bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organic dust exposure and work‐related effects among recycling workers
Authors: Gladding Toni , Thorn Jörgen , Stott David 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveOrganic dust exposure and work‐related symptoms and effects among household waste recycling workers in Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are a concern. MRFs are a central operation where source‐segregated, dry, recyclable materials (paper, plastics, cans, etc.) are sorted, mechanically or manually, to market specifications for processing into secondary materials.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐nine MRF workers (91%) from nine MRFs participated. Measurements of airborne total dust, endotoxin, (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan, and a questionnaire survey were carried out. Blood data was restricted to MRFs 3, 6, and 9 (45 workers). Blood sampling investigated differential cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and immunoglobulin (Ig)E.ResultsWorkers exposed to higher amounts of endotoxin and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan had an increased risk for respiratory symptoms as compared to those with lower exposure. Stomach problems was associated to higher (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan exposure. MRF 3 had a higher (1→3)‐β‐d‐glucan exposure compared to 6 and 9, and respiratory symptoms, unusual tiredness, and vomiting were reported more often in MRF 3. Monocyte numbers and ESR were significantly decreased in MRF 3 compared to MRF 6 and 9, but all measured values were within normal ranges.ConclusionsThe results suggest that MRF workers exposed to higher levels of endotoxin and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan at their work sites exhibit various work‐related symptoms, and that the longer a worker is in the MRF environment, the more likely he is to become affected by various respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:584–591, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cohort mortality study of employees at the Celanese plant in Pampa, Texas
Authors: Mandel Jack S. , Chapman Pamela , Amsel Jon 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe mortality experience of chemical workers from the Pampa, Texas Celanese Ltd. plant through 1991 has been previously reported. This study updates that effort and presents an additional seven years of data and follow‐up that provided 268 additional cohort members and 71 new deaths.MethodsMortality was determined through December 31, 1998, the period for which the National Death Index could provide information on deaths. The mortality experience of Celanese Ltd. employees was compared to that of the general population of the United States. All cause and cause‐specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated.ResultsFor the entire cohort, several causes of death including all causes (SMR = 65.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 56.9–76.0), heart disease (SMR = 69.1; 95% CI = 53.6–87.8), and all malignant neoplasms (SMR = 74.2; 95% CI = 56.3–95.9) were significantly less than expected. SMRs were also calculated separately for white men, non‐white men, and women. Unlike the initial study, the SMR for prostate cancer among white males was not significantly elevated (SMR=176.1; 95% CI = 76.0–347.0) and was much lower than the prior SMR of 330.4. This suggests that the initial findings, which were based on a small number of deaths, were likely due to chance.ConclusionsOverall, Celanese Ltd. employees from the Pampa plant have significantly lower than expected SMRs for several causes of death, and no causes of death that are significantly elevated. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:656–661, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring of DNA damage in foundry and pottery workers exposed to silica by the alkaline comet assay
Authors: Başaran Nurşen , Shubair Mohammed , Ündeğer Ülkü , Kars Ayşe 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundWorkers in foundry and pottery are exposed to a mixture of chemicals and silica, which is suspected to cause genetic alterations.MethodsTo investigate the potential hazard associated with the occupational exposure to silica, DNA damage in the peripheral lymphocytes of 30 foundry and 22 pottery workers were examined by the alkaline single‐cell gel electrophoresis or Comet Assay, and compared to 52 healthy subjects with no history of occupational silica or chemical exposure.ResultsThe DNA damage observed in the lymphocytes of both foundry and pottery workers was significantly higher than that in their controls. Cigarette smoking was also related to DNA damage since the DNA damage observed in smoking silica‐exposed workers compared with the non‐smoking workers was significantly higher.ConclusionsOccupational exposure of silica from foundry and pottery workplaces has been associated with the increased DNA damage and smoking which represents an additional risk factor and must be avoided. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:602–610, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Testicular cancer among Swedish pulp and paper workers
Authors: Andersson Eva , Nilsson Ralph , Torén Kjell 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of testicular cancer has increased in recent decades. The aims of the present study were to elucidate whether Swedish paper and pulp mill workers had an increased incidence of testicular cancer, and to investigate whether certain occupational groups within the pulp and paper mill workforce were at increased risk.MethodsThe study was based on the Swedish Cancer Environment Register, which links the incidence of cancer for the period 1971–1990 with 1960 and 1970 National Census data on specific industries and occupations for all employed subjects in Sweden.ResultsAmong maintenance workers employed both in 1960 and in 1970 in paper mills there was an increased risk for testicular cancer (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 7.4, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.5–22), especially for seminomas (SIR 10.1, 95% CI 2.1–29). Maintenance workers were also at increased risk when analyzing workers employed in 1960, 1970, or both years.ConclusionsThis study indicates an increased risk for testicular cancer, especially seminomas, among maintenance workers, but not among process workers, in Swedish paper mills. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:642–646, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational dermatoses among Polish private farmers, 1991–1999
Authors: Spiewak Radoslaw 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about work‐related skin diseases among Polish self‐employed farmers. In the National Register of Occupational Diseases, private farmers are placed in one category together with other agricultural workers, despite fundamental differences in compensation legislation and separate insurance institutions. The Agricultural Social Insurance Fund reports only on numbers of compensated cases. The aim of this study was to create reliable statistics on occupational dermatoses among private farmers.MethodsAll cases of work‐related skin diseases diagnosed from 1991 to 1999 were included in the statistics. Compensation records of the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund were analyzed for diagnoses, causative factors, and health impairment of the skin.ResultsThe first occupational dermatosis was registered in 1992. Until the end of 1999, there were 101 cases (63 women and 38 men). The incidence rose from 0.006/10,000/year in 1992 to 0.189/10,000/year in 1999. Allergic contact dermatitis was the most common diagnosis (86%), followed by infectious skin diseases (10%), irritant contact dermatitis (3%), and urticaria (2%). The most frequently identified causative factors were plant dusts (38%), animal allergens (36%), metals (29%), pesticides (18%), and rubber chemicals (15%). The median impairment due to skin disease was 20% (range 2–36%).ConclusionsSince the introduction of workers' compensation, the numbers of occupational dermatoses diagnosed in Polish private farmers have increased rapidly. However, compared to countries with a longer experience in this field, these figures remain low, probably due to low detection of these diseases. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:647–655, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Be the fairest of them all: Challenges and recommendations for the treatment of gender in occupational health research
Authors: Messing Karen , Punnett Laura , Bond Meg , Alexanderson Kristina , Pyle Jean , Zahm Shelia , Wegman David , Stock Susan R. , de Grosbois Sylvie 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundBoth women's and men's occupational health problems merit scientific attention. Researchers need to consider the effect of gender on how occupational health issues are experienced, expressed, defined, and addressed. More serious consideration of gender‐related factors will help identify risk factors for both women and men.MethodsThe authors, who come from a number of disciplines (ergonomics, epidemiology, public health, social medicine, community psychology, economics, sociology) pooled their critiques in order to arrive at the most common and significant problems faced by occupational health researchers who wish to consider gender appropriately.ResultsThis paper describes some ways that gender can be and has been handled in studies of occupational health, as well as some of the consequences. The paper also suggests specific research practices that avoid errors. Obstacles to gender‐sensitive practices are considered.ConclusionsAlthough gender‐sensitive practices may be difficult to operationalize in some cases, they enrich the scientific quality of research and should lead to better data and ultimately to well‐targeted prevention programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:618–629, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surveillance of respiratory diseases among construction and trade workers at Department of Energy nuclear sites
Authors: Dement John M. , Welch Laura , Bingham Eula , Cameron Buck , Rice Carol , Quinn Patricia , Ringen Knut 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundMedical screening programs were begun in 1996 and 1997 at three Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons facilities (Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Oak Ridge, and the Savannah River Site) to evaluate whether current and former construction workers are at significant risk for occupational illnesses. The focus of this report is pneumoconiosis associated with exposures to asbestos and silica among workers enrolled in the screening programs through September 30, 2001.MethodsWorkers provided a detailed work and exposure history and underwent a respiratory examination, which included a respiratory history and symptom questionnaire, a posterior–anterior (P–A) chest radiograph, and spirometry. Both stratified and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk of disease by duration of DOE employment and frequency of exposure, while controlling for potential confounders such as age, race, sex, and other work in the construction and building trades.ResultsOf the 2,602 workers, 25.2% showed one or more chest X‐ray changes by ILO criteria and 42.7% demonstrated one or more pulmonary function defects. The overall prevalence of parenchymal changes by ILO criteria (profusion 1/0 or greater) was 5.4%. In the logistic regression models, the odds ratio for parenchymal disease was 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0–6.6) for workers employed 6 to 20 years at Hanford or Savannah River and increased to 3.6 (95% CI = 1.1–11.6) for workers employed more than 35 years, with additional incremental risks for workers reporting routine exposures to asbestos or silica.ConclusionsContinued surveillance of workers is important given their increased risk of disease progression and their risk for asbestos related malignancies. Smoking cessation programs should also be high priority and continued abstinence for former smokers reinforced. Although the observed respiratory disease patterns are largely reflective of past exposures, these findings suggest that DOE needs to continue to review industrial hygiene control programs for work tasks involving maintenance, repair, renovation, and demolition. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:559–573, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beryllium‐stimulated neopterin as a diagnostic adjunct in chronic beryllium disease
Authors: Maier Lisa A. , Kittle Lori A. , Mroz Margaret M. , Newman Lee S. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease (CBD) relies on the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) to demonstrate a Be specific immune response. This test has improved early diagnosis, but cannot discriminate beryllium sensitization (BeS) from CBD. We previously found high neopterin levels in CBD patients' serum and questioned whether Be‐stimulated neopterin production by peripheral blood cells in vitro might be useful in the diagnosis of CBD.MethodsCBD, BeS, Be exposed workers without disease (Be‐exp) normal controls and sarcoidosis subjects were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMN) were cultured in the presence and absence of beryllium sulfate. Neopterin levels were determined from cell supernatants by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical evaluation of CBD subjects included chest radiography, pulmonary function testing, exercise testing, and the BeLPT.ResultsCBD patients produced higher levels of neopterin in both unstimulated and Be‐stimulated conditions compared to all other subjects (P < 0.0001). Unstimulated neopterin mononuclear cell levels overlapped among groups, however, Be‐stimulated neopterin levels in CBD showed little overlap. Using a neopterin concentration of 2.5 ng/ml as a cutoff, Be‐stimulated neopterin had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100% for CBD and was able to differentiate CBD from BeS. Be‐stimulated neopterin was inversely related to measures of pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and gas exchange.ConclusionsNeopterin may be a useful diagnostic adjunct in the non‐invasive assessment of CBD, differentiating CBD from BeS. Further studies will be required to determine how it performs in workplace screening. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:592–601, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung function decrease in relation to pneumoconiosis and exposure to quartz‐containing dust in construction workers
Authors: Tjoe‐Nij Evelyn , Meer Gea de , Smit Jet , Heederik Dick 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundPrevalence of exposure related respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function are unknown among quartz dust exposed construction workers.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study (n = 1,335), the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, was recorded and spirometric lung function was measured. Results were associated with exposure data and presence of radiographic abnormalities and compared with a reference population.ResultsPneumoconiosis (profusion category 1/1 or greater) was associated with increased risks of FEV1 and FVC values in the lowest 5% group, and with group‐based decreases of 270 ml/s and 180 ml, respectively. Average lung function of construction workers was somewhat lower compared to a Dutch reference population. Lung function was not associated with exposure, except for a reduction in FVC of 5 ml per year for those with higher exposure.ConclusionsIn quartz dust exposed construction workers obstructive and restrictive lung function loss was detected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:574–583, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Four‐year study of controlled timed breeding of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Phillippi‐Falkenstein Kathrine , Harrison Richard M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAs part of the timed breeding colony at Tulane National Primate Research Center, exogenous progesterone administration (5 mg/day for 10 days) has been used to select conception dates by inducing artificial luteal phases in female rhesus monkeys. A retrospective analysis of data obtained during four breeding seasons (1998–2001) revealed that conceptions occurred an average of 18 days after the last administration of progesterone. The age of the female to be bred, previous pregnancy history, and timing of breeding during the breeding season were determined to be critical factors in the success of the procedure. The benefit of this method of timed breeding is that it does not require tracking of menstrual cycles, which can be labor‐intensive and requires that animals be monitored several months in advance of breeding to determine each female's individual cycle length. It also provided an efficient use of breeding‐age males. Am. J. Primatol. 60:23–28, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereotypic and self‐injurious behavior in rhesus macaques: A survey and retrospective analysis of environment and early experience
Authors: Lutz Corrine , Well Arnold , Novak Melinda 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAbnormal behavior in captive rhesus monkeys can range from active whole‐body and self‐directed stereotypies to self‐injurious behavior (SIB). Although abnormal behaviors are common in singly‐housed rhesus monkeys, the type and frequency of these behaviors are highly variable across individual animals, and the factors influencing them are equally varied. The purpose of this investigation was to survey abnormal behavior in a large population of rhesus macaques, to characterize the relationship between stereotypies and self‐injury, and to identify potential risk factors for these aberrant behaviors. Behavioral assessments of 362 individually housed rhesus monkeys were collected at the New England Regional Primate Research Center (NERPRC) and combined with colony records. Of the 362 animals surveyed, 321 exhibited at least one abnormal behavior (mean: 2.3, range: 1–8). The most common behavior was pacing. Sex differences were apparent, with males showing more abnormal behavior than females. SIB was also associated with stereotypies. Animals with a veterinary record of self‐injury exhibited a greater number of self‐directed stereotypies than those that did not self‐injure. Housing and protocol conditions, such as individual housing at an early age, longer time housed individually, greater number of blood draws, and nursery rearing, were shown to be risk factors for abnormal behavior. Thus, many factors may influence the development and maintenance of abnormal behavior in captive primates. Some of these factors are intrinsic to the individual (e.g., sex effects), whereas others are related to colony management practices, rearing conditions, and research protocols. Am. J. Primatol. 60:1–15, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of estradiol on cortisol secretion in ovariectomized cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Stavisky R.C. , Watson S.L. , Anthony M.S. , Manuck S.B. , Adams M.R. , Kaplan J.R. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn an investigation of cortisol secretion in fully mature, ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), we compared monkeys that were given either placebo (OVX, n = 26) or 17β estradiol (E2 ) (EST, n = 26) in a daily oral dose. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured prior to the experimental manipulation and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following initiation of treatment. Pretreatment cortisol values did not differ between groups. Assessment of the treatment period values revealed that cortisol concentrations were significantly higher (≈10%) in the EST than in the OVX monkeys. Cortisol also varied significantly across periods of sampling. This time‐dependent variation was attributable to elevations in months 6 and 9 (when daylight was generally long), relative to months 3 and 12 (when daylight was relatively short). The modest stimulatory effect of estrogen on corticosteroid production observed in this study is consistent with what has been seen in women, and contrasts with the more robust effects observed in New World monkeys. The possible relationship between season and cortisol secretion observed here has not been previously described in monkeys. Am. J. Primatol. 60:17–22, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of biological diversity through analysis of discrete cranial traits
Authors: Hanihara Tsunehiko , Ishida Hajime , Dodo Yukio 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn the present study, the frequency distributions of 20 discrete cranial traits in 70 major human populations from around the world were analyzed. The principal‐coordinate and neighbor‐joining analyses of Smith's mean measure of divergence (MMD), based on trait frequencies, indicate that 1) the clustering pattern is similar to those based on classic genetic markers, DNA polymorphisms, and craniometrics; 2) significant interregional separation and intraregional diversity are present in Subsaharan Africans; 3) clinal relationships exist among regional groups; 4) intraregional discontinuity exists in some populations inhabiting peripheral or isolated areas. For example, the Ainu are the most distinct outliers of the East Asian populations. These patterns suggest that founder effects, genetic drift, isolation, and population structure are the primary causes of regional variation in discrete cranial traits. Our results are compatible with a single origin for modern humans as well as the multiregional model, similar to the results of Relethford and Harpending ([1994] Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 95:249–270). The results presented here provide additional measures of the morphological variation and diversification of modern human populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peopling of three Mediterranean Islands (Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily) inferred by Y‐chromosome biallelic variability
Authors: Francalacci P. , Morelli L. , Underhill P.A. , Lillie A.S. , Passarino G. , Useli A. , Madeddu R. , Paoli G. , Tofanelli S. , Calò C.M. , Ghiani M.E. , Varesi L. , Memmi M. , Vona G. , Lin A.A. , Oefner P. , Cavalli‐Sforza L.L. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAn informative set of biallelic polymorphisms was used to study the structure of Y‐chromosome variability in a sample from the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sicily, and compared with data on Sardinia to gain insights into the ethnogenesis of these island populations. The results were interpreted in a broader Mediterranean context by including in the analysis neighboring populations previously studied with the same methodology. All samples studied were enclosed in the comparable spectrum of European Y‐chromosome variability. Pronounced differences were observed between the islands as well as in the percentages of haplotypes previously shown to have distinctive patterns of continental phylogeography. Approximately 60% of the Sicilian haplotypes are also prevalent in Southern Italy and Greece. Conversely, the Corsican sample had elevated levels of alternative haplotypes common in Northern Italy. Sardinia showed a haplotype ratio similar to that observed in Corsica, but with a remarkable difference in the presence of a lineage defined by marker M26, which approaches 35% in Sardinia but seems absent in Corsica. Although geographically adjacent, the data suggest different colonization histories and a minimal amount of recent gene flow between them. Our results identify possible ancestral continental sources of the various island populations and underscore the influence of founder effect and genetic drift. The Y‐chromosome data are consistent with comparable mtDNA data at the RFLP haplogroup level of resolution, as well as linguistic and historic knowledge. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.