Search

OBJECTIVE To explore differences in baseline King-Devick Test (KD) completion time between 2 testing modalities: (1) spiral-bound paper cards (cards) and (2) iPad application (iPad). DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort analysis. SETTING National Collegiate Athlete Association (NCAA) institutions. PARTICIPANTS Student athletes from 13 women's and 11 men's collegiate sports who completed KD baseline testing as part of their first year in the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium from 2014 to 2016 (n = 2003, 52.2% male). INDEPENDENT VARIABLES King-Devick Test modalities; cards or iPad. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Baseline KD completion time (seconds). RESULTS Mean baseline KD completion time of the iPad modality group [42.8 seconds, 95% confidence interval (CI), 42.1-43.3] was 2.8 seconds (95% CI, 2.1-3.4) greater than the cards group (40.0 seconds, 95% CI, 39.7-40.3) (t(1, 1010.7) = -8.0, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS Baseline KD performance is slower when tested on an iPad than when tested on spiral-bound paper cards. The 2 KD modalities should not be used interchangeably in concussion assessments because differences in the modalities can lead to time differences similar in magnitude to those used to indicate concussion. From a research perspective, modality may influence interpretation and/or synthesis of findings across studies.

Objectives To estimate the internal consistency, test–retest reliability and comparability of paper and computer versions of the Finnish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-FIN) among patients with chronic pain. In addition, patients’ personal experiences of completing both versions of the TSK-FIN and preferences between these two methods of data collection were studied. Design Test–retest reliability study. Paper and computer versions of the TSK-FIN were completed twice on two consecutive days. Participants The sample comprised 94 consecutive patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain participating in a pain management or individual rehabilitation programme. The group rehabilitation design consisted of physical and functional exercises, evaluation of the social situation, psychological assessment of pain-related stress factors, and personal pain management training in order to regain overall function and mitigate the inconvenience of pain and fear-avoidance behaviour. Results The mean TSK-FIN score was 37.1 [standard deviation (SD) 8.1] for the computer version and 35.3 (SD 7.9) for the paper version. The mean difference between the two versions was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 0.8 to 2.9). Test–retest reliability was 0.89 for the paper version and 0.88 for the computer version. Internal consistency was considered to be good for both versions. The intraclass correlation coefficient for comparability was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.85), indicating substantial reliability between the two methods. Conclusion Both versions of the TSK-FIN demonstrated substantial intertest reliability, good test–retest reliability, good internal consistency and acceptable limits of agreement, suggesting their suitability for clinical use. However, subjects tended to score higher when using the computer version. As such, in an ideal situation, data should be collected in a similar manner throughout the course of rehabilitation or clinical research.

The authors examined whether paper-and-pencil and Web surveys administered in the school setting yield equivalent risk behavior prevalence estimates. Data were from a methods study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in spring 2008. Intact classes of 9th- or 10th-grade students were assigned randomly to complete a survey via paper-and-pencil or Web. Data from 5,227 students were analyzed using logistic regression to identify associations of mode with reporting of 74 risk behaviors. Mode was associated with reporting of only 7 of the 74 risk behaviors. Results indicate prevalence estimates from paper-and-pencil and Web school-based surveys are generally equivalent.

Background Angiographic assessment is an alternative to computerised tomography (CT) prior to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We evaluated angiography in aortic neck morphology assessment as an alternative investigation. Methods Patients admitted for elective or emergency EVAR were assessed by pre-operative CT and intra-operative angiography. The proximal and distal aortic neck diameters, and neck length were measured. Measurements were expressed as median (95% CI). Results 35 patients (20 male) were assessed from August 2003 to January 2005 for elective (26) and emergency (9) EVAR. In the overall group, the proximal neck diameter was 22.0mm (21.0–23.0) on CT, and 20.7mm (19.3–22.3) on angiography. The distal neck diameter was 23.0mm (22.0–24.0) on CT, and 22.3mm (20.3–24.6) on angiography, while the neck length was only slightly greater on angiography [23.0mm (17.5–28.4)] relative to CT [23.0mm (20.0–28.0)]. The stent-grafts deployed were oversized by 26.8% (± 14.8%) relative to the CT measurements, and 33.7% (± 15.6%) relative to angiographic measurements. Good correlation was found for all three measurements between CT and angiography. Conclusions Angiography alone is inadequate for endovascular aneurysm repair. Although it has timesaving potential, the accuracy achieved is not sufficient to use alone.

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate the risk of death from non-malignant diseases in female pulp and paper workers in Norway. Methods: A total of 3143 women first employed between 1920–93 were included in the study cohort. Information about each cohort member was obtained from personnel record files in the mills in order to identify employment periods and job categories. Data on cause and date of death were added by linkage to the Cause of Death Register using unique personal identification numbers. The follow up period was 1951–2000. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using the national female mortality rates as reference. Poisson regression analysis was used to examine internal relations between the duration of employment in paper departments and the risk of death from selected causes. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: The study showed a significantly increased risk for total non-malignant mortality (SMR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.24), mainly due to increased mortality from ischaemic heart disease (SMR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.43) and cerebrovascular diseases (SMR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.42). Analysis by department showed the highest risk of death in paper department workers with short term employment. Internal analyses showed a 5% and 9% increase in risk of dying from ischaemic heart disease and respiratory diseases, respectively, among paper department workers exposed to paper dust. The risk decreased with increasing duration of employment. Conclusion: The increased risk of ischaemic heart diseases and respiratory diseases seen among employees of paper departments may be related to exposure to paper dust.

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate cancer risk among women working in the Norwegian pulp and paper industry. The cohort included a total of 4,247 workers employed for at least one year between 1920 and 1993 (108,095 person-years), 85% of them as paper or administration workers. Methods The follow-up period for cancer was from 1953–1993. No data of exposure measurements were available. The analyses were based on comparisons of standard incidence ratios. The expected numbers of cancer cases were calculated using the five-year age-specific incidence rates for the entire female population. Results During the follow-up period, 380 new cases of cancer were observed vs. 322 expected (SIR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.07–1.30). An excess risk of ovarian cancer was found (SIR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.07–2.09). The SIR was highest among those younger than 55 years, and mostly among those working in paper departments. Short-term workers showed increased risk of lung and bladder cancer. Conclusions Based on results from the present study, the increased risk of ovarian cancer is difficult to interpret, since existing knowledge of its etiology is limited. However, these women might have been exposed to various work-related agents such as talc, microbes, and different types of paper dust. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:108–113, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to irritants is associated with chronic bronchitis. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether repeated peak exposures with respiratory symptoms, gassings, to sulphur dioxide (SO2) and other irritant gases could increase the risk of chronic bronchitis. METHODS: The study population comprised 3,060 Swedish pulp mill workers (84% males) from a cohort study, who completed a comprehensive questionnaire with items on chronic bronchitis symptoms, smoking habit, occupational history, and specific exposures, including gassings. 2,037 have worked in sulphite mills. Incidence rates and hazard ratios (HRs) for the observation period, 1970-2000, in relation to exposure and the frequency of repeated gassings to SO2 and other irritant gases were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence rate for chronic bronchitis among workers with repeated gassings was 3.5/1,000 person-years compared with 1.5/1,000 person-years among unexposed workers (HR 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-3.1). The risk was even higher in the subgroup with frequent gassings (HR 3.2, 95% CI 2.0-5.2), particularly among never-smokers (HR 8.7, 95% CI 3.5-22). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated gassings to irritant gases increased the incidence of chronic bronchitis in our study population during and after work in pulp mills, supporting the hypothesis that occupational exposures to irritants negatively affect the airways. These results underscore the importance of preventive actions in this work environment.

This study investigates the measurement equivalence of a five-factor measure of personality across two groups applying for jobs, who completed the same questionnaire using either a paper-and-pencil ( n = 429) or a web online answer format ( n = 651). The data were collected using the Big Five Questionnaire–2 (BFQ-2; which is a measure of the Five Factor Model) of personality traits. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to test for the equivalence of factor covariance and mean structures of the BFQ-2. Findings suggested that the Five Factor Model scales have the same measurement unit and origin across applicants using different administration modes. However, latent means were slightly higher for applicants who responded in a web and unproctored condition than for applicants who completed a paper-and-pencil version of the same test. Practical implications for personality assessment are discussed.

BackgroundWeb-based questionnaires have become increasingly popular in health research. However, reported response rates vary and response bias may be introduced. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether sending a mixed invitation (paper-based together with Web-based questionnaire) rather than a Web-only invitation (Web-based questionnaire only) results in higher response and participation rates for female childhood cancer survivors filling out a questionnaire on fertility issues. In addition, differences in type of response and characteristics of the responders and nonresponders were investigated. Moreover, factors influencing preferences for either the Web- or paper-based version of the questionnaire were examined. MethodsThis study is part of a nationwide study on reproductive function, ovarian reserve, and risk of premature menopause in female childhood cancer survivors. The Web-based version of the questionnaire was available for participants through the Internet by means of a personalized user name and password. Participants were randomly selected to receive either a mixed invitation (paper-based questionnaire together with log-in details for Web-based questionnaire, n = 137) or a Web-only invitation (log-in details only, n = 140). Furthermore, the latter group could request a paper-based version of the questionnaire by filling out a form. ResultsOverall response rates were comparable in both randomization groups (83% mixed invitation group vs 89% in Web-only invitation group, P = .20). In addition, participation rates appeared not to differ (66% or 90/137, mixed invitation group vs 59% or 83/140, Web-only invitation group, P =.27). However, in the mixed invitation group, significantly more respondents filled out the paper-based questionnaire compared with the Web-only invitation group (83% or 75/90 and 65% or 54/83, respectively, P = .01). The 44 women who filled out the Web-based version of the questionnaire had a higher educational level than the 129 women who filled out the paper-based version (P = .01). Furthermore, the probability of filling out the Web-based questionnaire appeared to be greater for women who were allocated to the Web-only invitation group (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.31 - 6.21), were older (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.15), had a higher educational level (OR high vs low = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.52), or were students (OR employed vs student = 3.25, 95% CI 1.00 - 10.56). ConclusionsAlthough overall response as well as participation rates to both types of invitations were similar, adding a paper version of a questionnaire to a Web-only invitation resulted in more respondents filling out the paper-based version. In addition, women who were older, had a higher level of education, or were students, were more likely to have filled out the Web-based version of the questionnaire. Given the many advantages of Web-based over paper-based questionnaires, researchers should strongly consider using Web-based questionnaires, although possible response bias when using these types of questionnaires should be taken into account. Trial RegistrationNederlands Trial Register NTR2922; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=2922 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5zRRdMrDv)

Background Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) have been linked to proximity to industrial areas, but evidence regarding the health risk posed by residence near pollutant industries is very limited. The European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER) is a public register that furnishes valuable information on industries that release pollutants to air and water, along with their geographical location. This study sought to explore the relationship between NHL mortality in small areas in Spain and environmental exposure to pollutant emissions from EPER-registered industries, using three Poisson-regression-based mathematical models. Methods Observed cases were drawn from mortality registries in Spain for the period 1994–2003. Industries were grouped into the following sectors: energy; metal; mineral; organic chemicals; waste; paper; food; and use of solvents. Populations having an industry within a radius of 1, 1.5, or 2 kilometres from the municipal centroid were deemed to be exposed. Municipalities outside those radii were considered as reference populations. The relative risks (RRs) associated with proximity to pollutant industries were estimated using the following methods: Poisson Regression; mixed Poisson model with random provincial effect; and spatial autoregressive modelling (BYM model). Results Only proximity of paper industries to population centres (>2 km) could be associated with a greater risk of NHL mortality (mixed model: RR:1.24, 95% CI:1.09–1.42; BYM model: RR:1.21, 95% CI:1.01–1.45; Poisson model: RR:1.16, 95% CI:1.06–1.27). Spatial models yielded higher estimates. Conclusion The reported association between exposure to air pollution from the paper, pulp and board industry and NHL mortality is independent of the model used. Inclusion of spatial random effects terms in the risk estimate improves the study of associations between environmental exposures and mortality. The EPER could be of great utility when studying the effects of industrial pollution on the health of the population.

Aim The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the immediate and long-term postoperative outcomes of Lichtenstein and Kugel repair of inguinal hernia. Methods From 1996 to 2006, 219 consecutive patients underwent inguinal hernia repair - 92 using a standard Lichtenstein repair and 127 with a Kugel patch. Patient characteristics, length of postoperative hospital stay and complication rates were assessed by retrospective review of the notes. Recurrence and chronic groin pain were assessed by postal questionnaire (with a follow up by telephone interview for non-responders). Patients with symptoms or an apparent groin swelling were reassessed by one of the authors (BD). Results There were 214 men and 5 women. Patients ranged from 18 to 87 years of age (mean 54 years). Seventy two percent of postal questionnaires were returned. Following telephone calls the overall response rate was 80%. The mean follow up period was 60 months (range: 9 – 132 months). Immediate complications were similar in both groups. The recurrence rates were 1.1% for Lichtenstein repair and 6.3% for Kugel patch (p= 0.09). None of the patients in the Lichtenstein group and 1.6% of patients in Kugel patch group complained of severe chronic pain in inguinal region. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the immediate complication rates between the two groups. Although recurrence and chronic groin pain rates are higher with Kugel repair, this was not statistically significant.

Background: The apparent differences in risk factors for intra- and extracranial atherosclerosis are unclear and the mechanisms that underlie strokes in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis are not well known. We investigated the conventional vascular risk factors as well as other factors in stroke patients with large artery atherosclerosis. Methods: Using diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and vascular and cardiologic studies, we selected patients with acute non-cardioembolic cerebral infarcts within the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Patients were divided into two groups: those with atherosclerotic lesions on the carotid sinus (n = 112) and those with isolated lesions on the proximal MCA (n = 160). Clinical features, risk factors, and DWI patterns were compared between groups. Results: There were no differences in conventional risk factors, but markers for inflammation were significantly higher in patients with carotid atherosclerosis than in those with isolated MCA atherosclerosis (p

This study investigated whether chronic airflow limitation and rapid decline in pulmonary function were associated with peak exposures to ozone and other irritant gases in pulp mills. Bleachery workers potentially exposed to irritant gassings (n = 178) from three Swedish pulp mills, and a comparison group of workers not exposed to irritant gassings (n = 54) from two paper mills, were studied. Baseline surveys occurred in 1995–1996, with follow-up surveys in 1998–1999. Participants performed spirometry and answered questions regarding ozone, chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ), and sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) gassings. From regression models controlling for potential confounders, declines in both the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) (−24 mL·yr −1 ) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) (−19 mL·yr −1 ) were associated with ClO 2 /SO 2 gassings. At follow-up, the prevalence of chronic airflow limitation ( i.e. FEV 1 /FVC less than the lower limit of normal) was elevated for participants with only pre-baseline ozone gassings and with both pre-baseline and interval ozone gassings, after controlling for potential confounders. These findings suggest that obstructive effects among bleachery workers are associated with ozone gassings, and that adverse effects on spirometry might also accompany chlorine dioxide/sulphur dioxide gassings. Peak exposures to irritant gases in pulp mills should be prevented.

Objective: To estimate the mortality of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and to assess the quality of death certification in patients with PSP who died in England and Wales. Methods: An analysis was conducted of ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases, version 9) coded deaths obtained through the Office of National Statistics over an eight year period. Results: The crude annual mortality rate was 1.77 (95% confidence interval, 1.64 to 1.90) cases per million, using the mid-1996 population estimate for England and Wales. Annual mortality increased over time, possibly as a result of increased incidence or increased awareness of the disorder. Forty nine death certificates from deceased patients previously diagnosed clinically showed that the commonest proximate cause of death was pneumonia, occurring in 45% of cases (22/49). The underlying cause of death was cited as pneumonia in 14% of cases (7/49). PSP was mentioned in only 65% of death certificates (32/49). Eight of the 49 cases (16%) underwent necropsy and results were available for five of these cases. PSP was confirmed pathologically in four; the remaining case was diagnosed as Parkinson's disease. Conclusions: Further research is needed to establish the reasons for the observed increase in mortality. Determining the population mortality rate for PSP using the ICD-9 coding system is problematic but is likely to improve following the introduction of ICD-10 updated codes and coding rules.

A cohort study of female pulp and paper workers in Norway has shown a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer. Other than the involvement of hormonal and reproductive factors, little is known of the etiology of ovarian cancer. Asbestos and talc are two agents hypothesized to influence the development of the disease. The present study aimed to investigate the association between ovarian cancer and occupational exposure to asbestos, talc, and total dust among Norwegian pulp and paper workers.Forty-six cases of ovarian cancer, with four controls each, were included in the study. Occupational exposure was assessed by combining work histories from personnel files, questionnaire information about production processes, and exposure assessments from the mills. To obtain information about possible confounders, cases and controls were invited to participate in a personal interview.The odds ratio for asbestos exposure was 2.02, 95% confidence interval 0.72-5.66. For talc exposure, the odds ratio was 1.10, and for ever exposure to total dust, it was below 1.00. The risk estimates did not essentially differ after adjustment for possible confounding variables.The results do not confirm an association between exposure to asbestos, talc, and total dust and ovarian cancer among Norwegian pulp and paper workers. However, the odds ratio for asbestos exposure was doubled, and control for established nonoccupational risk factors did not change the estimate. Therefore, the possibility that exposure to substances in the work environment contributes to the elevated risk cannot be rejected.

Several assays have been carried out in order to study in detail the cadmium mobility from water to virgin pulp as previous step of cadmium mobility description from paper into food. Virgin pulp has been immersed in different concentration aqueous solutions at several temperatures and during short and long time. The absorbed cadmium amounts have been measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. For a long time, the temperature of storage is not an important factor except during the first 3 h. In general, percentage of migrated cadmium into pulp is between 30% and 90% of initial charge. Kinetic equation of cadmium mobility has been described employing statistics methods with a very good correlation. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objectives The study investigated cancer incidence among 23 718 male pulp and paper workers employed continuously for at least 1 year between 1920 and 1993 in Norway. Methods The name, date of birth, personal identification number, dates of hire and termination for all employment periods, specific department, and job categories were registered for each worker. Six subcohorts were established (sulfite mill, sulfate mill, paper mill, maintenance department, administrative staff and other departments). Data on the cohort were linked with data in the Norwegian Cancer Register. The follow-up period for cancer incidence, date of death, or emigration was from 1953 through 1993. Results An excess incidence of lung cancer was found among both short- and long-term employees [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.13-2.03 and SIR 1.2, 95% CI 1.09-1.34, respectively], especially for workers with the longest latency (SIR 1.3, 95% CI 1.08-1.44) and for sulfite mill workers (SIR 1.5, 95% CI 1.09-1.99). The risk for pleural mesothelioma was also increased (SIR 2.4, 95% CI 1.45-3.75), especially among maintenance workers. The results also showed an increased risk for malignant melanoma (SIR 1.3, 95% CI 1.04-1.60), an unexpected finding. Conclusion Almost all the increased risk for lung cancer can be explained by a combination of smoking habits and asbestos use, although an effect of other work-related exposures (sulfur and chloride compounds, wood dust) cannot be excluded. Most of the cases of pleural mesothelioma occurred in departments where asbestos was used. There is no clear explanation for the excess of malignant melanoma, and the finding may be a chance occurrence.

The relation between occupational exposure and pancreatic cancer is not well established. A population-based case-control study based on death certificates from 24 U.S. states was conducted to determine if occupations/industries or work-related exposures to solvents were associated with pancreatic cancer death.The cases were 63,097 persons who died from pancreatic cancer occurring in the period 1984-1993. The controls were 252,386 persons who died from causes other than cancer in the same time period.Industries associated with significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer included printing and paper manufacturing; chemical, petroleum, and related processing; transport, communication, and public service; wholesale and retail trades; and medical and other health-related services. Occupations associated with significantly increased risk included managerial, administrative, and other professional occupations; technical occupations; and sales, clerical, and other administrative support occupations. Potential exposures to formaldehyde and other solvents were assessed by using a job exposure matrix developed for this study. Occupational exposure to formaldehyde was associated with a moderately increased risk of pancreatic cancer, with ORs of 1.2, 1.2, 1.4 for subjects with low, medium, and high probabilities of exposure and 1.2, 1.2, and 1.1 for subjects with low, medium, and high intensity of exposure, respectively.The findings of this study did not suggest that industrial or occupational exposure is a major contributor to the etiology of pancreatic cancer. Further study may be needed to confirm the positive association between formaldehyde exposure and pancreatic cancer. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

As part of an ongoing clinical trial, we conducted an experiment to assess the feasibility and to determine the reliability of data entry from a computer screen display of images of data collection forms transmitted by facsimile (fax) machines directly into a computer for paper forms designed without consideration of fax or image display requirements. Feasibility was assessed on the basis of accuracy and reliability of data entry and on operator satisfaction. During a 2-week period, half of the forms received at the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) coordinating center were key-entered twice, using the paper forms as the source (paper source entry). The remaining forms were entered once using paper source and were later reentered using the screen display of images of the faxed forms as the source (image source entry). The latter group of forms, or 50% of all forms received, were entered a third time, using the image source entry. Two data entry operators participated in the experiment. Discrepancy rates between and within data entry operators were calculated for both modes of entry. A total of 50,861 keystrokes (28,095 items) across 1122 records were checked for consistency. The overall discrepancy rate associated with double paper source entry was approximately 21 per 10,000 keystrokes (20 per 10,000 items). Discrepancy rates associated with paper source versus image source entry (53 per 10,000 keystrokes [57 per 10,000 items]) and double image source entry (57 per 10,000 keystrokes [47 per 10,000 items]) were similar in magnitude. Image source entry of forms received by facsimile may provide an acceptable alternative to paper entry in ongoing multicenter clinical trials where the costs of converting existing forms and systems to automated data capture may be unacceptable. This experiment confirmed the feasibility of such an alternative and suggested that improved screen displays and changes in equipment to facilitate entry of data from the screen display may enhance accuracy of entries.

Several studies have indicated an increased cancer risk among paper mill workers, based on rather few cancer cases. The authors studied cancer incidence in a large historical cohort of 14,362 Danish paper mill workers, employed at any time between 1943 and 1990, and followed up until December 31, 1993. Men had an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer (15 observed (obs), standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-3.29). With two additional cases among women, 11 of 17 cases were located in the tonsils. Men also had an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease (18 obs, SIR 2.01, 95% CI 1.19-3.18). Women had an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas (nine obs, SIR 2.33, 95% CI 1.06-4.43), with a high risk among female paper sorters (eight obs, SIR 3.98, 95% CI 1.71-7.84). The study thus supports some studies' observations of an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease in paper mill workers. The detailed reporting of cancer cases in paper mill workers have furthermore revealed a risk of pharyngeal cancer together with a risk of soft tissue sarcomas in paper sorters.

Mortality among workers in the Polish pulp and paper industry was evaluated in a cohort study of 10,460 workers who had been employed continuously for at least one year, between 1968 and 1990 in the factory producing sulphate pulp, paper, board and paper products. Three subcohorts were formed according to the work areas. A standardized mortality ratio (SMR) analysis was used to compare death rates for each group exposed with Polish national rates. Mortality from all causes and from all malignant neoplasms, both in the female and in male cohorts was lower than that observed in the general population. In the pulp male subcohort a significantly elevated risk of death from peritoneum cancer (2 obs, SMR = 2,530) and prostate cancer (4 obs, SMR = 854) was recorded, although overall mortality from all causes and from all malignant neoplasms was lower than expected. The excess of deaths from neoplasms in other sites was statistically nonsignificant in all subcohorts. This study did not confirm the excess mortality from lung, stomach and lymphatic cancers found by other authors. The "young" cohort and a relatively short follow-up period (23 years) might have affected the results.

We examined mortality in a retrospective follow-up study of 3,241 workers employed between 1970-1992, in four pulp and paper mills in Catalonia, Spain. Vital status was determined for 95% of the cohort. Exposure was reconstructed using job histories and a company exposure questionnaire. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were derived using mortality rates of Spain as the reference. For all workers, mortality from all causes (SMR = 76; 95%; confidence intervals [CI] = 65-88; 189 deaths) and all malignant neoplasms (SMR = 93; CI = 72-119; 65 deaths) were less than the expected. Excess risk was observed for mortality from all neoplasms in females (SMR = 168; CI = 84-303; 11 deaths), for large intestine cancer in both sexes (SMR = 250; CI = 115-525; 8 deaths), particularly after 10 years of employment and latency (SMR = 355; CI = 154-701; 8 deaths), and for breast cancer in females (SMR = 286; CI = 77-732; 4 deaths). These findings suggest that workers employed in the pulp and paper industry may have an excess risk of specific cancers.

Studies were performed to evaluate the detection of disease-associated bacterial colonization in adult periodontitis patients by the antibody-based Evalusite TestTM (Eastman Kodak Company). The association of test results with disease was assessed by collecting 104 duplicate subgingival plaque samples from 26 patients. Samples were tested for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia using both microbiological culture and the immunoassay test. The sensitivity and specificity of the 2 methods was calculated using %s of positive results in deep periodontal pockets and negative results in shallow subgingival sites. A cutoff >10(4) cultivable counts yielded the greatest discrimination between health and disease on a cross-sectional basis and established this threshold as clinically relevant for the detection of disease-associated levels of bacterial colonization by these three microorganisms. The clinical detection limit of the immunoassay test was observed to coincide with this threshold of >10(4) cultivable counts. Microbiological testing of the 4 deepest pockets using the immunoassay test was determined to be sufficient to yield a 90% confidence of detecting positive patients in a study with 59 adult subjects. The immunoassay test method was also demonstrated to be effective at detecting bacterial colonization in sets of paper point samples that were pooled for analysis. An overall agreement of 94% (288 of 306) was observed when comparing test results for duplicate sets of pooled and individual samples collected from 51 patients. These studies demonstrate that the Evalusite Test is an effective method for detecting clinically relevant colonization by the test bacteria in patients at risk for periodontal disease.

The cohort consisted of 11,178 Mead Corporation employees (9,358 males and 1,820 females) who had worked for at least one year between January 1, 1975 and December 31, 1992 at seven pulp and/or paper mills in the United States. The vital status of the cohort was determined through a variety of sources over an observation period of 17 years (1976-1992). Mortality data were analyzed in terms of cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), with expected deaths based on U.S. national mortality rates. Job categories with similar exposures were created based on an historical exposure assessment. Mortality analyses were performed separately for total female and male employees. Among female employees, overall mortality was less than expected, and no significant cause-specific mortality excesses were observed. The small number of deaths among female employees did not permit further detailed analyses. Among male employees, statistically significant deficits from overall mortality (SMR = 69.0) and from all cancers (SMR = 71.3) were reported. In addition, low mortality risks for many specific causes were also observed, including many specific cancer sites, various types of cardiovascular diseases, and different forms of nonmalignant respiratory diseases. In particular, there was no mortality excess from lung cancer (SMR = 77.5), digestive cancer (SMR = 69.4), stomach cancer (SMR = 46.7), laryngeal cancer (no observed death), rectal cancer (SMR = 82.8). Hodgkin's lymphoma (no observed death), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SMR = 103.6), leukemia (SMR = 72.2), diabetes mellitus (SMR = 110.4), ischemic heart disease (SMR = 80.0), and nonmalignant respiratory diseases (SMR = 36.7). Furthermore, detailed analyses by length of employment, interval since hire (latency), and job category demonstrated no occupationally related mortality increases from any of the diseases examined. Specifically, based on internal comparisons, no upward trends in cause-specific mortality risk were observed by duration of employment. In conclusion, the results of this epidemiologic investigation demonstrated a favorable mortality experience for employees at the seven pulp and/or paper mills.