bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Free‐Radical Processes in Steelworkers. Part II: Magnetic Field Influence on Vitamin A, E and Selenium Concentrations in Plasma
Authors: Sobczak Andrzej , Kula Bogusław , Danch Alojzy
Published: March 2004

Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Free‐ Radical Processes in Steelworkers. Part II: Magnetic Field Influence on Vitamin A, E and Selenium Concentrations in Plasma: Andrzej Sobczak, et al. Department of General and Analytical Chemistry, Silesian School of Medicine, Poland—The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of electromagnetic fields (electric field strength of 20 V/m, f=50 Hz and magnetic field strength of 2 A/m, f=50 Hz) on the concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E (a‐ and y‐tocopherol), and selenium, which represent non‐enzymatic antioxidants, in the plasma of steelworkers exposed to such a field. The cohort was divided into 3 study groups: group 1, workers employed for less than 3 yr; group 2, employed for 3‐ 10 yr; and group 3, employed for more than 10 years. Analysis of the results obtained revealed a statistically significant decrease in plasma vitamin A, α‐, and γ‐ tocopherol concentrations in the study groups as well as a marked increase in plasma selenium concentrations in groups 2 and 3. These changes suggest that the electromagnetic fields studied cause an increase in free‐radical process activity in steelworkers.
Job Strain and Sleep Quality in Japanese Civil Servants with Special Reference to Sense of Coherence
Authors: Nasermoaddeli Ali , Sekine Michikazu , Hamanishi Shimako , Kagamimori Sadanobu
Published: March 2004

Job Strain and Sleep Quality in Japanese Civil Servants with Special Reference to Sense of Coherence: Ali Nasermoaddeli, et al. Department of Welfare Promotion and Epidemiology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University—The combination of poor sleep quality and high job strain may provoke poor health status. Meanwhile, a sense of coherence (SOC), composed of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness has been associated with adoptive measures in responding to life stress. In this study we investigated the impact of job strain on the sleep quality in civil servants and the extent to which SOC affects their sleep quality. In this cross‐sectional study we evaluated 1682 civil servants working in departments related to the municipality of T city in Toyama prefecture, Japan, in the spring of 2001. Using the validated Japanese versions of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI‐J), SOC‐13 and a self‐reported questionnaire providing information on psychosocial stress in the workplace, we conducted logistic regression analysis to assess the impact of low and high SOC (differentiating by the median score) on sleep quality in different levels of job strain. Using a cut‐off point of 5.5 in the PSQI‐ J global score, high job strain subjects were less likely to have good sleep quality (Odds ratio=0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.44‐0.86) compared with those with lower levels of strain at the workplace after adjusting for potential confounders. Compared with high job strain/low SOC subjects, high job strain/high SOC civil servants were likely to have better sleep quality (Odds ratio=2.12; 95%CI: 1.08‐4.19) after adjusting for age, sex, employment category, level of education and negative affectivity. Increasing psychological stress at the workplace may decrease sleep quality in Japanese civil servants, but a high sense of coherence may attenuate the adverse impact of job strain on sleep quality.
An Approach to Evaluating Occupational and Environmental Regulatory Standards: With a Drinking Water Standard for Arsenic as an Example
Authors: Guo How‐Ran
Published: March 2004

An Approach to Evaluating Occupational and Environmental Regulatory Standards: With a Drinking Water Standard for Arsenic as an Example: How‐Ran Guo. Graduate Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan —Occupational and environmental regulatory standards are usually determined on the basis of data from high‐dose exposures, either in humans or animals. Risk assessment models are applied to identify the level below which the risks are considered as acceptable. Even when the basis is human data, the validity of extrapolation is often questionable because the number of cases actually observed in the low‐dose region is usually small, if any. Validation of the risk assessment model by using data on populations with low‐dose exposures is desirable, but the lack of study power is the major concern in most cases. A meta‐analysis combining data from more than one study may solve the problem, especially when a model overestimates risks associated with low‐dose exposures. A maximum contaminant level (MCL) of arsenic in drinking water at 0.05 mg// published by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was used as an example to demonstrate such a scenario. Because this MCL was derived by using data from a study on skin cancer in Taiwan, a validation was conducted by using data on Taiwanese with low‐dose exposures. In comparison with the number of cases observed in four studies, the model was more likely to be invalid than to be valid at exposure levels below 0.17 ppm and overestimated the number of cases (11.08 vs. 5). Whereas the EPA has published a new MCL recently on the basis of new risk assessments on urinary bladder and lung cancers, re‐visiting the validity of the old standard still provides insights for validating regulatory standards in the future.
Prevention of Weight Gain and Obesity in Occupational Populations: A New Target of Health Promotion Services at Worksites
Authors: Yamada Yuichi , Ishizaki Masao , Tsuritani Ikiko
Published: March 2004

Prevention of Weight Gain and Obesity in Occupational Populations: A New Target of Health Promotion Services at Worksites: Yuichi Yamada,et al.Department of Hygiene, Kanazawa Medical University—Obesity has been recognized as a global epidemic threatening health and life. Today in Japan, obesity defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2is found in 2‐3% of adults, but one in five men and women is defined as overweight with a BMI greater than 25, and thus the prevention of obesity should be targeted in health promotion services at worksites. Vigorous research is required in workplaces because a few work‐related factors, such as socioeconomic status including job and position, job stress, extended work including overtime, shift or night work and sedentary work, have been suggested in the literature to promote weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation. The obesity prevention programs at worksites should not be focused on reducing weight in a few current obese workers, but on maintaining the current weight in the majority of workers to prevent the development of obesity and its consequences. The measurement of waist circumference is indispensable for assessing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in overweight and obese workers, and those at a high risk of CHD should be referred to medical professionals outside the workplace. The education programs at worksites on dieting and exercise for maintaining body weight should be conducted as a part of the whole lifestyle improvement programs on both a population and an individual basis. Considerable knowledge and skills for the education program are required for health care persons at worksites. Otherwise, professional support should be provided to them by some occupational health service agencies.
Mental Health and Job Factors in Social Workers at Social Welfare Offices
Authors: Takeda Fumi , Yokoyama Eise , Miyake Takeo , Ohida Takashi
Published: March 2004

Mental Health and Job Factors in Social Workers at Social Welfare Offices: Fumi Takeda, et al. Institute of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Tsukuba—Mental health status and its association with job factors was explored in 55 social workers at seven social welfare offices in a prefecture in Japan. We found that 28 social workers (50.9%) scored in the “high burnout” category and 10 (18.2%) had from moderate to severe depression. There was a significant correlation between the burnout score and the SDS score. The burnout score and SDS score of male social workers were both significantly higher than those of male clerical staff. Male social workers had significantly higher burnout scores than females. Multiple regression analysis showed that burnout was significantly related to a large percentage of time spent on home visits per typical working day and low job satisfaction. Depression was significantly associated with low job satisfaction. These results suggest that social workers with lower job satisfaction may be at higher risk of burnout and depression, and that social workers who devote a large percentage of their work time to home visits may be more likely to suffer from burnout.
Worker Exposure due to Reverse Flow in Push‐pull Ventilation and Development of a Reverse Flow Preventing System
Authors: Ojima Jun
Published: March 2004

Worker Exposure due to Reverse Flow in Push‐pull Ventilation and Development of a Reverse Flow Preventing System: Jun Ojima, National Institute of Industrial Health—An experimental mock‐up push‐pull ventilation system was constructed in a laboratory and a dummy worker was placed in its ventilation area (uniform flow field). Within the uniform flow field, organic solvent work was modeled by setting up an alcohol vapor generator and a working table in front of the dummy worker. Reverse flow was observed in the breathing zone of the dummy worker when it was positioned in the uniform flow originating from behind the worker. The experiments showed that reverse flow increased the worker's contaminant exposure significantly. With the 1.0 m/s uniform flow originating from behind the worker, the alcohol concentration in the breathing zone exceeded 300 ppm due to the reverse flow, but it was too low to be detectable when the worker's orientation relative to the uniform flow was 90 degree. In order to control the reverse flow and minimize the contaminant exposure, the author invented a prototype of a reverse flow preventing system. The reverse flow preventing system reported in this study was designed to be set up in a position between the worker and the working table. It decreased exposure by means of locally supplied air blowing which blocked the reverse flow and contaminant transportation from the source.
The Effort‐reward Imbalance Model: Experience in Japanese Working Population
Authors: Tsutsumi Akizumi , Kayaba Kazunori , Nagami Makiko , Miki Akiko , Kawano Yuri , Ohya Yumiko , Odagiri Yuko , Shimomitsu Teruichi
Published: March 2004

The Effort‐reward Imbalance Model: Experience in Japanese Working Population: Akizumi Tsutsumi,et al.Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry—The validity of Siegrist's effort‐reward imbalance model was examined in Japanese workers: 105 dental technicians, 902 employees of production companies, and 2,827 selected from staff of hospitals. After controlling for possible confounders, levels of the two stress measures, ‘effort‐reward imbalance’ and ‘overcommitment’, were similar for both genders. The effort‐reward imbalance was most prevalent in the 25‐ 30 age employees and then decreased with age, but the level of overcommitment increased with age. Those with lower educational attainment and others who reported working long hours were more often exposed to effort‐reward imbalance and those in the private sector reported higher overcommitment levels than their respective counterparts. Hospital staff (predominantly nurses) had almost twice as high a level of effort‐reward imbalance as production workers. A review of empirical studies confirmed validity of the criterion with respect to a self‐reported health outcome and the responsiveness of the measures to organizational changes. Nevertheless, the low prevalence of an effort‐reward imbalance (originally formulated by Siegrist's group on European samples) in Japanese employees seemed to reduce the statistical power of these tests. A subsequent change in exposure prevalence by defining the top quintile of the distribution of the logarithmic‐transformed effort‐ reward ratio resulted in an improvement in the statistical fit. The Japanese evidence indicates promising applicability of the effort‐reward imbalance model, particularly if statistical approaches that measure the model's core notion are extended, and recommendation of repeated measures for exposure. Cross‐cultural research on occupational stress is instructive in terms of health science.
Estimation of Energy Expenditure during Sedentary Work with Upper Limb Movement
Authors: Tsurumi Kunio , Itani Torn , Tachi Norihide , Takanishi Toshimasa , Suzumura Hatsuko , Takeyama Hidemaro
Published: March 2004

Estimation of Energy Expenditure during Sedentary Work with Upper Limb Movement: Kunio Tsurumi, et al. Health Sciences of Life, Work and Environment, Department of Environmental Health Science and Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University—This study aims to evaluate the availability of surface‐ electrode electromyogram (EMG) and acceleration to predict energy expenditure during sedentary work with upper limb movement. The following variables were measured in 12 female subjects: oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate, EMG from the medial and anterior part of the deltoid muscle, and acceleration of wrist movement. The subjects were requested to perform four different sedentary tasks. In tasks 1, 2 and 3, subjects touched two points on a table (height 70 cm) alternatively. The distance between the two points was 50 cm in tasks 1 and 3, and 100 cm in task 2. The frequency of the movement was 100 touches per minute in tasks 1 and 2, and 152 touches in task 3. In task 4, the points were located vertically on a wall, so they had to move their upper limb vertically in this task. The height of the points was 10 cm below and 40 cm above the acromion height of the subject, and task frequency was 100 touches per minute. The correlation coefficient was 0.285, 0.581 and 0.676, between VO2 and heart rates, VO2 and acceleration, and VO2 and EMG from the deltoid, respectively. The coefficient of determination was 0.648, when employing multiple regression analysis, with acceleration and EMG as independent variables. These results suggest that energy expenditure during sedentary work with upper limb movement can be well estimated by using the data from acceleration of wrist movement and the EMG of the deltoid.
Interleukin‐4 and Interleukin‐5 Expression in Mice Exposed to 2, 4‐Toluene Diisocyanate
Authors: Zheng Kui‐Cheng , Ariizumi Makoto
Published: March 2004

lnterleukin‐4 and lnterleukin‐5 Expression in Mice Exposed to 2, 4‐Toluene Diisocyanate: Kui‐Cheng Zheng, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa—This study was aimed at investigating the cytokine status and their gene expressions in airways of asthmatic mouse caused by toluene diisocyanate (TDI). After the mice were exposed to TDI vapor for 5 consecutive days, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was carried out and the cells in the BAL fluid were counted. Lung histological test was conducted to analyse the inflammatory status in the airways. Total serum IgE and IL‐4 and IL‐5 concentrations in the BAL fluid were determined with ELISA kits. RT‐PCR was applied to investigate IL‐4 and IL‐5 mRNA from BAL cells. The airway cell count and histological analysis showed that TDI exposure resulted in airway inflammatory responses characterized by marked infiltration of eosinophils in the central and peripheral airways. Total serum IgE was significantly increased in the TDI‐exposed mice. IL‐4 and IL‐5 productions in the BAL fluid were significantly enhanced in the mice exposed to TDI, but in BAL cells IL‐4 and IL‐5 mRNA were slightly enhanced without any significant difference compared to the control mice. These results further support the hypothesis that Th2 cytokines are predominantly produced in TDI‐induced airway hypersensitivity, but our data were not able to indicate the exact source of these cytokines and we could not determine whether the change in cytokines in the airways was controlled by the gene transcription level.
Acrylamide Encephalopathy
Authors: Igisu Hideki , Matsuoka Masato
Published: March 2004

Acrylamide Encephalopathy: Hideki Igisu, et al. Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—Although the toxic effects of acrylamide on the peripheral nervous system have been well established, less attention has been paid to its effects on the brain. Nevertheless, (1) ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarged cerebral ventricles and cisterns in rats treated with acrylamide 50 mg/kg/d for 8 d, (2) creatine kinase (CK) activities were suppressed in the brain from such rats and mice, (3) CK activities in the brains of mice intoxicated with acrylamide changed in parallel with neurological dysfunction, (4) in human cases of acrylamide intoxication due to occupational exposure, symptoms suggesting brain involvement were seen in a few, and (5) cases of acrylamide intoxication due to contaminated well water showed unquestionable signs of brain dysfunction including mental confusion with hallucinations. These indicate that acrylamide can cause encephalopathy in animals as well as in humans, and that the spectrum of impairment of the nervous system can vary greatly depending on the mode of exposure.
Lack of Relationship between Occupational Exposure to Carbon Disulfide and Endocrine Dysfunction: A Six‐year Cohort Study of the Japanese Rayon Workers
Authors: Takebayashi Toru , Nishiwaki Yuji , Nomiyama Tetsuo , Uemura Takamoto , Yamauchi Tsuneyuki , Tanaka Shigeru , Sakurai Haruhiko , Omae Kazuyuki ,   for the Japanese Rayon Worker's Health Study Group
Published: March 2004

Lack of Relationship between Occupational Exposure to Carbon Disulfide and Endocrine Dysfunction: A Six‐year Cohort Study of the Japanese Rayon Workers: Toru Takebayashi, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio University

Objectives

A six‐year prospective cohort study was conducted to clarify whether the current carbon disulfide (CS2) exposure level is low enough to prevent subclinical health impairment and/or to ameliorate health effects due to previous high exposure. This paper describes the follow‐up results, exposure assessment, and effects on the endocrine system.

Methods

The study subjects were 432 male workers exposed to CS2 at one of the 11 rayon factories in Japan and 402 referent workers from the same factories, all of whom were examined in 1992–93. 251 CS2 exposed, 140 former‐exposed and 359 referent workers participated in the follow‐up survey (follow‐up rate 89.9%) in 1998–99. Urinary 2‐thiothiazolidine‐4carboxylic acid (TTCA) at the end of a shift as internal exposure index and the time‐weighted average CS2 concentration as external exposure index were measured twice a year from 1992–1993. By using various blood indices, we evaluated effects on thyroid, hypophysis, and gonad function, as well as effects on glucose metabolism. Information on potential confounding factors, such as age, smoking and alcohol drinking, were collected and adjusted for.

Results

When the individual exposure level was represented by arithmetic mean for TTCA and CS2 concentration, geometric means (SD) of CS2 workers were 1.61 (1.91) mg/g.crea and 5.02 (1.84) ppm, respectively. There were no exposure‐related differences in glucose metabolism or any of the endocrinological indices. Conclusions—No biologically significant effects of CS2 were found on endocrine function in Japanese rayon manufacturing workers when the average internal and external exposure levels were maintained below the current occupational exposure limit.
Psychological Determinants of Physical Activity in Japanese Female Employees
Authors: Nishida Yuko , Suzuki Hisao , Wang Da‐Hong , Kira Shohei
Published: March 2004

Psychological Determinants of Physical Activity in Japanese Female Employees: Yuko Nishida, et al. Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry—To understand how psychological characteristics influence adoption and maintenance of physical activity/exercise, we conducted a crosssectional study among Japanese employees based upon the idea of stages of behavior modification. The study population consisted of 719 employees (male, 396, female, 323) from five medium‐sized manufacturing companies (50–200 employees) in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The female response rate was 67.5% (n=218), among which 201 eligible female subjects (62.2%) were analyzed. The study questionnaire included demographic characteristics, physical activity/exercise measures, self‐efficacy measures, and perceived benefit and barriers scales. Participants were asked to select the items that best described their current physical activity/exercise level from an 8‐item questionnaire, and we converted their answers to the 5 stages of change according to a transtheoretical model of behavior change. Perceived benefit and barrier scales were classified into 7 factors (4 benefits and 3 barriers) by factor analyses. The relationship between psychological determinants and the stage of physical activity/exercise was examined by one‐way analysis of variance. Only 10% of the subjects had moderate physical activity (in the action and maintenance stages) regularly. We found that self‐efficacy, “weight control benefit”, “physical barrier” and “time barrier” were psychological determinants of physical activity/exercise stages in female employees, and especially there was a consistent relationship between self‐efficacy and the stage of physical activity/ exercise. Our data suggest that health education for Japanese female employees requires that health professionals should provide support for strengthening self‐efficacy, show practical ways to increase physical activity in daily life, and provide broad and accurate information showing that physical activity/exercise have a good effect on health.
Evaluating the Efficacy of a Thermal Exposure Chamber Designed for Assessing Workers’ Thermal Hazard
Authors: Tsai Perng‐Jy , Lo Chuh‐Lun , Sun Yih‐Min , Juang Yow‐Jer , Liu Hung‐Hsin , Chen Wang‐Yi , Yeh Wen‐Yu
Published: March 2004

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Thermal Exposure Chamber Designed for Assessing Workers’ Thermal Hazard: Perng‐Jy Tsai, et al. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan—This study was conducted on a thermal exposure chamber designed for assessing workers’ thermal hazard. In order to assess the efficacy of the studied chamber, three environmental conditions were selected to simulate high, middle and low thermal impact situations, with air temperatures (T) of 43.12, 36.23 and 25.77°C, globe temperatures (Tag) of 44.41, 41.07 and 29.24°C, relative humidity (RH) of 77, 59 and 39 %, and air flow velocities (Va) of 1.70, 0.91 and 0.25 m/s, respectively. For the three specified thermal impact conditions, results show that the coefficients of variation (CVs) for Ta, Tg, RH and Va measured in the chamber studied were consistently less than 10%, except for Va under the low thermal impact condition (=50%). For each specified thermal impact condition, we generated 1,000 environmental combinations by using the Monte Carlo simulation approach according to the variations obtained from the four environmental factors. We directly adopted the ISO 7933 approach to estimate the allowable exposure time (AET) for each simulated environmental condition. This study yielded a range in the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the estimated AETs for the three specified thermal impact conditions which were consistently less than 5 min. We further conducted the sensitivity analysis to examine the effect of the four environmental factors on estimating AETs. We found V a was the least important factor in estimating AETs for any specified thermal impact condition. In conclusion, although Va was found with great variation for the chamber specified in the low thermal impact condition, the exposure chamber studied can still be regarded as a feasible one for assessing workers’ thermal hazard.
A Study of Childhood Poisoning at National Poisons Information Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Authors: Gupta Suresh Kumar , Peshin Sharda Shah , Srivastava Amita , Kaleekal Thomas
Published: March 2004

A Study of Childhood Poisoning at National Poisons Information Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi: Suresh Kumar Gupta et al. National Poisons Information Centre, Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India—A retrospective analysis of the poisoning calls received by the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) showed a total of 2,720 calls during a period of three years (April 1999– March 2002). Poisoning in children was reported in 995 calls (36.6%). The age ranged from less than 1 yr to 18 yr and the age groups involved were divided into four categories (0–6 yr, >6–12 yr, >12–16 yr, >16–18 yr). The most vulnerable age group included children from less than one year to 6 yr old. Males outnumbered females (M=628, F=367). Although the accidental mode was the commonest (79.7%), intentional attempts were also noticed (20.2%) in the >12–16 yr and >16– 18 yr age groups. In the majority of cases, the route was oral (96.8%) followed by dermal exposure (3.2%) comprising bites and stings. Various types of agents belonged to classes of household products (47.0%), drugs (21.8%), industrial chemicals (7.9%), agricultural pesticides (9.1%), bites and stings (3.2%), plants (1.5%), miscellaneous products (5.3%) and unknown products (4.0%). The incidence of poisoning was highest due to household products comprising mainly pyrethroids, parad/thermometer mercury, rodenticides, phenyl, detergents and corrosives, etc. Poisoning due to drugs mainly included anticonvulsants, thyroid hormones, benzodiazepines, analgesics and oral contraceptives. Among the agricultural pesticides aluminium phosphide was the most commonly consumed, followed by organochlorines and organophosphates, etc. Paint thinners were common among industrial chemicals. Bites and stings were mainly snake bites and scorpion stings. Poisoning due to plants was low and Datura was commonly ingested. Although these data may not give an exact picture of the incidence rate in our country, due to underreporting of calls to the Centre and because the actual incidence might be higher or even variable, but they do give the trend in India, indicating that a strong emphasis should be placed on a prevention campaign which can at least reduce the occurrence of accidental pediatric poisoning.
Clearance of Deposited Silicon Carbide Whisker from Rat Lungs Inhaled during a 4‐Week Exposure
Authors: Akiyama Izumi , Ogami Akira , Oyabu Takako , Yamato Hiroshi , Morimoto Yasuo , Tanaka Isamu
Published: March 2004

Clearance of Deposited Silicon Carbide Whisker from Rat Lungs Inhaled during a 4‐Week Exposure: Izumi Akiyama, et al. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health— Pulmonary deposition and the clearance of deposited fiber particles from lungs are key determinant factors in assessing potential carcinogenicity and fibrogenicity. Forty‐two Wistar male rats (9 wk old) were exposed to silicon carbide whisker (SiCW) for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for 4 wk. The mass median aerodynamic diameter was 2.5 µm as detected by an Andersen sampler, and the geometric mean fiber diameter and length determined by a scanning electron microscope were 0.4 and 2.2 µm, respectively. The daily average exposure concentrations were 10.4 ± 0.5 mg/m3 (214 ± 31 fibers/ ml) during the exposure period. The rats were sacrificed after 3 d, 2 wk, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after 4‐wk exposure. At the time of sacrifice, the wet lung weights and the deposited SiCW amounts in the lungs were measured by an X ray reference method. The amount of SiCW deposited was 0.60 ± 0.09 mg 3 d after a 4‐wk exposure. The apparent deposition fraction was 4.8 ± 0.7 (%). During the clearance period, the amount of SiCW deposited in the rat lungs decreased exponentially with the increasing duration of the clearance period. The biological half time in the onecompartment model was determined to be 4.0 months which is similar to the values for glass fiber, potassium titanate whisker and aluminium‐silicate ceramic fiber under similar exposure conditions.
Interpersonal Conflict, Social Support, and Burnout among Home Care Workers in Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Kyoko , Tsukishima Eri , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Kawakami Norito , Kishi Reiko
Published: March 2004

Interpersonal Conflict, Social Support, and Burnout among Home Care Workers in Japan: Kyoko Fujiwara, et al. Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine—To examine associations between interpersonal relationships in work settings and burnout, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted on home care workers in Sapporo, Japan, by using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and scales of interpersonal conflict and social support developed by the authors. Questionnaires were distributed among 303 subjects and returned by 243 subjects (80%). Complete answers were obtained from 106 subjects and were used for analysis. In multiple regression analyses, conflict with clients and their families significantly related to emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of the MBI (p<.05). Supervisory conflict significantly related to emotional exhaustion (p<.05), whereas coworker conflict significantly associated with depersonalization (p<.01). It is suggested that conflicts with clients’ families, as well as clients, are important indicators for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of home care workers.
DNA Microarray Analysis of Altered Gene Expression in Cadmium‐exposed Human Cells
Authors: Koizumi Shinji , Yamada Hirotomo
Published: March 2004

DNA Microarray Analysis of Altered Gene Expression in Cadmium‐exposed Human Cells: Shinji Koizumi, et al. Department of Hazard Assessment, National Institute of Industrial Health—Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal known to be toxic and carcinogenic, but its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. Development of the DNA microarray technology has recently made the comprehensive analysis of gene expression possible, and it could be a powerful tool also in toxicological studies. With microarray slides containing 7,000–9,000 genes, we have been studying the gene expression profiles of a human cell line exposed to Cd. By exposure to a non‐lethal concentration of Cd, 46 upregulated and 10 downregulated genes whose expression levels changed twofold or greater were observed. The expression of genes related to cellular protection and damage control mechanisms such as those encoding metallothioneins, anti‐oxidant proteins and heat shock proteins was simultaneously induced. In addition, altered expression of many genes involved in signaling, metabolism and so on was newly observed. As a whole, a number of genes appear to be coordinately regulated toward survival from Cd toxicity. When cells were exposed to a higher concentration of Cd, more remarkable effects were observed both in the number of affected genes and in the extent of altered expression. These findings will contribute to the understanding of the complicated biological effects of Cd.
Effects of Hair Dyeing on DNA Damage in Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Cho Jin‐A , Oh Eunha , Lee Eunil , Sul Donggeun
Published: March 2004

Effects of Hair Dyeing on DNA Damage in Human Lymphocytes: Jin‐A Choa, et al. Department of Beauty Arts, Seokyeong University, Korea—Comet assays were carried out to evaluate DNA damage in human lymphocytes from 20 volunteers before and after hair dyeing. DNA damage in lymphocytes was found to be slightly higher in volunteers after hair dyeing. Tail moments before and after hair dyeing were 1.47 ± 0.41 and 1.75 ± 0.29 respectively (p<0.0008). DNA damage in lymphocytes showed significant difference with treatment and heating time. The tail moments after 15 min of treatment time before and after hair dyeing were 1.44 ± 0.22 and 1.85 ± 0.36, respectively (p=0.0004) and the corresponding tail moments in 20 min of heating time before and after were 1.37 ± 0.15 and 1.78 ± 0.34 (p=0.0002). In conclusion, we found that an acute exposure of hair dyes with heating caused DNA damages in peripheral lymphocytes and that this damage had significant association with treatment and heating time.
Magnitude and Risk Factors of Injuries in a Glass Bottle Manufacturing Plant
Authors: Bazroy Joy , Roy Gautam , Sahai Ajit , Soudarssanane M. B.
Published: March 2004

Magnitude and Risk Factors of Injuries in a Glass Bottle Manufacturing Plant: Joy Bazroy et al. Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, India—A study was conducted in a glass bottle manufacturing plant in Pondicherry, India, to assess the magnitude and identify the risk factors of work‐related injuries between January and December 1998. Three hundred and seventyseven injuries were reported among 341 permanent workers followed up for one year (incidence=1,105.5/ 1,000 workers/yr). A higher load of injuries was noted in the first half of the night shifts and the second half of the other three shifts. Injuries were higher in the second half of the week and during the first half of the year. Hands and wrists were the most common sites of injury (40.6%), whereas the eye, foot, ankles and other body parts had 30%, 14.6%, 10.6% and 4.2% of injuries respectively. The commonest type of injury was cuts and lacerations (50.1%); injuries to the eye (due to foreign bodies, chemicals and welding sparks) accounted for 30%, sprains 8% and burns 7.1% of the injuries. A cohort of 75 workers chosen from the 341 permanent workers were followed up for the one year for identification of risk factors. Significant risk factors were age (less than 30 yr) and experience (less than 2 yr). Technical factors responsible for injury were a hazardous worksite in 37 (38.5%) cases, inadequate protection with safety wear in 32 (33%) cases and proximity to machines in 14 (14.6%) cases. Human factors identified were non‐use of protective wear in 43 (45%), overconfidence in 18 (18.7%) and timing error while working with machines in 11 (11.4%) episodes.
Spirometric Measurements among Quartz Stone Ex‐workers of Gujarat, India
Authors: Tiwari Rajnarayan R , Narain Raj , Patel Bhupendra D , Makwana Ishwar S , Saiyed Habibullah N
Published: March 2004

Spirometric Measurements among Quartz Stone Ex‐workers of Gujarat, India: Rajnarayan R Tiwari, et al. Occupational Medicine Division, National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, India—The present cross sectional study was carried out among 134 ex‐workers from quartz stone crushing units. Using the interview technique as a tool for data collection, demographic and occupational details of the subjects were recorded on the predesigned proforma. Standard diagnostic criteria were used for diagnosing silicosis and silico‐tuberculosis. The pulmonary functions of the subjects were measured with Spirovit SP‐10. The mean age of the males was found to be 33.18 ± 10.39 yr and that of the females was 30.10 ± 9.3 yr and for the whole group was 31.77 ± 9.99 yr. Mean duration of exposure was 2.74 ± 1.65 yr. The study variables included age, sex, duration of exposure, smoking and respiratory morbidity. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) which suggests lung parenchymal disorders was found to be significantly reduced with female sex, presence of smoking, increasing duration of exposure and presence of pneumoconiosis, whereas the lung function parameters indicating the status of airways were found to be significantly reduced with all the factors. Therefore, it was concluded that quartz stone workers exposed to approximately 100% free silica had deteriorated lung function which can be attributed mainly to respiratory disorders along with other epidemiological factors such as age, sex, duration of exposure and smoking.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder among Workers in Taiwan: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Guo How‐Ran , Chang Ya‐Ching , Yeh Wen‐Yu , Chen Chun‐Wan , Guo Yueliang L.
Published: March 2004

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder among Workers in Taiwan: A Nationwide Study: How‐Ran Guo, et al. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan R.O.C— Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is a common problem among workers. In spite of the numerous reports on MSD in various specific groups of workers, few data on the prevalence in the general working population are available except for back pain. We analyzed the information collected through a nationwide survey in Taiwan in 1994 to estimate the prevalence of MSD by age, gender, and education level and identify high‐risk industries. In the survey, a standard questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 22,475 nonself‐employed workers in Taiwan. National estimates were obtained by applying a weight to each participant. Among the sampled workers, 18,942 (84.3%) participated, and 37.0% (standard error=0.4%) had MSD. Female workers had a significantly higher overall prevalence than male workers (39.5% vs. 35.2%, p<0.05). Education and age also had significant associations with MSD (p<0.001 in both genders). “Lower back and waist” were the most frequently affected body parts (18.3% among males and 19.7% among females), but the prevalence of MSDs of the neck, shoulders, hands and wrists were also above 10%. The top ten high‐risk major industries for MSD of various body parts for each gender were identified, and some industries, including “Basic Metal Industries” and “Buildings Construction,” were among the top ten for multiple body parts. Our study showed that MSDs of body parts other than the back are also prevalent, especially in the neck, shoulders, hands and wrists. We also identified high‐risk industries for further research and intervention.
A Study of the Effects of Active Listening on Listening Attitudes of Middle Managers
Authors: Kubota Shinya , Mishima Norio , Nagata Shoji
Published: March 2004

A Study of the Effects of Active Listening on Listening Attitudes of Middle Managers: Shinya Kubota, et al. Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—The present study was conducted to clarify the direct effects of active listening (AL) training given to middle managers in a local government. Altogether, 345 middle managers participated in 13 AL training sessions over two years. We developed the Inventive Experiential Learning (IEL) method, and used it as the central training method in this study. To investigate how well the participants learned AL, we asked the middle managers to answer a shorter version of the Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS) consisting of two subscales‐i.e. “Listening Attitude” and “Listening Skill”—before training, one month after and three months after training. Altogether, 284 middle managers answered the questionnaire three times. The scores of each subscale were analyzed by repeated measurement analysis of variance. The participants were divided into three groups using the percentile values of the original sample of ALAS, i.e. low‐score group (–24%), medium‐score group (25–75%) and high‐score group (76%–), and the proportionate changes were examined. The results showed both the “Listening Attitude” and “Listening Skill” subscales increased significantly after training. Analysis of the percentiles showed that the proportion of the low‐score group decreased and that of the high‐score group increased in both subscales, from one to three months after training. These changes are considered to indicate that the participants have learned AL although they attended AL training for only one day.
Room‐Temperature Nanoimprint Lithography of Non‐thermoplastic Organic Films
Authors: Pisignano D. , Persano L. , Raganato M. F. , Visconti P. , Cingolani R. , Barbarella G. , Favaretto L. , Gigli G.
Published: March 2004

A grating resolution of up to 200 nm is achieved using room‐temperature nanoimprint lithography on several different light‐emitting low‐molar‐mass organic semiconductors, without any degradation of the active materials after patterning (see Figure). This could be the only process that permits the transfer of a height profile to films of this very important class of low‐molar‐mass conjugated molecules with poor thermoplastic behavior.
Low‐Temperature Growth of Well‐Aligned β‐Ga2O3 Nanowires from a Single‐Source Organometallic Precursor
Authors: Chang K.‐W. , Wu J.‐J.
Published: March 2004

The growth of well‐aligned Ga2O3 nanowires at low temperature (550 °C) is reported (see Figure). A single‐source precursor of gallium acetylacetonate is employed as the reactant for the growth of the nanowires by a vapor–liquid–solid route. Structural characterization by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveals that the nanowires are preferentially oriented in the (2?01) direction.
A novel A/G SNP in the −615th position of the dopamine D4 receptor promoter region as a source of misgenotyping of the −616 C/G SNP
Authors: Ronai Z. , Szantai E. , Szmola R. , Nemoda Z. , Szekely A. , Gervai J. , Guttman A. , Sasvari‐Szekely M.
Published: March 2004

The polymorphic 5′ upstream region of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene containing several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has recently become a focus of association studies in psychiatric genetics. Most SNP genotyping methods are based on the two‐step procedure of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). An alternative technique is a single‐step method of allele‐specific amplification (ASA), previously introduced for genotyping the −521 C/T SNP of the DRD4 promoter region and applied here for the −616 C/G SNP. Parallel genotyping of individuals with the novel ASA method and the conventionally used Ava II RFLP showed a potential underestimation of the −616 GG genotype frequency by the conventional method. Sequencing the dubious samples clearly demonstrated a novel A/G SNP at the −615th position influencing the Ava II digestion and thus resulting in misgenotyping. To avoid this problem, we introduced the Sau96 I RFLP for the −616 C/G genotyping as this restriction enzyme is not sensitive for the −615 A/G sequence variation. Allele (−616 G = 0.48; −616 C = 0.52) and genotype (−616 GG = 0.25; −616 GC = 0.46; −616 CC = 0.29) frequencies were determined by both the novel ASA and the Sau96 I methods. The obtained genotype frequencies corresponded to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in our healthy Caucasian sample (N = 534, P = 0.168). Using these methods, no association was found between the −616 C/G SNP and personality factors of Cloninger's temperament and character inventory (N = 153) in our population. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible epistatic role of ADH7 in the protection against alcoholism
Authors: Osier M.V. , Lu R.‐B. , Pakstis A.J. , Kidd J.R. , Huang S.‐Y. , Kidd Kenneth K.
Published: March 2004

In recent studies of the role of the alcohol dehydrogenase genes (ADH) in alcoholism the ADH1B Arg47His polymorphism appears to affect risk via a protective effect associated with the ADH1B*47His. Here we present evidence for an additional effect from outside the Class I ADH genes, presumably from functional variation at the ADH7 gene. The protective effect is restricted to one of two haplotypes identical at ADH1B but differing at an intronic SNP at ADH7 suggesting epistasis or strong linkage disequilibrium (LD). © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonergic polymorphisms and psychotic disorders in populations from North Spain
Authors: Mata I. , Arranz M.J. , Patiño A. , Lai T. , Beperet M. , Sierrasesumaga L. , Clark D. , Perez‐Nievas F. , Richards L. , Ortuño F. , Sham P. , Kerwin R.W.
Published: March 2004

There is strong biological evidence relating alterations in the serotonergic system with mental disorders. These alterations may be originated at the DNA level by sequence mutations that alter the functioning of serotonin receptors and transporter. To test this hypothesis we investigated three genetic variants of the 5‐HT2A receptor (−1438G/A, 102T/C and His452Tyr) and two variants of the serotonin transporter (a VNTR in the second intron and a 44 bp insertion/delition in the promoter region of the gene) in a clinical sample recruited in a human isolate and in surrounding areas in Northern Spain (N = 257) and in ethnically matched controls (N = 334). No clear association was found between 5‐HT2A variants and psychosis. However, marginal associations were observed between the 5‐HTT LPR and VNTR variants and psychosis (P ≤ 0.05) indicating a minor contribution to psychosis of genetic alterations in this gene. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infrared Spectra of Indium Hydrides in Solid Hydrogen and of Solid Indane
Authors: Andrews Lester , Wang Xuefeng
Published: March 2004

One little indium: Reactions of laser‐ablated indium atoms with pure hydrogen give sharp IR absorptions corresponding to InH intermediate species. Irradiation at 193 nm maximizes further reaction to give the indane monomer InH3. Annealing provides evidence for In2H6 and ultimately the sharp absorption bands are replaced with a broad IR band centered at 1460 cm−1 assigned to solid indane (InH3)n [see Equation].${\vcenter{\openup.5em\halign{$#$\cr {\rm InH}_{3}\rightarrow {1\over 2}{\rm In}_{2}{\rm H}_{6}\rightarrow {1\over n}({\rm InH}_{3})_{n}\hfill\cr}}}$
4‐Aryl(benzyl)amino‐4‐heteroarylbut‐1‐enes as Building Blocks in Heterocyclic Synthesis. 4.1 Synthesis of 4, 6‐Dimethyl‐5‐nitro(amino)‐2‐pyridylquinolines and their Antiparasitic Activities
Authors: Kouznetsov Vladimir V. , Vargas Méndez Leonor Y. , Tibaduiza Belsy , Ochoa Carmen , Montero Pereira David , Nogal Ruiz Juan J. , Fernaéndez Portillo Carlos , Muelas Serrano Susana , Gómez Barrio Alicia , Bahsas Alí , Amaro‐Luis Juan
Published: March 2004

New nitro‐ and aminoquinoline derivatives containing a pyridyl nucleus were synthesized from 6, 8‐disubstituted 4‐methyl‐2‐pyridylquinolines, which were prepared from N‐pyridylmethylidenanilines. The anti‐chagasic and trichomonacidal in vitro activity, as well as the cytotoxic properties towards macrophages of some of these compounds were evaluated. Although some of the compounds showed only moderate activity it was possible to establish some structure‐activity relationships.
Synthesis of Furoannelated Analogues of Emivirine (MKC‐442)
Authors: Wamberg Michael , Pedersen Erik B. , Nielsen Claus
Published: March 2004

Furoannelated analogues 1‐alkoxymethyl‐7‐phenyl‐5, 7‐dihydro‐1H‐furo[3, 4‐d]‐pyrimidine‐2, 4‐diones of Emivirine (3a, b) were synthesized from the primary alcohols 1‐alkoxymethyl‐6‐benzyl‐5‐hydroxymethyl‐1H‐pyrimidine‐2, 4‐dione (5a, b) using a radical ring closure reaction with Pb(OAc)4. These analogues are conformationally restricted in order to fix the aromatic substituent of Emivirine in nearly the same position as it is in the case when the complex of Emivirine is bound to HIV‐1 RT. However, the anti HIV‐1 activities of 3a, b were considerably lower than those of the lead Emivirine.
Total Synthesis and in Vitro‐Antifungal Activity of (±)‐2‐Methoxytetradecanoic Acid
Authors: Carballeira Néstor M. , Ortiz Denisse , Parang Keykavous , Sardari Soroush
Published: March 2004

The marine fatty acid (±)‐2‐methoxytetradecanoic acid was synthesized in two steps (71% overall yield) starting from commercially available methyl‐2‐hydroxy‐tetradecanoate. The title compound was antifungal against Candida albicans (ATCC 14053) in RPMI medium and Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) and Cryptococcus neoformans (ATCC 66031) in SDB medium at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 mM, which compares to the fungitoxicity of a 2‐iodotetradecanoic acid against the same fungi. The title compound was also five to ten times more cytotoxic than capric acid to C. albicans and A. niger in the tested medium but comparable in cytotoxicity to either capric acid and its 2‐methoxylated analog to C. neoformans. The antifungal activity of (±)‐2‐methoxytetradecanoic acid is explained in terms of inhibition of N‐myristoyltransferase.