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We aimed to develop a method to determine workers' personal exposure levels to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glyphosate) for their risk assessments.The proposed method was assessed as follows: recovery, stability of samples on storage, method limit of quantification, and reproducibility. Glyphosate in air was sampled using an air-sampling cassette containing a glass fiber filter. Ultrapure water was used to extract glyphosate from sampler filters. After derivation with 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride, samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography using a fluorescence detector.Spiked samples indicated an overall recovery of 101%. After 7 days of storage at 4°C, recoveries were approximately 100%. The method limit of quantification was 0.060 μg/sample. Relative standard deviations representing overall reproducibility, defined as precision, were 1.4%-1.8%.The method developed in this study allows 4-h personal exposure monitoring of glyphosate at 0.250-500 μg/m

In this study, airborne particles were collected using filters, and the particle number concentrations were measured in two nanotitanium dioxide (nanoTiO2)-manufacturing plants. Real-time particle size measurements were performed using both optical and scanning mobility particle sizer and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The respirable particles collected using filters were used to analyze Ti concentrations in the workplace air of two factories engaged in nanoTiO2 powder bagging processes. The XRF analysis revealed sufficient sensitivity to measure 0.03 mg/m3, which is 1/10 the concentration of the recommended occupational exposure limit of nanoTiO2 in both stationary sampling and personal exposure sampling settings. In a factory where outside air was directly introduced, micron-sized aggregated particles were generated because of factory operations; however, nanosized and submicron-sized particles were not observed owing to high background concentrations of incidental nanoparticles. Alternatively, in another factory where particles from the outside air were removed using a high-efficiency particulate air filter, work-related nanoparticles were released. The findings of this study suggest that in nanoparticle powder handling processes, a nanoparticle exposure risk exists in the form of nonagglomerated state in nanoparticle powder handling processes.

Nonislet tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by refractory hypoglycemia, which often requires multifaceted therapy. We reported a case of a patient with pleural malignant mesothelioma and developed NICTH, for which chemotherapy, glucocorticoids, and nutrition were given to achieve optimal glycemic control., In patients with tumors and hypoglycemia without clear etiology, nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH), which can cause severe refractory hypoglycemia, should be considered. If tumor resection is not feasible, a multifaceted therapeutic approach that includes anticancer drugs, corticosteroids, and nutrition may be required for the management of NICTH.

Acute respiratory illnesses that presented with diffuse ground-glass opacities (GGOs) on chest computed tomography (CT) scan suggest the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, many other diseases show similar CT findings, which often offer a difficult differential diagnosis. Here, we report a case of humidifier lung, a rare phenotype of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), which mimicked COVID-19. A 71-year-old man was admitted because of dyspnea and diffuse GGOs found on chest CT scan. Although COVID-19 was initially suspected, his symptoms rapidly improved by the next day. A medical interview revealed that he had started using an ultrasonic humidifier 1 month ago. A high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan showed ill-defined centrilobular nodules and mosaic attenuation, which are typical of HP but atypical of COVID-19. The inhalation challenge test confirmed the diagnosis of humidifier lung. History-taking of humidifier use and a precise HRCT interpretation are helpful to differentiate it from COVID-19.

Increased variety and use of chemicals and the number of chemical disasters have changed chemical management. Europe and the United States have adopted self-regulation in chemical management; furthermore, countries worldwide must comply with the relevant United Nations recommendations and international standards for chemical management. Japan has experienced numerous pollution incidents and occupational disasters, resulting in the development of laws and regulations on chemical management; however, these policies are inconsistent with international trends. In particular, the shift from a compliance approach to self-regulation and measures for small businesses remain as challenges. This paper discusses the current situation and issues in chemical management in Japan, focusing on international trends.

Healthcare jobs are very popular among women, however in Japan, women readily quit working because of gender-role responsibilities. This study aimed to develop a workplace support checklist for women to continue to work. In 2017, we investigated 780 (female 74.8%) faculty members and healthcare professionals of one medical university in Japan. We asked them to score the extent to which they considered 35 items identified by a task team, to be related to continuous work support for female workers in healthcare. We carried out an exploratory factor analysis and extracted four domains with 16 items in all: &ldquo, Support for child rearing and home care&rdquo, (five items), &ldquo, Information dissemination&rdquo, Active promotion of women workers to higher positions&rdquo, (three items), and &ldquo, Consulting and counseling service&rdquo, (three items), with Cronbach&rsquo, s alpha values ranging from 0.88 to 0.92. We found that the first three factors were generally associated with reasonably relevant characteristics of being female, in their 30s, married, and members of faculty. We also found that women with &ldquo, Intention to leave&rdquo, the workplace underscored the importance of &ldquo, and &ldquo, These results suggest that the checklist is reliable and valid.

About a half of all patients with relapsing polychondritis show airway involvement, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality from this disease. FDG‐PET/CT is useful in the differential diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis from asthma.

This study aims to investigate which maternal body mass index (BMI) categories are associated with the non-initiation or cessation of breastfeeding (BF) based on a quantitative review of the literature. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and EBSCO CINAHL for peer-reviewed articles published between 1946 (MEDLINE) or 1981 (CINAHL), and 2019. Selected studies were either cross-sectional or cohort studies, of healthy mothers and infants, that reported nutrition method (exclusive/full or any) and period (initiation/duration/cessation) of breastfeeding according to maternal BMI levels. Pairwise meta-analyses of 57 studies demonstrated that the pooled odds risks (OR) of not initiating BF among overweight and obese mothers compared to normal weight mothers were significant across 29 (OR 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.54, I2 = 98%) and 26 studies (OR 1.61, 95% CI, 1.33–1.95, I2 = 99%), respectively; the pooled risks for BF cessation were inconsistent in overweight and obese mothers with substantial heterogeneity. However, we found that overweight mothers (n = 10, hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, 95% CI, 1.07–1.25; I2 = 23%) and obese mothers (n = 7, HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.27–1.65; I2 = 44%) were both associated with an increased risk of not continuing any BF and exclusive BF, respectively. Overweight and obese mothers may be at increased risk of not initiating or the cessation of breastfeeding.

We studied the structure of alginates extracted from five commercial Saccharina (Laminaria) species including three varieties (eight samples in all) harvested in Hokkaido, Japan. The algae used were Saccharina japonica, S. japonica var. diabolica, S. japonica var. ochotensis, S. japonica var. religiosa, S. longissima, S. coriacea, S. angustata, and S. sculpera (Kjellmaniella crassiforia). These alginates have molar fractions of mannuronic acid (F M) ranging from 0.68 to 0.76 and weight average molecular weights (M ws) ranging from 511,000 to 616,000. Alginate samples from both S. angustata (F M = 0.76) and S. longissima (F M = 0.68) showed intestinal immunological activity through Peyer's patch cells of C3H/HeJ mice. Low molecular weight S. angustata alginate (F M = 0.75, M w = 70,000) degraded using a wet pulverizing system showed higher activity than the native one.

Business process reengineering and lean are increasingly used to restructure public sector work. This article presents a case study of reengineering in a California welfare agency. It finds extensive work intensification and reduced autonomy for the workforce, and deteriorating service for the clientele. Rather than attribute these outcomes as inherent to the business process reengineering model, this article emphasizes how cost cutting and quantitative efficiency were prioritized over worker empowerment and service quality because the organization is a government agency facing severe budgetary pressures under neoliberalism, and the clientele consists of indigent families and individuals who have no choice of an alternative provider.

Diesel exhaust particles consist mainly of nanoparticles, the surfaces of which are covered with various organic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are known to be mutagenic or carcinogenic. Because some of these chemicals are volatile or semi-volatile, the fact that a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) operates at normal ambient pressure represents an advantage over many impactor-type samplers, which operate at half atmospheric pressure or less. In this study, we used twin custom-made DMAs as a nanoparticle sampler, and increased the sampling flow rate for each DMA separately. The sampler was used to sample ambient aerosol particulate matter (PM) at the side of a road carrying heavy traffic over a 4-day period. The average sizes of the aerosol particles collected were 80 and 240 nm. The PAHs on these particles were collected on quartz fiber filters and measured by direct-injection thermal-desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Twelve PAHs (3- to 6-ring PAHs), including benzo (a) pyrene, were analyzed quantitatively. The nanoparticles collected by the DMA sampler were richer in 5- to 6-ring PAHs than PM2.5 particles sampled in parallel. Scanning electron microscopy of the nanoparticles deposited on the DMA electrodes showed that the 240-nm particles (as classified by the DMA) were agglomerates of soot particles with a unit size of around 50nm or less, whereas the 80-nm particles consisted of single nanoparticles or agglomerates of a few particles.

Diesel engines are widely used in industries, for example transportation, mining, and construction, because they efficiently produce high power. In diesel exhaust particles (DEP), the number of ultrafine particles, less than around 100 nm, is dominant in contrast to mass size distribution. Carcinogenic PAHs may be adsorbed on DEP at high concentrations. As occupational exposure usually occurs near emission sources, workers are likely to be exposed to high concentration DEP. The exhaust emissions of diesel engines have become lower by modification of the engines and fuels, and introduction of filters and catalysts, thus it has become more difficult to monitor mass and chemical components in DEP. New technology and instruments are being introduced to characterize DEP especially chemically. Recently, quick analytical methods without extraction, and continuous or semi-continuous methods have been introduced. This article will review 1) Elemental Carbon (EC) monitors, 2) analytical methods of individual PAH without solvent extraction, and 3) continuous PAH monitor, because EC and PAH are typical constituents for DEP.

In this study, "Argonsol" is defined as an assembly of liquid or solid particles suspended in argon, just as an aerosol is a suspension in air. Argonsol can be generated by a nebulizer and fed into a plasma torch for measurement by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We have developed a new gas-conversion method, by means of a DMA, from normal aerosol to size-classified Argonsol for a chemical analysis using ICP-MS. A test aerosol containing lead as a typical toxic heavy metal was introduced into this system. With this system the size-related elemental concentration of lead nitrate particles in the range of 30 to 140 nm was measured. The sensitivity of this system is better than fg (10 -15 g) of lead in the total mass of particles introduced into ICP-MS. In principle, it is possible for our system to analyze all the elements that ICP-MS and/or ICP-AES can analyze.

A male worker who handled thallium-containing raw material for glass manufacturing over a period of four years complained of alopecia, abdominal pain, diarrhea and tingling in the four extremities. Neurological examination of this patient revealed signs of mild glove-stocking-type polyneuropathy. Lower sensory nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve in the right hand than in the left hand suggested that conduction function in the dominant hand was reduced. The thallium content of the hair, as determined by an ICP-MS method, was 20 ng/g for the patient and 576 ng/g for his successor in the time of 32 months and 13 months, respectively, after they had ceased their glass production work. Those levels of thallium exposure were considered high, compared with the control levels so far reported. The clinical course of signs and symptoms, neurophysiological findings and thallium content of hair suggested that the patient suffered from chronic poisoning due to occupational exposure to thallium-containing dust.

Various applications of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been developed. One of these applications is an efficient sheet heating element that is woven from MWCNT-coated yarn. In this research, we assessed the exposure to MWCNT and/or the probability of particle release from broken MWCNT-coated yarn during the weaving process. This was accomplished using particle concentrations, microscopic observation, and carbon analysis. In the weaving process, neither an increase in the number of particles nor a difference in particle-size distribution was observed. In the scanning electron micrographic observation, nanosize MWCNT particles were not detected, but there were micron-size particles containing MWCNT as fragments of the yarn. Carbon analysis showed the concentration of micron-size particles containing MWCNT did not exceed 0.0053 mg-C/m(3) around the loom. This value was much lower than the respirable dust mass concentration. Most of micron-size particles seemed to originate from polyester yarn without MWCNT coating. It is recommended that workers use conventional (even not specialized for nanoparticles) personal protective equipment such as respirators and gloves to prevent exposure to respirable-size MWCNT-containing particles. The probability of MWCNT fall-off from the MWCNT-coated yarn was not detected by transmission electron microscopic observation of MWCNT-coated yarn before or after the weaving process.

As multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) come to be used in a wider range of products, increasing production is expected to result in greater exposure of workers to MWCNTs. In this research, we present a method for evaluating the concentration of MWCNT aerosols distinctively on the basis of the elemental carbon (EC) concentration. Respirable dust is sampled using a Sioutas cascade impactor (SCI) for a certain volume of workplace air. The SCI can collect size-segregated particles having aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 μm, 1.0 μm, 0.5 μm, 0.25 μm and

During mouse skin wound healing, mRNAs encoding IL-1, activins, and TGF-βs significantly increased. To elucidate involvement of IL-1 in the regulation of activins and related factors in the wounded skin, human foreskin fibroblasts were stimulated with IL-1β, and levels of mRNAs encoding activins, TGF-βs, and follistatin family proteins were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. IL-1β increased activin βA (INHBA) and follistatin (FST) mRNA expression within 6 h. A p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB202190, a MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, U0126, and an nuclear factor κB pathway inhibitor, SC-514, significantly suppressed the IL-1β-stimulated INHBA and FST mRNA expression. A prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase inhibitor indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, also significantly suppressed the IL-1β-stimulated INHBA but not FST mRNA expression. Furthermore, stimulation of fibroblasts with PGE2 significantly increased INHBA mRNA. The PGE2-induced INHBA mRNA expression was significantly suppressed by U0126 and a protein kinase C inhibitor, Gö 6983. Although IL-1β stimulated FST mRNA in an acute phase, long-term exposure of fibroblasts to IL-1β revealed time-dependent stimulatory and inhibitory effects of IL-1β on FST mRNA expression. On the other hand, coculture with keratinocytes significantly increased INHBA mRNA expression in dermal equivalents. In summary, the present study indicates that the p38 MAPK, the MAPK/ERK kinase, the nuclear factor κB pathway, and PGE2 mediate the effects of IL-1β on INHBA mRNA expression. Furthermore, it is indicated that keratinocyte-derived factor of factors stimulate INHBA mRNA expression during wound healing.

A sustained release nifedipine fine granules, Sepamit R Granules® (SP-RG), is a product prepared by using the technique of solid dispersion. Dissolution behavior of nifedipine from SP-RG was tested based on the results of incompatibility. The photostability of SP-RG was also tested. Dissolution rate of nifedipine from SP-RG was 12.5% in JP XII 1st disintegration test fluid (pH 1.2) and 100.9% in JP XII 2nd disintegration test fluid (pH 6.8). Dissolution of nifedipine in JP XII 2nd fluid was delayed by moisture absorption during storage (relative humidity of 75% at 20° for 30 days). Dissolution of nifedipine from SP-RG in JP XII 1st fluid was increased by mixing of SP-RG with sodium bicarbonate or heavy magnesium oxide during storage (relative humidity of 75% at 20° for 30 days).Nifedipine in SP-RG packaged with polyethylene cellophan laminate paper completely decomposed after 72 hours, under exposure to light (500 lux), while it was stable even after 30 days with aluminium polyethylene laminate paper.

Is it possible by computerization of an ambulatory-care pharmacy to decrease outpatient waiting time and to increase the efficiency of the prescription-dispensing process? To improvework flow and reduce outpatient waiting time, we compared the total waiting time of a traditional outpatient pharmacy dispensing system (previous) with that of a computerized dispensing system (current). Various tasks performed in pharmacy are shown Figure 1.Using time recorders, the time taken to perform these tasks was recorded. Three separate weeks, one in July 1989 (previous), one in December 1989 (current) and one in March 1990 (current), were chosen for data collection.The decrease in waiting time was evaluated comprehensively by determining the average waiting time.the gradient of calculating the arrival time of medicines in pharmacy counter, and minimum and maximum waiting times for every 10 continuous prescriptions (Population. means a group of patients who received their own medicines in pharmacy counter just after lighting of indicator board). In comparison with the traditional system, both the average waiting time and the time to complete the clerical component of the outpatient dispensing process decreased, but maximum waiting time showed no change from the time-distribution curve.Indication of waiting time to each patient should be corrected properly.

A simple direct injection method for analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or other organic components of particulate matter by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was developed. This method uses a small custom brass capsule to insert a particulate sample deposited on a quartz fiber filter or powdery sample directly into a GC injector inlet. This approach was applied in the analysis of PAHs in diesel emissions and other particulate samples, which are introduced into the GC and analyzed by MS using selected ion monitoring mode. Quantitation is based on the concentration of PAHs in a standard reference material (SRM), which are certified by US National Institute of Standard Technology to avoid matrix effects on extraction efficiency. A standard filter is prepared by deposition of small amount of SRM of diesel particulate or ambient PM on quartz fiber filter. By this method, the linearity for 12 kinds of PAHs (3 to 6 rings) was demonstrated from 0.022 mg to 0.65 mg of SRM 1650. The linearity of BaP, for example, was confirmed from 0.028 to 0.845 ng. The reproducibility of this method determined by analyzing the standard filter was 15.4%. By selecting an appropriate SRM as a standard material, this method is applicable for analyzing PAHs in fine particulate matter of less than 1 microm from various origins. Preliminary results for a series of ambient particulate matter, roadside PM, diesel soot and sidestream smoke, are presented. This method enables analysis of organic chemical substances, for example PAHs, in PM without any pretreatment using organic solvent, and without any expensive modification of GC instrument.

A method for determining phosphine was developed using adsorption sampling followed by colorimetric measurement. Two types of adsorbent used in this study were prepared from silica gel by impregnation with potassium permanganate (1% w/w) or (mercury(II) chloride and sodium chloride) (0.2 + 0.2% w/w). Each adsorbent (150 mg) packed in a glass tube had the capacity to adsorb 0.3 ppm of phosphine in 3 l of test gas passing through at a rate of 300 ml/min without breakthrough. The adsorbed phosphine was desorbed into solutions as phosphate and the recovered phosphate was determined by ICP-AES or by one of two kinds of colorimetric methods for phosphate based on the molybdenum blue method, i.e., the colorimetric method following JIS K 0102 and that following the NIOSH Manual of analytical method, No. S 332. When 0.01 ppm of phosphine in 3 l of test gas was adsorbed on the potassium permanganate adsorbent and determined by the JIS method, 93.8% of the phosphine was recovered as phosphate with a CV of 12.9% (n = 3). This method was applicable to field surveys of phosphine in workplaces. The other method with the mercury(II) chloride adsorbent followed by the NIOSH method resulted in lower recovery of phosphate in low phosphine concentration range. ICP-AES was less sensitive than the colorimetries. The effect of coexistent arsenite or silicate on the colorimetry of phosphate was assessed.

The dissolution rates of rare earth oxides and two types of rare earth containing functional materials into water, saline solution, and Gamble's fluid were measured in order to evaluate the biological effects of rare earth-containing functional materials. The tested materials were yttrium, lanthanum, cerium and neodymium oxides, and neodymium-boron-iron magnet alloy (NdBFe) and lanthanum-mish-metal-nickel-cobalt (LmNiCo) hydrogen-containing alloy. The dissolution rates of the rare earth oxides were very low, resulting in concentrations of rare earth elements in the test solutions of the order of ppb. In the most extreme case, Gamble's fluid dissolved 1,400 times more of the rare earth oxides than pure water. Fairly high concentration of neodymium were found in the dissolving fluids, which means that trace neodymium present as an impurity in each rare earth oxide dissolved preferentially. For yttrium oxide, the ratio of neodymium to yttrium that dissolved in the saline solution was greater than 78,000 to 1, taking into account the amount of each that was originally present in the yttrium oxide.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have many beneficial characteristics, but it is concerned that exposure to MWCNTs may pose health risks. As an approach to the quantitative exposure assessment of MWCNTs, we have characterized and determined MWCNTs by elemental carbon (EC) using an aerosol carbon monitor. The EC fractions oxidized at different temperatures correspond sample characteristic such as diameter of MWCNT or origins of particles. As MWCNTs aggregate/agglomerate easily, they are usually observed as micron-size particles. Whereas, EC contained in ambient particulate matter (APM) is mainly observed in fine particles. Therefore, the size of airborne particles is a good parameter to distinguish MWCNT from other carbonaceous particles, especially APM. The size and oxidized temperature of EC suggested the origin of the carbonaceous aerosol samples. Exposure assessment of MWCNT was conducted by utilizing the size distribution of EC in the environment where particulate MWCNT or MWCNT-containing composite was handled. A procedure for exposure assessment of MWCNT-related workplace is proposed.

OBJECTIVES In order to assess the exposure risks of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) for packing workers, we carried out real-time monitoring in the two types of packing facilities of MWCNT, and exposure measurements for the packing workers. METHODS In the real-time monitoring, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an optical particle counter (OPC) were used to measure nanoscale particles and sub-micron/micron scale particles, respectively. A personal sampler with PM 4.0 was used to measure the personal exposures in the packing facilities. RESULTS One of the packing facilities is manually operated and the other is automated. The concentrations of airborne dust in both facilities were almost the same as each other at 0.24 mg/m(3) (total dust). However, the results of personal exposure measurements were quite different between the two facilities. The exposure concentrations of workers in the manually and automated operations were 2.39/0.39 (total/respirable) mg/m(3) and 0.29/0.08 (total/respirable) mg/m(3), respectively. From the time series study, submicron scale particles were released into the workplace air when the CNT products were put into temporary container bags from a hopper and manually packed into shipping bags. However, the task-related nanoscale particle release was not observed. CONCLUSIONS The manual packing operation is one of the "hot spots" in MWCNT production facilities, and automation brings much improvement to reduce MWCNT exposure.

An adsorption sampling method for airborne silane was developed using active carbon made from synthetic thermosetting resin beads, and an ac-companying procedure to determine silane concentration was established. The resin active carbon had very low silicon contamination (0.31-3.14 μg Si/g), and its ca-pacity for adsorbing silane was improved by impregnating sodium hydroxide up to 20 wt.% of the carbon. This sodium hydroxide-impregnated-active carbon (200 mg) had the capacity to adsorb 5 ppm of silane in 6l of air drawn at the rate of 200 m//min, without breakthrough. To quantify the silane, the adsorbed silane was desorbed into 4 ml of water at 80°C with more than 90% efficiency, and the final solution of silicate ions in the sodium hydroxide solution was analyzed by graphite furnace AAS with a pyrocoated graphite tube. From the results, adsorp-tion sampling tubes were formed by packing 200 mg and 100 mg of the resin active carbon impregnated with sodium hydroxide as two separate beds in a polyethylene tube of 4 mm inside diameter. The lower limit of slilane determination by this method was less than 1 ppm in 1l of air.