. , Duggar Keith H. , Lauffenburger Douglas A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractStem cell self‐renewal versus differentiation fate decisions are difficult to characterize and analyze due to multiple competing rate processes occurring simultaneously among heterogeneous cell subpopulations. To address this challenge, we describe a mathematical model for cell population dynamics that allows flow cytometry measurement of population distributions of molecular markers to be deconvoluted in terms of subpopulation‐specific rate parameters distinguishing commitment to differentiation, proliferation of differentiated cells, and proliferation of undifferentiated cells (i.e., self‐renewal). We validate this model‐based parameter determination by means of dedicated, independent cell‐tracking studies. Our approach facilitates interpretation of relationships underlying effects of external cues on cell responses in differentiating cultures via intracellular signals. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Empirical models of the proliferative response of cytokine‐dependent hematopoietic cell lines
Authors: Chaudhry Muhammad A.S. , Bowen Bruce D. , Eaves Connie J. , Piret James M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThere is an expanding need for predictive mathematical models to accelerate the optimization of cell therapy culture processes. Here we demonstrate the ability of simple mathematical models to describe quantitatively the cytokine growth‐rate dependence of two human hematopoietic cell lines, TF‐1 and MO7e. These cells are immortal but depend on either interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) or granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) for their continued survival and maximal proliferation. They are also responsive to interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and exhibit saturation kinetics when these cytokines are limiting. A Monod‐type relationship consistently failed to fit measured cytokine dose–proliferation response curves while a Hill‐type relationship showed a good fit. Cytokine interactions were first modeled by modifying the Hill‐function to include an interaction parameter, γ. This model did not indicate either synergistic or even additive effects between IL‐3 and GM‐CSF. Based on the reported competition between IL‐3 and GM‐CSF for their common receptor (βc) subunit, a competitive model was also developed. This model had no new parameters beyond those obtained from single cytokine cultures and provided improved prediction of the growth rates for both cell lines exposed to combinations of IL‐3 and GM‐CSF over a wide range of concentrations. As expected, the competitive model failed to fit the data for IL‐6 in combination with either IL‐3 or GM‐CSF, since IL‐6 signaling does not involve the βc chain of the IL‐3/GM‐CSF receptors. Interestingly, the cell‐specific rates of GM‐CSF uptake and cell proliferation were found to be uncoupled processes. Taken together, these results illustrate the utility of appropriately designed empirical models to describe the proliferative responses of hematopoietic cells to cytokine stimulation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Runx2/Cbfa1‐genetically engineered skeletal myoblasts mineralize collagen scaffolds in vitro
Authors: Gersbach Charles A. , Byers Benjamin A. , Pavlath Grace K. , Guldberg Robert E. , García Andrés J. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractGenetic engineering of progenitor and stem cells is an attractive approach to address cell sourcing limitations associated with tissue engineering applications. Bone tissue engineering represents a promising strategy to repair large bone defects, but has been limited in part by the availability of a sustained, mineralizing cell source. This study examined the in vitro mineralization potential of primary skeletal myoblasts genetically engineered to overexpress Runx2/Cbfa1, an osteoblastic transcriptional regulator essential to bone formation. These cells were viable at the periphery of 3D fibrous collagen scaffolds for 6 weeks of static culture. Exogenous Runx2 expression induced osteogenic differentiation and repressed myogenesis in these constructs relative to controls. Runx2‐modified cells deposited significant amounts of mineralized matrix and hydroxyapatite, as determined by microcomputed tomography, histological analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whereas scaffolds seeded with control cells exhibited no mineralized regions. Although mineralization by Runx2‐engineered cells was confined to the periphery of the construct, colocalizing with cell viability, it was sufficient to increase the compressive modulus of constructs 30‐fold relative to controls. This work demonstrates that Runx2 overexpression in skeletal myoblasts may address current obstacles of bone tissue engineering by providing a potent cell source for in vitro mineralization and construct maturation. Additionally, the use of genetic engineering methods to express downstream control factors and transcriptional regulators, in contrast to soluble signaling molecules, represents a robust strategy to enhance cellular activities for tissue engineering applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.