Immunomodulatory action of citrus auraptene on macrophage functions and cytokine production of lymphocytes in female BALB/c mice

The modifying effects of auraptene isolated from the peel of citrus fruit (Citrus natsudaidai Hayata) on macrophage and lymphocyte functions were investigated in mice. Female BALB/c mice were gavaged with auraptene at a dose of 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg once a day for 10 consecutive days. Glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05-0.001) in auraptene-treated mice at all doses at 24, 48 and 72 h incubation except for mice given 200 mg/kg auraptene at 24 h incubation. Activity of acid phosphatase in peritoneal macrophages was significantly increased in mice treated with auraptene at a dose level of 100 mg/kg (P < 0.001). Activity of beta-glucuronidase in peritoneal macrophages in the auraptene-treated mice at all doses was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in lactate dehydrogenase activity of peritoneal macrophages at any dose. Interleukin (IL)-1beta production of peritoneal macrophages in the auraptene-treated mice at all doses was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05-0.001). Tumor necrosis factor alpha production of peritoneal macrophages in mice gavaged with auraptene at a dose of 200 mg/kg was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Auraptene did not affect proliferation of spontaneous splenic lymphocytes in mice at any dose. Stimulation indices in mice given auraptene at a dose of 200 mg/kg were significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). When spleenic lymphocytes were cultured without concanavalin A (Con A), IL-2 and interferon (IFN) gamma productions were not detectable in the supernatant. However, IL-2 and IFN production stimulated by Con A were significantly increased in mice gavaged with auraptene at dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P 0.05-0.001). Auraptene did not enhance spontaneous IL-4 production by splenocytes. There was no significant difference in IL-4 production of splenic lymphocytes stimulated by Con A in all groups. These findings might suggest that oral administration of citrus auraptene effectively enhanced macrophage and lymphocyte functions in mice.

Vibration syndrome among Finnish forest workers between 1972 and 1990

A longitudinal study on vibration syndrome among professional forest workers was carried out in Finland from 1972 to 1990. In the course of the follow-up the weighted vibration acceleration of chain saws decreased from about 14 to 2 m/s2. The prevalence of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) decreased gradually from 40% to 5%. Numbness occurred mainly at night, and its prevalence decreased from 78% to 28%. During part of the follow-up period (1975-1990) the complaints of hand muscle weakness decreased from 19% to 9%. Disorders of the musculoskeletal system were considered to cause more disability than VWF. The decreased vibration acceleration and the lighter weight of chain saws were considered the main reasons for the decrease in the prevalence of vibration-induced symptoms.

Effects of different durations of exercise on macrophage functions in mice

The effects of differing durations of daily exercise on macrophage functions in mice were studied. Male ICR mice aged 4 wk were divided into five groups: a nonexercise group (control) and four exercise groups with differing daily exercise durations of 15--120 min (Exr groups). The exercise applied was 5 days/wk treadmill running at 13 m/min for 12 wk. The potentiation of the phagocytosis function of the reticuloendothelial system and the glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages in the Exr 30, 60, and 120 groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. Superoxide anion production of peritoneal macrophages in both the absence and the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in the Exr 60 and 120 groups was significantly higher than that in the control group. The acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase activities of peritoneal macrophages in the Exr 30, 60, and 120 groups were significantly increased. These results suggest that treadmill running exercise for at least 30 min/day (30--120 min) effectively enhances macrophage functions in mice. These data provide preliminary evidence indicating that chronic exercise-induced increases in phagocytic activity exhibit a dose-dependent relationship with exercise duration.

Effects of whole body microwave exposure on the rat brain contents of biogenic amines

The effects of whole body microwave exposure on the central nervous system (CNS) of the rat were investigated. Rats weighing from 250 to 320 g were exposed for 1 h to whole body microwave with a frequency of 2450 MHz at power densities of 5 and 10 mW.cm-2 at an ambient temperature of 21-23 degrees C. The rectal temperatures of the rats were measured just before and after microwave exposure and mono-amines and their metabolites in various discrete brain regions were determined after microwave exposure. Microwave exposure at power densities of 5 and 10 mW.cm-2 increased the mean rectal temperature by 2.3 degrees C and 3.4 degrees C, respectively. The noradrenaline content in the hypothalamus was significantly reduced after microwave exposure at a power density of 10 mW.cm-2. There were no differences in the dopamine (DA) content of any region of the brain between microwave exposed rats and control rats. The dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) content, the main metabolite of DA, was significantly increased in the pons plus medulla oblongata only at a power density of 10 mW.cm-2. The DA turnover rates, the DOPAC:DA ratio, in the striatum and cerebral cortex were significantly increased only at a power density of 10 mW.cm-2. The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) content in all regions of the brain of microwave exposed rats was not different from that of the control rats. The 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) content in the cerebral cortex of microwave exposed rats was significantly increased at power densities of 5 and 10 mW.cm-2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cutaneous signs (Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactylia, and edema of the hands) and hand-arm vibration exposure

Dermatological tests and examinations of the hand(s) were carried out in vibration-exposed and unexposed males. The subjects were 179 chain-saw workers in private forestry companies and 205 local inhabitants who had never used vibrating tools. The prevalences of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), sclerodactylia, and edema of the hands were estimated in both groups, and associations between these cutaneous signs and vibration exposure were evaluated. The prevalences of RP and edema in the exposed group were 9.5% and 1.7%, respectively, and in the unexposed group, 2.9% and 1.5%, respectively. Sclerodactylia was seen in 31.8% of the chain-saw workers but in only 6.4% of the unexposed individuals. In statistical analyses based on unconditional logistic regression models with adjustment for age, RP was associated with long-term (> or = 20 years) vibration exposure [odds ratio (OR) = 7.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.51-19.87]. Sclerodactylia was associated with both short- and long-term vibration exposure (OR = 6.54, CI = 3.30-13.36; OR = 7.05; CI = 3.41-14.60, respectively). There were significant dose-response relationships between RP and duration of exposure and between sclerodactylia and duration of exposure. Results of function tests indicated a longer recovery time and a higher vibration threshold for the workers with RP. The presence of sclerodactylia, however, did not have any significant influence on function test results. It is possible to conclude that not only RP but also sclerodactylia could be induced by vibration exposure. However, most cases of sclerodactylia were not so serious as to involve disturbances of peripheral circulatory and nerve function.

Subjective complaints in orthopedists and general surgeons

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of subjective complaints among two groups of health care personnel. Using a mail questionnaire, 63 male orthopedists and 78 male general surgeons were asked to respond to questions on their subjective musculoskeletal complaints as well as their age, occupational career, and daily working time. In the final analysis, 54 orthopedists and 63 general surgeons who were aged < or = 59 years and had worked for at least 5 years in clinical practice were considered. The mean age was 43.3 (SD 7.6) years for the orthopedists and 41.8 (SD 9.5) years for the general surgeons. Their mean employment time was 18.1 (SD 8.9) years and 16.6 (SD 9.5) years, respectively. The average working time per day was 9.5 h. In general, the orthopedists had a higher prevalence of subjective complaints than the general surgeons. Problems in the shoulders and lower back were the most frequently reported complaints, followed by neck problems. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups regarding stiffness in the shoulders, stiffness in the lower back, pain in the neck, and numbness in the fingers. When subjective complaints were compared between the junior (employment time: < 20 years) and senior (employment time: > or = 20 years) staff, the junior orthopedists had significantly higher prevalence rates for stiffness in the shoulders, pain in the neck, and stiffness in the lower back.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon in different groups of workers operating hand-held vibrating tools

In eight groups of subjects operating various hand-held vibrating tools and aged from 30 to 59 years, the prevalence rates of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and numbness, pain, or stiffness in the upper and lower extremities were investigated. Hand-transmitted vibration levels (HTVLs) were measured on the back of the hand, by means of unidirectional (x-axis) vibration dosimeters, and the frequency-weighted acceleration levels [(Lh,w)eq,t] were determined as the vibration levels. The prevalence rates of VWF and numbness of the hands in these subjects were compared to the prevalence rates of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and numbness of the hands in 1027 males and 1301 females not occupationally exposed to vibration (age range: 30-59 years). It was observed that in subjects exposed to HTVLs of between 1.1 and 2.5 m/s2, the prevalence of VWF was between 0.0% and 4.8%. The prevalence of VWF reached 9.6% in a group of workers exposed to HTVLs of 2.7-5.1 m/s2. The latter group showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of VWF compared to the 2.7% prevalence of RP in male subjects of the general population. The prevalence of VWF in female subjects exposed to vibration (4.3%) was not significantly different from the prevalence of RP in females of the general population (3.4%). The prevalence rates of numbness of the hands were in the range of 6.5%-30.4% in the exposed groups and in the range of 13.4%-29.5% in the general population. Among the subjective symptoms, only VWF showed a significant positive correlation with HTVLs (R2 = 0.5, P < 0.05). It was concluded that in decisions concerning quantitative recommendations for vibration exposure, the prevalence of VWF should be employed. With a view to decreasing the risk of developing VWF, estimated vibration safety values for 4 h and 2 h daily exposures are discussed.

Finger skin temperature and laser-Doppler finger blood flow in subjects exposed to hand-arm vibration

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to assess the peripheral circulatory functions of forestry workers exposed to hand-arm vibration, using simultaneous measurements of finger skin temperature (FST) and finger blood flow (FBF).

METHODS

The subjects were five men with vibration-induced white finger (VWF), four subjects with numbness in their hands and five exposed controls without any signs or symptoms related to vibration syndrome. Simultaneous measurements of FST and laser-Doppler FBF were performed before, during and following a 10-min recovery period after the hand was immersed in cold water (10 degrees C, 10 min). Partitional measurements of finger blood flows could be made between the capillaries and deeply located vessels using two laser-Doppler flow probes having narrower and wider optic fiber separations.

RESULTS

The FST as well as the FBF of the capillary and deeply located vessels during and following the cold immersion test in those with VWF and in the subjects with numbness had a slight increase immediately following the cold immersion and no tendency to be augmented as the time span increased. After the cold immersion test, the control group had significantly greater FST and FBF compared to other groups. Particularly, from the 5th to the 10th min after the cold provocation, the values of FBF of the deeply located vessels in those with VWF were significantly lower than the controls. During the course of observation, the FST had significantly linear relationship with the recorded capillary and deep FBF values, and that was much closely correlated with the deep FBF (i.e., P < 0.01 in each selected condition). The slope of the regression lines in the capillary were steeper and shallow in the deep FBF.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the measurement of capillary FBF, more detailed and accurate information on the peripheral circulatory functions of vibration-exposed subjects can be obtained by including the assessment of the deep FBF.

Immunomodulation by 8-week voluntary exercise in mice

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of voluntary exercise on macrophage and lymphocyte functions in mice. Male A/He inbred mice aged 19 weeks were divided into two groups: a group given voluntary exercise and a control group (n = 10 in each group). Exercise consisted of spontaneous running in wheels for 8 weeks (3 days week-1). Glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages in the exercise group during incubation up to 72 h was significantly higher than that in the control group (70 and 13%, respectively). Also, activities of acid phosphatase (APH) (10.75 +/- 0.37 IU), beta-glucuronidase (GLU) (1.55 +/- 0.07 IU) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (43.3 +/- 0.7 IU) in the peritoneal macrophages in the exercise group was significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the exercise group had a significant increase of about twofold in macrophage production of nitric oxide (NO2-) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (11.1 +/- 0.1 vs. 5.9 +/- 0.1 microM mL-1 in exercise and control groups, respectively; P < 0.01). Stimulation indices both by concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohaemagglutinin were also significantly higher in the exercise group (P < 0.01). A significant increase in the splenocyte production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) stimulated by Con A was noticed in the exercise group (354.1 +/- 28.8 vs. 218.9 +/- 23.5 pg mL-1 in exercise and control groups, respectively; P < 0.01). These findings suggest that voluntary exercise enhances not only macrophage function but also lymphocyte responsiveness in mice. In the studies of voluntary exercise, evaluation of NO2- production, as an indicator of macrophage function, is recommended.

Regulatory Domain of Protein Stability of Human P51/TAP63, a P53 Homologue

The amino terminal of human P51/TAp63, a P53 homologue, possesses a transactivation domain involved in the activation of its target genes by binding to DNA elements responsive to the p53 protein family. Using a series of amino terminal deletions, the transactivation domain was mapped between amino acid residues 50 to 69. This domain also regulates protein stability in a proteasome-dependent manner, and Ser51 and Ser68 were found to be essential for this stability. Our results suggest that P51 activity is greatly affected by protein stability.

Assessment of hand-arm vibration exposure among traffic police motorcyclists

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate subjective symptoms in the hand-arm system of all traffic police motorcyclists of a city located in the central part of Japan and (2) to assess their hand-arm vibration exposure associated with traffic police motorcycle riding. The study population consisted of 119 motorcycling traffic policemen and 49 male controls. By means of a questionnaire, information on the occupational history and the presence of subjective symptoms in the hand-arm system of all subjects was obtained. Vibration was measured on the handlebars of the representative motorcycles and on the hands of the riders. The 4- and 8-h energy-equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration as well as the lifetime vibration dose were calculated for all police motorcyclists. The prevalence of finger blanching in the traffic police motorcyclists was 4.2%, but none of the controls had this symptom. The rates of finger numbness (19.3%), finger stiffness (16.0%), shoulder pain (13.4%), and shoulder stiffness (45.4%) were significantly higher among police motorcyclists as compared with controls. The root-mean-square (rms) frequency-weighted acceleration on the handlebars of police motorcycles was in the range of 2.2-4.9 m/s2 rms. The computed 4- and 8-h energy-equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration values were 2.8-4.5 and 2.0-3.2 m/s2 rms, respectively. A pattern of increasing percentage prevalence with increasing cumulative vibration dose was noticed. The subjects with a lifetime vibration dose of more than 20.1 m2 h3 s-4 (in scale) showed significantly higher prevalence rates for symptoms in the fingers and shoulders as compared with the control group. As occupational vibration exposure of traffic police motorcyclists might be considered a risk factor for the development of symptoms in the hand-arm system of the riders, its evaluation and control is needed for prevention methodology evolution.

Evaluation of factors affecting sensory neural hearing loss

A detailed analysis of risk factors in the development of sensory-neural hearing loss (SNHL) was carried out in 199 forest workers. The mean hearing threshold of both ears at 4000 Hz was measured and the effect of age, exposure, blood pressure, presence of vibration induced white finger (VWF), tobacco smoking and plasma lipid concentrations on SNHL were evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. A part of aging the major risk factors were presence of VWF, elevation of LDL-cholesterol level and usage of antihypertensive agents. Additional factors in the analysis, e.g. smoking and diastolic and systolic blood pressure did not significantly contribute to the genesis of SNHL.

A four-year follow-up study on subjective symptoms and functional capacities in workers using hand-held grinders

Fifty-three grinders in the metal industry were re-examined 4 years after their first examination. Information about age, occupation, daily vibration exposure, drinking and smoking habits, and presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration-induced white finger (VWF), and numbness and pain in the fingers was collected during the first and second examination. Cold provocation test (10 degrees C/10 min) was also employed to evaluate disturbances in the peripheral circulatory and peripheral nerves in all subjects. The frequency-weighted vibration acceleration of various types of hand-held tools was measured. There was no subject with VWF at the first examination; however, during the course of follow-up, two cases (3.8%) of VWF with latent interval of more than 25 years were diagnosed. Prevalence of numbness in the fingers and shoulder stiffness was significantly higher at the second examination. When the prevalence of subjective symptoms was tested by the subjects' total operating time (TOT) during the 4-year follow-up period, those whose TOT was equal to or more than 2500 hours showed higher prevalence compared to the other subgroup. The paired values of recovery rate of finger skin temperature and vibration sensation threshold after the cold water immersion test were significantly different at the first and second examination. On average, the diminution of hand-grip force during the 4-year follow-up course was 7.4%; the difference being significant at 0.01 level. Significant differences in the paired data of pinching power and tapping ability could be detected. The frequency-weighted vibration acceleration of various tools was in the range of 1.1-4.6 m/s2. It was concluded that: (1) prolonged occupational exposure to the vibration of hand-held grinding tools should be considered as a risk factor causing disturbances in the hand-arm system of the operators; (2) the results of recovery rate of finger skin temperature and the vibration sensation threshold seemed to be appropriate indicators for the assessment of peripheral vascular and peripheral nerve disturbances in workers exposed to hand-arm vibration; and (3) to reduce the subjects' physical stress, attention should be paid to ergonomic factors.

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.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome and its prevalence in the present status of private forestry enterprises in Japan

Currently there are no limitations on age of employment on private forestries in Japan. Hence, it was hypothesized that in these kind of enterprises, elderly chain saw operators, or those with long-term exposure, might be at higher risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). We consequently investigated the prevalence of HAVS in 447 chain saw workers on private forestries in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, with particular reference to age and exposure period. Of this population, 43 (9.6%) had signs and symptoms of vibration-induced white finger (VWF), and among these workers the severity of finger blanching was significantly correlated (P less than 0.01) with the exposure period. Classification of all subjects by exposure period showed that workers with greater than or equal to 30 years' exposure had higher prevalences of VWF (20.9%) and numbness of the hands (25.4%) compared to other groups. Significant differences (P less than 0.01) were found between the functional capacities of workers with VWF and those of control subjects. We concluded that (a) the elderly chain saw operators and those with longer exposure should be moved to other jobs with a lower or no risk of exposure to vibration, and (b) the results of screening tests, even without cold water immersion (which we did not employ, in order to protect workers' hands), could be helpful for the identification of workers with VWF.

[Relationship between chilliness of the limbs and daily-life conditions in young females]

In winter, many people have trouble with chilliness in their arms and legs. Many women are especially sensitive to cold, and for them the chilliness of the hands and the feet is difficult to ease even after entering a warm room, or taking a bath. They even feel pain owing to coldness of their limbs in daily life. This symptom has been called "hiesho" in Japanese. The problem of this chilliness is difficult to study because this symptom, in general, can be cured when spring comes. Coldness of the limbs has been considered to be one of the symptoms of the climacteric disturbance among middle-aged females. Recently, however, it was reported that many young females also feel pain owing to coldness of the hands and legs in their daily life during winter. This study investigates the problems of chilliness in the limbs of young females in their daily life. By means of a questionnaire, 642 female college students aged from 18 to 20 years answered questions concerning: (1) physical characteristics, (2) physical conditions in their daily life, (3) physical conditions in winter, and (4) physical conditions in summer. The replies to the questionnaires were tested using the chi 2 test. The major results were as follows: 1. Half of the subjects were sensitive to cold, and had difficulty sleeping owing to chilliness of their limbs in winter even in a warm environment. For the following results the subjects who were sensitive to cold had significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to non-sensitive subjects to cold.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of low- and high-frequency local vibration on the occurrence of intimal thickening of the peripheral arteries of rats

Rats were exposed to local vibration in a study of the differences in the effects between low and high frequencies of vibration on the vessel wall of peripheral arteries. The vibration was delivered at frequencies of 30 and 480 Hz under a constant acceleration of 5g. The duration of the vibration exposure was 30 d. The changes in the arteries were studied pathohistologically and hematologically. Three of the five rats exposed to 30 Hz and three of the five rats exposed to 480 Hz showed disruption of the internal elastic lamina. The disruption was followed by focal cell proliferation with regenerative formation of collagen and elastic fibers. The vascular changes observed after vibration exposure could not be explained by changes in plasma lipid concentrations. These results suggest that not only low frequencies of vibration, but also high frequencies have harmful effects on the intima of small arteries.

Auditory threshold reduction on alcohol ingestion

RATIONALE

Auditory threshold (AT) measurement method has become the standard behavioral procedure for describing auditory sensitivity. Therefore, the AT measurement method is applicable to evaluation of auditory function. However, only a few studies have been performed to clarify the alteration of audibility under the influence of alcohol on normal humans by measurement of AT.

OBJECTIVE

The fact that blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is influenced by the dose of alcohol and the time of measurement suggests that the effects of alcohol may also be altered by the same factors. The present study was conducted to elucidate how alcohol ingestion method affects the AT at a wider range from lower to higher frequency in the time course.

METHODS

Fifteen paid Japanese (seven men and eight women, 20-33 years of age) were employed in AT measurements at an octave frequency ranging from 250 to 8,000 Hz before and 5, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min after drinking various amounts (125, 250, 500 and 1,500 ml) of normal beer (5% alcohol) or alcohol-free beer.

RESULTS

The AT was significantly reduced within 30 min after the ingestion of 250 and 500 ml of beer, occurring on and after peak BAC. The reducing effect disappeared 480 min after ingestion.

CONCLUSIONS

Drinking extra small amounts of alcohol induces the reduction of AT. The effect of alcohol on AT is altered by the alcoholic dose used in testing.

Changes in Prostaglandin F Concentration in the Uterus (Shell Gland) of the Hen Oviduct in Relation to Oviposition and Estrogen

The prostaglandin F (PGF) concentration of the uterus (shell gland) of the hen oviduct, measured by a radioimmunoassay, was found to increase slightly 6 h before oviposition and steeply immediately after oviposition. An intravenous injection of arginine vasotocin (AVT) caused the increase in the uterine PGF concentration and induced oviposition. When indomethacin was injected before the injection of AVT, the uterine PGF concentration was not increased, and the incidence of oviposition was reduced. Estrogen injection caused an increase in the uterine PGF concentration at 1 and 2 h after injection. Specific binding of the estrogen receptor of the uterine tissue increased 9 and 7 h before oviposition. The slight increase in the uterine PGF concentration 6 h before oviposition may be due to the action of estrogen via its receptor, and the steep increase immediately after oviposition may be caused by AVT released at the time of oviposition.

Prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon and specific clinical signs related to progressive systemic sclerosis in the general population of Japan

BACKGROUND

In order to evaluate the prevalence rates of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and specific clinical signs related to progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) in the general population of Japan, inquiries were made concerning RP in the hands and dermatologic examinations were also conducted.

METHODS

One thousand and sixty-three subjects (332 men and 731 women) over 30 years of age who underwent inhabitants' health examinations in 1990 were considered for this study.

RESULTS

The prevalence of RP was 3.0% in men and 3.4% in women. In 8 men and 17 women with RP who received the blood tests, the positive rates of antinuclear antibody (ANA) were 12.5% and 35.3% in men and women, respectively. The prevalence rates of all five specific clinical signs related to PSS, sclerodactyly, pitting scars of the fingers, brown pigmentation of the body, shortened frenulum of the tongue, and flexion contracture of fingers, were under 2% in men and 3% in women. In women with RP the prevalence rates of sclerodactyly, pitting scars of the fingertips, brown pigmentation of the body, and shortened frenulum of the tongue were 16.0, 4.0, 4.0, and 16.0%, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those of persons without RP.

CONCLUSIONS

Because some persons with primary RP may become typical cases of PSS within several years, a followup study, particularly for women who have positive titers of ANA with RP, should be carried out to find out whether the persons suffer from PSS or not.

Stabilized sensing of heparin in whole blood using the ‘gate effect’ of heparin-imprinted polymer grafted onto an electrode

A real-time heparin monitor is required to optimize the dosage of heparin and its antidote, protamine sulfate, during extracorporeal circulation procedures. The gate effect of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is a potential tool for the rapid and selective sensing of heparin. We here present a method to stabilize the measurement of heparin concentration in whole blood using an MIP-grafted electrode. An initiator of radical polymerization, the diethyldithiocarbamicbenzyl group, was introduced onto the surface of an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode. Heparin sodium, methacryloxethyltrimethoxysilane, and acrylamide were dissolved in water, and methylenebisacrylamide was dissolved in dimethylformamide. A mixture of the two solutions was introduced into the 50 μm gap between the surfaces of a quartz crystal plate and the treated ITO electrode. Ultraviolet light was irradiated onto the surface of the ITO to graft the copolymer of the monomers, then the ITO was washed with a 1 M sodium chloride aqueous solution to remove the heparin template and obtain the MIP-grafted electrode. Cyclic voltammetry was performed with the MIP-grafted electrode in physiological saline or bovine whole blood containing 0-8 units/ mL heparin and 5 mM ferrocyanide as a redox marker, and the relationship between the current intensity and the heparin concentration was analyzed. The current intensity decreased as the heparin concentration in either saline or whole blood increased, and the sensitivity of the electrode to heparin in blood was approximately 52% of its sensitivity to heparin in saline. The grafted-electrode was washed with a protease-containing detergent (Sterizyme® S, Maruishi Pharmaceutical) between measurements in blood. The heparin-sensitivity of the washed electrode in blood was 77% of that in saline. No sensitivity to chondroitin sulfate C was observed but sensitivity to low molecular weight heparin was demonstrated. We thus conclude that selective and stable sensing of heparin can be achieved using an electrode grafted with heparinimprinted polymer.

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.

Risk factors in the genesis of sensorineural hearing loss in Finnish forestry workers

A detailed analysis of risk factors for the development of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was carried out in 199 forest workers. The hearing threshold of both ears at 4000 Hz was measured, and the effect of age, exposure to noise, blood pressure, presence of vibration induced white finger (VWF), tobacco smoking, plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration, and consumption of drugs were evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. Aging was the major risk factor, followed by exposure to occupational noise and the presence of VWF. Plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration and the use of antihypertensive drugs also correlated significantly with SNHL. These main factors were able to explain about 28% of the SNHL variance. Additional factors in the analysis, including smoking, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and consumption of salicylates did not significantly contribute to the genesis of SNHL.

Immunomodulatory effects of Maharishi Amrit Kalash 4 and 5 in mice

To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of two kinds of Ayurvedic food supplements (Maharishi Amrit Kalash 4 and Maharishi Amrit Kalash 5, M-4 and M-5), superoxide anion (O2-) production of peritoneal macrophages and the response of spleen cells to concanavalin A (Con A) were examined in mice given an aqueous emulsion of M-4 and M-5 p.o. at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for 10 days. O2- production of peritoneal macrophages in the M-5 (50 mg/kg)-treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The indices of stimulation of spleen cells by Con A were significantly (3 to 4 times) higher in groups treated with M-4 and M-5 at all doses than in the control group. These results indicate that M-4 enhances lymphocyte responsiveness and M-5 enhances not only lymphocyte responsiveness but also macrophage function. It is also suggested in this study that M-4 and M-5 have mitogenic effects on lymphocytes.

Modifying effects of maharishi amrit kalash 4 and 5 on phagocytic and digestive functions of macrophages in male icr mice

A study was carried out to examine modifying effects of Maharishi Amrit Kalash 4 (MAK 4) and Maharishi Amrit Kalash 5 (MAK 5) on phagocytic and digestive functions of macrophages in male ICR mice. Mice at 4 week of age were divided into 3 groups: no treatment group (control), MAK 4 treated group (MAK 4 group) and MAK 5 treated group (MAK 5 group). MAK 4 and MAK 5 were given p.o. at 50 mg/kg per day (5 days/week) for 7 weeks. Phagocytic function of reticuloendothelial system evaluated by the carbon clearance was enhanced by the treatment of MAK 4 and MAK 5. Superoxide anion (O(2-)) production of peritoneal macrophages increased significantly in both MAK 4 and MAK 5 groups. The acid phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages increased significantly in MAK 4 group compared to the control group, but not in MAK 5 group. The activities of β-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase in both MAK 4 and MAK 5 groups increased significantly when compared to the control group. These results suggest that MAK 4 and MAK 5 promote the phagocytic and digestive functions of macrophages and have a stimulatory effect on macrophages.