bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Update of predictions of mortality from pleural mesothelioma in the Netherlands
Authors: Segura O , Burdorf A , Looman C 
Published: December 2002

Aims:To predict the expected number of pleural mesothelioma deaths in the Netherlands from 2000 to 2028 and to study the effect of main uncertainties in the modelling technique.Methods:Through an age-period-cohort modelling technique, age specific mortality rates and cohort relative risks by year of birth were calculated from the mortality of pleural mesothelioma in 1969–98. Numbers of death for both sexes were predicted for 2000 to 2028, taking into account the most likely demographic development. In a sensitivity analysis the relative deviation of the future death toll and peak death number were studied under different birth cohort risk assumptions.Results:The age-cohort model on mortality 1969–98 among men showed the highest age specific death rates in the oldest age group (79 per 100 000 person-years in the age group 80–84 years) and the highest relative risks for the birth cohorts of 1938–42 and 1943–47. Among men a small period effect was observed. The age-cohort model was considered the best model for predicting future mortality. The most plausible scenario predicts an increase in pleural mesothelioma mortality up to 490 cases per year in men, with a total death toll close to 12 400 cases during 2000–28. However, using different assumptions this death toll could rise to nearly 15 000 in men (20% increase). Mortality among women remains low, with a total death toll of about 800 cases. It is predicted that the total death toll in the period 2000–28 is 44% lower than previous predictions using mortality data from 1969 to 1993.Conclusion:Adding five recent years of observed mortality in an age-cohort model resulted in a 44% lower prediction of the future death toll of pleural mesothelioma. A statistically significant period effect was observed, possibly influenced by initial asbestos safety guidelines in the 1970s and introduction of the ICD-10 codification.
Combined effect of smoking and occupational exposure to noise on hearing loss in steel factory workers
Authors: Mizoue T , Miyamoto T , Shimizu T 
Published: December 2002

Background:Evidence has accumulated concerning the adverse effects of smoking on hearing acuity, but it is not clear whether smoking modifies the association between exposure to noise and hearing loss.Aims:To examine the synergistic effect of these variables on hearing.Methods:Data used were derived from periodic health examinations for 4624 steel company workers in Japan and included audiometry testing and information on smoking habits. Occupational exposure to noise was determined based on company records. Logistic regression was used to examine the dose-response association between smoking and hearing loss. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the prevalence rate ratio (PRR) of hearing loss for each combination of smoking and noise exposure factors, taking non-smokers not exposed to occupational noise as a reference. The interaction between smoking and noise exposure was assessed using a synergistic index, which equals 1 when the joint effect is additive.Results:Smoking was associated with increased odds of having high frequency hearing loss in a dose-response manner. The PRR for high frequency hearing loss among smokers exposed to occupational noise was 2.56 (95% CI 2.12 to 3.07), while the PRR for smokers not exposed to noise was 1.57 (95% CI 1.31 to 1.89) and the PRR for non-smokers exposed to noise was 1.77 (95% CI 1.36 to 2.30). The synergistic index was 1.16. Smoking was not associated with low frequency hearing loss.Conclusions:Smoking may be a risk factor for high frequency hearing loss, and its combined effect on hearing with exposure to occupational noise is additive.
Periportal fibrosis and other liver ultrasonography findings in vinyl chloride workers
Authors: Maroni M , Mocci F , Visentin S , Preti G , Fanetti A C 
Published: December 2002

Aims:To investigate the presence of liver lesions and their relation with vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) exposure or other personal risk factors, in workers involved in the production of VCM and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).Methods:A liver ultrasonography examination was conducted in 757 workers, some of whom had long standing service in the production of VCM and PVC. The study involved: assessment of individual past and present VCM exposure of each worker; collection of past personal health history, lifestyle and personal data; routine liver function tests; and liver ultrasonography.Results:No cases of liver malignancies were detected. Angiomas and liver cysts were found with a frequency of occurrence within the expected range of the general population. The main findings consisted of hepatomegaly (34.7%), steatosis (31.8%), and periportal fibrosis (16.0%). A logistic regression analysis indicated that hepatomegaly and steatosis were associated with obesity and lipid metabolism disturbances and not with VCM exposure. Periportal fibrosis, in addition to constitutional or dietary factors, was shown to be associated with VCM exposure, but only when maximum exposure in the subject’s history had been at least 200 ppm as a yearly average; no effects were observed at 50 ppm or below.Conclusions:Workers exposed to 200 ppm VCM for at least one year have a fourfold increased risk of developing periportal liver fibrosis. Liver ultrasonography is a suitable and important diagnostic test for the medical surveillance of vinyl chloride workers.
Multiple sclerosis in nurse anaesthetists: Table 1
Authors: Flodin U , Landtblom A-M , Axelson O 
Published: December 2002

Background:Volatile anaesthetics are chemically related to organic solvents used in industry. Exposure to industrial solvents may increase the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS).Aim:To examine the risk among nurse anaesthetists of contracting MS.Methods:Nurses with MS were identified by an appeal in the monthly magazine of the Swedish Nurse Union and a magazine of the Neurological Patients Association in Sweden. Ninety nurses with MS responded and contacted our clinic. They were given a questionnaire, which was filled in by 85 subjects; 13 of these were nurse anaesthetists. The questionnaire requested information about work tasks, exposure, diagnosis, symptoms, and year. The number of active nurse anaesthetists was estimated based on information from the National Board of Health and Welfare and The Nurse Union. Incidence data for women in the region of Gothenburg and Denmark were used as the reference to estimate the risk by calculation of the standardised incidence ratio (SIR).Results:Eleven of the 13 nurse anaesthetists were exposed to anaesthetic gases before onset of MS. Mean duration of exposure before diagnosis was 14.4 years (range 4–27 years). Ten cases were diagnosed in the study period 1980–99, resulting in significantly increased SIRs of 2.9 and 2.8 with the Gothenburg and the Danish reference data, respectively.Conclusion:Although based on crude data and a somewhat approximate analysis, this study provides preliminary evidence for an excess risk of MS in nurse anaesthetists. The risk may be even greater than observed, as the case ascertainment might have been incomplete because of the crude method applied. Further studies in this respect are clearly required to more definitely assess the risk.
Visual and ocular changes associated with exposure to two tertiary amines
Authors: Page E H , Cook C K , Hater M A , Mueller C A , Grote A A , Mortimer V D 
Published: December 2002

Aims:To determine if exposure to dimethylisopropanolamine (DMIPA) and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) in a label printing plant was associated with visual disturbances and/or ocular changes.Methods:Questionnaires, eye examinations (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity at 2.5% and 1.25% contrast, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and pachymetry), and industrial hygiene monitoring for DMIPA and DMAE were performed over a two week period.Results:Eighty nine per cent of line workers reported having experienced blurry vision while at work in the past 12 months, compared to 12.5% of prime workers. A total of 108 full shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for the amines were collected. The mean time weighted average (TWA) concentration of DMIPA was significantly higher in the line division than in the prime division, as was the mean TWA concentration for total amines. The mean TWA concentration of DMAE was higher in the prime division than the line division. Higher levels of total amines were associated with increased risk of reporting blurry vision, halo vision, and blue-grey vision. The risk of corneal opacity rose with increasing exposure to total amines. The prevalence of corneal opacity also increased with increasing concentration of total amines. Median corneal thickness increased with increasing grades of corneal opacity. There was a statistically significant relation between total amine concentration and increased risk of reduced bilateral visual acuity and 2.5% contrast sensitivity.Conclusions:Exposure to tertiary amines was associated with blurry, halo, and blue-grey vision, corneal opacity, and decrements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at 2.5% contrast.
Social and cultural factors leading to mothers being brought dead to hospital
Authors: Jafarey S.N. , Korejo R. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIn a 12‐year period (1981–1992) 150 pregnant or recently delivered women were dead when they reached the hospital. Relevant history with emphasis on the events of the previous 24 h and the reasons for delay in reaching the hospital were obtained from the relatives accompanying the patient. The probable cause of death was determined on the basis of history only; no autopsies were done. The causes of delay were economic (54), sociocultural factors (51) and inadequate maternal services (31). In 14 cases the reasons for delay could not be established. The medical problems were either preventable or treatable if managed in time. A combination of economic, social and cultural factors played a more significant role in these deaths than medical causes.
Training of traditional birth attendants: success and failure in Bangladesh
Authors: Nessa S. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIn Bangladesh, training of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) began in 1978. Since then, the government has prepared over 44000 TBAs. A few thousands more have received instruction through the efforts of various non‐governmental organizations in the country. The objective of TBA training is primarily to change their practices of conducting deliveries. They are taught cleanliness so that maternal and infant mortality, which is significantly high among South and South East Asian nations, may be checked. The writer has herself learned from graduates of the course that they have received sufficient guidance and direction towards performing safe deliveries, a concept totally lacking until that experience. TBAs are thereby in a position to contend with the prevailing socioeconomic and cultural beliefs of the country's rural masses, and to cope with their problems.
Chronic repetitive reaching and grasping results in decreased motor performance and widespread tissue responses in a rat model of MSD
Authors: Barbe Mary F. , Barr Ann E. , Gorzelany Irene , Amin Mamta , Gaughan John P. , Safadi Fayez F. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis study investigated changes in motor skills and tissues of the upper extremity (UE) with regard to injury and inflammatory reactions resulting from performance of a voluntary forelimb repetitive reaching and grasping task in rats. Rats reached for food at a rate of 4 reaches/min, 2 h/day, and 3 days/week for up to 8 weeks during which reach rate, task duration and movement strategies were observed. UE tissues were collected bilaterally at weekly time points of 3–8 weeks and examined for morphological changes. Serum was tested for levels of interleukin‐1α (IL‐1) protein. The macrophage‐specific antibody, ED1, was used to identify infiltrating macrophages and the ED2 antibody was used to identify resident macrophages. Rats were unable to maintain baseline reach rate in weeks 5 and 6 of task performance. Alternative patterns of movement emerged. Fraying of tendon fibrils was observed after 6 weeks in the mid‐forelimb. After 4 weeks, a general elevation of ED1‐IR macrophages were seen in all tissues examined bilaterally including the contralateral, uninvolved forelimb and hindlimbs. Significantly more resident macrophages were seen at 6 and 8 weeks in the reach limb. At 8 weeks, serum levels of IL‐1α increased significantly above week 0. Our results demonstrate that performance of repetitive tasks elicits motor decrements, signs of injury and a cellular and tissue responses associated with inflammation.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Differences in the cytokine profiles associated with prostate cancer cell induced osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions in bone
Authors: Lee Y. , Schwarz E. , Davies M. , Jo M. , Gates J. , Wu J. , Zhang X. , Lieberman J. R. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractProstate adenocarcinoma is associated with the formation of osteoblastic metastases in bone. It is hypothesized that osteoclastogenesis is a critical component in the development of skeletal metastases. These findings, however, were generally noted in predominantly osteolytic lesions. The pathophysiology of osteoblastic lesions remains unknown but the type of bone lesion formed may be influenced by the cytokines produced by prostate tumors. To test this theory, we implanted PC‐3 and LAPC‐9 cells into the tibias of SCID mice. These mice were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after implantation and histologic analysis was performed on these tibias. PCR analysis was also performed on bulk tumors. The results showed that the PC‐3 implanted tibias developed pure osteolytic lesions while the LAPC‐9 implanted tibias developed pure osteoblastic lesions on radiographs. Analysis of tibias after injection with PC‐3 cells revealed progressive osteolytic lesions with abundant osteoclast activity at 2 weeks and destruction of the proximal tibia at 6 weeks after cell implantation. In contrast, the LAPC‐9 cells formed osteoblastic lesions six weeks after cell injection. There were rare osteoclasts prior to the establishment of the osteoblastic lesions but greater osteoclast activity was noted with remodeling of the osteoblastic lesion 8 weeks after implantation of the tumor cells. PCR analysis revealed that PC‐3 cells produced RANKL, IL‐1, and TNF‐α, which are associated with osteoclastogenesis. In contrast, LAPC‐9 cells produced osteo‐protegerin, which blocks osteoclast production and no detectable levels of RANKL or IL‐1 and only minimal amounts of TNF‐α were noted. These cells secreted BMP‐2, ‐4, ‐6, and IL‐6, which are associated with bone formation. These results suggest that the role of the osteoclast in the development of a metastatic lesion is variable depending on the phenotype of the prostate cancer cells, and that tumor‐induced osteolysis may not be required for osteoblastic metastases.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Inhibition of cell migration from tendon explants into fibrin clots by extracts derived from cheese whey is largely due to transforming growth factor‐beta
Authors: Conlon Michael A. , Tomas Frank M. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractWhey‐derived growth factor extract (WGFE) and the acid‐activated form (WGFE‐a) were tested for their ability to influence the migration of cells from chicken flexor tendon biopsies into fibrin clots. When added to the medium surrounding clots, both extracts significantly inhibited migration relative to controls (P < 0.05) in a dose‐dependent manner when measurements were made after seven days of incubation. WGFE‐a was approximately ten times more potent than WGFE. Since transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and ‐β2 activity of WGFE‐a is much higher than in WGFE we hypothesized that TGF‐β was responsible for the inhibition of tendon cell migration. Neutralizing anti‐TGF‐β monoclonal antibody was added to the medium bathing tendon biopsies in fibrin clots along with WGFE‐a. WGFE‐a alone inhibited migration by 51% and this was reversed by the antibody in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, recombinant human TGF‐β1 and ‐β2 significantly inhibited tendon cell migration with similar dose‐dependent potency when tested in the assay. These results indicate that TGF‐β is largely responsible for the inhibition of tendon cell migration by WGFE‐a. This sheds further light on the functions of this growth factor during the early events in tendon repair.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Engineered allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells repair femoral segmental defect in rats
Authors: Tsuchida Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Junichi , Crawford Eric , Manske Paul , Lou Jueren 
Published: December 2002

AbstractBone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to be progenitor cells for mesenchymal tissues. These cells may also provide a potential therapy for bone repair. Our previous studies showed that MSC engineered with the gene for bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2), a growth factor for bone cells, were capable of differentiating into osteoblast lineage and inducing autologous bone formation in several animal models. Culturing individual MSC for autologous implantation, however, remains problematic. The number of human MSC with osteogenic potential decreases with age, and, in certain diseases, the patient's marrow may be damaged or the healthy cells reduced in number. In this study, we used rats with a femoral segmental defect to investigate whether allogeneic BMP‐2 engineered MSC would facilitate bone healing. We show that BMP‐2 engineered allogeneic MSC can repair critical bone defects to the same degree as rats treated with BMP‐2 engineered autologous MSC, if the allogeneic group receives short‐term treatment with immunosuppressant FK506. We also show that allogeneic gene transferred MSC are directly involved in bone repair, in addition to acting as gene deliverers.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keratitis
Authors: Sharma Savitri 
Published: December 2002

Corneal inflammation or keratitis is a significant cause of ocular morbidity around the world. Fortunately, the majority of the cases are successfully managed with medical therapy, but the failure of therapy does occur, leading to devastating consequences of either losing the vision or the eye. This review attempts to provide current information on most, though not all, aspects of keratitis.
Corneal inflammation may be ulcerative or nonulcerative and may arise because of infectious or noninfectious causes. The nonulcerative corneal inflammation may be confined to the epithelial layer or to the stroma of the cornea or may affect both. For clarity, this section has been divided into nonulcerative superficial keratitis and nonulcerative stromal keratitis. While the former usually includes hypersensitivity responses to microbial toxins and unknown agents, the latter can be either infectious or noninfectious.
In the pathogenesis of ulcerative keratitis, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites (Acanthamoeba), or viruses play an important role. Approximately, 12.2% of all corneal transplantations are done for active infectious keratitis. Available world literature pertaining to the incidence of microbial keratitis has been provided special place in this review. On the other hand, noninfectious ulcerative keratitis can be related to a variety of systemic or local causes, predominantly of autoimmune origin.
How effective is antenatal care to promote maternal and neonatal health?
Authors: Acharya S. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractAntenatal care is effective, but relies heavily on the sympathetic attitude of health personnel. Essential to its promotion is community participation and involvement of family members. Transportation to a well‐equipped facility for emergency obstetric care is a critical element. The effectiveness of antenatal care to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality from certain major causes is reviewed.
Expression of smooth muscle actin in cells involved in distraction osteogenesis in a rat model
Authors: Kinner B. , Pacicca D. M. , Gerstenfeld L. C. , Lee C. A. , Einhorn T. A. , Spector M. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractDistraction osteogenesis has proven to be of great value for the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Little is still known, however, about the phenotypic changes in the cells participating in the bone formation process, induced by the procedure. Recent findings of the expression of a contractile muscle actin isoform, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), in musculoskeletal connective tissue cells prompted this immunohistochemical study of the expression of SMA in cells participating in distraction osteogenesis in a rat model. The tissues within and adjacent to the distraction site could be distinguished histologically on the basis of cell morphology, density, and extracellular matrix make‐up. The percentage of SMA‐containing cells within each tissue zone was graded from 0 to 4. The majority of the cells in each of the zones stained positive for SMA within five days of the distraction period. The SMA‐containing cells included those with elongated morphology in the center of the distraction site and the active osteoblasts on the surfaces of the newly forming bone.These finding warrant further investigation of the role of this contractile actin isoform in distraction osteogenesis and investigation of the effects of modulation of this actin isoform on the procedure.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of collagen fiber maturation and ordering in regenerating tendons employing H‐1 double quantum filtered NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Ikoma Kazuya , Kusaka Yoshiaki , Takamiya Hisatake , Eliav Uzi , Navon Gil , Seo Yoshiteru 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIt is difficult to monitor the chronic stage of the healing process of ruptured tendons employing the present diagnostic modes. However, the results of this study have shown that 1H double quantum filtered (DQF) NMR spectroscopy is sensitive to the later stages of the healing process. Regenerated tendons of rabbits were dissected and measured at the end of the acute phase (three weeks), the subacute phase (nine weeks), and the chronic phase (13 and 18 weeks after tenotomy). Four parameters were determined by 1H DQF NMR spectroscopy: (a) the maximum signal intensity (hmax) relative to the single quantum spectrum, (b) the creation time of the maximum signal intensity (τmax), (c) the decay time from the maximum signal intensity to a value half of that intensity (τ1/2) and (d) the residual dipolar splitting of water (δ), representing the order of the collagen fibers. The values of hmax, τmax, τ1/2, and δ of the intact Achilles tendons were 11.3 ± 1.0%, 0.48 ± 0.03 ms, 0.67 ± 0.04 ms and 732 ± 62 Hz (mean ± SEM, n = 6), respectively. In the regenerating tendon, hmax increased from 0.41 ± 0.12% at three weeks to 7.07 ± 0.77% at 18 weeks, τmax decreased from 1.88 ± 0.31 ms at three weeks to 0.72 ± 0.04 ms at 18 weeks, τ1/2 decreased from 11.6 ± 1.8 ms at 3 weeks to 1.48 ± 0.16 ms at 18 weeks, and δ increased from 129 ± 8 Hz at three weeks to 414 ± 29 Hz at 18 weeks. We have concluded that reordering of collagen fibers proceeds continuously even in the chronic stage of healing. Thus, the 1H DQF NMR spectroscopy is a useful non‐invasive technique to evaluate the reconstruction and the order of collagen fibers in regenerating tendon. It is also suggested that τ1/2 and hmax are most useful for in vivo DQF NMR spectroscopy and imaging, respectively, in combination with τmax.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.