[Occupational skin hazards in hairdressers and their etiologic factors--results of mass health examination at health centers]

From 1986 to '88, mass health examinations for skin disorders among hairdressers were performed in 4 Health Centers in Osaka Prefecture. Among 306 female hairdressers examined, the prevalence of skin lesions was 49.0%, consisting of skin lesions of hands and arms alone 22.9%, nail lesion alone 13.7%, and both 12.4%. Characteristic features of the skin lesions were dryness, roughness, thickening of epidermis, redness, hyperkeratinization, scales, desquamation, etc. In the case of nails, thinning, onycholysis, onychoschisis, pitting, transverse grooves and onychorexis were characteristic. The relationship between prevalence of skin disorders and site of lesions to history or category of work was studied. For the prevention of these skin hazards, improved chemicals, equipment, and hygienic education are necessary. Periodical health-checks including participation by a dermatologist, and health supervision should be continued with cooperation between Health Centers and beauty salons, because these businesses are principally small-size enterprises.

[A case of progressive systemic sclerosis complicated by crescentic glomerulonephritis and diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage]

A 38-year-old man was hospitalized for proteinuria, and pitting edema. He had noticed Raynaud's phenomenon at about age fifteen. One month prior to admission, his urine contained protein and the serum creatinine was 3.0 mg/dl. On admission, sclerodactylia, digital pitting scar of fingertips, digital bone absorption and pulmonary fibrosis were observed and a diagnosis of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) was made. Laboratory investigations revealed: 24-hour urine protein excretion 3 g; serum creatinine 5.6 mg/dl; creatinine clearance 13.5 ml/min; antinuclear factor strongly positive in a speckled pattern; antibodies to nRNP positive with a titer of 1: 20, 480; antibodies to DNA, Sm, SS-A, SS-B, Scl-70, centromere and Jo-1 negative; serum complement normal. A renal biopsy revealed focal and segmental necrotizing glomerulonephritis with 70% crescents but no vascular changes. Circulating antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies were negative. Immunofluorescence disclosed granular deposits of IgM and C3 in the mesangium and along the capillary walls. Treatment was begun with methylprednisolone pulse therapy. After 5 month, serum creatine and creatinine clearance were 1.9 mg/dl and 35 ml/min, respectively. A year after the discharge, he was readmitted for hemoptysis and worsening of proteinuria and microhematuria. A chest radiograph demonstrated bilateral alveolar consolidation. Serum creatinine was elevated to 3.5 mg/dl. The continuous hemoptysis resulted in a severe dyspnea associated with a rapid fall in the hemoglobin. On the fourth hospital day, the PaO2 was 41 Torr on oxygen by mask that necessitated mechanical ventilation and pulse therapy was started. However, the patient died on the ninth hospital day of respiratory failure due to pulmonary hemorrhage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Automated assay method for protein C anticoagulant activity]

We developed an automated assay method for protein C anticoagulant activity to prolong the APTT measured with automated coagulation apparatus. The automated assay method required following three reagents. One was 0.025 mol/l calcium chloride solution. The other two were a protein C deficient plasma and a phospholipid plus protein C activator both of which constituted a recomposed protein C assay kit (BMY). 0-50% activities of protein C and clotting times were regressed on normal linear curve, while 25-150% activities and clotting times were regressed on logarithmic curve. The coefficients of variation were 2.9-3.4% (intra-assay) and 3.6-3.9% (inter-assay). A correlation of protein C activities between measured by automated assay method and by ordinary manual method was good (r = 0.954). Our data suggest that this automated assay is a useful method for measuring the protein C anticoagulant activities utilizing a coagulation apparatus.

[A study of comparison between Technicon THMS H-2 and Hematrak 590]

Using 655 peripheral blood samples from normal individuals and patients, we evaluated the relationship between the measurements of red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) through the Hematrak 590 (Hematrak) and the generated flag systems in the Technicon H-2 (H-2). 1) Among the 12 VAR (Variation) flag positive samples in H-2, 10 samples were obtained from the patients receiving blood transfusions. The samples with high values of HDW (Hemoglobin distribution width) in H-2 seemed to have hypochromatic and polychromatic changes in RBC. 2) Hematrak is likely to be more sensitive than H-2 in discovering atypical lymphocytes (AL). When AL counts in Hematrak were over 5 or 6% of WBC, these results were coincident with ATYP flag positive in H-2. 3) In our examinations, when %Blast in H-2 was over 4%, BLASTS flag always generated positively. We think that H-2 is a tool with high reproducibility for the detection of the blast-like abnormal cells. 4) We evaluated the results of WBC differential count by the three methods of H-2, Hematrak and manual procedures in the peripheral blood samples from normal individuals. We recognized close correlations in neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils (coefficients of correlation = 0.826-0.911), and relatively close ones in monocytes (r = 0.280-0.562), but no correlations in basophils (r = 0.106-0.281). To comprehend the pathophysiological states of the various diseases hematologically, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the different measurement principles between the two instruments (H-2 and Hematrak).

Genomic structure of the ME491/CD63 antigen gene and functional analysis of the 5'-flanking regulatory sequences

Genomic structure of the ME491/CD63 antigen gene and promoter activity of the 5'-flanking regulatory sequences were studied. The antigen gene consists of eight exons that span 4 kilobase-pairs. Primer extension analysis with RNA from cultured human cells identified three major transcription initiation sites. The 5'-flanking region of exon 1 has features characteristic to promoters of many house-keeping genes and growth-regulating genes. The region is highly GC rich and contains potential binding sites for transcription factors such as Sp1 and ETF, but not a TATA box. The 5'-flanking sequence exerted strong promoter activity when linked to a reporter gene. Deletion mutant analysis of the 5'-flanking sequence has strongly suggested that a potential binding site for AP-1 plays an important role in positively regulating the gene expression.

[Statistics on operations at Hara Genitourinary Hospital (1971-1991)]

The statistical analysis of the inpatients and operations in our department from April, 1971 to March, 1991 revealed a total of 9,170 operations. One of the biggest changes in treatment is a marked increase in closed surgery. This includes endourological surgeries; transurethral resections of prostate and bladder tumor (TUR-P, TUR-Bt), percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL), transurethral uretero-lithotripsy (TUL) and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). From 1976 to 1980 there were 721 open surgical procedures (71.0% of cases) and 295 closed procedures (21.0% of cases). This ratio has now been reversed completely. From 1986-1991, there were 342 open procedures (8.2% of cases) and 3808 closed procedures (91.8% of cases). The main reason for this change was the introduction of the new techniques PNL, TUL and ESWL. Other important observations include: The incidence of emergency operations was higher in this private institution than that seen in non-private hospitals. From 1986, there was an increase in the use of PNL and TUL for the management of urinary calculi, and from 1988, ESWL has overtaken PNL and TUL in the treatment of this condition. Recently the limitations of ESWL have been appreciated and the value of a combined approach to therapy, for selected cases, is being recognized. A total of 238 ileal or ileocecal conduits were created with good results. A low complication rate has been observed with preservation of renal function.

Trypsin-like arginine amidases including plasminogen and plasmin in human seminal plasma by affinity adsorption and elution

An enzyme preparation with affinity to a lysine column was detected from a DEAE-cellulose-adsorbed preparation of human seminal plasma containing plasminogen and plasmin. Two kinds of trypsin-like acidic arginine amidase activity with different affinity to lima bean trypsin inhibitor (LBTI) and aprotinin affinity column were detected from the DEAE-cellulose-adsorbed preparation after treatment of the lysine column. Two kinds of trypsin-like basic arginine amidase activity were also separated by the above-mentioned affinity adsorptions from a CM-cellulose-adsorbed preparation of human seminal plasma. The effect of calcium chloride on these two enzymes was different from human acrosin.

[Health effects and personal protection in pest control workers using organophosphorus insecticides]

One hundred and sixteen pest control workers (16 termite control workers (Sprayer I), 46 cockroach or fly-control workers (Sprayer II) and 56 both termite and cockroach or fly-control workers (Sprayer III)) were surveyed by a questionnaire and health examinations. Variety and quantity of pesticide used, personal usage of protective devices (respirator, gloves, work clothes, under wear), and conditions related to bathing were studied by a questionnaire. Relationships between protective devices and blood cholinesterase activity (ChE) were also analyzed. Significant findings were as follows: Most of the pest control operators wore gum gloves and gas masks when involved in termite control. However in the case of cockroach or fly-control, 38% did not wear gloves, and for respiratory protection 44% wore gas masks while 25% of them did not even use any form of respirators. In spite of having better protective practices than sprayers II and III, sprayer I showed significantly lower plasma ChE activity than both sprayer II and III. Plasma ChE activity in sprayers who put on simple respirators tended to be lower than those using gas masks. Plasma ChE activity was also significantly lower in those workers who had less frequent changes of work clothes compared to those with more frequent.

Clinical and pathological evaluations of methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin and cisplatin chemotherapy for advanced urothelial cancers

We have treated advanced transitional-cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract with methotrexate, vinblastine, Adriamycin, and cisplatin (M-VAC) chemotherapy since July of 1985. We analyzed the effect of that chemotherapy in 26 patients with advanced urothelial cancer who were treated in our hospital and followed up. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 15 patients with distant metastases. In all, 11 of them received M-VAC as adjuvant chemotherapy for metastatic lesions after surgical removal of the primary lesion, and the remaining 4 patients were not operable since they had very advanced-stage tumors; they received only M-VAC chemotherapy. Group 2 contained 11 patients who received M-VAC neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. In group 1, the overall response rate was 57.1% and the mean duration of response was 12.6 months. In the 11 patients who had received M-VAC as adjuvant therapy after surgical removal of the primary tumor, the mean duration of response was 14.1 months. After M-VAC chemotherapy, six patients underwent surgical resection of metastatic lesions and restaging was done pathologically in these cases. The clinical response coincided with the pathological response in all six cases. In group 2, 5 of 11 patients experienced histological downstaging of the resected bladder. M-VAC chemotherapy combined with surgical resection of residual tumors has proved to be an effective option against advanced urothelial cancer.

Basic arginine esterase from human seminal plasma: purification and some properties

Basic arginine esterase (amidase) with a specific activity of 3.2 mumol N-alpha-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (Tos-Arg-Me) esterolysis per A280 was purified about 230-fold from a CM-cellulose absorbed preparation of human seminal plasma. The purified enzyme was a single band with an apparent molecular weight of 3.4-4.1 x 10(4). The amidolytic activity of this enzyme was suppressed by aprotinin, soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), leupeptin, and antipain, while alpha 1-antitrypsin, ovomucoid trypsin inhibitor (OTI), EDTA, and chymostatin had no or weak effect. This enzyme hydrolyzed synthetic basic amino acid derivatives and N-alpha-tosyl-glycyl-L-prolyl-arginine-p-nitroanilide (Tos-Gly-Pro-Arg-pNA) and N-alpha-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-L-leucyl-L-prolyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilid e (Boc-Leu-Pro-Arg-pNA) were the best substrates. The enzymatic characteristics of present enzyme were clearly different from tissue kallikrein, acrosin, and seminin in human semen.

Development of monoclonal antibodies reacting against mycobacterial 65 kDa heat shock protein by using recombinant truncated products

A mycobacterial 65 kDa molecule is a member of the GroEL heat shock protein family. We developed mAbs reacting against recombinant 65 kDa protein by using a gene (pTB12) which encodes this protein. Three mAbs (B20, B97 and B167) reacted selectively with 65 kDa proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, BCG and Mycobacterium leprae, although B20 and B167 may weakly react with a 15 kDa molecule of mammalian cells. One (B108) was obviously cross-reactive between mycobacterial 65 kDa and the mammalian intracytoplasmic protein. We also developed deletion mutants of pTB12. The localization of these mAb-defined epitopes was determined by using truncated proteins of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis 65 kDa molecule produced in E. coli. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that B20, B97 and B167 mAbs could detect this antigen in experimental granulomas induced by injection of BCG in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. These mAbs should be useful for analyzing the immunobiologic roles of mycobacterial 65 kDa molecules.

[Changes in visual acuity observed in VDT workers in a printing company]

A yearly ophthalmological examination was carried out in 2 VDT worker groups (A-1 and B-1 groups) and 2 control groups (A-2 and B-2 groups). The 4 groups were as follows; workers routinely engaged in both VDT work and key-punch work at a printing company (A-1 group), researchers or office workers handling VDT irregularly at a chemical company (B-1 group), typesetters at a printing company (A-2 group), and office workers at a chemical company (B-2 group). The examination was commenced in the same year in which the workers of A-1 or B-1 group were introduced to VDT work and was carried out for 3 years. Comparison between the first and the last examination on subjective refractive power showed that all the groups had lower refractive powers in the last examination than the first one. The decrease in A-2 group showed the greatest decrease in refractive power among the 4 groups. The decrease in A-2 group was more severe than in the other 2 groups. Before VDT introduction, the workers of A-1 group had been engaged only in key-punch work. Information on naked visual acuities of A-1 group 3 years before VDT introduction was also obtained and compared with those in the first and the last examination. The ratio of workers with a severe reduction in visual acuity evidently increased after VDT introduction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tumor rejection antigens on BALB3T3 cells transformed by activated oncogenes

The clonal expression of tumor rejection Ag (TRA) was analyzed on nine different clones derived from parental BALB3T3 cells that were transfected with activated H-ras, polyoma middle T (PyMT), c-myc, and v-src oncogenes. It was shown that Bras-h clone, which is an activated H-ras oncogene-induced transformant, expressed TRA as assessed in the transplantation study using syngeneic BALB/c mice. This TRA was not detected on parental BALB3T3 nontransformed cells, suggesting that TRA could be expressed in the BALB3T3 cell transformation. Furthermore, the cross-protection experiments indicated that this TRA was also conferred on other BALB3T3 transformants with high anchorage-independent growth potential such as an activated H-ras transformant Bras-d, and PyMT transformants BMT-f, BnMT-11, BnMT-20, except in the case of one H-ras transformant Bnr-12. In contrast, this TRA was not expressed on the transfectants with little or no anchorage independent growth potential such as a PyMT transfectant BnMT-4, a c-myc transfectant Bmyc-7, and a v-src transfectant Bsrc-7. We developed the mAb BRH19 that could react with TRA+ clones but not with TRA- clones. This mAb makes an immunoprecipitate, which is composed of a 50-kDa single polypeptide chain from Bras-h cell lysate. An injection to mice with this antigen could confer the protection against Bras-h challenge. These data indicate that the 50-kDa putative TRA molecule could be expressed in close association with the cell transformation, irrespective of the introduced oncogenes, and there may exist some regulatory mechanisms rather than individually distinct manners for the expression of TRA.

Long-term immunologic tolerance induction in chimeric mice after bone marrow transplantation across major histocompatibility barriers: persistent or redeveloping immunologic responsiveness after prolonged survival

Employing allogeneic bone marrow chimeras [B6----C3H] (C3H/HeN mice lethally irradiated and then reconstituted with T cell-depleted C57BL/6J bone marrow), we investigated the kinetics of immunological reconstitution and the functional characteristics of the immune system at regular intervals following bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In chimeric mice, almost all spleen cells and peritoneal macrophages showed donor H-2 haplotype within 2 weeks after BMT. The differentiation and maturation of B lymphocytes and macrophages was largely complete by 2 weeks following BMT, whereas T cell functions such as Con A responsiveness and alloreactivity were not restored within 4 weeks. Newly developed T cells were found to be exclusively of donor origin but were tolerant of both donor type and host type major histocompatibility complex (MHC) determinants in assays of mixed lymphocyte reactions and capacity to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Fully allogeneic chimeric mice survived up to one year after bone marrow transplantation without significant reactions or serious diseases. Neither graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR), host-versus-graft reaction (HVGR), nor the wasting diseases described. As compared to age-matched control mice, such fully allogeneic chimeras exhibited one year following BMT somewhat reduced but quite significant plaque forming cell responses to in vitro stimulation with a T-dependent antigen, SRBC. These findings suggest that BMT across MHC barriers may ultimately be useful in humans if all manifestations of GVHR are eliminated by completely removing all T cells from the bone marrow and if all hematopoietic resistance and all aspects of HVGR are eliminated by using sufficient immunosuppression and myeloablation.

Tumor rejection antigens on BALB3T3 cells transformed by activated oncogenes

The clonal expression of tumor rejection Ag (TRA) was analyzed on nine different clones derived from parental BALB3T3 cells that were transfected with activated H-ras, polyoma middle T (PyMT), c-myc, and v-src oncogenes. It was shown that Bras-h clone, which is an activated H-ras oncogene-induced transformant, expressed TRA as assessed in the transplantation study using syngeneic BALB/c mice. This TRA was not detected on parental BALB3T3 nontransformed cells, suggesting that TRA could be expressed in the BALB3T3 cell transformation. Furthermore, the cross-protection experiments indicated that this TRA was also conferred on other BALB3T3 transformants with high anchorage-independent growth potential such as an activated H-ras transformant Bras-d, and PyMT transformants BMT-f, BnMT-11, BnMT-20, except in the case of one H-ras transformant Bnr-12. In contrast, this TRA was not expressed on the transfectants with little or no anchorage independent growth potential such as a PyMT transfectant BnMT-4, a c-myc transfectant Bmyc-7, and a v-src transfectant Bsrc-7. We developed the mAb BRH19 that could react with TRA+ clones but not with TRA- clones. This mAb makes an immunoprecipitate, which is composed of a 50-kDa single polypeptide chain from Bras-h cell lysate. An injection to mice with this antigen could confer the protection against Bras-h challenge. These data indicate that the 50-kDa putative TRA molecule could be expressed in close association with the cell transformation, irrespective of the introduced oncogenes, and there may exist some regulatory mechanisms rather than individually distinct manners for the expression of TRA.

Natural killer target molecules associated with the transformation of the oncogene-transfected fibroblast

Cell surface antigens, the expression of which is highly enhanced along with the transformation of cells, were analyzed. W14 and W31, EJ-ras oncogene-induced transformants of a WKA rat fetus-derived fibroblast WFB, strongly expressed several transformation-associated antigens as defined by monoclonal antibodies 109, 061, and 081. These monoclonal antibodies recognized Mr 86,000, 62,000, and 101,000 molecules, each composed of a single polypeptide chain. The expression of these transformation-associated antigens was negligible on parental WFB cells. Transforming growth factor-beta could enhance the expression of all of these transformation-associated antigens, but platelet-derived growth factor could only enhance the Mr 86,000 kd molecule expression. In the cytotoxicity assays, poly-I:C-induced rat splenic NK cells were cytotoxic to W14 and W31, but not to WFB. The data also showed that the cytotoxicity by these NK cells against NK-sensitive YAC-1 cells was absorbed with the addition of W14, W31, platelet-derived growth factor, or transforming growth factor-beta-stimulated WFB cells. This indicates that NK cells may recognize common target antigens that are expressed among these target cells. It was also indicated that Mr 86,000 and 62,000 molecules were strongly involved in this cytotoxicity, possibly as the target antigens, since F(ab')2 fragments of monoclonal antibodies 109 and 061 strongly inhibited the cytotoxicity. The addition of monoclonal antibody 109, but not 061, inhibited the cytotoxicity even at 60 min after mixing with the effector and target cells, suggesting that the Mr 86,000 molecule may participate in the lethal hit phase of cytotoxicity by NK cells. These data may indicate that some, but not all, transformation-associated antigens are virtually important in the antitumor surveillance mechanisms by the host effector cells, such as NK cells.

A simplified technique for freezing human sperm for AIH: cryosyringe/floating platform of liquid nitrogen vapor

A cryosyringe and floating platform were developed to simplify the procedures for human sperm cryopreservation without sacrificing post-thaw sperm quality. The cryosyringe was developed as a vessel for cryopreservation and as a device for post-thaw insemination. A platform-like polystyrene foam board 3-cm in height was floated on the surface of liquid nitrogen in a polystyrene foam freezing container. The cryosyringe containing sperm/KS-II medium mixture was placed on it for 5 min, then it was dropped into the liquid nitrogen. Freezing velocity was -27 degrees C/min. Poor quality semen specimens (40 +/- 14 x 10(6)/ml, 18 +/- 2.6% motility, n = 9) were concentrated (87 +/- 46 x 10(6)/nl, 29 +/- 9.1%) previously and then cryopreserved in the cryosyringe or in a commercial tuberculin syringe under the conditions established in the present study. The post-thaw sperm motility of the specimens in the cryosyringe (18 +/- 7.4%) was significantly superior (p less than 0.05) to that in the commercial tuberculin syringe (13 +/- 5.3% motility).

Overexpression of the human melanoma-associated antigen ME491 partially suppresses in vivo malignant phenotypes of H-ras-transformed NIH3T3 cells in athymic nude mice

H-ras-transformed NIH3T3 cells that overexpressed a human melanoma-associated antigen ME491 (44-3H) were generated by transfection with the cloned ME491 antigen gene followed by a 'panning' selection, and effects of the antigen overexpression on H-ras-mediated malignant phenotypes were studied. Although in vitro growth properties of the 44-3H overexpresser cells, both anchorage-dependent and -independent, were practically the same as those of the 44-1C control cells, 44-3H cells exhibited less malignant phenotypes in athymic nude mice (in vivo), i.e. decreased tumourigenicity after subcutaneous inoculation and prolonged survival time after intraperitoneal inoculation, compared with 44-1C cells. These results suggested that overexpression of ME491 antigen partially suppressed malignant phenotypes of H-ras-transformed NIH3T3 cells in athymic nude mice through co-operating with a factor(s) or mechanism(s) that exist in vivo but not in vitro. Thus, ME491 antigen might act as a tumour suppressor under some circumstances.

[Campylobacter enterocolitis complaining of melena]

A 38-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of 5 episodes of melena without abdominal pain or diarrhea. No abnormalities were noted through an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, but a proctoscopy revealed a large amount of coagulated blood within the rectum immediately before his admission. A colonoscopy revealed spotty redness with dark-red coagulation in the region from the splenic flexure down to the rectum except oral colon beyond the transverse colon. A presumptive diagnosis of campylobacter enterocolitis was made by a microscopy performed on the stool specimen, then an oral administration of erythromycin was started. A colonoscopy done on the 5th hospital day proved improvement on the mucosal changes. The final diagnosis of campylobacter enterocolitis was made by the stool culture. The patient took a satisfactory course of hospitalization and was discharged on the 10th day. Bacteriological examination of stool specimen together with endoscopy has been confirmed to be useful for the diagnosis of melena cases without manifestation of infectious enterocolitis.

[Assessment of occupational exposure to p-tert-butylphenol in synthetic resin factories]

Two cases of occupational vitiligo were observed in a resin factory where p-tert-butylphenol (PTBP) has been used as a starting material or an intermediate of synthetic resin. In this resin factory (A shop) and another resin factory (B shop), occupational exposure to PTBP was assessed in workers charging this chemical into the reaction vessel by means of a gas-chromatographic measurement of the environmental PTBP concentration and their urinary PTBP excretion. Assessment in A shop was made after the working condition was partly improved. Geometrical mean values of 8 h-time-weighted-average (8 h-TWA) of PTBP in air near the charger's breathing zone (personal air) were 0.215 mg/m3 in A shop and 2.12 mg/m3 in B shop. Continuous measurements of PTBP concentration in some stationary air of the shops showed that the maximum environmental PTBP values occurred during charging. Urinary PTBP concentration was increased to the maximum values 2 to 4 h after charging of this chemical and then rapidly decreased. Biological half-lives of urinary PTBP were estimated as 4.4 h in A shop and 4.8 h in B shop. The urinary PTBP concentration was correlated to 8 h-TWA of PTBP in the personal air. In particular, PTBP in urine collected at the end of the shift showed an excellent correlation to PTBP in the personal air (r = 0.84, n = 9, A shop; r = 0.88, n = 11, B shop). These results indicate that biological monitoring using urinary PTBP concentration is a suitable means of assessing exposure to this alkylphenol and the urine collected at the end of shift is the best sample for monitoring. In addition, the present environmental and urinary PTBP values were compared with those described in the literature and the relation of the occupational vitiligo with PTBP exposure is discussed.

[A retrospective cohort study of workers in small asbestos industries in south Osaka]

A retrospective cohort study was carried out on asbestos workers who had received health examinations in 1972 to 1974 conducted by the Osaka Health Center. The subjects, total of 789 (329 males, 460 females) were followed-up for 10 years (Jan. 1, 1975-Dec. 31, 1984). There were sixty-one deaths in the cohort--4 tuberculosis, 12 malignant neoplasms (4 stomach cancers, 8 respiratory cancers including one case of pleural mesothelioma), 18 circulatory diseases, 24 respiratory diseases, and 3 other causes of death. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated age and sex-specific death rates for the general population in Osaka between 1975-79 and 1980-84. SMR for all causes of death, stomach cancer, respiratory cancer, circulatory diseases, and respiratory diseases were 1.15, 3.29, 0.75, 3.88, 0.93 and 8.63 respectively. Respiratory cancer and respiratory diseases showed statistically significant (p less than 0.01) excess death with a mean death age of 59 and 56 years old respectively.

Swim-down separation of progressively motile sperm from poor quality human semen by the modified funnel procedure

The simultaneous swimming up and down from identical semen specimens suggested that the separation efficiency of progressively motile sperm by the swim-down method was superior to that of the swim-up method. The swimming down was performed in a small plastic funnel, the bottom of which was plugged with a 2.5 ml disposable syringe. In this funnel, 2.0 ml of 70% Percoll was poured and then the sperm resuspension was overlaid. After 1 h, progressively motile sperm penetrating into the lower part of Percoll layer (1.6 ml) was collected in the syringe. The technical strategies to yield higher density of progressively motile sperm were found to be centrifugal concentration of the sperm from whole ejaculate prior to the swimming down, and subsequent re-centrifugation of the separated sperm after the swimming down. Oligo-asthenozoospermic semen (22 +/- 4.4 x 10(6) ml1, 5.5 +/- 4.4% motility, n = 8) was processed by the present method, yielding sperm qualities of 32 +/- 19 x 10(6) ml1, 74 +/- 14% in the final preparations. Overall improvement in fertility index (sperm density ml1 x motility % x 10(8)) reached 27-folds on average.

[Immune response against BCG 65 kDa protein antigen in bladder cancer with BCG instillation therapy. Analyses carried out with the gene of this protein to develop a monoclonal antibody]

The BCG 65 kDa protein is part of the 60 kDa heat-shock protein (hsp) family. It is clear that hsp has a huge homology among mammalian and bacterial cells. In our study, we have observed the relevance of this protein in the anti-tumor response. Antibody production against the BCG 65 kDa protein was determined by solid phase ELISA using the sera of 51 bladder cancer patients who have undergone BCG instillation therapy. The BCG 65 kDa protein was made by E. coli transfected with pTB12 (plasmid DNA) which encodes this protein. It was clearly observed that the level of serum antibody titer to this protein was raised by the above instillation therapy. In order to investigate the role of this protein in anti-tumor response, we developed monoclonal antibodies against BCG 65 kDa protein. Four monoclonal antibodies were developed (B-20, B-97, B-108, B-167). We also estimated the epitope defined by each monoclonal antibody by using the truncated protein which was produced by E. coli transfected with the deletion mutants of pTB12. At this stage, we proceeded with observation of the cross epitope between mammalian cancer cells and BCG after using these monoclonal antibodies. There is no cross epitope defined by B-20, B-97 and B-167 in mammalian cells. However, the epitope defined by B-108 exists in normal tissue as well as in bladder cancer cells.