bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Studies on the Depigmenting Activity of 4‐(p‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐Butanone
Authors: Fukuda Yoshiharu , Nagano Megumi , Tsukamoto Katsuhiko , Futatsuka Makoto
Published: February 2008

In Vitro Studies on the Depigmenting Activity of 4‐(p‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐Butanone: Yoshiharu Fukuda, et al. Department of Public Health, Kumamoto University School of Medicine—The aim of this study is to investigate the enzymatic properties and the depigmenting activity of 4‐(p‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐ 2‐butanone (HPB) in vitro. The activity of HPB as a substrate of tyrosinase, its effect on tyrosinase enzymatic reactions, and its inhibition of the growth and the melanogenesis of cultured melanoma cells were examined. The HPB‐tyrosinase reaction and the effect of HPB on tyrosine‐tyrosinase and dopa‐tyrosinase reactions were followed spectrophotometrically. Fifty percent growth inhibition concentrations (IC50) of several chemicals for melanoma cells and non‐pigmented cells were measured. Melanogenic activities in HPB‐treated melanoma cells were assayed. The results showed that HPB was oxidized by tyrosinase and stimulated tyrosine‐ tyrosinase and dopa‐tyrosinase reactions. The IC50 of HPB for melanoma cells was higher than those of the established depigmenting agents but it was lower than that of HPB for non‐melanotic cells. Tyrosine hydroxylase in HPB‐treated melanoma cells was stimulated compared with the control, but melanin product in HPB‐treated cells was almost similar to the control. The results showed that HPB acts as a good substrate for tyrosinase and it stimulates tyrosinase enzymatic reactions, but it inhibits pigmented cell growth selectively. This study suggests that HPB‐induced depigmentation is due to a selective cytotoxic effect on pigmented cells rather than to the inhibition to melanogenesis.
Toxicity of Ultrafine Nickel Particles in Lungs after Intratracheal Instillation
Authors: Zhang Qunwei , Kusaka Yukinori , Sato Kazuhiro , Mo Yiqun , Fukuda Masaru , Donaldson Kenneth
Published: February 2008

Toxicity of Ultrafine Nickel Particles in Lungs after Intratracheal Instillation: Qunwei Zhang, et al. Department of Environment Health, Fukui Medical University—To study the lung acute and subacute toxicity of ultrafine nickel particles, rats were intratracheally instilled with 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 mg ultrafine nickel (Uf‐Ni), respectively. At 3 days after injection, the body weight and wet lung weight were determined. At the same time, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), and total cell and differential cell counts. The results showed that indicators of lung injury and inflammation in BALF were markedly raised with increased Uf‐Ni from 0 to 1 mg, and there were no differences in the indices between injection of Uf‐Ni at 1 mg and at 5 mg. Rats were intratracheally instilled with 1 mg Uf‐Ni, and wet lung weight, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) profiles were analyzed 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days later. The effects of Uf‐Ni on indices that can be presumed to reflect epithelial injury and permeability (LDH or TP) were dramatically increased from day 1 up to 30 days after injection. Lung histology findings generally confirmed the BALF data, showing severe lung inflammation at 1 day after injection of Uf‐Ni, and epithelial hyperplasia and inflammation still present at 30 days after injection. Our findings suggest that Uf‐Ni causes persistent inflammation following instillation of a small dose.
The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire Applied to Workers Exposed to Hand‐Arm Vibration
Authors: Kaewboonchoo Orawan , Yamamoto Hiroichi , Miyai Nobuyuki , Mirbod Seyed Mohamad , Morioka Ikuharu , Miyashita Kazuhisa
Published: February 2008

The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire Applied to Workers Exposed to Hand‐Arm Vibration: Orawan Kaewboonchoo, et al. Department of Hygiene, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University—The standardized Nordic questionnaire (SNQ) is not yet widely used in Japan. This paper describes the possibility whether the SNQ, translated into Japanese, can be applied to workers exposed to hand‐arm vibration. The musculoskeletal symptoms of 40 chain saw operators (CS) in private forests and 40 age‐matched bush cleaner operators (BC) in the public service sector were assessed by the SNQ and the Japanese questionnaire (JQ). Both the SNQ and the JQ showed that CS had a higher prevalence of symptoms than BC. By the SNQ, there were significant differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptom in the elbows, upper back and knees. By the JQ, CS had significantly higher prevalence of pain in the shoulders and elbows than BC. These results show the SNQ also fits the musculoskeletal symptoms and clearly differentiates between the prevalences in the two groups. The SNQ enables us to identify the severity, the duration, the treatment and the disability, but does not include items related to finger numbness and finger blanching. For that reason some JQ items should be applied to workers exposed to hand‐arm vibration.
CYP2E1 Level in Rat Liver Injured by the Interaction between Carbon Tetrachloride and Chloroform
Authors: Ikatsu Hisayoshi , Shinoda Sumio , Nakajima Tamie
Published: February 2008

CYP2E1 Level in Rat Liver Injured by the Interaction between Carbon Tetrachloride and Chloroform: Hisayoshi Ikatsu, et al. Center for Environmental Science and Technology, Okayama University—The toxic interaction between carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) and chloroform (CHCI3) was investigated in rats chronically pretreated with ethanol, and in rat liver microsomes. A combined exposure to 10 ppm CCI4 and 50 ppm CHCl3 increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity to a level similar to that by a single exposure to 50 ppm CCI4. The single exposure decreased liver reduced glutathione (GSH) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) content, and N‐nitrosodimethylamine N‐demethylase (NDMAD) activity. The effects of combined exposure, however, were little or less than those of the single exposure. Immunoblot analysis with monoclonal antibody to CYP2E1 indicated that CYP2E1 was appreciably decreased after the single exposure but the enzyme remained after the combined exposure. The antibody inhibited CCI4‐induced lipid peroxidation in microsomes from ethanol‐treated rats. Ethanol pretreatment increased the metabolic rate of CCI4 and CCI4‐induced lipid peroxidation, but the coexistence of CHCI3 and other hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene and 1,1,1‐trichloroethane did not increase the in vitro metabolic rate or the lipid peroxidation. The addition of GSH decreased CCI4‐induced lipid peroxidation, and the effect reached its maximum at 0.3 mM of GSH, so that the hepatotoxic interaction between CCI4 and CHCI3 at low dose exposure is more than additive when judged by the plasma ALT activity, but this is not true of the changes in drug‐metabolizing enzyme activity and GSH depletion.
Toxicity of Silicon Compounds in Semiconductor Industries
Authors: Nakashima Hiroshi , Omae Kazuyuki , Takebayashi Torn , Ishizuka Chizuru , Uemura Takamoto
Published: February 2008

Toxicity of Silicon Compounds in Semiconductor Industries: Hiroshi Nakashima, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio University—The toxicities of silane (SiH4), tetraethoxysilane (Si(OC2H5)4, TEOS) and dichlorosilane (SiH2CI2, DCS) were reviewed in order to compare the toxicological properties of silicon compounds used in the semi‐conductor industry. Silane and TEOS showed similar toxicities, characterized by nephrotoxicity. Mice subjected to silane (2500, 5000 and 10000 ppm) or TEOS (1000 ppm) acute exposure developed acute tubular necrosis. Tubulo‐interstitial nephritis was seen in mice which were subjected to an acute inhalation study and survived 2 wk of the observation period or those subjected to subacute inhalation studies of TEOS (100 and 200 ppm for 2 or 4 wk). Silane and TEOS, however, differed in the concentration at which they showed signs of toxicity. This may be due to their solubility in water and other metabolic factors, but their metabolic pathways have not yet been elucidated. TEOS injured nasal mucosa (1000 ppm for 2 h or more and 50, 100 and 200 ppm for 2 or 4 wk). It was observed at a lower concentration than nephrotoxicity in the 50 and 100 ppm subacute inhalation study. On the other hand, silane caused nasal mucosal lesions only at 5000 or 10000 ppm for acute inhalation, and those of subacute inhalation were mild (1000 ppm for 2 or 4 wk). DCS showed another type of adverse effect. It was an irritant and/or a corrosive agent to the respiratory tract in the acute (64 ppm for 1, 2, 4 or 8 h) and subacute (32 ppm for 2 or 4 wk) inhalation study. The fate of DCS in air was also studied and it was shown to form small particles including silicon and chlorine (Cl) atoms. Cl seems to play an important role in the toxicity of DCS.
Exposure to 2,2‐Dichloro‐1,1,1‐trifluoroethane (HCFC‐123) and Acute Liver Dysfunction: A Causal Inference
Authors: Takebayashi Toru , Kabe Isamu , Endo Yu'ichi , Tanaka Shigeru , Miyauchi Hiroyuki , Nozi Kazuko , Imamiya Shun‐ichiro , Takahashi Ken , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: February 2008

Exposure to 2,2‐Dichloro‐1,1,1‐trifluoroethane (HCFC‐123) and Acute Liver Dysfunction: A Causal Inference: Toru Takebayashi, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio University—Acute liver dysfunction has been reported among workers repeatedly exposed to 2,2‐dichloro‐1,1,1‐trifluoroethane (HCFC‐123), a substitute for trichlorofluoromethane. Causality between occupational exposure to HCFC‐123 and liver dysfunction was examined. Levels of exposure to HCFC‐123 were estimated retrospectively by reproducing working conditions and by a job record survey. Health surveillance, including liver function and subjective symptoms, was done when two workers first complained of ill health. The mean HCFC‐123 concentration in air was more than 200 ppm with a peak concentration of about 1,000 ppm in a processing area where HCFC‐123 was used. HCFC‐123 of 18‐24 ppm was detected in the adjunct areas where HCFC‐123 vapor was not generated. Workers (n=14) were then classified into high (n=5) and low (n=9) exposure groups according to the estimated exposure level, which was confirmed by determination of urinary trifluoroacetic acid. Mean serum AST and ALT levels were 236 IU//and 476 IU// among the high‐exposed workers, and exceeded 500 IU// in three workers. Various types of symptoms involving the central nervous system and digestive organs, and irritation of the mucous membrane, were also experienced. The degree and prevalence of these health effects were higher in the high exposure group, which indicates the exposure‐effect and exposure‐response relationships. The consistency and temporality of the relationship between HCFC‐123 exposure and the observed health effects were also confirmed. We conclude that repeated exposure to high concentrations of HCFC‐123 for no more than five weeks causes acute severe liver dysfunction with various symptoms in humans. Biological plausibility must be clarified to confirm the causality.
Dermal and Bronchial Responsiveness of Aluminium Smelter Workers
Authors: Hošovski Evgenije , Vidaković Aleksandar , Hošovski Mirjana
Published: February 2008

Dermal and Bronchial Responsiveness of Aluminium Smelter Workers: Evgenije HoSovski, et al. Health Center, Department of Occupational Medicine Uzice—Tests on derma! and bronchial responsiveness were carried out in aluminium smelter workers (exposed group, n = 127), and in office workers (control group, n=49). All the participants were male, apparently healthy, and tobacco non‐smokers. The studied groups were comparable for all parameters used, but not for occupational environment conditions (i. e. aluminium and other toxic noxae exposure). Patch and prick cutaneous test revealed hypersensitive reaction to pure aluminium, aluminium smelter dust, and histamine in a significant number of exposed workers. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine (but not to aluminium aerosol) was found in 38.5% of exposed workers, versus 2.0% of the control group. The research showed that mean values for IgA and IgG (but not IgE and IgM), were considerably higher in the serum of exposed workers. In respect to genetic markers, no important difference between the groups studied in alpha‐ 1 ‐anti‐trypsin values in serum was noted. The changes noted lead to the conclusion that there is an immunological disturbance in workers exposed for a long time to toxic compounds (mainly aluminium) in an aluminum smelter. Present knowledge cannot explain these findings by the adverse effects of aluminium alone.
Assessment of Peripheral, Central and Autonomic Nervous System Functions in Two Lead Smelters with High Blood Lead Concentrations: A Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Fujimura Yasushi , Araki Shunichi , Murata Katsuyuki , Sakai Tadashi
Published: February 2008

Assessment of Peripheral, Central and Autonomic Nervous System Functions in Two Lead Smelters with High Blood Lead Concentrations: A Follow‐Up Study: Yasushi Fujimura, et al. Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Tokyo—To examine the effects of lead on peripheral, central and autonomic nervous system functions, the median and radial motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (MCV and SCV), distribution of median nerve conduction velocities (DCV), short‐latency somatosensory, brainstem auditory and visual evoked potentials (SSEP, BAEP and VEP, respectively), event‐related potential (P300), and electrocardiographic R‐R interval variability (CVRR) were measured once a month for 12 and 25 months in two male lead smelters with the first blood lead (BPb) concentrations of 105.6 μg/dl (Lead smelter 1) and 76.5 μg/dl (Lead smelter 2), respectively. The measurements were conducted a day before the workers underwent BPb measurement and lead mobilization test with 1 ‐hr calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate infusion. The following results were obtained: (1) The delayed values for V 20‐V90 velocities of the DCV, MCVs in the median and radial nerves, SCV in the median nerve, N13‐N 20 interpeak latency of the SSEP, V latency of the BAEP, and P300 latency in Lead smelter 1 were significantly more frequent than the expected values in control subjects. (2) Also, the delayed values for V 60‐V90 velocities of the DCV, MCV and SCV in the median nerve, and N9 latency of the SSEP in Lead smelter 2 were significantly more frequent than the expected values in control subjects. (3) The delayed values for MCVs in the median and radial nerves and N13‐N20 interpeak (SSEP), V (BAEP) and P300 latencies in Lead smelter 1 were significantly more frequent than those in Lead smelter 2. (4) In the two lead smelters, the delayed values for V80 and V 90 velocities of the DCV were significantly more frequent than those for V10 and V20 velocities. These data suggest that faster nerve fibres of the peripheral nerve are more sensitive to chronic lead exposure than slower nerve fibres are, and peripheral nerve function is more sensitive to chronic lead exposure than central and autonomic nervous system functions.
Analysis of Japanese Occupational Health Services for Small‐ and Medium‐scale Enterprises in Comparison with the Finnish System
Authors: Mizoue Tetsuya , Huuskonen Matti S , Muto Takashi , Koskinen Kari , Husman Kaj , Bergström Monica
Published: February 2008

Analysis of Japanese Occupational Health Services for Small‐ and Medium‐scale Enterprises in Comparison with the Finnish System: Tetsuya Mizoue, et al. Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—The importance of establishing effective occupational health services (OHSs) for small‐ and medium‐scale enterprises (SMEs) has long been stressed. This study aims to characterize the Japanese OHSs for SMEs through comparison with the Finnish services in terms of relevant legislation, frontline providers, supporting organizations, service contents, personnel and subsidiary or special programs. In Finland the Occupational Health Services Act requires all employers to organize OHSs irrespective of the size of the enterprise, and municipal health centers and private medical centers are the two most common service models for SMEs. In Japan the law requires employers with 50 or more employees to appoint one or more occupational health physicians for advisory services, whereas small‐scale enterprises (SSEs) with fewer than 50 employees have available the services of the Regional Occupational Health Center. Expert supportive services are available in Finland from the Institute of Occupational Health, and in Japan they are available from the Occupational Health Promotion Center and several other organizations. Subsidiary programs have been developed for occupational health activities in SMEs in Japan. A nationwide action program on SSEs has begun to provide comprehensive services in Finland. In summary, Finland has attained higher coverage of OHSs for SMEs than Japan, not only through legislation but also by using flexible OHS models. Moreover, in Finland the content of the services is determined according to a risk assessment of each workplace and emphasis is placed on prevention, whereas in Japan health management based on a general health examination is the major type of OHS.
Urothelial Cancer Risk in Relation to Genotypes of Glutathione S‐Transferase (GST) M1, T1, P1 and N‐Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), and Tobacco Smoking
Authors: Katoh Takahiko , Nakano Masahiro , Yoshioka Makoto , Inatomi Hisato , Matsumoto Tetsuro , Kawamoto Toshihiro
Published: February 2008

Urothelial Cancer Risk in Relation to Genotypes of Glutathione S‐Transferase (GST) M1, T1, P1 and N‐Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), and Tobacco Smoking: Takahiko Katoh, et al. Department of Health Information Science, School of Health Sciences—Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of cancer. Molecular epidemiological studies were performed in order to elucidate the relationship between four polymorphic metabolic enzymes and susceptibility to urothelial cancer (bladder, renal pelvis and ureter) and cigarette‐smoking. The polymorphisms of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) M1, T1 and P1, and N‐acetyltransferase (NAT) 2 were analyzed by PCR, and a history of cigarette smoking was obtained through an interview with 102 cancer cases and with 100 controls. GSTM1 null genotype was a risk factor (odds ratio (OR), 2.12; 95% confidence interval (Cl), 1.17‐3.90), especially in smokers (OR, 3.70; 95%CI, 1.16‐12.79). GSTT1 null genotype and the polymorphism of GSTP1 at nucleotide 313 were not associated with the cancer risk. Slow acetylation genotype of NAT2 was a significant risk factor (OR, 4.75; 95%CI, 1.64‐15.90) in overall samples and the greatest risk for smokers (OR, 10.05; 95% Cl, 1.08‐240.6). To investigate the relationship between the cancer and the amount of smoking, we performed regression analysis for the relative risk of cancer as a function of the amount of smoking. The regression analysis shows that the susceptibility of people who have the GSTM1 null genotype or NAT2 intermediate acetylator genotype is easily raised by a little smoking compared to the GSTM1 positive genotype or NAT2 rapid acetylation genotype, respectively. These results imply that polymorphisms in the GSTM1 and NAT2 gene are a genetic determinant of urothelial cancer among Japanese, and the interaction between genes and cigarette smoking may be important in the development of urothelial cancer.
Preventive Effects on Low Back Pain and Occupational Injuries by Providing the Participatory Occupational Safety and Health Program
Authors: Koda Shigeki , Ohara Hiroshi
Published: February 2008

Preventive Effects on Low Back Pain and Occupational Injuries by Providing the Participatory Occupational Safety and Health Program: Shigeki Koda, et al. Department of Public Health, Kochi Medical School—The goal of the study was to estimate the effects of a participatory occupational safety and health (OSH) program on the incidence of low back pain (LBP) and occupational injuries (Ols). This participatory OSH program was introduced in the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waste Management in 1986. The authors examined the incidence rates of LBP and Ols with lost working time and/or medical care cost. The incidence rate per 100 full‐time employees was calculated from 2,297 claimed cases of LBP and 9,272 claimed ones of Ols from 1984 to 1994. The strategy of a participatory OSH program, which developed original rule‐based OSH activities, included two factors: OSH activities that involved employees and employers from 1986 to 1990, and have been promoted by employee participation since 1991. The incidence rates for LBP and Ols have decreased from 2.73 and 8.30 per 100 full‐time employees in 1986 to 0.87 and 5.02 in 1994, respectively. The participatory OSH program, which has promoted employee‐employer involvement and employee participation, is effective in preventing LBP and Ols in the workplaces.
Inquiry into Occurrence of Byssinosis in Jute Mill Workers
Authors: Chattopadhyay B.P. , Saiyed H.N. , Alam Sk. Jane , Roy S.K. , Thakur S. , Dasgupta T.K.
Published: February 2008

Inquiry into Occurrence of Byssinosis in Jute Mill Workers: B.P. Chattopadhyay, et al. Regional Occupational Health Center E—An epidemiological study was carried out on 196 jute mill workers to inquire into the occurrence of byssinosis and to study the pattern of pre‐shift and post‐shift changes in ventilatory functions during the working week. The respiratory symptoms were recorded in a questionnaire based on the definition of byssinosis. The pulmonary function tests (PFT) were done by means of a dry wedge bellows spirometer, Vitalograph. On each day, the PFT of the workers were done twice, i.e., half an hour before the beginning of work (pre‐shift record), and after five hours of work (post‐shift record) on six consecutive working days. In the present communication mainly the PFT results for the first working day are reported. The acute and chronic changes in ventilatory function were defined as recommended by the World Health Organization. Typical symptoms of byssinosis such as chest tightness and difficulty in breathing on the first day of the week (Monday) after a weekend rest were found in 18 (9.18%) workers. Another group of 28 (14.28%) workers complained of chest tightness and breathlessness after work on days other than Monday. This group of workers was referred to as having “atypical byssinosis”. A significant fall (post shift fall in FEV1 5% and more than the pre shift FEV1.0 value) was observed in 70 (35.71%) workers and chronic changes in FEV1.0 in 62 (31.63%) workers, respectively. It is concluded that the jute mill workers suffer from a specific respiratory morbidity which resemble the byssinosis observed in cotton, flax and hemp workers.
Seasonal Variation in Sudden Death among Japanese Workers: Why are There Peaks in Spring and Winter?
Authors: Hoshuyama Tsutomu , Takahashi Ken , Okubo Toshiteru
Published: February 2008

Seasonal Variation in Sudden Death among Japanese Workers: Why are There Peaks in Spring and Winter?: Tsutomu Hoshuyama, et al. Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—These days particular attention is being paid to sudden death among Japanese workers, an issue requiring an urgent solution. This study describes the seasonal variation in sudden death, and examines the synchronization of death with workers' busy period. Questionnaires were sent to occupational health physicians belonging to a representative sample of large‐scale working establishments in Japan. Inquired were cause, date, and other demographic information on sudden death cases that had occurred in each establishment from 1988 to 1992. The seasonal variation in sudden death was analyzed by age, cause of death, and industry, and synchronization of death with the period of settlement of accounts (SA) of the establishment was examined. Of 488 male sudden deaths reported, 362 were categorized as being of cardiovascular origin. Both the 488 cases and the 362 cardiac cases had two peaks of occurrence in March‐April and in Novennber‐December with statistical significance (p<0.01). Of the 201 cases aged 45‐54, 70 (35%) died within two months of the SA. The peak in March‐April may be accounted for by an increased number of sudden deaths among workers aged 45‐54, whereas the peak in November‐December may be accounted for by an increased number of sudden deaths among the entire worker population studied. Because both peaks were associated with busier periods for workers in Japan, work environmental factors may affect the seasonal variation resulting in such a distinctive shape of the curve for sudden death among workers.
Trends in Absenteeism due to Sickness and Injury between 1986 and 1995 at a Shipbuilding Company
Authors: Katsuyama Hironobu , Tsuchiya Goro , Sunami Shigeo , Saijoh Kiyofumi
Published: February 2008

Trends in Absenteeism due to Sickness and Injury between 1986 and 1995 at a Shipbuilding Company: Hironobu Katsuyama, et al. Department of Public Health, Kawasaki Medical School—Absentee records between 1986 and 1995 were examined at a shipbuilding company in Kobe. Although the absentees took longer absences at the company than in other companies which belonged to the Shipbuilders' Association of Japan, the annual incidence rate and the annual rate of days absent due to all sicknesses and injuries were decreased. In the circulatory and digestive diseases, the reduction was dramatic and, moreover, the length of absence per case was also reduced. The incidence rates for infectious and mental disorders were only slightly decreased, while the length of absence was significantly reduced. Neither the incidence rate nor the rate of days absent was significantly altered in either neoplasms, respiratory or musculoskeletal diseases but the annual incidence rate for musculoskeletal diseases alone was increasing slightly. Regarding ‘lifestyle‐related diseases' with long latent periods, it seems to be very difficult even to establish an accurate estimation of their prevalence. However, neoplasms and diseases of the circulatory system were at least included in commonly observed causes‐of‐death. Although the absentee records mainly reflected the severe cases which required long absences, a reduction in the length of absence for the circulatory and digestive diseases as well as their incidence and prevalence suggested a decrease in seriousness in such diseases. To supply better occupational health care to the workers, further investigation of the cost‐benefit relationship is required.
The Present and the Future of Occupational Health in Korea
Authors: Park Jungsun , Kim Yangho
Published: February 2008

The Present and the Future of Occupational Health in Korea: Jungsun Park, et al. Industrial Health Research Institute, Korea Industrial Safety Corporation, S. Korea—Generally the industrial development of Korea has accompanied increasing tendency of industrial injury and occupational disease. As the economy began to develop in the 1970s and the development of the heavy metal and petrochemical industries accompanied this economic growth, industrial injuries and occupational diseases have emerged as serious social problems. In the 1980s, the rapid introduction of new industries and technological innovations have further aggravated the work environments. The Industrial Safety and Health Law mandates employers to provide periodic medical examination, work environment measurement, and health management with the employment of a health supervisor to regulate industrial accidents and occupational diseases. These programs are important tools of protecting workers' health and, having been developed along with Korea's industrial health care system, has a historical meaning of its own. However, these programs can also be negatively criticized because of ritualistic and unproductive execution. Recently, the Government introduced new approaches to supplement the shortage of the mandatory occupational health services by law. The new approaches are reforming of occupational medical examination program, conducting the government funded subsidiary occupational health program for small‐sized enterprises, and the expansion of the workers' right to know and right to participate etc. While there have been a shift from uniformity and compulsory execution to autonomy, locality, and expansion of the workers' right to participate, the issue of necessary conditions for these new approaches to become effective in a developing nation such as Korea will grow in importance.
Effect of Chlordimeform on Cardiovascular Function in Occupational Exposures
Authors: Zhou Zhijun , Xue Shouzheng , Hu Yunping , Wu Hongmei
Published: February 2008

Effect of Chlordimeform on Cardiovascular Function in Occupational Exposures: Zhijun Zhou, et al. Department of Occupational Health, Shanghai Medical University—To understand the possible effects of an insecticide, chlordimeform, on the human cardiovascular system, this work was carried out. Pre‐ and post‐exposure, the medical examinations, especially cardiovascular functions, were meticulously done in farmers spraying 0.125% solution of chlordimeforme for 3 consecutive days and packers packing chlordimeform for one month. The exposure level was measured by means of the urinary excretion of chlordimeform and its main metabolite, 4‐chlor‐o‐tolumidine, as well as the air concentration in the work place and skin contamination by using a regional proportional sampling strategy. The alterations, though mild and diverse, were significant compared to their own pre‐exposure background. The changes in heart rate, blood pressure and some EKG parameters, such as T wave, P wave, PR interval and Qt interval were noticed. The cardiovascular functional changes were usual and sensitive findings in the exposed persons, and their importance in health surveillance needs to be emphasized.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Differentiating Manganism from Idiopathic Parkinsonism
Authors: Kim Yangho , Kim Jae‐Woo , Ito Kengo , Hisanaga Naomi , Cheong Hae‐Kwan , Kim Sang , Moon Younghahn
Published: February 2008

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Differentiating Manganism from Idiopathic Parkinsonism: Yangho Kim, et al. Industrial Health Research Institute, Korea Industrial Safety Corporation (KISCO)—It is difficult to distinguish manganism and idiopathic parkinsonism from each other, especially in the settings where an isolated patient with parkinsonism has spent time in a manganese (Mn)‐exposed working environment. We performed clinical examinations and laboratory studies including mangetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) in two Mn‐exposed workers (cases 1 and 2) who had parkinsonian features. The clinical features of case 1, however, were rather different from those of case 2, although both of them have some common parkinsonian features such as bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity. MRI in case 1 showed no abonormaities, but in case 2 showed symmetrical high signal intensities in the globus pallidus on a T1 weighted image. On PET findings, Ki values in the striatum were within the normal range in case 1, but reduced18F‐6‐fluorodopa uptake in the left putamen was seen in case 2. PET provides information of considerable value in discriminating between idiopathic parkinsonism and mangnism.
Possible Health Hazards Associated with the Use of Toxic Metals in Semiconductor Industries
Authors: Flora Swaran J.S.
Published: February 2008

Possible Health Hazards Associated with the Use of Toxic Metals in Semiconductor Industries: Swaran J.S. Flora. Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, India—Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Indium Arsenide (InAs) and Indium Phosphide (InP) are the intermetallic compounds that are recognised as a potential health risk to workers occupationally exposed to their dust. Exposure to these semiconductor compounds in the microelectronic industry can occur during the preparation of material, cleaning and maintenance operations for quartz glassware and during cleaning of the reactor. The toxic effect of the intermetallic semiconductors appears to occur due to inhalation or oral exposure and may result in poisoning. Assessment of risk to workers engaged in GaAs/InAs production is difficult due to the lack of data on the toxicity of these compounds. Their toxicity is mainly estimated on the basis of inorganic arsenic because it is now well known that GaAs and InAs dissociate into their constitute moieties and exert adverse effects on the haematopoietic and immune systems. As their toxicity is still not very well understood the treatment also remains to be elucidated.
Validity of the Conventional Indirect Methods Including Friedewald Method for Determining Serum Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level: Comparison with the Direct Homogeneous Enzymatic Analysis
Authors: Nakanishi Noriyuki , Matsuo Yoshio , Yoneda Hideo , Nakamura Koji , Suzuki Kenji , Tatara Kozo
Published: February 2008

Validity of the Conventional Indirect Methods Including Friedewald Method for Determining Serum Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level: Comparison with the Direct Homogeneous Enzymatic Analysis: Noriyuki Nakanishi, et al. Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Course of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine F2—Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) concentrations are most commonly estimated by the Friedewald formula [LDLC=total cholesterol (TC) ‐ high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ‐ triglycerides (TG)/5]. To assess the validity of the conventional indirect methods including Friedewald method for determining serum LDLC level, we analyzed 1953 serum samples from Japanese male office workers and compared the measured (the direct N‐geneous assay) serum LDLC concentrations with calculated values, by using several terms for TG (i.e., TG/4, TG/4.5, TG/5, TG/5.5, TG/6, TG/7, and TG/8) in the Friedewald formula. Linear regression analyses showed the highest correlation for the estimated LDLC by the original Friedewald formula, with the term TG/5, with the measured LDLC (r=0.958). The mean LDLC estimated by means of the original Friedewald formula was 1.4 mg/d/ higher than the mean measured LDLC (p<0.001), but the difference between the mean estimated LDLC and the mean measured LDLC was the smallest for estimation by means of the original Friedewald formula. As for the accuracy of calculation methods, TG/5 agreed best with the direct assay for TG concentrations ≤99 mg/d/and TG/4.5 was best for TG concentrations of 100‐249 mg/d/. For TG concentrations ≥250 mg/d/, TG/5 most closely matched the measured LDLC and gave the smallest mean percent errors, but with increasingly large estimation errors as TG increased. As for the accuracy of calculation methods according to lipidemic type, TG/5 was the best estimating term for normolipidemics (TC ≤219 mg/d/ and TG ≤149 mg/d/) and hypertriglyceridemics (TC ≤ 219 mg/d/and TG ≥ 150 mg/ 61), but the percentages of samples correctly estimated decreased with increasing TG concentrations. These results suggest that the original Friedewald formula, with the term TG/5, is reasonably well classified at TG concentrations ≤99 mg/d/ or in normolipidemics, but the potential for significant estimation errors steadily increases with increasing TG concentrations. We conclude that direct LDLC assay such as the N‐geneous method is a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of hypercholesterolemics, especially for those with increased TG.
Long Term Pulmonary Toxicity of Indium Arsenide and Indium Phosphide Instilled Intratracheally in Hamsters
Authors: Yamazaki Koji , Tanaka Akiyo , Hirata Miyuki , Omura Minoru , Makita Yuji , Inoue Naohide , Sugio Kenji , Sugimachi Keizo
Published: February 2008

Long Term Pulmonary Toxicity of Indium Arsenide and Indium Phosphide Instilled Intratracheally in Hamsters: Koji Yamazaki, et al. Department of Hygiene, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University—We examined the long‐term toxicological effects of III‐V semiconductor particles on laboratory animals. Eight‐week‐old male Syrian golden hamsters were given 4 mg/kg indium arsenide (InAs) or 3 mg/kg indium phosphide (InP) particles, both containing 2.4 mg/kg as indium, intratracheally twice a week for 8 weeks. Control hamsters were given only a vehicle, phosphate buffer solution. Over a 2‐yr period, these animals were euthanized serially and the biological effects were determined. Weight gain was significantly suppressed in both InAs and InP groups, compared to the control group, with greater suppression in the InAs group. The serum indium concentration in the InAs group was about twice as high as that in the InP group, in each period. Histopathologically, severe pulmonary inflammation and localized lesions with bronchiolo‐alveolar cell hyperplasia were present in both InAs and InP groups from just after the last administration. The localized lesions gradually transformed to proteinosis‐like lesions with periodic acid Schiff reagent positive exudation after 16 wk. By means of immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and argyrophilic proteins associated with nucleolar organizer regions staining, proliferative activities were evidenced in the localized lesions at each time and were noticeable in their early stage. K‐ras, a known oncogene, was not mutated in association with these lesions. In conclusion, InAs and InP particles caused severe systemic toxicity and pulmonary localized hyperplastic lesions with proliferative activity were derived via the respiratory route. Neoplastic change was nil even in a 2‐yr observation period.
Comparative Pulmonary Responses Caused by Exposure to Standard Cobalt and Ultrafine Cobalt
Authors: Zhang Qunwei , Kusaka Yukinori , Donaldson Kenneth
Published: February 2008

Comparative Pulmonary Responses Caused by Exposure to Standard Cobalt and Ultrafine Cobalt: Qunwei Zhang, et al. Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Fukui Medical University—The aim of this study was to compare the pulmonary toxicity after exposure to standard cobalt (Std‐Co) and ultrafine cobalt (Uf‐Co). Rats were intratracheally instilled with 1 mg of Std‐Co and Uf‐Co, and wet lung weight and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) profiles were analysed 1,3,7,15 and 30 d later. The effects of Std‐Co and Uf‐Co on indices that can be presumed to reflect epithelial injury and permeability (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total protein (TP)), and release of proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha)) were increased throughout the 30 d post‐exposure period. The results showed that the effects of Std‐Co and Uf‐Co on these indices were significantly higher than those of control. The results also showed that the effects of Uf‐Co on indices were significantly higher than those of Std‐Co from 1 to 15 d after instillation. Moreover, the number of neutrophils and LDH activity in BALF in rats after exposure to Uf‐Co were significantly greater than those of Std‐Co‐exposed rats up to 30 d after instillation. Our findings suggest that Uf‐Co has a much more toxic effect on the lungs than Std‐Co, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated.
Air Pollution and Hospital Admissions for Respiratory Disease in Certain Areas of Korea
Authors: Cho Belong , Choi Jaewook , Yum Yong‐Tae
Published: February 2008

Air Pollution and Hospital Admissions for Respiratory Disease in Certain Areas of Korea: Belong Cho, et al. Department of Family Medicine, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University—Recently studies reporting the incidence of diseases at air pollution levels below the recognized standard levels are increasing and the issue is becoming a matter of concern. We therefore examined the relationship between the level of air pollution in three areas of Korea and the incidence of respiratory diseases. Poisson regression models were used to account for day‐of‐the‐week effects and nonparametric smoothing to make adjustments for season and weather in this time series analysis. The levels of air pollution across the three selected areas were characterized by the total suspended particle (TSP) concentration, which in Daejon was 61.28 ± 29.22, in Ulsan 72.01 ±25.99, and in Suwon was 82.84 ± 30.18. The total number of hospitalized cases due to respiratory diseases during the study period was 5,446. The relative risk of hospitalization due to respiratory diseases caused by air pollutants after accounting for seasonal and temperature effects were as follows:‐CO (R.R.; 1.21, 95% C.I.; 1.02‐1.44) in a residential area (Daejon), and NO2 (R.R.; 1.47, 95% C.I.; 1.03‐2.10) and CO (R.R; 2.51,95% C.I.; 1.06‐5.93) in a heavily industrialized area (Ulsan), and were statistically significant. When the TSP concentration was manipulated as a quintile dummy variable, the relative risk of admission increased by 2.48% (95% C.I.: 1.82%—3.15%) for every quintile increase. In conclusion, respiratory disease admissions are related to NO2, CO, and TSP concentrations below the environmental standard, but the significance of this relationship was area dependent.
Mortality in a Cohort of Patients with Vibration Syndrome in Japan
Authors: Fukuda Yoshiharu , Futatsuka Makoto
Published: February 2008

Mortality in a Cohort of Patients with Vibration Syndrome in Japan: Yoshiharu Fukuda, et al. Health Promotion, Department of International Health Development, Division of Public Health, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University—To evaluate the mortality of patients certified to be suffering from vibration syndrome in the Kyushu region of Japan, the cohort consisting of 838 vibration syndrome patients who had worked at local forestry offices was followed up. A total of 15,208 person‐yrs of follow‐up data from 1966 to 1996 was analyzed. The mortality of the population of Kumamoto Prefecture, a central part of Kyushu region, was used to estimate the expected number. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for specific causes were calculated. 208 deaths were observed. The mortality from all causes was similar between in the cohort studied and in the general population. The remarkable differences were seen in leukemia (SMR 370, 95% Cl 227‐1000) and suffocation (SMR 269, 95% Cl 140 to 518). The excess mortality from leukemia in the cohort studied is likely due to exposure to wood dust or gasoline during forestry work and Human T‐cell Leukemia Virus type I infection. The increased mortality from suffocation is possibly attributable to suicide.
Stability of Factor Structure and Correlation with Perceived Job Stress in General Health Questionnaire: a Three‐wave Survey over One Year in Japanese Workers
Authors: Shigemi Jun , Mtno Yoshio , Tsuda Toshihide
Published: February 2008

Stability of Factor Structure and Correlation with Perceived Job Stress in General Health Questionnaire: a Three‐wave Survey over One Year in Japanese Workers: Jun Shigemi, et al. Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Okayama University Medical School—A cross‐sectional study was conducted to examine psychological symptoms and job stress in Japanese workers. To assess the stability of the relationship between the parameters for perceived job stress and mental health, two additional surveys were carried out six months and one year later. The surveys included demographic questions, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and questions relating to perceived job stress to measure the worker's mental health and job stress. Factor analyses were conducted to clarify the factor structure of mental health. As for the GHQ, the 6 dominant factors were interpreted. These factors involved “Anxiety and depression”, “Severe depression”, “Lack of interpersonal network or social support”, “Poor social activity”, “Insomnia”, and “Lack of a positive attitude”. This structure was stable in the 2 follow up surveys. A multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between extracted factors of the GHQ and job stress. The analysis showed that the factor “Anxiety and depression” had a significantly stable relationship with “Too much responsibility at work” and “Cannot keep up with new technology”.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Population Exposed to Biological Risk
Authors: Trevisan Andrea , Paruzzolo Paolo
Published: February 2008

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Population Exposed to Biological Risk: Andrea Trevisan, et al Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, University of Padova— The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was investigated in 1,221 subjects (809 exposed to different degrees of biological risk and 412 presumably not exposed personnel) employed in Padua University. The population was subdivided in four groups according to no, low and occasional, intermediate, even though continuous, and high exposure to biological risk. A past history of hepatitis B virus infection was detected in 10.0% of subjects (8.8% had positive hepatitis B antibodies, 1.1% positive hepatitis B surface antigens and 0.2% positive hepatitis B enveloped antigen). Seroprevalence of positive hepatitis B antibodies increased with age (p<0.001) but was not related with sex. No significantly high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was found among the groups, but excluding vaccinated subjects (333, 27.3%), the prevalence was significantly higher in intermediate (p<0.025) and the high (p<0.001) risk groups when compared with the other two groups, other than in high compared with the intermediate risk group (p<0.05). The results show low prevalence (10.0%) of hepatitis B virus infection in the examined population, but increasing according to the risk extent.
A Study on an Evaluation Tool for the Management of Liver Disease by Occupational Health Management Agencies
Authors: Jung Moon‐Hee , Cho Chung‐Min
Published: February 2008

A Study on an Evaluation Tool for the Management of Liver Disease by Occupational Health Management Agencies: Moon‐Hee Jung, et al. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Hanyang University—The management of liver disease is one of the most important services of occupational health nurses. It is therefore important to also develop an evaluation tool for it in order to improve the quality of nursing activities provided by occupational health management agencies. This study was conducted to develop such a standardized evaluation tool for the management of liver disease performed by occupational health nurses. The contents of the tool were made into the form of a questionnaire after the validity test and preliminary survey on the basis of interviews with occupational health nurses and workers given between Dec. 1,1997 and May 31,1998. The test for the reliability and validity of the developed tool was conducted on 106 nurses placed by occupational health management agencies and 136 workers diagnosed with liver disease, between July 30, 1998 and Sep. 30, 1998. 61 nurses' answers and 22 workers' answers were used for a test‐retest analysis. The data were analyzed by means of Cronbach's alpha coefficients, Pearson's correlations, Spearman's correlations and multiple regression analysis in SPSS/ PC‐k The results are as follows; 1.25 items in the tool for nurses and 17 in the tool for workers were finally selected as items in the questionnaire. And each item was in the form of a 5‐point scale. 2. Cronbach's alpha and test‐retest correlation coefficient of the finally developed tool were higher than 0.70 and its explanatory power for the common variables of each factor was higher than 90%, which proved that its reliability and content validity was fairly high. The tool developed in this study is therefore expected to be useful in evaluating the services for the management of liver disease provided by occupational health nurses in group health practice.