Body odour aldehyde reduction by acetic acid bacterial extract including enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase

OBJECTIVE

The major causes of unpleasant human body odour are aldehydes produced by axillary-resident bacteria. There are many methods of body odour prevention; however, they all carry risks of destroying indigenous dermal bacteria that are necessary for the maintenance of the normal physical function of the skin. Furthermore, some methods cannot directly reduce the concentrations of substances that cause body odour. Therefore, a novel method of reducing body odour more safely and effectively is required. We focused on acetic acid bacterial enzymes, which can convert aldehydes into carboxylic acids, and investigated their effect on aldehydes and body odour.

METHODS

Subjects with strong body odour were recruited using screening questionnaires. Acetic acid bacterial extract including enzymes was applied to subjects' skin, and their effects were evaluated by trained panellists and by quantitative aldehyde analysis using thermal detector gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Acetic acid bacterial extract including enzymes decreased the ratio of dilution to threshold and the concentration of body odour-producing aldehydes dropped by up to 98.7%.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that simply applying acetic acid bacterial enzymes on the skin can reduce the concentration of aldehydes that cause unpleasant body odour by directly converting them into carboxylic acids. Therefore, acetic acid bacterial enzymes can potentially be developed into new products that do not destroy indigenous bacteria and yet can effectively reduce unpleasant body odour.

Combination of super chilling and high carbon dioxide concentration techniques most effectively to preserve freshness of shell eggs during long-term storage

This study was made to examine the combined effects of stored temperature and carbon dioxide atmosphere on shell egg quality. The shell eggs were packed into polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (PET/PE) pouches and stored at 0 degrees C (super chilling), 10 degrees C, and 20 degrees C, respectively for 90 d. The atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was controlled to obtain the 3 concentration levels of high (about 2.0%), medium (about 0.5%), and low (below 0.01%). Changes in Haugh unit (HU) values, weakening of vitelline membranes, and generation of volatiles were analyzed to evaluate the freshness of shell eggs. Results showed that, compared with the other combinations, the technique of super chilling and high carbon dioxide concentration enabled shell eggs to be most effectively stored for 90 d, based on estimations of the statistical significances of differences in HU values, and on maintaining the initial HU values during storage. In addition, the storage of shell eggs using this combination technique was found to significantly prevent the weakening of the vitelline membrane based on the estimations of numbers of eggs without vitelline membrane breakage when eggs broke, and significantly lowered the incidence of hexanal in the yolk from exposure to the gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses of volatiles. Thus, these results confirmed that the combination of super chilling and high carbon dioxide concentration was the most effective technique for preserving shell eggs during a long term of 90 d compared with other combination techniques.

Elevated interleukin-4 and interleukin-6 in rats sensitized with toluene diisocyanate

In order to investigate the cytokine profile in toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced occupational asthma, we conducted a quantification of cytokine production in a murine model of respiratory hyperreactivity to TDI. Wistar rats were sensitized with intranasal application of 10% TDI and provoked with 5% TDI to induce airway hypersensitivity. The blood leucocytes were counted, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and the cellular responses in BAL fluid were analysed. Lung histological examination was performed to investigate the inflammatory status in the airway. The production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-gamma in serum, BAL fluid and spleen cell were determined with ELISA kits. The cellular results demonstrated that neutrophils and eosinophils in blood were significantly increased and the total cells and each different cell, in particular eosinophils in BAL fluid were markedly increased in TDI sensitized rats. Histological analysis showed that a respiratory inflammation represented by prominent infiltration of eosinophils in central and peripheral airways was present in TDI-sensitized rats. The cytokine assays revealed that in TDI-sensitized rats, IL-4 was predominately secreted in serum, and IL-4 and IL-6 rather than IL-2 and IFN-gamma were predominately secreted in BAL fluid and in spleen cell. These findings suggested that IL-4 and IL-6 are preferentially produced and may have an important role in occupational asthma induced by TDI.

[MRI of anterior cruciate ligament autografts]

The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of MRI in the evaluation of autografts after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The subjects were 110 patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon autografts who underwent clinical examination, MRI, and arthroscopy of the knee. T1- and T2-weighted MR images were obtained in sagittal plane. Clinical findings were categorized into three groups: normal, borderline, and abnormal. The MRI appearances of the autografts were categorized into three types: straight continuous band (type I), interrupted band (type II) and generalized increased intensity band (type III). The clinical findings and MRI findings were compared with arthroscopic findings. Ninety-six percent of the type I showed no autograft tear on arthroscopy. In comparison with the clinical findings, MRI was found to be well correlated with arthroscopic findings. In conclusion, if the clinical findings are normal, patients are to be followed-up without MRI and arthroscopy. However, if clinical findings are either borderline or abnormal, MRI should be performed prior to arthroscopy.

Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on murine nasal allergy

BACKGROUND

Although many studies have reported the effects of dietary vitamin E on the immune response, none so far has assessed its role in nasal allergy.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice were randomized into two groups and fed a 20% casein diet (control group, 50 mg vitamin E/kg diet) or this diet supplemented with 535 mg vitamin E/kg diet (vitamin E group, 585 mg vitamin E/kg diet) for 4 weeks. During the fifth week, the mice in each group were divided into two subgroups to form a total of four treatment groups: group A (control), group B [control + toluene diisocyanate (TDI) sensitization], group C (vitamin E supplementation), and group D (vitamin E supplementation + TDI sensitization). Groups B and D were treated with two courses of intranasal application of 5% TDI in ethyl acetate, whereas groups A and C were treated with ethyl acetate alone. A week after second sensitization all groups were provoked by applying 2.5% of TDI in the vehicle and nasal allergic responses were observed for 10 minutes. Splenic lymphoproliferation, splenic cell cytokines, and the total serum IgE were measured.

RESULTS

Members of group D had lower (P < 0.01) scores of nasal response and sneezed less frequently (P < 0.01) than those of group B. Similarly, splenic lymphoproliferation and production of IL-4 and IL-5 as well as the total serum IgE levels were lower (P < 0.01) in group D than in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that higher doses of vitamin E supplementation may suppress nasal allergic responses.

Infrahyoid spread of deep neck abscess: anatomical consideration

The aim of this study was to determine the pathway of infrahyoid extension of the oropharyngeal abscess considering the anatomy of the fascial spaces by cross-sectional imaging. CT scans and MR images were retrospectively reviewed in ten patients with known infrahyoid extension of oropharyngeal abscesses (eight with acute tonsillitis, two with acute phlegmonous oropharyngitis). In seven of eight patients tonsillar abscesses descended along the deep cervical fascia converging on the hyoid bone and further accumulated in the anterior cervical space through which extension to the mediastinum took place in four patients. In seven patients the abscesses involved the retropharyngeal space at the infrahyoid neck. In two of these seven patients the abscesses directly extended down into the upper mediastinum through the retropharyngeal space. In one patients of the seven mediastinal spread of an abscess occurred through the posterior cervical space, not through the retropharyngeal space. Cross-sectional imaging is valuable in the evaluation of deep neck abscesses and the pathway of spread. The anterior cervical space in the infrahyoid neck is important for mediastinal extension of pharyngeal abscesses.

[Regional pulmonary function by 133Xe gas and 99mTc-MAA in 11 cases with lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM)]

The evaluation of the regional distribution of ventilation and perfusion was performed by 133Xe gas and 99mTc-MAA in 11 patients with LAM. We divided the lung images into six lung regions, the upper, middle, and lower lung fields of the left and right lungs, and classified the ventilation distribution pattern as one of three types according to the washout time. Prolongation of mean transit time (MTT) predominantly in the lower lung field was classified as type a, predominantly in the middle and upper lung fields as type b, and diffuse prolongation of MTT throughout the lung as type c. The classification included 16 cases of type b, four of type a, and two of type c. The 133Xe washout was predominantly delayed in the middle and upper lung fields in 73% of LAM cases. Pulmonary perfusion was reduced in the middle lung field and relatively increased in the lower lung field in comparison with healthy controls. A follow-up study of 133Xe gas lung scan was performed in three cases of type b. All the cases deteriorated and presented obstructive and restrictive disturbances without changes in the distribution pattern. These findings suggested that the washout type did not change with the progress of the stage of the disease.

[A study of bone density and lifestyles of high school girls]

To obtain basic data on the bone density of high school girls, the bone density of the right heel was measured in principle and their lifestyles were surveyed. The subjects were 142 girls (15-18 years, mean +/- SD = 16.5 +/- 0.8 years old) of a high school in Nagano Prefecture, who accepted our visiting bone health check. Bone density was measured with an 'Achilles' ultrasound bone-densitometer (Lunar Co.) and a self-registered questionnaire on their lifestyles was also employed in this study. The main results were as follows: 1. There were no significant correlations between Stiffness and, age, grade, bone fracture, family history, and regularity of menstruation. However, Stiffness significantly correlated to the age of menophania (r = -0.191, p = 0.002) 2. High school girls who belonged to a sports club had significantly higher bone density than other girls. Those who did-exercises which consist mainly of jumping, had significantly higher bone density than others who participated in running sports or did no exercise. There were also significant differences in the frequency of exercise and the duration of exercise. Moreover, those who had a regular exercise history had higher bone density than those who had no regular exercise history, and the mean Stiffness of the group that did exercises daily was higher than for those who did not. 3. There were no significant correlations between Stiffness and food intakes. There also were no significant difference for Stiffness concerning intake of calcium-containing food groups. Regarding the cause of weight loss of more than 2 kg/month, the mean Stiffness of the group with intense exercise was significantly higher than those in the no-weigh loss group and the group that had reduced dietary intake. 4. Regarding the relationships between bone density and the lifestyles of high school girls, a delayed age of menophania had a significantly decreasing effect on Stiffness, whereas three variables of regular exercise habits at present, body weight, and exercise histories had significantly increasing effects on Stiffness in multiple regression analysis. 5. It is considered that there may be other important factors in the relationship between bone density and lifestyle of adolescent females who are in a developmental state. Therefore, the measurement of bone density and its assessment need consideration from points of view which are different from those for middle-aged and the elderly people.

Effect of dietary nucleosides and nucleotides on murine allergic rhinitis

Although there are studies that report the effects of dietary nucleoside and nucleotide mixtures on the immune response, none are concerned with the role in allergic disease. This study evaluated the effect of dietary nucleic acid mixture (NAM) on mice with a nasal allergy model. One group of mice was supplemented with a 0.5% NAM and the other two groups were fed with a nucleic acid-free diet with 20% casein that served as sensitized and nonsensitized controls. The mice of the NAM group and the sensitized control group were sensitized in two courses by 2 microl of 5% 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI), whereas the nonsensitized control was given 2 microl of ethylacetate instead of TDI. On the 28th day, an allergy was provoked with 4 microl of 2.5% TDI and the allergic responses were observed for 10 minutes. Results showed that the NAM diet group had more severe symptoms of itching, rhinorrhea, snorting, and irritability compared with the controls; also observed were a high incidence of sneezing at 34.7 +/- 4.0 in NAM compared with 19.0 +/- 3.0 (P < 0.001) in sensitized controls and 2.8 +/- 0.7 in nonsensitized controls. From this study, it can be concluded that diets supplemented with nucleic acid mixture contribute to the severity of murine allergic rhinitis.

[A basic study on gastric emptying test using barium grains and effect of drugs on gastric emptying in rats]

We reported an experimental study on a new non-invasive method for evaluation of gastric emptying by abdominal X-ray after administration of radiopaque barium grains. Adult male Wistar rats weighing around 200 g were used. After they were fasted for 24 hours, 1 ml of gruel mixed with 10 barium grains (1 mm diameter) was introduced into the rat stomach with a catheter. The rats were sacrificed at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after the introduction of the gruel. X-rays were taken at each time point and grains in the stomach were counted in the X-ray photographs. All barium grains were emptied from the stomach in 150 minutes. After incision of the abdomen, the residual gastric contents were weighed. A positive correlation was found between the grains in the stomach and the weight of the contents. We studied the effects of cisapride, scopolamine buthylbromide and enprostil on the gastric emptying time by this method. Cisapride accelerated gastric emptying, whereas scopolamine buthylbromide delayed it. A prostaglandin E2 analog, enprostil delayed the gastric emptying. This method was found to be a simple procedure which is outstanding for quantitative determination and useful in evaluating gastric emptying functions.

Change in digital blood flow with simultaneous reduction in plasma endothelin induced by hand-arm vibration

Involvement of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) or endothelium-derived constricting factor (EDCF) has been proposed as the pathophysiologic mechanism of vibration-induced white finger (VWF). Recent evidence that endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide indicates that it may play a role in vasoregulation during vibration exposure through the local actions of EDRF or EDCF. Therefore, we examined the effects of grasping (50 N) and hand-arm vibration (50 m/s2 rms, 120 Hz, x-axis) on digital blood flow (DBF) and on the level of plasma endothelin in seven healthy male office workers. Grasping decreased DBF without affecting endothelin, and vibration increased DBF with a simultaneous reduction in endothelin. The grasping-induced decrease in DBF seemed to be due to mechanical compression of the vessels. The negative correlation between DBF and endothelin during vibration exposure suggests that a reduction in release of endothelin from smooth muscle into the vessel cavity during vibration leads to vasodilatation, possibly attributable to the local axon reflex.

[AIDS control in industry in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan]

To see how industry is responding to AIDS, an anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted on member companies (n = 407) of the chamber of commerce with 50 or more employees in three large cities in Okinawa, during February to March, 1994. Responses were obtained from 221. The questionnaire looked at type of industry, number of employees, number of business trips to foreign countries, specialists for health management, AIDS control, attitudes and actions taken toward infected persons and AIDS patients, etc. The main results were as follows; In 73 companies foreign business trips had been made. The rate of appointment of specialists in health management was below 50%. In 80% of the companies, AIDS control was not in place. About 1/2 of the companies responded that there was a need to grapple with AIDS control while 40% of the companies were undecided. The majority of the companies felt that there was no chance of their employees having HIV infection within five or six years. Many companies had no regulations for dealing with employees who are infected with HIV. From the survey, three points were made clear: 1. Industry does not have an adequate plan to deal with AIDS. 2. There is no awareness of a crisis. 3. There is insufficient dissemination of information regarding AIDS. HIV/AIDS is predicted to increase in industries in our country and management will be hard-pressed to deal with the intricate problems that arise. HIV/AIDS is not exclusively an individual problem, but should be the concern of industries and society as well.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Involvement of endothelin in peripheral circulatory change induced by hand-arm vibration

Physiologic mechanisms involving local vasoregulating factor, endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and endothelium-derived constricting factors (EDCF) have been postulated to play a role in VWF. Recent evidence that endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide indicates that it may play a role in vasoregulation during vibration exposure through the local actions of EDRF or EDCF. Therefore, we examined the effects of grasping (50 N) and hand-arm vibration with an unweighted acceleration of 50 m/s2 rms at a frequency of 120 Hz in the direction of X-axis on digital blood flow (DBF) and on the level of plasma endothelin in 7 healthy male office workers. DBF was measured by an apparatus based on the thermal diffusion method where the thermal diffusion flow probe was incorporated in the Peltier's stack. In the grasping test, DBF decreased by about 40% from resting level within 1 minute after the grasping was begun, and was maintained at almost the same level during grasping, but increased immediately after cessation of grasping. In the vibration exposure test, initial decrease in DBF due to grasping was the same as that observed in the grasping test, but DBF gradually increased when exposure to vibration was performed simultaneously. No significant change in plasma endothelin level was induced by grasping. Endothelin was significantly lower after exposure to vibration than at rest and after grasping. The grasping-induced decrease in DBF seemed to be due to mechanical compression of the vessels. The negative correlation between DBF and endothelin during vibration exposure suggests that a reduction in release of endothelin from smooth muscle into the vessel cavity during vibration leads to vasodilatation, possibly attributable to the local axon reflex.

[Relationship between oral food intake and nausea caused by intravenous injection of iodinated contrast material]

From December, 1990 to July, 1992 we investigated the relationship between the time after oral food intake and nausea and vomiting caused by the intravenous injection of iodinated contrast media in 2,414 patients who underwent contrast enhanced CT. The contrast media used were as follows: amidotrizoic acid (high-osmolality contrast medium, HOCM, iodine 292 mg/ml) in 1173 patients, iopamidol (low-osmolality contrast medium, LOCM, iodine 300m g/ml) in 641 patients, and iohexol (LOCM, iodine 300 mg/ml) in 600 patients. All the patients had an intravenous injection of 100ml in volume. The overall incidence of nausea and vomiting was 3.8% (96/2412 patients). The incidence was 6. 7% (79/1173 patients) in the HOCM group and 1.4% (17/1241 patients) in the LOCM group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting increased with the interval between the oral intake of food and the intravenous injection of contrast medium. It is concluded that fasting before contrast-enhanced CT enhances the adverse effect of nausea and vomiting.

Appearance of the inferior phrenic artery and vein on CT scans of the chest: a CT and cadaveric study

OBJECTIVE

Central linear densities are often seen at the level of the diaphragm on CT scans of the chest. To determine the cause of these densities, we evaluated helical CT scans and correlated the results with the findings from a study of cadavers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Forty patients who had normal findings on conventional CT scans had helical CT of the entire chest. For the cadaveric study, we examined the lung bases and extrapleural spaces on the diaphragmatic surface in 22 formalinized cadavers.

RESULTS

On helical CT scans, linear densities extending laterally from the mid-part of the right side of the inferior vena cava and from the posterior margin of the left ventricle were seen on the right side of the chest in 12 subjects (30%) and on the left side in 17 subjects (42%). In the cadavers, the inferior phrenic artery and the accompanying vein ran over the diaphragmatic dome in the extrapleural space from the region of the inferior vena cava on the right and from the posterior margin of the left ventricle on the left. These supradiaphragmatic vessels were seen on the right side in 10 cadavers (45%) and on the left side in four cadavers (18%).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that these linear densities at the level of the diaphragm on CT scans of the chest represent the inferior phrenic artery and vein.

[Localization of immunoglobulins in the central nervous system]

The affinity of IgG to the central nervous system has been demonstrated by several authorities. The present study revealed the physiological localization of immunoglobulins. Developing human brains were obtained from autopsies, and the regional localization of IgG, IgA and IgM was examined as a function of age. Thirteen brains from children, aged 3 months to 13 years, were evaluated for IgG localization. Four other cases, aged 3 to 7 months, were stained for IgG subclasses, IgA and IgM. Positive IgG staining was observed in neurons and glial cells of the cerebrum and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum in 5 cases, aged 3 to 7 months. It was decreased in 4 cases aged 1 year (3/4 in the nerve cells of the hippocampus and Purkinje cells, 2/4 in those of the amygdala and parietal cortex, and 1/4 in other regions). IgG was absent except in the Purkinje cells of four cases, aged 3 to 13 years. Every IgG subclass and IgA existed in neurons and glial cells of the cerebrum and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum in all cases. IgM staining, however, was negative in the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex although it was positive in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and basal ganglia. These findings suggest that the immunoglobulins possibly passed through the premature blood-brain barrier in infants, were taken up by the nerve and glial cells in the cerebral cortex and other deep structures of the central nervous system, and may exert some effects on the developing process of the brain.

[A ciclosporin A responsive case of Behçet's disease associated with IgA nephropathy]

A case of Behçet's disease with IgA nephropathy was reported in a 17 year old man. He presented with microscopic hematuria which was pointed out by urinary mass screening for school children at age of 14. As he was subsequently evolved proteinuria, a renal biopsy was performed at age of 16. The specimen showed diffuse proliferation of mesangial cells. Immunofluorescent studies showed granular deposition of IgA. At age of 17, he showed typical symptoms of Behçet's disease, namely aphthous stomatitis, perianal ulcers, erythema nodosum-like lesions, uveitis and genital aphtha. Furthermore he showed an increasing of proteinuria and an impairment of his renal function. Serum IgA level and immune complexes during the exacerbation stage were elevated. The uveitis markedly improved with ciclosporin A therapy. Reduction of proteinuria and improvement of renal function were simultaneously observed. These findings may suggest that IgA nephropathy and Behçet's a disease have common immunological pathogenesis, including circulating immune complexes.

[Time-course changes of regional cerebral blood flow by SPECT with N-isopropyl-p-[123I]-iodoamphetamine in childhood partial seizures]

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with N-isopropyl-p-[123I]-iodoamphetamine was performed twice at different times in 18 children suffering from partial seizures to evaluate the time-course changes of the hemodynamics in the focal region. Comparison of the 2 SPECT images revealed that a decreased regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the first was normalized in 4 cases (22.2%) and contracted in 7 cases (38.9%). The region of decreased blood flow in the second was contralateral to that in the first in 1 case (5.6%) and unchanged in 6 cases (33.3%). Most of the normalized and contracted cases were those in which clinical seizures disappeared and the EEG findings were normalized. In these cases which responded to treatment, the decreased regional CBF was also found to be improved. Repeated SPECT appears to be useful for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy. On the other hand, most of the unchanged cases were those in which clinical seizures were frequent or uncontrolled, or which persistently showed the abnormalities in their EEG. SPECT was considered to reflect well the conditions of the epileptic foci. These results indicate that repeated SPECT for observing the time-course changes of the regional CBF represents a useful technique with can be applied in evaluating the therapeutic efficacy or deciding the time to discontinue treatment and for pathogenetic elucidation of the epileptic foci.

[Early diagnosis of neonatal neurological disorders]

Main diagnostic points on the clinical signs and symptoms of various neurological disorders during the neonatal period and early infancy are briefly mentioned. Application, diagnostic values and limitation of various diagnostic measures including US, CT and MRI are then discussed.

Experimental studies on the effects of vibration and noise on sympathetic nerve activity in skin

Multi-unit sympathetic activity was recorded at elbow level from median nerve fascicles supplying glabrous skin of the left hand in five healthy subjects. The resultant vasomotor responses accompanying the neural activity were monitored by simultaneous recordings of skin blood flow using the laser doppler method and skin temperature in the innervation zones. No significant change in sympathetic activity was observed during handgrip exercise of the right hand under a constant gripping force of 2 kg. Subjects maintained the same gripping force of the right hand during exposure in random order to local vibration and/or noise, each type of exposure lasting 5 min with intervals of 20 min. A two-peaked significant increase in outflow from sympathetic nerves was observed during local exposure of the right hand to vibration with a frequency of 60 Hz and an acceleration of 50 m.s-2, followed by a postexposure period which revealed a relative suppression of sympathetic nerve activity and a significant increase in blood flow. Noise at 100 dB(A) showed only an initial effect on skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSA), whereas when combined with local vibration at 60 Hz, a pronounced increase in neural activity was noticed, indicating a combined effect of vibration and noise. These results from direct recordings of SSA suggest a sympathetic vasomotor reflex mechanism triggered by local vibration stimuli to the hand.

Effect of alcohol on blood levels of branched-chain alpha-keto acids in male Wistar rats

The effect of oral alcohol administration on branched-chain alpha-keto acids was studied in Wistar rats. Rats were divided into alcohol loading groups 1 (ethanol single daily dose: 2.5 g/kg body wt for 14 days) and 2 (ethanol dose: 5 g/kg body wt), and a pair-fed control group (isocaloric glucose and food equal to the amount taken by group 1 the previous day). Branched-chain alpha-keto acids, other alpha-keto acids and amino acids were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results showed a significant body weight increase in the alcohol loading groups. Concentrations of branched-chain amino acids and keto acids were significantly increased in the alcohol-treated groups. The blood levels of methionine, threonine, alanine and glutamic acid were also increased by alcohol administration. Blood levels of taurine and ornithine, however, showed a significant decrease in the alcohol-treated groups. These results show that alcohol increases the blood levels of branched-chain keto acids and branched-chain amino acids.

Effect of gastric mucus on the uptake of the carcinogen MNNG by gastric mucosal DNA

In prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-, pirenzepine-, and indomethacin-administered rats, the incorporation of N-[methyl-3H]-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine ([methyl-3H]MNNG) into gastric mucosal DNA was measured quantitatively by liquid scintillation counting after intragastric instillation of [methyl-3H]MNNG. The amount of incorporation was 25.4 +/- 5.9 pmol/mg DNA in control rats, 11.7 +/- 3.8 pmol/mg DNA in PGE2-administered rats, 6.2 +/- 5.6 pmol/mg DNA in pirenzepine-administered rats, and 42.9 +/- 14.4 pmol/mg DNA in indomethacin-administered rats. PGE2 and pirenzepine significantly decreased the incorporation as compared with the control group. In contrast, indomethacin increased the incorporation. In addition, gastric mucosa of these drug-treated rats was studied histochemically. PGE2 and pirenzepine increased secretion of gastric mucus whereas indomethacin decreased it. It is possible that gastric mucus has a protective effect not only against ulcerogenic agents but also against carcinogens. It is considered that gastric mucus plays an important role in the defense mechanism against carcinogenesis.

Usefulness of blood parameters, especially viscosity, for the diagnosis and elucidation of pathogenic mechanisms of the hand-arm vibration syndrome

In the present study it was found that, in vibrating-tool operators with Raynaud's phenomenon, whole blood viscosity was significantly higher than in operators without Raynaud's phenomenon at shear rates from 230 to 11.5 s-1. In addition rats were experimentally exposed to local vibration (60 Hz, 5 g) on their hind limbs for 4 h/d for 30 or 90 d. In the case of 30-d exposure, the small arteries in the exposed site did not change. However, after exposure for 90 d, disruption of the internal elastic lamina was observed in the small arteries. The disruption was followed by focal cell proliferation with regenerative formation of collagen and elastic fibers. The fibro-cellular thickening of the intima was further augmented, and, in addition, a complete stenosis of the small lumen of the small artery was observed. Medial thickness did not show significant differences between the control and exposed groups for either exposure duration. The whole blood viscosity was significantly increased by the 90-d but not by the 30-d exposure. These results suggest that there are some relationships between the increase in whole blood viscosity and the intimal thickening of some small arteries in the exposed site.

Immunoglobulin therapy in the West syndrome

An examination was made of high dose non-treated immunoglobulin (NTIG) therapy at an early stage of the West syndrome (WS). Six patients with cryptogenic WS who suffered attacks ranging from 15 days to 6 months (mean 70 days) and 5 patients with symptomatic WS who suffered attacks ranging from 14 days to 4 months (mean 32 days), were administered NTIG 6-10 times intravenously at 100-200 mg/kg of body weight at intervals of 2 or 3 weeks. All patients with cryptogenic WS showed complete remission in accordance with normalized electroencephalogram (EEG) without following anticonvulsants medication. Of the 5 patients with symptomatic WS one patient showed cessation of clinical seizures in agreement with EEG improvement and 2 other patients revealed transient cessation of clinical seizures with recurrence. In cases of complete remission, the energy percentage of the power spectrum for each frequency band displayed a tendency toward gradual decrease of delta wave band in correspondence with the increase of theta wave band percentage after NTIG therapy, suggesting that high dose NTIG may be useful for early treatment of cryptogenic WS and for inhibiting brain deterioration owing to epileptic encephalopathy.

[Changes in the forearm tcPO2 following the cold water immersion test]

The purpose of this study is to apply changes in forearm transcutaneous PO2 (tcPO2) during the cold water immersion test (5 degrees C, for 10 min) to the diagnosis of vibration syndrome. Forearm tcPO2 in healthy controls increased gradually up to 3 min after the start of the cold water immersion and decreased thereafter. It returned to almost the same level before immersion 5 min after the start. In the workers using vibrating tools manifesting Raynaud's phenomenon, forearm tcPO2 also increased up to 3 min after the start as in healthy controls, but no change was observed thereafter. The difference between the level of forearm tcPO2 at 3 min and that at 10 min after the start of the immersion (Forearm tcPO2 recovery index, newly devised by authors) in workers using vibrating tools was significantly lower than that in healthy controls. Therefore, investigation of changes in forearm tcPO2 following the cold water immersion test is considered to be a useful objective item which can contribute to the diagnosis of vibration syndrome.

Influence of local vibration on plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity

This study was designed to obtain basic information about the mechanism of the occurrence of muscular disorders after exposure to vibration. The hind legs of rats were exposed to acute and chronic local vibration at frequencies of 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, and 960 Hz with a constant acceleration of 50 m/sec2. The exposure time was four hours for acute, and four hours a day for two weeks continuously for chronic exposure. Blood was collected after exposure to measure plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity. In both exposure groups the activity of plasma CPK was significantly higher at 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 Hz compared with the control group and was especially high at 30 Hz; there was no significant change at 960 Hz. As a result of an analysis of the CPK isoenzymes, the increase in plasma CPK activity was shown to be due to the activity of the plasma CPK-MM fraction, originating in the skeletal muscle. Plasma CPK activity showed a tendency to decrease gradually with the increase in vibration frequency during acute exposure but showed no such tendency during chronic exposure. There was no remarkable pathohistological change in muscle preparations from the hind legs, hence it was presumed that the increase in plasma CPK activity was caused not by the morphological changes of muscle but by other mechanisms, such as an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane.

Study on the mechanism of the appearance of noise effects

This study was undertaken to investigate the dose-response relationship between the biological effect and noise exposure, and to consider the mechanism of the appearance of noise effects. Rats were exposed to noise at intensities of 60 dB (A), 80 dB (A) and 100 dB (A) for 240 min and examined for the change of activities of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) in serum and adrenal glands. Plasma cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (c-AMP) levels were also measured. Some rats were given 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as a chemical sympathectomyzing agent 20 h before noise exposure in order to consider the mechanism of the appearance of noise effects. By noise exposure, serum DBH activity was significantly (P less than 0.01) increased at each intensity compared with the control group, but there were no remarkable changes in adrenal DBH activity. Plasma c-AMP level was also significantly elevated in response to the noise stress. When the rats, which had been pretreated with 6-OHDA, were exposed to noise with an intensity of 100 dB (A), the response of serum DBH activity was no longer observed. Therefore it is suggested that the effect due to noise exposure appears through the post-ganglionic sympathetic nerve fiber.

Preliminary evaluation of dose-effect relationships for vibration induced white finger in Japan

Habitual use of many vibrating tools has been found to be connected with the appearance of various disorders affecting the blood vessels, nerves, bones, joints, muscles or connective tissues of the hand and forearm. The vibration exposures required to cause these diseases are not known exactly, either with respect to vibration intensity and the vibration frequency spectrum, or with respect to daily exposure time and total exposure period. The purpose of this study is to investigate available data on the physical conditions in Japan that have caused vibration induced white finger (VWF) and attempt to establish approximate relationships between vibration conditions and prevalence of VWF. The vibration conditions were evaluated using the method of vibration assessment recommended by the International Standardized Organization, which uses the weighted vibration level of the frequency weighted, dominant, single axis component of vibration directed into the hand. A clear correlation between level, prevalence of VWF and exposure period can be found. The results also suggest the relationship between the weighted levels and latent intervals. These dose-effect relationships enable the prediction of the average latent interval for a population group and the range of progression of the disorders--all from a measurement of the vibration entering the hands. In Japanese cases, 4, 8, and 15% of VWF prevalence correspond with 10, 20, and 40% of VWF prevalence in the Draft International Standard ISO/DIS 5349 (1982) within the weighted vibration level range of 2 to 50m X s-2.

Effect of whole body vibration on the rat brain content of serotonin and plasma corticosterone

To investigate the effects of whole body vibration on the central nervous system, rats were exposed to various whole body vibrations and changes in whole brain levels of Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were then determined. Changes in plasma corticosterone levels were also determined and related to the changes in the whole brain levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA. The dose-related changes in the 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were observed as acceleration increased from 0.4G to 5.0G. Changes in vibration frequency also affected the 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels of brain: they were significantly elevated at a frequency of 20 Hz (P less than 0.05). Plasma corticosterone levels increased as acceleration increased from 0.4G to 5.0G. As the vibration frequency was changed from 5 Hz to 30 Hz, plasma corticosterone levels also rose significantly (P less than 0.05) but the extent of elevation was approximately the same at each frequency. The correlation between brain 5-HT and plasma corticosterone levels with increasing acceleration (r = 0.93, P less than 0.01) was significant.

Changes in cerebral norepinephrine induced by vibration or noise stress

To investigate the effects of whole body vibration on the central nervous system, rats were exposed to various whole body vibrations and examined for changes in the levels of norepinephrine (NE) in whole brain or regions of the brain. Whole brain NE had decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) after an acceleration of 5.0G with a frequency of 20 Hz; and the decrease was also observed in the hypothalamus (P less than 0.01) and the hippocampus (P less than 0.10). Exposure to noise [100 dB (A)] caused a significant decrease in NE. This decrease related particularly to a significant decrease in midbrain NE (P less than 0.05) and a non-significant decrease of NE in the hypothalamus.