bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Chromanols Produces Radical Cation Molecular Ions
Authors: Sharp Thomas R.
Published: March 2004

Several chromanol drug substance candidates exhibit unconventional behavior under the soft ionization conditions of fast atom bombardment and electrospray ionization in the mass spectrometer. Under FAB, these compounds produce radical cation molecular ions rather than protonated molecular ions. Similarly, under acidic mobile phase conditions in an electrospray LC-MS experiment, they produce radial cation molecular ions. Upon changing to a neutral, ammonium acetate-containing mobile phase, the molecular ion species is an ammonium adduct. The two example compounds behave conventionally under negative ion detection, both being free carboxylic acids and forming abundant [M – H]−. Examination of structural analogs indicates that the chromanol, methoxyl and chroman compounds behave this way. Oxidation to a chromanone causes formation of a conventional [M + H]+. Oxidation to a chromene produces even more complex behavior—namely a mixture of [M – H]+, M+• and [M + H]+. We propose that, for these compounds, elimination of a valence electron to form the radical cation is the more energetically favored reaction than attachment of a proton.
Inadequate Prevention of NSAID-Induced Gastrointestinal Events
Authors: Herings Ron MC , Goettsch Wim G
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND

Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a well-known cause of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. To protect patients at risk, several strategies are advised, including concomitant treatment with proton-pump inhibitors or switching to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective NSAIDs. It is as yet unknown how many patients at risk for NSAID-induced events are protected.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the number of patients using GI preventive treatment while at risk for NSAID-induced GI events.

METHODS

Records of patients using NSAIDs consecutively for at least 100 days (from 2001 to 2002) were obtained from the PHARMO system in the Netherlands (N = 1 000 000). GI preventive treatments were classified as adequate or inadequate based on evidence-based criteria. Adequate treatment was defined as concomitant use of misoprostol (>400 μg daily), histamine2-antagonists (≥2 times recommended dose) or proton-pump inhibitors (≥1 recommended dose), or alternative treatment with COX-2 selective inhibitors.

RESULTS

A total of 10 121 patients met the study inclusion criteria; 70% were women. One or more preventive strategies were prescribed in 4340 patients (42.9%), of which 2799 (64.5%) were adequate and 1541 (35.5%) inadequate. Prescribing of adequate preventive treatments increased with the number of risk factors, from 13.3% among those with no additional risk factors to 61.9% for those with ≥4 risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although risk factors for GI damage were recognized, a large number of patients in the Netherlands were not or were inadequately protected against potential NSAID-associated GI damage. Despite recommendations, and even in the presence of ≥4 risk factors, almost 40% of these patients were not prescribed adequate GI preventive treatment.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Cardiovascular, and Renal Outcomes in a Pharmacist-Managed Clinic
Authors: Cioffi Seth T , Caron Michael F , Kalus James S , Hill Patricia , Buckley Thomas E
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists' responsibilities in caring for patients with diabetes mellitus are expanding. However, few data are available to support pharmacists optimizing therapy and improving outcomes in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a clinical pharmacist—directed diabetes management clinic on glycemic control and cardiovascular and renal parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A nonrandomized, prospective study was conducted in 70 Veterans Affairs patients. Patients met with the pharmacist every 6–8 weeks for approximately 30 minutes for education, medication counseling, monitoring, and management. The primary endpoint was the impact of 9–12 months of participation in the clinic on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Secondarily, we evaluated body weight, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and level of microalbuminuria. All comparisons were made using a paired t-test at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

HbA1C significantly decreased from 10.3% ± 2.2% at baseline to 6.9% ± 1.1% (mean ± SD) during the 9- to 12-month evaluation period (p < 0.001). The secondary endpoints including systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p < 0.001) blood pressure, total cholesterol (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.006), and level of microalbuminuria (p < 0.001) also were reduced at 9–12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that a clinical pharmacist can effectively care for patients with diabetes referred by their primary care provider because of poor glycemic control.
Implementation and Evaluation of Cultural Competency Training for Pharmacy Students
Authors: Assemi Mitra , Cullander Chris , Hudmon Karen Suchanek
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND

The demographic composition of the US population is rapidly changing. As a result, pharmacists increasingly face the need to interact effectively with and provide care for patients whose ethnic or cultural background may differ from their own. While schools implement curricula to provide pharmacy students with cultural awareness, knowledge, and communication skills they will need in practice, few assessment tools exist to evaluate the impact or effectiveness of such training.

OBJECTIVE

To implement and assess the impact of a cultural competency training course designed specifically for pharmacy students.

METHODS

An 8-hour elective course offering basic cultural competency training was provided to 60 first- through fourth-year pharmacy students in 2003. A 12-item survey assessing students' perceived awareness, knowledge, and communication skills in the areas of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills was administered immediately prior to and upon completion of the course. Surveys were linked, enabling estimation of within-student change as a result of exposure to the program.

RESULTS

Fifty-six paired surveys (96.6% of participants) were analyzable. Responses to all survey items (p < 0.05) and total scores (t55 = 16.27; p < 0.001) increased significantly from pre- to posttraining. The mean ± SD 12-item pretraining scale score was 33.35 ± 5.48 (range 21–44), and the mean posttraining scale score was 47.88 ± 4.90 (range 36–59).

CONCLUSIONS

Survey results suggest that the course successfully raised student awareness of diversity and provided basic knowledge and skills pertaining to cultural competence and cross-cultural communication.
Toxic Effects from Metformin Exposure
Authors: Spiller Henry A , Quadrani Debra A
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND

The major risk associated with metformin is lactic acidosis. The incidence of lactic acidosis is not clear. Hypoglycemia is not expected to be a major concern after metformin exposure.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the demographics, toxic effects, and clinical syndromes of metformin exposures reported to poison centers nationally.

METHODS

The Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) of the American Association of Poison Control Centers was searched for all metformin-only exposures occurring from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2000.

RESULTS

There were 10 958 526 total poisoning exposures reported to TESS during the study period. Of those, 4072 cases met the study criteria. Exposures occurred in 2421 (59%) women and were categorized in all patients as acute (3074; 75%), acute-on-chronic (767; 19%), chronic (200; 5%), and chronicity unknown (31; 1%). Children ≤12 years old experienced few adverse outcomes and no deaths. There were 20 moderate-effect outcomes (1.8%) and 2 major-effect outcomes (0.2%) in children <6 years old and 4 moderate-effect outcomes (2.3%) and no major-effect outcomes in children 6–12 years old. In the adult population, the adverse outcomes were distributed evenly across the age span, with a trend toward more serious outcomes in the elderly. There were 9 deaths (0.2%), 32 major-effect cases (0.8%), and 187 moderate-effect cases (4.6%). In all age groups, acidosis was rare (n = 68; 1.6%). Hypoglycemia is more common than previously reported (n = 112; 2.8%). Clinical effects associated with a major outcome or death were hyperglycemia, acidosis, elevated anion gap, elevated creatinine, hypotension, and coma.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe adverse events after exposure to metformin are not common, occurring in approximately 1% of cases; this is in agreement with previous reports. The presence of hypotension, acidosis, elevated anion gap, hyperglycemia, and coma may be prognostic of severe or fatal outcome.
Combined Exchange Transfusion and Chelation Therapy for Neonatal Lead Poisoning
Authors: Mycyk Mark B , Leikin Jerrold B
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To describe the results of combined exchange transfusion and chelation therapy in a neonate with an elevated blood lead level (BLL).

CASE SUMMARY

A 34-year-old Latina woman with a long history of pica (eating glazed pottery) gave birth to a healthy-appearing girl at 40 weeks of gestation. The mother's preconception BLL was 117 μg/dL and remained elevated throughout pregnancy. At parturition, the mother's BLL was 87 μg/dL and the infant's cord BLL was 100 μg/dL. The infant underwent single-volume exchange transfusion within 12 hours of birth. BLL was 28 μg/dL following the exchange, and a 5-day course of chelation with dimercaprol and CaNa2 ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid was initiated at 36 hours of life. The infant's BLL was 37 μg/dL at the end of inpatient chelation.

DISCUSSION

Long-term neurologic disability from in utero lead exposure is well described, but the optimal treatment of elevated neonatal BLLs in healthy-appearing infants at the time of birth is not established. This strategy of combined chelation and exchange transfusion therapy was well tolerated and resulted in decreased lead levels, but the long-term neurologic efficacy of our combination strategy remains to be seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined exchange transfusion and chelation therapy resulted in rapidly decreased lead levels in a neonate with chronic in utero lead exposure.
Kooperative Sensorfusion in der Durchflussmesstechnik und bei der Produktion von Mikroorganismen (Cooperative Sensor Fusion in the Mass Flow Measurement and in the Production of Micro Organisms)
Authors: Kolahi Kourosh , Röck Helmut
Published: March 2004

Beim Messen besteht oft die Aufgabe darin, Daten aus mehreren, zum Teil heterogenen Sensoren und Quellen zu verknüpfen, zu verdichten, zu interpretieren und daraus unbekannte Eigenschaften und Parameter von Messobjekten zu bestimmen. Wesentliche Aufgabe dieses als Sensorfusion bezeichneten Prozesses ist es, A-priori-Kenntnisse bezüglich der Messgrößen und der eingesetzten Messverfahren zu erwerben und daraus Rechenvorschriften und Fusionsalgorithmen aufzustellen, die in der Lage sind, Informationen zu extrahieren, die nicht explizit in Signalparametern abgelegt sind, sondern sich in Form von Abhängigkeiten, Beziehungen, Redundanzen und Inkonsistenzen ergeben. In diesem Beitrag wird die kooperative Sensorfusion anhand zweier Beispiele, eines Coriolis-Massedurchflussmessers und eines Produktionsprozesses von Mikroorganismen vorgestellt und ihre Leistungsfähigkeit und ihre Grenzen aufgezeigt.
Systemtechnisch orientierter Ansatz zur Simulation von Brandmeldersignalen (System Oriented Approach for Simulation of Fire Detector Signals)
Authors: Derbel Faouzi
Published: March 2004

Der Entwurf von Brandfrüherkennungsalgorithmen ist ein iterativer Prozess mit ständigen Verbesserungen von definierten Leistungseigenschaften, durch statistisch abgesicherte Werte über die Falschalarmraten bzw. mittleren Detektionszeiten beschrieben werden können. Um eine aussagekräftige Statistik zu erhalten, müssen Signale von Testbränden bzw. relevanten Störereignissen in großer Anzahl zur Verfügung stehen. Da die Durchführung dieser Testereignisse mit hohem Kostenaufwand verbunden ist, empfiehlt es sich, die Brandmeldersignale zu simulieren. In diesem Artikel wird eine neue Simulationsmethode präsentiert. Diese zeichnet sich durch einen systemtechnisch orientierten Ansatz sowie durch einen minimalen Rechenaufwand aus. Zuerst werden Parameter zur Beschreibung des Systemverhaltens unter Zuhilfenahme von Referenzsignalen aus Testereignissen gewonnen. Das Übertragungsverhalten bezüglich der Brandprodukte wird durch Gewichtsfunktionen und durch versuchsspezifische Einflussfaktoren beschrieben. Mit diesem Ansatz wurden Brandmeldersignale generiert, die den gemessenen ähnlich sind.
Ultraschall-Mikrowellen-Sensorsystem mit diversitär-redundanter Auswertung der Phasensignale (Ultrasonic-Microwave-Multisensor based on the Principle of Phase Coincidence)
Authors: Ruser Heinrich
Published: March 2004

Im Beitrag wird ein bisher weitgehend unbeachtet gebliebener Multisensor-Ansatz untersucht, mit dem die Vorteile der Fusion diversitärer und redundanter Sensorausgangssignale genutzt werden. Zur Messung von Geschwindigkeit und Absolutentfernung von Objekten zum Sensor wird die Phasenkoinzidenz zwischen Ultraschall- und Mikrowellen-Echosignalen ausgewertet: Die von Objekten reflektierten Ultraschall- und Mikrowellen-Signale werden mit kohärenten Echofrequenzen empfangen, während Störsignale unterschiedlich auf beide Wellen einwirken. Simulationen und Messergebnisse mit einem Ultraschall-Mikrowellen-Dualsensor mit Trägerfrequenzen von 40 kHz (Ultraschall) und 24 GHz (Mikrowellen) zeigen die erwarteten guten Systemeigenschaften. Wichtige Sensorfunktionen wie Selbstüberwachung und Plausibilitätstests werden ebenfalls durch das Koinzidenzprinzip unterstützt.
Neurological Disorders in Three Workers Exposed to 1‐Bromopropane
Authors: Ichihara Gaku , Miller Joseph Keith , Ziolkokwska Aldona , Itohara Seiichiro , Takeuchi Yasuhiro
Published: March 2004

Neurological Disorders in Three Workers Exposed to 1‐Bromopropane: Gaku Ichihara, et al. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine—A 35‐yr‐old female worker developed sore throat, stumbling, dysphagia, incontinence of urination and numbness with a burning sensation in the legs, thighs, hips and lower back as well as numbness in the perineum. She was spraying a glue to compose a cushion with polyurethane foam parts. One year after beginning to use a glue containing mainly 1‐bromopropane, she became unable to stand up by herself. The second case, a 30‐yr‐old female worker developed a staggering gait, paresthesia, urinary incontinence, slurred voice, dysphagia, numbness or paresthesia in the hands, legs, lower back, hips and perineum, six months after beginning the same task. The third case, a 50‐yr‐old female worker showed signs of staggering, and numbness and paresthesias in the feet, thighs, lower back and hips, and headache, two months after starting the work. The daily time‐weighted average of exposure concentrations ranged from 60 to 261 ppm (mean 133, N=11) after the ventilation was improved. The common signs in the three workers were staggering, numbness with paresthesia/dysesthesia, as well as a remarkable decrease in vibration sense in the legs and various symptoms in the central nervous system. Abnormal sensation was distributed to the area covered by pantyhose, rather than glove‐stocking. Not only peripheral nerves, but also the spinal cord or brainstem was suspected to be impaired, given the paresthesia/dysesthesia and the distribution of sense deficits. Their diarrhea, incontinence of urination and abnormal sweating also suggested disorders in the autonomous nervous system. 1‐Bromopropane might induce neurological disorders in the peripheral nerves and/or the central nervous system in humans.
An Exposure System for Combined Administration of an Organic Solvent to Rodents by Inhalation and Water‐Drinking and its Operational Performance
Authors: Kano Hirokazu , Goto Kaoru , Suzuki Masaaki , Yamazaki Kazunori , Nishizawa Tomoshi , Arito Heihachiro , Yamamoto Seigo , Matsushima Taijiro
Published: March 2004

An Exposure System for Combined Administration of an Organic Solvent to Rodents by Inhalation and Water‐Drinking and its Operational Performance: Hirokazu Kano, et al. Japan Bioassay Research Center, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association—In order to obtain bioassay data for carcinogenicity and chronic toxicity of an organic solvent being absorbed into the body through multiple media by inhalation and ingestion, an exposure system for combined inhalation and oral exposures of rats to the organic solvent was constructed. Operational performance of the system was examined by monitoring air and water concentrations of chloroform or 1,4‐dioxane in both an inhalation exposure chamber and an automatic watering system, while groups of 50 male rats each were exposed to chloroform or 1,4‐dioxane by inhalation for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk and 104 wk and by water drinking for 24 h/d and 7 d/wk throughout the 104 wk. Day‐to‐day and time‐to‐time variations in concentrations in the exposure chamber were maintained at less than 0.8% C.V. and 4.8% C.V., respectively, in the case of chloroform, and less than 1.2% and 8.1 %, respectively, in the case of 1,4‐dioxane. The mean 6‐h averaged concentrations deviated by less than 0.4% from the respective target concentrations for all sets of the combined exposures. The watering system which was composed of a drinking valve, in‐between piping, a container and a solenoid drainage valve was used for giving ad libitum drinking water containing 1000 ppm chloroform or 1,4‐dioxane to rats. Mean water concentrations of chloroform and 1,4‐dioxane were attenuated by 3‐8% and by 1% in the container after 1 ‐week's supply, respectively. It was concluded that this exposure system can give accurate and reproducible air and water concentrations of chloroform and 1,4‐dioxane for long‐term combined inhalation and oral exposure.
Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Free‐Radical Processes in Steelworkers. Part I: Magnetic Field Influence on the Antioxidant Activity in Red Blood Cells and Plasma
Authors: Kula Bogusław , Sobczak Andrzej , Kuśka Rafał
Published: March 2004

Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Free‐ Radical Processes in Steelworkers. Part I: Magnetic Field Influence on the Antioxidant Activity in Red Blood Cells and Plasma: Bogusfaw Kula, et al. Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemistry, Silesian School of Medicine, Poland—The purpose of the study was the evaluation of electromagnetic field (electric field strength of 20 V/ m, f=50 Hz and magnetic field strength of 2 A/m, f=50 Hz) effects on the antioxydative activity in steelworkers’ red blood cells and plasma. The plasma GSH‐Px (EC 1.11.1.9) activity, MDA and ceruloplasmin levels as well as SOD (EC 1.15.1.1.), CAT (EC 1.11.1.6) and GSH‐ Px (EC 1.11.1.9) in red blood cells were measured. Statistically significant decreases in red blood cells SOD and GSH‐Px activities, a CAT activity increase and plasma MDA increase and a ceruloplasmin decrease were found in workers exposed for 3‐10 yr and for longer than 10 yr to electromagnetic fields. No statistically significant changes in the parameters evaluated were found among steelworkers employed for shorter than 3 yr. All changes observed among workers exposed to electromagnetic fields result in adaptative responses by activating systems controlling the balance of body oxidative mechanisms.
Cholinesterase Activity in Female Greenhouse Workers—Influence of Work Practices and Use of Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Nielsen Jesper B , Andersen Helle R
Published: March 2004

Cholinesterase Activity in Female Greenhouse Workers—Influence of Work Practices and Use of Oral Contraceptives: Jesper B Nielsen, et al. Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark

Objectives

Associations between serum butyryl cholinesterase activity in female greenhouse workers and information from a questionnaire on work, use of personal protective equipment, and lifestyle were evaluated.

Methods

Data were gathered for 571 female greenhouse workers by means of a questionnaire and serum cholinesterase analyses (butyrylthiocholin‐assay).

Results

The mean concentration of butyryl cholinesterase in serum was 6.50 kU/l. Serum butyryl cholinesterase activity was significantly decreased by the use of oral contraceptives (p<0.001). Among women with re‐entry intervals less than 24 h, serum butyryl cholinesterase activities were significantly reduced. Within this group of women, only those not using gloves during the manual handling of plant cultures had significantly reduced serum butyryl cholinesterase activities (p=0.028).

Conclusions

Use of oral contraceptives is an important confounder in studies on serum butyryl cholinesterase activity. If re‐ entry intervals were below 24 h, serum butyryl cholinesterase activity was significantly inhibited, but use of gloves protected the women from such exposures.
A Survey of Home‐Based Workers in Japan: Emerging Health Issues
Authors: Spinks Wendy A.
Published: March 2004

A Survey of Home‐Based Workers in Japan: Emerging Health Issues: Wendy A. Spinks. Department of Management Science, Science University of Tokyo—Changes such as the greater diversification of work arrangements, either the result of or enabled by the rise of information communication technology, are testing many long‐standing practices and assumptions in the workplace. The emergence of the virtual organization and telework raises serious management questions including work organization, worker evaluation and knowledge management. These changes, however, also have a growing but little understood impact on health management. The aim of this paper is to explore attitudes to health management and the incidence of illness for home‐ based teleworkers. After a brief outline of major changes in organizational and management practices as well as research trends in the area of health and telework, it presents a set of field data on home‐based workers in Japan, and links the findings to a future research agenda. The survey data indicate that health management issues do exists for this group of workers and that a worrying proportion of respondents experienced health conditions detrimental to work performance that went untreated. Additionally, a somewhat cavalier attitude towards safe work practices indicated either low worker awareness of, or low priority for, minimizing health risks. This was often compounded by the lack of a traditional mitigating third party such as a regular employer. These findings suggest that conventional organizational criteria for sickness may be being replaced by more elastic concepts of health and sickness in the virtual workplace.
Impact of Self‐Monitoring of Blood Glucose on the Lifestyles of Subjects with Fasting Hyperglycemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Takata Yasumitsu , Ou Ongyoku , Nishida Hiroshi , Sakagami Kiyonobu
Published: March 2004

Impact of Self‐Monitoring of Blood Glucose on the Lifestyles of Subjects with Fasting Hyperglycemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial: Yasumitsu Takata, et al. Health service station, Home Appliance & Housing Electronics Company of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.—The effect of self‐monitoring of blood glucose on its level and the lifestyle of male workers with fasting hyperglycemia was studied. Male workers with fasting plasma glucose levels between 6.1 and 7.7 mmol//were selected for subjects from those who had been followed up as a high‐risk group for diabetes mellitus and volunteered for the trial. A total of 247 subjects were then randomized into control and intervention groups. In the intervention group, the participants were encouraged to monitor fasting blood glucose, check their body weight, and take a daily pedometer reading once a week regularly for 5 months. Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were examined at the beginning and the end of the trial. There was no significant change in the fasting plasma glucose level, but there was a statistically significant increase in the HbA1 c level (0.1 and 0.2%; p=0.0076) and a decrease in BMI (0.6 and 0.2 kg/m2; p=0.0001) for the intervention and control group, respectively. The effect of intervention on the number of subjects who improved their HbA1c levels (Relative Risk: 6.08 and 95% Confidence Interval: 2.13‐17.34) was found to be significant. The subjects in both groups reported a decrease in total energy intake and those in the intervention group achieved an increase in physical activity. Self‐monitoring of blood glucose, together with measuring of body weight and walking‐steps, helped the subjects make changes in lifestyle toward achieving a reduction in their weight. Accordingly, this method is promising for preventing persons with fasting hyperglycemia from developing diabetes mellitus.
Habitual Smoking and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Japanese Blue‐Collar Workers
Authors: Inoue Masaiwa , Harada Noriaki
Published: March 2004

Habitual Smoking and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Japanese Blue‐Collar Workers: Masaiwa Inoue, et al. Department of Hygiene, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine— Whether smoking is associated with musculoskeletal disorders is still debatable. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among smoking and non‐smoking employees doing strenuous physical work, we conducted a survey by means of a questionnaire that was distributed as a part of the annual health examination in a pulp and paper mill. The questions included smoking habit and musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, arms, shoulders, back and low back. The analysis was performed on 905 male employees working in the manufacturing plant. For most age groups and regions, the percentage of smokers was greater among subjects with symptoms than among subjects without symptoms. Particularly among subjects in their 20s and 50s, there were significant differences in the percentage of smokers with symptoms and the percentage of smokers without symptoms (P<0.01 for both age groups). Although the percentage of ex‐smokers was greater among subjects without symptoms than among subjects with symptoms, the difference was not significant except among subjects in their 50s (P=0.023). The percentages of ex‐smokers in their 50s were greatest among subjects without symptoms for all 5 musculoskeletal regions. When the percentages of current smokers were analyzed according to the number of regions in which musculoskeletal symptoms were present, the number of regions tended to increase with the percentage of smokers but not significantly. Our study supports an association between habitual smoking and musculoskeletal symptoms with a proposal for an educational campaign aimed at helping individuals quit smoking.
Clearance of Inhaled Potassium Octatitanate Whisker from Rat Lungs
Authors: Yamato Hiroshi , Morimoto Yasuo , Tsuda Torn , Ogami Akira , Oyabu Takako , Ishimatsu Sumiyo , Hori Hajime , Tanaka Isamu
Published: March 2004

Clearance of Inhaled Potassium Octatitanate Whisker from Rat Lungs: Hiroshi Yamato, et al. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan—The clearance rate of inhaled man‐made fibers (MMFs) is one of the important factors for predicting health hazards in human. Potassium octatitanate whisker is a newly developed MMF in Japan with strong resistance to heat and chemicals. Two types of commercially sold potassium octatitanate whisker were used in this study. In order to examine the rate of clearance of this whisker, rats were exposed to whisker aerosol for 4 weeks and the rate of clearance of inhaled whiskers from rat lungs was examined in terms of the fiber mass clearance rate and dimensional change in whiskers. The decrease in fiber mass retained in rat lungs was expressed with a two‐compartment model. As for the dimensional change in whiskers, no decrease was observed in diameter and no surface change due to dissolution was detected over the 12‐month observation period. Macrophage mediated clearance was thought to be the main mechanism for the clearance of potassium octatitanate whiskers.
Improvement of Occupational Noise‐induced Temporary Threshold Shift by Active Noise Control Earmuff and Bone Conduction Microphone
Authors: Horie Seichi
Published: March 2004

Improvement of Occupational Noise‐ induced Temporary Threshold Shift by Active Noise Control Earmuff and Bone Conduction Microphone: Seichi Horie. Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—A newly devised earmuff that utilizes an active noise control system and a bone‐ conduction microphone was examined in an actual working environment where workers are required to communicate under noisy conditions. Thirteen experienced male workers aged 26 to 46 (mean ± SD; 37.5 ± 5.8) engaged in manufacturing steel pipes participated in the study. For 4 h working in a noisy environment (92 to 103 dBA), they used the conventional device (an earphone on one ear and an earplug in the other, and an ordinary microphone) or the new device. After wearing the new device, the temporary threshold shift (TTS) at 4 kHz was lowered (p<0.045, Wilcoxon's sign rank test) and the number of workers who had TTS was reduced in all frequencies examined (p<0.001, two‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA). Many workers evaluated the new device superior to the conventional one especially in its “clearness of voice,” but they did not give the new device a good overall rating mainly because of its heaviness. Although the new device needs improvement, it appears promising as a hearing protector.
Use of Inhalable Cr+6 Exposures to Characterize Urinary Chromium Concentrations in Plating Industry Workers
Authors: Chen Jyh‐Larng , Guo Yue‐Liang , Tsai Perng‐Jy , Su Li‐Fang
Published: March 2004

Use of Inhalable Cr+6 Exposures to Characterize Urinary Chromium Concentrations in Plating Industry Workers: Jyh‐Larng Chen, et al. Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei Technology College—In this study, both personal sampling and biological monitoring were conducted on 27 and 30 workers selected from decorative plating and hard‐surface plating operation, respectively. For personal sampling, the inhalable aerosol sampling technique was adopted in order to measure worker's soluble Cr+6 exposure level (CINH) on the last day of the workweek. For biological monitoring, a urine specimen was collected at the end of the shift on the last day of the work week in order to determine a worker's urinary chromium concentration (CURINE). Results show that hard‐surface plating workers had higher CINH (arithmetic mean = 25.2 μg/m3) than decorative plating workers (arithmetic mean = 1.91 μg/ m3). The above results could be due to the longer plating time involved in the former plating operation than in the latter. The relationship between CmH and CURINE was found as CURINE= 1.86 CINH‐0.21 (R2=0.87, n=57), which suggests that the inhalable aerosol sampling results were able to explain the variation in workers' urinary chromium concentrations up to 87%. Assuming the level of CINH was equivalent to the current TLV‐TWA of 50 μg/ m3, the above regression model yielded a level of CURINE as approximately 93 μg/g‐creatinine. The above value is clearly different from the current present biological exposure index BEI of 30 μg/g‐creatinine which is known to be applicable only to welding workers. The above discrepancy could be due to the intrinsic difference in particle size distribution between the Cr+6 droplets generated during the plating process and Cr+6 fumes generated during the welding process. Considering that no BEI has been suggested for chromium plating industries, the result obtained in this study will be helpful in introducing a new BEI in the future.
Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure and Work Intensity of Care‐Workers on Shift Work in a Special Nursing Home for the Elderly
Authors: Wakui Tadaaki , Shirono Setsuko , Takahashi Seiichiro , Fujimura Takae , Harada Noriaki
Published: March 2004

Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure and Work Intensity of Care‐Workers on Shift Work in a Special Nursing Home for the Elderly: Tadaaki Wakui, et al. Department of Wellness and Welfare, Ube College—To evaluate the workload of care‐workers on shift work in special nursing homes for the elderly (SNHs), physical activity, energy expenditure and work intensity were measured. Nine healthy female care‐workers volunteered to participate in our study; 3 subjects worked the day shift, 3 subjects worked the night shift, and 3 subjects worked both shifts. Time spent in actual care, heart rate, number of walking steps, energy expenditure, work intensity and time spent in different postures was determined for the day shift and night shifts. The time on duty, work and break (recess) times were significantly greater for the night shift than for the day shift. The percent care time was significantly greater for the day shift than the night shift, and the percent break time was significantly greater for the night shift than the day shift. Individual care of residents accounted for the greatest percent of work time. Minimum and mean heart rates were significantly greater for the day shift than for the night shift, and minimum heart rate in relation to estimated maximum heart rate was significantly greater for the day shift than for the night shift. Although total walking steps for the night shift was significantly greater than that for the day shift, the number of steps per h did not differ between shifts. Energy expenditure (kcal) for the night shift was significantly greater than that for the day shift, but the difference between the two shifts in work intensity (kcal/kg/min) was not significant. Standing (posture) accounted for the largest percentage of work time in relation to other work postures regardless of shift. Physical activity, energy expenditure and work intensity of the SNH care‐workers for both shifts appear to be higher than those reported for nursery school teachers and hospital nurses. We agree with other investigators that appropriate countermeasures are needed to reduce the workload of such care‐workers.
Biological Monitoring of Styrene in FRP‐Making Small Industries in Kumamoto, Japan—Winter‐Summer Difference and Effect of Protective Masks in Practical Working Conditions—
Authors: Inaoka Tsukasa , Nagano Megumi , Kitano Takao , Ushijima Kayo , Minamoto Keiko , Tasaki Ryuji , Koyanagi Atsuko
Published: March 2004

Biological Monitoring of Styrene in FRP‐Making Small Industries in Kumamoto, Japan—Winter‐Summer Difference and Effect of Protective Masks in Practical Working Conditions—: Tsukasa Inaoka, et al. Department of Public Health, Kumamoto University School of Medicine—Objective: Studies were carried out in Kumamoto, Japan to examine 1) the winter‐summer differences in the average individual exposure to styrene (8hr‐TWA) and to end‐shift‐urinary mandelic acid (MA in g/g Cr), 2) the possible seasonal difference in their relationship, and 3) the protective effect of a disposable particulate respirator containing charcoal fiber (called a “charcoal mask”) and a charcoal granule cartridge‐mask (called a “gas mask”) in the real working conditions. Methods: Approximately 100 male and female workers from about 10 small industries were subjected to the studies first in winter and second in summer. Individual exposure to styrene was monitored with a passive sampler during work time, and end‐shift‐urine was collected to determine urinary MA excretion. The content of their activities and the types of protective equipment were observed and recorded by the minute throughout the working day. Results: Neither individual exposure to styrene nor urinary MA excretion differed at the time of the study in both “no‐mask” and “gas mask” groups. The urinary MA excretion was related to individual exposure to styrene in both seasons, with the highest correlation coefficient in the “no‐mask” group. Since the regression slope for the “charcoal mask” group did not differ from that for “no‐mask” group, the “charcoal mask” was judged to have little protective effect in practical working conditions. From the difference in urinary MA values at 50 ppm (previous TLV‐TWA by ACGIH) of individual exposure to styrene in the two regressions for“no‐mask” and“gas mask” groups, 49% of styrene was protected against by the“gas mask” in winter, and 45% in summer. Conclusions: Despite different physical environmental conditions, individual exposure to styrene and urinary MA excretion did not differ by season in FRP‐making industries. A“gas mask” is more recommended than a“charcoal mask” when treating styrene, although their protective effects are decreased in practical working settings. It is basically necessary to give correct information on and free access to such protective equipment to styrene‐treating workers.
Psycho‐Physiological Effects of Naps during Night Shifts on Morning Types and Evening Types
Authors: Takeyama Hidemaro , Itani Torn , Tachi Norihide , Sakamura Osamu , Suzumura Hatsuko
Published: March 2004

Psycho‐Physiological Effects of Naps during Night Shifts on Morning Types and Evening Types: Hidemaro Takeyama, et al. Department of Hygiene and Occupational Health, Nagoya City University, Medical School—An experimental study was carried out under simulated shift‐work schedules to examine the effects of a nighttime nap on task performances and psycho‐physiological functions on morningness (M‐types) and eveningness (E‐types) subjects. Sixty male students, classified as M‐types or E‐types by the Japanese version morningness‐eveningness questionnaire, were recruited for this study. Five moderate M‐types and eight moderate E‐types were selected. Their MEQ scores were 32‐41 (average 36.9) in E‐types and 60‐64 (average 62.4) in M‐types, respectively. Experiment periods were simulated shift schedules of 9 consecutive days consisting of 2 d shifts (working 8:00‐16:00), 3 night shifts (working 22:00‐8:00) and 3 d shifts. They carried out two series of experiments. In one series the subjects took a nap from 2:00 to 4:00. In the other series they did not take a nap during the night shift. In order to minimize the effect of the previous experiments, a rest period of more than one week was inserted between the nap‐condition and the no‐nap condition experiments. During the shifts, the subjects repeatedly performed two kinds of tasks: typing figures listed randomly on sheets into a computer for 20 min; and after a 5 min break performing mental arithmetic with two adjacent figures, listed randomly on the sheets, for 15 min. During the breaks, psycho‐physiological functions and questionnaires on subjective feelings of fatigue and index of the state of anxiety were examined. Throughout the experiments, heart rate variability was also recorded with a portable recorder to evaluate autonomic nerve activity. Task performances decreased and subjective feelings of fatigue and anxiety scores increased in proportion to the length of time worked in both M‐types and E‐types who had no nap. In M‐types, these changes were significantly suppressed by the nap on the first night of duty. Parasympathetic nerve activity for M‐types estimated from heart rate variability between 4:00 and 6:00 under nap conditions decreased significantly compared with that under no‐nap conditions. Overall changes for E‐types, however, were smaller than those for M‐types in terms of task performance and psycho‐physiological parameters. The present study suggested that taking a nighttime nap was an effective way to reduce adverse effects due to first nocturnal work, especially for M‐types.
Stress Management and Workplace Disability in the US, Europe and Japan
Authors: Jones Deborah L. , Tanigawa Takeshi , Weiss Stephen M.
Published: March 2004

Stress Management and Workplace Disability in the US, Europe and Japan: Deborah L. Jones, et al. Department of Psychology, Barry University, USA—Although the health care costs and the number of disability cases across all medical illnesses have increased, disability management programs implementing stress management interventions have been found to improve physical and mental health, reduce costs to employers, and facilitate the reintegration of injured individuals into the work environment. Stress management programs limit the impact and chronicity of disabilities and can be used to reduce and control the cost of disability in the workplace. Providing the most efficacious behavioral interventions thereby allows employers, employees and health professionals to work cooperatively to achieve optimum health and cost effectiveness. This review presents a variety of group and individual interventions, which have been utilized to aid disabled employees in coping with work‐related injuries and medical illness. The implementation of stress management interventions in the workplace is described in detail, with special emphasis on the use of cognitive behavioral stress management. Finally, this review outlines a team approach to the application of a workplace stress management intervention aimed at reducing the overall impact of disability. (J Occup Health 2003; 45: 1–7)
Assessment of Urinary Cotinine as a Marker of Nicotine Absorption from Tobacco Leaves: A Study on Tobacco Farmers in Malaysia
Authors: Onuki Mayumi , Yokoyama Kazuhito , Kimura Kaoru , Sato Hajime , Nordin Rusli Bin , Naing Lin , Morita Yoko , Sakai Tadashi , Kobayashi Yasuki , Araki Shunichi
Published: March 2004

Assessment of Urinary Cotinine as a Marker of Nicotine Absorption from Tobacco Leaves: A Study on Tobacco Farmers in Malaysia: Mayumi Onuki, et al. Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo—To assess dermal absorption of nicotine from tobacco leaves in relation to Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS), urinary cotinine concentrations were measured in 80 male tobacco‐growing farmers and in 40 healthy males (controls) who did not handle wet tobacco leaves in Kelantan, Malaysia. Among non‐smokers, urinary cotinine levels in farmers were significantly higher than those of controls; farmers with urinary cotinine of 50 ng/ml/m2 or above showed eye symptoms more frequently than those below this level (p<0.05). Farmers who did not wear protective equipment had subjective symptoms more frequently than those who used the equipment (p<0.05); some of these symptoms were seen more frequently in organophosphate (Tamaron) users than in non‐users. As tobacco farmers evidence a risk of nicotine poisoning from tobacco leaves, assessment including GTS together with effects of pesticides will be necessary.
Relationship between Burnout and Communication Skill Training among Japanese Hospital Nurses: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shimizu Takashi , Mizoue Tetsuya , Kubota Shinya , Mishima Norio , Nagata Shoji
Published: March 2004

Relationship between Burnout and Communication Skill Training among Japanese Hospital Nurses: A Pilot Study: Takashi Shimizu, et al. Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—We investigated the relationship between burnout and communication skill training among Japanese hospital nurses to improve the mental health of human service workers. The subjects were forty‐five registered nurses referred to a self‐expression skill intervention program by their section superiors, with each superior choosing from two to five nurses. The hospital was located in the Kyushu area and staffed by about four hundred nurses. The subjects were divided into an intervention group (19 nurses) and a reference group (26 nurses). The intervention group received the communication skill training in July and August, 2001. The communication skill training was carried out in accordance with the assertiveness training (AsT) precepts of Anne Dickson. In June, 2001, we delivered a set of questionnaires including age, gender, working years, a burnout scale, and a communication skill check‐list as a baseline survey. The baseline questionnaires were returned at the end of June, 2001. In January, 2002, we delivered the same questionnaire again to the two groups and collected them at the end of the month. Excluding the only male and insufficient answers, twenty‐six nurses (58%) returned complete answers in the initial and subsequent surveys. We found that the personal accomplishment and the two communication skills such as “accepting valid criticisms” and “negotiation” of the intervention group had improved significantly five months after the training as compared with that of the reference. Our results implied that communication skill training might have a favorable effect on burnout among Japanese hospital nurses.
Effects of Stress Management Program for Teachers in Japan: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shimazu Akihito , Okada Yusuke , Sakamoto Mitsumi , Miura Masae
Published: March 2004

Effects of Stress Management Program for Teachers in Japan: A Pilot Study: Akihito Shimazu, et al. Department of Psychology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Education—The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a stress management program for teachers on their stress responses, social support, and coping. Participants (n=24) were assigned to either an intervention or a waiting list control group. A five‐session program, including psychoeducation, group discussion, role‐playing and relaxation training, was conducted for the intervention group at two week intervals. Eight participants from each of the groups responded to preand post‐intervention questionnaire surveys. The positive intervention effect was significant for social support from co‐workers (p=0.035), whereas the negative intervention effect was significant for proactive coping (p=0.033). No significant effect was observed for stress responses (vigor, anger, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and somatic stress responses) (p>0.05). The positive intervention effect was marginally significant for social support from co‐workers (p=0.085) and anger (p=0.057) among those who at first had high stress response scores in the pre‐intervention survey (n=5 and n=4 for the intervention and waiting list control groups, respectively). Furthermore, the positive intervention effect was significant for social support from co‐workers (p=0.021) and marginally significant for resignation coping (p=0.070) among those who at first had high job control scores (n=4 and n=5 for the intervention and waiting list control groups, respectively). Results showed that the stress management program conducted in this study contributed to increasing social support from coworkers. This study suggests that a program that focuses on a particular subgroup (e.g., those with high stress responses or high job control) might be effective in enhancing coping skills, increasing social support, and reducing stress responses.