bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring human energy expenditure: What have we learned from the flex‐heart rate method?
Authors: Leonard William R. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe measurement of daily energy expenditure is an important aspect of research on human health and nutrition. Over the last 30 years, G.B. Spurr has been a leader in developing and implementing methods for more effectively assessing energy expenditure and physical activity in traditional and modernizing populations. One of his most notable contributions has been the development of the “Flex Heart Rate” (flex‐HR) method. Since its inception in the late 1980s, the flex‐HR method has become a standard tool for measuring daily energy expenditure in free‐living human populations. This article reviews the initial development and validation of the flex‐HR technique, and examines recent refinements of the method and its application to research in biomedicine and human population biology. The review and analyses highlight how the flex‐HR technique has improved on earlier methods of assessing energy expenditure and greatly advanced our understanding of variability in human energy requirements. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:479–489, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Issues of work intensity, pace, and sustainability in relation to work context and nutritional status
Authors: Panter‐Brick Catherine 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThis article raises issues about work intensity, pace, and sustainability during physical activity, focusing attention on the nature of work in labor‐intensive societies, the management of exertion in habitual tasks, and the health and broad socioeconomic correlates of alternative ways to regulate work patterns. At the heart of this review are concerns to document human adaptability (in terms of the physical and behavioral management of heavy work) and to renew debate regarding the conceptualization and measurement of work intensity (variously evaluated in absolute or relative terms, as indexed by oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, percentage maximal work capacity, heart rate elevation, time and motion indicators, or physiological cost). Three questions are examined: Is heavy work primarily a matter of time or energy intensity? How is heavy work habitually sustained? What is the bigger picture relating work performance to work context and to nutritional or health status? It is argued that many arduous activities, such as carrying loads, demand endurance over time rather than intensive effort per unit time, and that work pace management lies in regulating both the rate of work and the time in rest during physical activity. Furthermore, strategies that maximize long‐term endurance (adopted by “tortoises”) and those that maximize short‐term productivity (adopted by “hares”) are appropriate to different work contexts (e.g., a subsistence or wage‐labor economy) and suit individuals with different health status and ability. Thus, work intensity is an important aspect of the links between physical activity, health, productivity, and society, as noted in literature reviewing objectives for sustainable development and public health messages for disease risk management. These areas of scholarship are underresearched, partly because consensus has been slow in agreeing on which are the best measures of work pace and work intensity for use in field situations, and which are the most meaningful thresholds for evaluating absolute or relative effort across a range of populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:498–513, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reported frequency of physical activity, fitness, and fatness in Kuwait
Authors: Ramadan J. , Barac‐Nieto M. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractWe studied reported frequency of physical activity (PA), body composition, and fitness in Kuwaiti females (n = 84) and males (n = 72), urban office government employees, or students. A sedentary (SED) group reported no or occasional participation in self‐directed PA of 30 minutes or more during the week for the last 6 months; group LOF (low frequency) participated in 1–2 sessions/week (walking, jogging, sports such as volleyball, soccer, or gym); group HIF (higher frequency) reported three or more sessions/week. Aerobic fitness was measured using Bruce's treadmill protocol. Body fat and fat‐free mass (FFM) were estimated from seven skinfolds and body weight (BW). Grip strength and trunk flexibility were also measured. Maximal O2 consumption (VO2max)/BW was proportional to reported frequency of PA in males and females, indicating reliability of the reported PA frequencies. SED males (%fat > 25), SED and LOF females (%fat > 30) were overweight. In males, LOF PA was associated with lower %fat and higher flexibility than SED, and in females with higher VO2max/FFM than SED. LOF females, in contrast to males, were resilient to or exercised at levels insufficient for fat loss but sufficient for aerobic conditioning of the FFM, likely related to the low VO2max of females in which PA would have the most effect. HIF PA (≥3/week) was associated in females with significantly lower %fat and higher flexibility than SED females and no further aerobic conditioning of the FFM, and in males with no further differences in study variables compared with LOF males. Grip strength was higher in males than females but was unrelated to frequency of PA, likely reflecting lack of strength training in the activities of most participants. Thus, low‐frequency PA was associated with health benefits both in males (lower %fat) and females (higher VO2max/FFM). Probably due to the generally low fitness level of females and, hence, the high aerobic effort (%VO2max) required for exercise sufficient to impinge on fat stores, this was only achieved in females participating in higher weekly frequency (≥3) of PA. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:514–521, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olfactory function in workers exposed to styrene in the reinforced‐plastics industry
Authors: Dalton Pamela , Cowart Beverly , Dilks Daniel , Gould Michele , Lees Peter S.J. , Stefaniak Aleksandr , Emmett Edward 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundImpairment of olfactory function in humans has been associated with occupational exposure to volatile chemicals. To investigate whether exposure to styrene was associated with olfactory impairment, olfactory function was examined in workers with a minimum of 4 years exposure to styrene in the reinforced‐plastics industry (current mean exposure: 26 ppm, range: 10–60 ppm; historic mean dose: 156 ppm‐years, range: 13.8–328 ppm‐years) and in a group of age‐ and gender‐matched, unexposed controls.MethodsOlfactory function was assessed using a standardized battery that included tests of threshold sensitivity for phenylethyl alcohol (PEA), odor identification ability, and retronasal odor perception. Odor detection thresholds for styrene were also obtained as a measure of specific adaptation to the work environment.ResultsNo differences were observed between exposed workers and controls on tests of olfactory function. Elevation of styrene odor detection thresholds among exposed workers indicated exposure‐induced adaptation.ConclusionsThe present study found no evidence among a cross‐section of reinforced‐plastics industry workers that current or historical exposure to styrene was associated with impairment of olfactory function. Taken together with anatomical differences between rodent and human airways and the lack of evidence for styrene metabolism in human nasal tissue, the results strongly suggest that at these concentrations, styrene is not an olfactory toxicant in humans. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:1–11, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work environment and occupational health of Finnish veterinarians
Authors: Reijula Kari , Räsänen Kimmo , Hämäläinen Marjut , Juntunen Kalevi , Lindbohm Marja‐Liisa , Taskinen Helena , Bergbom Barbara , Rinta‐Jouppi Meeri 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundHealth and work environment of Finnish veterinarians was evaluated by The Finnish Veterinary Association and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in a questionnaire survey.MethodsThe questionnaire was mailed in the spring of 2000 to all veterinarians under 65 years of age and working in Finland (n = 1169); 785 (67%) responded.ResultsA veterinarian's work was physically demanding, and often involved an elevated risk of accident. The risks were considered moderately or considerably high by over half of the respondents, and the highest risks occurred among veterinarians working in equine, mixed (both small and large animals), or in production animal practice. The veterinarians were committed to their work, although, at the same time they experienced work‐related stress and fatigue. Particularly veterinarians working in towns, or those involved in education and research, reported the most stress. Serious work‐related exhaustion was experienced most often by women in the youngest and by men in the oldest age groups. On average, the veterinarians spent over 100 hr a month on call. Over two‐thirds of the participants in the survey reported their general state of health as good or fairly good, while less than 5% of the participants reported their health as rather poor or poor.ConclusionsThe work of a Finnish veterinarian, the work environment, and the risks of the work varied greatly depending on the tasks assigned to the veterinarian. This has to be taken into consideration when occupational health services are planned for veterinarians. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:46–57, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute effects from occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs in a para‐professional health care worker
Authors: Kusnetz Eliot , Condon Marian 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundWhile health risks from occupational exposure of nursing and pharmacy staff have been recognized, exposure of para‐professional health care workers (HCW) has received little attention.MethodsThis case report describes a patient care assistant who developed allergic reactions subsequent to exposure to urine of oncology patients who had been treated with antineoplastics.ResultsThe patient care assistant on two occasions developed a pruritic, disseminated rash shortly after emptying commodes containing the urine of oncology patients treated with Vincristine and Adriamycin (doxorubicin).ConclusionsIncreased attention should be focused on the occupational exposures of para‐professional HCWs to potentially hazardous antineoplastics. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:107–109, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of a method to evaluate the quality of work histories and document the exposure assessment process
Authors: Rice Carol , Heineman Ellen F. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundReview of work history records by industrial hygienists is an important component of many occupational epidemiologic studies. A number of factors may influence the hygienist, such as the quality of the data and his or her previous experience. As part of a case‐control study of mesothelioma, a system was developed to capture data on several factors that can be considered in a review of work history information.MethodsThe overall quality of the work history record was described by noting the completeness and the consistency of the information; for any potential exposures, the reviewer experience on which the decision was based and the relative quality of the information were categorized. Because of the potential for mesothelioma cases and their next‐of‐kin to have undergone rigorous questioning about previous asbestos exposure an evaluation of the knowledge of the respondent was included. The frequency and intensity of exposure were also evaluated.ResultsEvaluation of 3,444 work records is described. The importance of data completeness in the overall evaluation of quality is shown; follow‐up questions regarding specific work tasks provide information not elicited in the standard interview process. The use of the literature was an important resource to the reviewer. Asbestos was reported by the respondent as an exposure on 149 work records; of these, 111 (74%) were judged to represent an unusual level of knowledge for a next‐of‐kin respondent.ConclusionsThe approach presented allows capture of information about data quality and experience of the reviewer in an epidemiologic analysis. The ratings of frequency and intensity of exposure allow exploration of differences in exposure–response analyses using various exposure metrics. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:94–106, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of latex allergy among health care workers: Evaluation of the extractable latex protein content in different types of medical gloves
Authors: Crippa Michela , Belleri Luca , Mistrello Gianni , Carsana Teresina , Neri Gloria , Alessio Lorenzo 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundSince the 1980s, there has been increased use of latex gloves by health care workers and a concomitant increase of irritant and allergic reactions. The total protein content and the latex allergenic protein content in different types of medical gloves commonly used in our hospital were evaluated to acquire information useful for preventing latex allergy in our hospital personnel.MethodsThe total protein content and the allergic latex protein contents were evaluated with Lowry modified method and RAST inhibition assay in samples and extracts of 29 different types of medical gloves.ResultsThe highest concentrations of total proteins and allergenic latex proteins were found in examination powdered latex gloves and in surgical powdered latex gloves; a significant amount of latex proteins was found in some brands of nitrile gloves.ConclusionsThe clear association between the total protein levels and the allergenic latex protein levels suggests that the gloves with highest total protein content have the greatest allergenic potential. Therefore, it is recommended that manufacturing companies should provide package inserts including the total protein contents and possibly allergenic latex protein levels. They should declare whether they have added latex to their nitrile glove formulation. RAST‐inhibition assays directly on glove samples instead of glove extract seems to be a good reliable and faster alternative for the evaluation of the allergenic potential of latex gloves. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:24–31, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational injury and illness among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in New York State and Pennsylvania, 1997–1999: pilot study of a new surveillance method
Authors: Earle‐Richardson Giulia , Jenkins Paul L. , Slingerland D. Tucker , Mason Christine , Miles Melissa , May John J. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundTraditional worksite injury surveillance methods are often ineffective for Northeastern farms employing seasonal harvest labor. Many are small farms, exempt from mandatory injury reporting. The high proportion of foreign workers and the temporary nature of the work further discourages reporting. Therefore, an alternative migrant health center‐based occupational injury and illness surveillance system was piloted during 1997–1999.MethodsAnonymous medical chart data from nine migrant health centers and four regional hospital emergency rooms was collected during 1997–1999.ResultsThere were 516 injury/illness cases over two seasons. Joint/muscle straining (31%), falling (18%), poison ivy contact (10%), and object strikes (8%) were most common injurious events. The participation rate of health care was 75%; 130 cases were reported by hospital emergency rooms; and optimal health center participation was associated with: being a farmworker‐dedicated program, and including the chart reviewer in the health center's decision to participate.ConclusionsFurther development of a medical records‐based surveillance system should include hospital emergency rooms and focus on identified health center performance factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:37–45, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The relationship of unions to prevalence and claim filing for work‐related upper‐extremity musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Morse Tim , Punnett Laura , Warren Nicholas , Dillon Charles , Warren Andrew 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundUnionization has been found to be related to higher filing of workers' compensation (WC) claims, but the extent of the relationship and the relationships to other variables have not been previously reported.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted with both a population‐based and WC‐based samples of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) cases.ResultsWorkers at unionized facilities were 5.7 times (95% CI 2.5–13.1) more likely to file a claim for WC, despite a comparable rate of MSD cases. Higher filing was also associated with several measures of MSD severity (1.8–14.1 odds ratios), economic sector (OR = 10.1 for manufacturing), hourly (vs. salary) wages (OR = 2.6), and for having a personal physician (OR = 2.5). Unions appeared to have a protective effect on social effects of work‐related MSD.ConclusionsUnions appear to improve filing of work‐related MSD, particularly for less severe conditions. The higher filing does not appear to be a case of “moral hazard,” but rather improved and earlier reporting, as is advocated by early intervention approaches to reducing MSD. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:83–93, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stress factors predicting injuries of hospital personnel
Authors: Salminen Simo , Kivimäki Mika , Elovainio Marko , Vahtera Jussi 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundStress at work has long been recognized as a factor in increasing risk for mental and physical health problems. The extent to which work stressors and stress predicted injuries occur in a large population of Finnish hospital workers was studied.MethodsA total of 5,111 employees (624 men, 4,487 women) from 10 hospitals participated in this study. Their psychological distress was measured by the General Health Questionnaire, and overload and job control by the Harris scale and the Job Content Questionnaire, respectively. Injuries certified by a physician were followed up for 3 years: injuries in 1997 (n = 213) were used as a measure of baseline and injuries in 1998–1999 (n = 443) were the dependent variables.ResultsPsychological distress was not significantly related to injuries. However, low decision latitude (risk ratio = 1.27 (1.04 to 1.54)), low skill discretion only for men (risk ratio = 2.76 (1.78 to 4.30)), and highly monotonous work (risk ratio = 1.26 (1.02 to 1.55)) were stressors predicting injuries. In addition, workers with numerous problems in interpersonal relationships (risk ratio = 1.43 (1.18 to 1.73)) or many conflicts in collaboration at work (risk ratio = 1.40 (1.15 to 1.71)) were more often involved in injuries.ConclusionsThis study showed that stressors related to autonomy of work and interpersonal relationship at workplace are predictors of injuries in hospital settings. These factors are potentially amenable to organizational interventions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:32–36, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure assessment for study of olfactory function in workers exposed to styrene in the reinforced‐plastics industry
Authors: Lees Peter S.J. , Stefaniak Aleksandr , Emmett Edward A. , Dalton Pamela 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundThis study was undertaken in conjunction with an evaluation of the olfactory function of 52 persons exposed to styrene vapors to provide quantitative styrene exposure histories of each subject for use in the interpretation of the results of olfactory function testing.MethodsCurrent and historic exposures were investigated. Historic exposures were reconstructed from employment records and measurements of styrene exposure made in the subject facilities over the last 15 years. Current exposures were estimated for every exposed subject though personal air sampling and through pre‐ and post‐shift measurements of urinary metabolites of styrene.ResultsThe study population had been employed in the reinforced‐plastics industry for an average of 12.2 ± 7.4 years. Their mean 8‐hr time weighted average (TWA) respirator‐corrected annual average styrene exposure was 12.6 ± 10.4 ppm; mean cumulative exposure was 156 ± 80 ppm‐years. The current respirator‐corrected 8‐hr TWA average exposure was 15.1 ± 12.0 ppm. The mean post‐shift urinary mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA) concentrations were 580 ± 1,300 and 170 ± 360 mg/g creatinine, respectively and were highly correlated with air concentrations of styrene.ConclusionsThis quantitative exposure evaluation has provided a well‐characterized population, with documented exposure histories stable over time and in the range suitable for the purposes of the associated study of olfactory function. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:12–23, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer incidence and mortality in workers employed at a transformer manufacturing plant: Update to a cohort study
Authors: Yassi Annalee , Tate Robert B. , Routledge Michael 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundThis study is an extension of a previously published analysis of cancer mortality in a transformer manufacturing plant where there had been extensive use of mineral oil transformer fluid. The objectives of the present study were to update the mortality analysis and include deaths for the past 6 years as well as to do an analysis of cancer incidence of the cohort.MethodsA cohort of 2,222 males working at a transformer manufacturing plant between 1946 and 1975 was constructed. Using a classical historical cohort study design, cancer incidence and mortality were determined through record linkage with Canadian provincial and national registries. The rates of cancer incidence and mortality experienced by this cohort were compared to that of the Canadian male population.ResultsA statistically significant increased risk of developing and dying of pancreatic cancer was found but not an increase in overall cancer mortality. This was consistent with the previous report from this group. Interestingly, the cohort demonstrated a statistically significant risk of overall cancer incidence and specific increased incidence of gallbladder cancer.ConclusionsThis study contributes further evidence to the growing body of literature indicating the carcinogenic properties of mineral oils used in occupational settings, in particular those used prior to 1970s. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:58–62, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.