Implementation of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the rapid typing of uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

In this paper, we demonstrate that Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is able to discriminate rapidly between uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) of key lineages with only relatively simple sample preparation. A total of 95 bacteria from six different epidemiologically important multilocus sequence types (ST10, ST69, ST95, ST73, ST127 and ST131) were used in this project and principal component-discriminant function analysis (PC-DFA) of these samples produced clear separate clustering of isolates, based on the ST. Analysis of data using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), incorporating cross-validation, indicated a high prediction accuracy of 91.19% for ST131. These results suggest that FT-IR spectroscopy could be a useful method for the rapid identification of members of important UPEC STs.

Workers' compensation in Pennsylvania: the effects of delayed contested cases.

This study examines the effects of delayed workers' compensation cases in the Pennsylvania system. Forty-five claimants of a workers' compensation support group responded to interviews. Delay periods averaged two years with a 68.4% drop in income. Results indicate that claimants endured financial and emotional stress, exhausted personal assets, relied on assistance from relatives, and received public assistance. Implications for social work practice include educating workers about benefits, counseling claimants with delayed claims, and advocating for administrative reforms.

American Indian uranium millworkers: a study of the perceived effects of occupational exposure.

A case study of 81 American Indian uranium millworkers who worked during the 1950s and 1960s was conducted to determine the perceived effects of occupational exposure from uranium mill processing. Many respondents reported health problems felt to be associated with the millwork. The most frequently identified physical problems were respiratory problems and rashes. Anxiety and depression were the most often identified emotional problems. Policy implications related to these findings are discussed.

Public health issues concerning American Indian and non-Indian uranium millworkers.

An exploratory study of 170 former American Indian (83) and non-Indian (87) uranium millworkers who worked in six mills was conducted in the southwestern United States. It was found that over 80 percent of the former millworkers felt they were not informed about the hazards of radiation during their employment and a majority reported respiratory diseases or symptoms. Study findings include a comparison of Indian and non-Indian perceptions of mill working conditions and self-reported health histories. The Indians have not been studied previously as a distinct group and, given their low smoking incidence, an epidemiologic study is warranted. Issues related to adequate diagnoses of workers' health problems are presented.

Women uranium workers: a case study of perceived hazardous exposures and health effects.

An exploratory study of seventy-four women uranium workers employed in the western United States (miners, millers, truck haulers, and office workers) was conducted. These uranium industry workers were employed primarily during the 1970s and 1980s. It was found that approximately 60 percent perceived overall moderate to high levels of dust during their employment, and about 50 percent reported the likelihood of having past, present, or future health problems related to their uranium work. Two of the most-often-identified health problems were respiratory symptoms or illnesses and cancer. Issues regarding public policy, research, and worker rights are discussed.