bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working Group Report 3: Sensitivity to organic dusts—atopy and gene polymorphisms
Authors: Kline Joel N. , Doekes Gert , Bønløkke Jakob , Hoffman Hans Jürgen , Essen Susanna Von , Zhai Rihong 
Published: September 2004

AbstractWorking Group 3 (Sensitivity to Organic Dusts—Atopy and Gene Polymorphisms) was convened to review the current understanding of how effects of inhaled organic dust may be modified by genetic factors—both those that increase as well as those that may reduce susceptibility. Furthermore, the group was asked to suggest areas that require more investigation in this field. The discussion focused on individual sensitivity to inhaled agents as the most important determinant of inter‐individual heterogeneiety in responses to exposures. Genetic modifiers are known for a number of pathologic conditions (including asthma, atopy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis) associated with inhalation of organic dusts; modifiers are likely to be identified for a number of other disease states. Further studies are required to delineate more precisely the contribution (and the role in inflammatory cascade modulation) of these known polymorphims, as well as to identify novel genetic factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:416–418, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Working Group Report 4: Exposure assessment for biological agents
Authors: Thorne Peter S. , Duchaine Caroline , Douwes Jeroen , Eduard Wijnand , Górny Rafal , Jacobs Robert , Reponen Tiina , Schierl Rudi , Szponar Bogumila 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThis Working Group was assembled to review and evaluate methods currently used to estimate work site exposures to biological agents and to present recommendations on suitable measurement strategies. The current state of exposure assessment was evaluated for environments with organic dust including agriculture, composting, sewage and waste treatment processing, peat moss harvesting and handling, cotton and textile processing, greenhouse work, and grass seed processing. Methods for measurement of microbial contaminants in indoor environments were also considered. Important methods are emerging that use quantitative PCR for assessment of microbial agents. Difficulties exist with optimization of extraction to yield contaminant‐free DNA without significant DNA loss. Advances in assays for microbial agents (e.g., endotoxin and glucans) as well as allergens have increased the utility of exposure assessment for these agents. A crucial area for further development is international harmonization of methodologies to reduce interlaboratory variability and to facilitate establishment of exposure guidelines. Endotoxin exposure assessment using the Limulus amebocyte lysate method is a high priority for harmonization because of its importance as a pulmonary inflammatory agent in many occupational settings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:419–422, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endotoxins isolated from the air of a Danish paper mill and the relation to change in lung function: An 11‐year follow‐up
Authors: Sigsgaard Torben , Jensen Lone Donbæk , Abell Anette , Würtz Helle , Thomsen Gert 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundA decline in lung function has been associated with farming, cotton spinning, and work in the animal feed industry. The aim of the study was to reveal if loss of lung function was associated to work at a paper mill.MethodsNinety‐seven male paper workers (PW), and 55 control workers were examined. Hygiene samples included total dust, endotoxins, and microorganisms. Interview, pulmonary function testing, and skin prick test (SPT) were performed and yearly decline in lung function was calculated.ResultsThe exposure for endotoxin (LPS) ranged from Median (Max−Min) 69 (370−6) EU/m3, in the wet‐end of the paper machines to 6 (19−16) in the pulping area. The lung function decline among the controls was comparable to the decrements among the maintenance and repair workers at the paper factory, around 51–54 and 37–38 ml/year among smokers' and non‐smokers, respectively. After adjustment for baseline FEV1, the variables associated to an increased loss of FEV1 were age smoking and cough. For FVC we found an inverse relation between exposure and yearly decline.ConclusionNo increase in loss of lung function is seen among workers exposed to up to 200 EU/m3 of LPS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:327–332, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health effects associated with exposure to residential organic dust
Authors: Herr Caroline E.W. , Nieden Anja zur , Stilianakis Nikolaos I. , Eikmann Thomas F. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed at relating self‐reported health complaints to bioaerosol pollution in the residential outdoor air and to duration of storing organic waste indoors.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, double blinded to ongoing environmental microbial measurements, physicians collected questionnaires in a neighborhood with a composting site and in unexposed controls. Self‐reported prevalence of health complaints, physician diagnoses as well as residential odor annoyance and home hygiene were assessed.ResultsAn elevation of reports of irritative airway complaints was associated with residency in an area with highest bioaerosol exposure but not with odor annoyance. Longer indoor storage of organic waste was associated with skin related symptoms. Atopic subjects were at higher risk. Airway‐related health problems were not associated with longer storage of organic wastes in homes.ConclusionsExposure to organic dust in residential air affects airways of residents while exposure in homes due to organic wastes affects the skin. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:381–385, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure to bioaerosols: Allergic reactions and respiratory function in Polish hop growers
Authors: Góra Anna , Skórska Czesława , Prażmo Zofia , Krysińska‐Traczyk Ewa , Sitkowska Jolanta , Dutkiewicz Jacek 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of work‐related symptoms in hop growers and their relation to bioaerosols exposure. The study group comprised 69 hop growers and 58 office workers as controls. The examination included: physician‐administrated questionnaire, PEF measurements, skin prick test, agar–gel precipitation test, and migration inhibition test. Microbiological air sampling was performed on all farms.ResultsThe concentrations of total airborne microflora ranged from 2.08 to 129.6 × 103 CFU/m3. Airborne endotoxin and dust concentrations ranged from 26 to 6250 ng/m3 and 0.2–31.7 mg/m3, respectively. Altogether 52.2% of farmers complained of work‐related symptoms. Positive skin reactions to microbial allergens were significantly more frequent in a group of hop growers with work‐related respiratory symptoms compared to the rest of the farmers (18% vs 2%, P < 0.05). Positive reactions in agar‐gel precipitation test and in the leukocyte migration inhibition test were not correlated with the occurrence of work‐related symptoms. The mean daily PEF values in farmers were lower compared to controls (469.7 ± 127.5 vs 562.9 ± 123.8; P < 0.001). PEF (amp%mean) was higher in farmers compared to controls (9.3% vs 8.1%; P < 0.05).ConclusionDespite relatively lower exposure to bioaerosols, compared to farmers in other branches of agriculture, over 50% of hop growers complained of work‐related symptoms. This may be partly due to the effects of microbial allergens and toxins and partly to the irritant or allergic properties of hop plant itself. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:371–374, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure to work‐related levels of swine dust up‐regulates CD106 on human alveolar macrophages
Authors: Hoffmann Hans Jürgen , Iversen Martin , Takai Hisamitsu , Sigsgaard Torben , Omland Øyvind , Dahl Ronald 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundExposure to dust from swine confinement buildings, causes an inflammatory response. Monocyte recruitment to the murine lung after instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to partially depend on CD106/VCAM1. We wanted to determine whether this can be confirmed in man.MethodsNon‐naïve persons bearing personal air samples were exposed for 3 hr in a swine confinement building, and were bronchoscopied before and after exposure. Blood samples were taken at the time of bronchoscopy. Expression of adhesion molecules on leukocytes was investigated by flow cytometry in bronchoaveloar lavage (BAL) and blood.ResultsExpression of CD106 on alveolar macrophages, but not on neutrophils or T cells in BAL or blood, was up‐regulated in proportion to the amount of LPS that individuals were exposed.ConclusionsThis argues for requirement of CD106 during inflammatory recruitment of monocytes to the human lung. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:378–380, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partial protection by respirators on airways responses following exposure in a swine house
Authors: Palmberg Lena , Larsson Britt‐Marie , Sundblad Britt‐Marie , Larsson Kjell 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundExposure to swine dust leads to an intense airway inflammation and increased bronchial responsiveness. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a respiratory protection device during exposure in a swine house.MethodsTwenty‐two subjects, 11 with a respirator, were exposed. Symptoms, body temperature, nasal lavage, and a bronchial metacholine challenge were performed before and 7 hr after exposure. For exposure assessment a nasal sampler was evaluated.ResultsThe subjects with a respirator showed an attenuated inflammatory nasal response. An increase in bronchial responsiveness was observed in both groups, significantly greater in the unprotected group. The use of respirators reduced endotoxin exposure by more than 90% (assessed by nasal samplers).ConclusionThe use of a respirator attenuated the inflammatory response compared with an unprotected group. The minor effect on bronchial responsiveness suggests that gases and/or ultrafine particles may also be important factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:363–370, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory symptoms and airway obstruction in swine veterinarians: A persistent problem
Authors: Andersen C.I. , Von Essen Susanna G. , Smith L.M. , Spencer J. , Jolie Rika , Donham Kelley J. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveThere are many occupational hazards associated with the practice of swine veterinarians. To reassess the prevalence of respiratory complaints and pulmonary function abnormalities in this group.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study conducted during the American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. Subjects completed a respiratory symptom/work history questionnaire and performed spirometry.ResultsParticipants included 122 veterinarians (median age = 42.5 years). Work‐related symptoms included rhinitis symptoms (69%), cough and chest tightness (53%), wheezing (31%). Airway obstruction was seen in 24% of participants. Veterinarians with airway obstruction reported working more hours per week in hog barns than did practitioners with normal pulmonary function (P = 0.009).ConclusionsRespiratory symptoms were common in the swine veterinarians tested as was airway obstruction. The association with these findings and hog barn exposure suggests that working in these facilities is still a risk factor for airway disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:386–392, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IgE sensitization to bacterial and fungal biopesticides in a cohort of Danish greenhouse workers: The BIOGART Study
Authors: Doekes Gert , Larsen Preben , Sigsgaard Torben , Baelum Jesper 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe use of biopesticides in agriculture may implicate new risks of work‐related allergic reactions.MethodsSera were tested from the BIOGART project, a longitudinal respiratory health study among >300 Danish greenhouse workers. IgE was measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with extracts of biopesticide products containing Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or Verticillium lecanii (Vert).ResultsMany sera had detectable IgE to BT (23–29%) or Vert (9–21%). IgE titers from the 2‐ and 3‐year follow‐up (n = 230) were highly correlated, with discordant results in <15%. IgE titers to different BT, or to different Verticillium products were also significantly correlated (both r > 0.70), whereas IgE anti‐BT and anti‐Verticillium showed no correlation at all.ConclusionsExposure to these microbial biopesticides may confer a risk of IgE‐mediated sensitization. In future research there is a need to identify allergenic components in the preparations, perform studies on non‐exposed controls and analyze the relation between sensitization and health parameters. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:404–407, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metalworking fluid bioaerosols at selected workplaces in a steelworks
Authors: Górny Rafał L. , Szponar Bogumiła , Larsson Lennart , Pehrson Christina , Prażmo Zofia , Dutkiewicz Jacek 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundExposure to metalworking fluid (MWF) aerosols has been shown to be associated with a variety of respiratory and skin diseases of workers.MethodsMeasurements of particulate aerosols, bacterial bioaerosol, and endotoxins and 3‐hydroxy fatty acids (3‐OH FAs) content in water‐based and straight oil MWFs were done during an 8 hr work shift in the grindery and oil basement sections of a steelworks located in Upper Silesia, Poland.ResultsParticulate aerosol concentrations were below NIOSH recommended occupational exposure level. Differences in concentration and taxonomical composition of airborne bacteria between grindery and oil basement were found, due to the more aggressive creation of oil mist during machining operations and different MWF characteristics, which favor growth of different bacterial strains.ConclusionsThe GC‐MS analysis of 3‐OH FAs as a marker of endotoxin contamination of the MWF and of the air seems to be a promising tool for evaluation of occupational exposure to bacterial bioaerosols. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:400–403, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atopic and non‐atopic asthma in a farming and a general population
Authors: Eduard Wijnand , Omenaas Ernst , Bakke Per Sigvald , Douwes Jeroen , Heederik Dick 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackgroundIn a previous study inverse associations between asthma and exposure to fungal spores and endotoxins in atopic farmers and positive associations with the same factors in non‐atopic farmers were documented. No external reference population had been included. We, therefore, compared this farming population with the general population from an adjacent region.MethodsRandom samples of a farming (n = 2,106) and a rural (n = 351) and urban (n = 727) general population were selected. Atopy was assessed by serum IgE and asthma by questionnaires.ResultsThe asthma prevalence was 4.0% among farmers, 5.7% in the rural, and 7.6% in the urban population. Atopy was similar (9–10%). Most asthmatics were not atopic, 67–75%. Farmers had asthma less often than the general population OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.36–0.75); both atopic (OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.15–0.69)) and non‐atopic asthma (OR 0.60 (95% CI 0.39–0.93)).ConclusionThis may indicate a protective effect of the farm environment on asthma but a healthy worker effect may also play a role. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:396–399, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kooperative Distickstoff‐Aktivierung durch mehrere Metallzentren
Authors: Gambarotta Sandro , Scott Jennifer 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIn den letzten Jahren gab es eine beeindruckende Zahl an Durchbrüchen im Bereich der Distickstoff‐Aktivierung. Das belegt das große Interesse, das immer noch durch dieses Molekül als Ziel von Aktivierungsstudien geweckt wird. Obwohl die Entdeckung der Distickstoff‐Fixierung bald 40 Jahre zurückliegt, muss ein umfassendes Verständnis der Faktoren, die über Fixierung oder Aktivierung entscheiden, erst noch erreicht werden. Trotzdem wurden in letzter Zeit wesentliche Fortschritte gemacht. Dieser Beitrag soll neueste Forschungsergebnisse beleuchten und dabei helfen, die Notwendigkeit eines Angriffs mehrerer Metallzentren an Distickstoff als Grundvoraussetzung für dessen weitere Spaltung und Funktionalisierung einzuschätzen.
Die Steuerung der Selbstorganisation vollständig substituierter Arene durch Wasserstoffbrücken
Authors: Bushey Mark L. , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen , Zhang Wei , Horoszewski Dana , Nuckolls Colin 
Published: September 2004

AbstractDas Design, die Synthese und die Selbstorganisation einer neuen Klasse vollständig substituierter Arene, die kolumnare Überstrukturen bilden, werden in diesem Kurzaufsatz detailliert beschrieben. Die Selbstorganisation dieser Moleküle führt zur Bildung von helicalen und polaren Säulen, deren Anordnung mit elektrischen Feldern gesteuert werden kann. In konzentrierten Lösungen ordnen sich die Säulen in helicalen Überstrukturen an, die zirkular polarisiertes Licht im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich reflektieren. Durch Schleuderbeschichtung erzeugte Filme bilden, abhängig von der Struktur der verwendeten Seitenketten, entweder polare Monoschichten oder isolierte molekulare Stränge, die rastersondenmikroskopisch beobachtet werden können. Darüber hinaus werden Methoden beschrieben, mit denen diese Mesogene zu monodispersen Oligomeren verknüpft werden können, die sich zu definierten Sekundärkonformationen falten.
DNA‐gestützte organische Synthese: die Strategie der Natur zur Steuerung chemischer Reaktivität übertragen auf synthetische Moleküle
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Liu David R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAnders als im Allgemeinen in der Synthesechemie üblich wird in der Natur die chemische Reaktivität durch die Modulation der effektiven Molarität hoch verdünnter Reaktanten durch Makromolekül‐gestützte Synthesen gesteuert. Dabei kann die Reaktion komplexer Mischungen in einer einzigen Lösung mit Effizienzen und Selektivitäten verlaufen, die in herkömmlichen Laborsynthesen nicht erreichbar sind. Die DNA‐gestützte organische Synthese (DTS) bietet einen erstaunlich universellen Weg zur Steuerung der Reaktivität synthetischer Moleküle mithilfe des in der Natur verwirklichten, auf der effektiven Molarität basierenden Ansatzes. Neueste Entwicklungen haben den Anwendungsbereich und die Möglichkeiten der DTS von ihren Ursprüngen als Modell für präbiotische Nucleinsäurereplikation zu ihrer heutigen Fähigkeit, DNA‐Sequenzen in komplexe kleine Moleküle und polymere Produkte mehrstufiger organischer Synthesen zu übersetzen, erweitert. Das Verständnis der fundamentalen Prinzipien der DTS spielte eine wichtige Rolle bei diesen Entwicklungen. Zu den ersten Anwendungen der DTS zählen die Nucleinsäuredetektion, die Entwicklung synthetischer niedermolekularer Verbindungen und die Entdeckung von Reaktionen mithilfe von Translations‐, Selektions‐ und Amplifikationsmethoden, die zuvor nur für biologische Substanzen verfügbar waren.
Using Hydrogen Bonds to Direct the Assembly of Crowded Aromatics
Authors: Bushey Mark L. , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen , Zhang Wei , Horoszewski Dana , Nuckolls Colin 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThis Minireview details the design, synthesis, and self‐assembly of a new class of crowded aromatics that form columnar superstructures. The assembly of these subunits produces helical and polar stacks, whose assembly can be directed with electric fields. In concentrated solutions, these self‐assembled helical rods exhibit superhelical arrangements that reflect circularly polarized light at visible wavelengths. Depending on the side chains employed, spin‐cast films yield either polar monolayers or isolated strands of molecules that can be visualized with scanning probe microscopy. Also detailed herein are methods to link these mesogens together to produce monodisperse oligomers that fold into defined secondary conformations.
DNA‐Templated Organic Synthesis: Nature's Strategy for Controlling Chemical Reactivity Applied to Synthetic Molecules
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Liu David R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIn contrast to the approach commonly taken by chemists, nature controls chemical reactivity by modulating the effective molarity of highly dilute reactants through macromolecule‐templated synthesis. Nature's approach enables complex mixtures in a single solution to react with efficiencies and selectivities that cannot be achieved in conventional laboratory synthesis. DNA‐templated organic synthesis (DTS) is emerging as a surprisingly general way to control the reactivity of synthetic molecules by using nature's effective‐molarity‐based approach. Recent developments have expanded the scope and capabilities of DTS from its origins as a model of prebiotic nucleic acid replication to its current ability to translate DNA sequences into complex small‐molecule and polymer products of multistep organic synthesis. An understanding of fundamental principles underlying DTS has played an important role in these developments. Early applications of DTS include nucleic acid sensing, small‐molecule discovery, and reaction discovery with the help of translation, selection, and amplification methods previously available only to biological molecules.
ELF magnetic field exposure in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Riminesi Cristiano , Andreuccetti Daniele , Fossi Roberto , Pezzati Marco 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIn this paper, the magnetic flux density (MFD) distribution in a neonatal intensive care unit is described and MFD values inside a few open infant warming systems and incubators are reported. Typical measured values of the magnetic flux density at power frequency (50 Hz) in the “general environment” (the rooms of the unit) were lower than 0.2 μT, while higher MFD values were detected close to medical equipment and inside the open infant warming systems. In both cases, the magnetic flux density quickly decreases with increasing distance, so that measured values are reduced to “background” (i.e., general environment) levels 20–30 cm away from the sources. The total harmonic content over the 100–800 Hz frequency range was also evaluated. In the general environment, measured values in this band were negligible, while this was not the case close to medical equipment. Field levels inside the open and closed incubators depend on the position of the electronic control system, of the heating power generator and its winding conductor, and of the 220 V main plug. The magnetic flux density was also monitored for a prolonged period of time in a few types of open infant warming systems and incubators under standard intensive care unit operation with premature newborn present. Bioelectromagnetics 25:481–491, 2004. Copyright © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The dielectric properties of cancerous tissues in a nude mouse xenograft model
Authors: Yoo Done‐Sik 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe dielectric properties of various cancers, namely brain tumor, breast cancer, gastric carcinoma, and colon cancer, were measured in the frequency range of 500 MHz to 5 GHz. Cancers were cultivated applying the xenograft model of growing human cancerous tissues using the specific pathogen free, homo inbred mouse (a nude mouse). The complex permittivity was measured using an open‐ended coaxial probe (HP85070B) and a computer controlled network analyzer (HP8510C). For the measurement of the dielectric properties, a total of 58 xenografted specimens was used. The results showed that measured values of complex permittivity for all four cancerous tissues were similar, with little variations over the frequency range used. It might be agreed that components and characteristics of different cancerous tissues would be similar despite their different occurrences in the human body. It is necessary to investigate this result further. Bioelectromagnetics 25:492–497, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.