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Background Predicting the incidence of chemotherapy‐triggered acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE‐ILD) in patients with lung cancer is important because AE‐ILD confers a poor prognosis. The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), which is an inflammation‐based index composed of serum levels of C‐reactive protein and albumin, predicts prognosis in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) without ILD. In this study, we investigated AE‐ILD and survival outcome based on the GPS in patients with ILD associated with SCLC who were receiving chemotherapy. Methods Medical records of patients who received platinum‐based first‐line chemotherapy between June 2010 and May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed to compare the incidence of AE‐ILD and overall survival (OS) between GPS 0, 1, and 2. Results Among our cohort of 31 patients, six (19.3%) experienced chemotherapy‐triggered AE‐ILD. The AE‐ILD incidence increased from 9.5% to 25.0% and 50.0% with increase in GPS of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed remarkable associations between GPS 2 and both AE‐ILD (odds ratio for GPS 2, 18.69; p = 0.046) and prognosis (hazard ratio of GPS 2, 13.52; p = 0.002). Furthermore, median OS in the GPS 0, 1, and 2 groups was 16.2, 9.8, and 7.1 months, respectively (p, The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) tends to be associated with incidence of acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE‐ILD) (p = 0.082). GPS 2 is an independent risk factor for chemotherapy‐triggered AE‐ILD and prognosis in SCLC patients. GPS may be used as a guide to distinguish chemotherapy‐tolerant patients from those at high risk of AE‐ILD.

This study investigated the association between menstrual symptoms and the intention to leave work among female nurses in Japan.This cross-sectional study investigated female nurses (n = 317) at two university hospitals. The items measured were their characteristics (e.g., age, body mass index), "intention to leave" work, somatic symptoms related with menstruation, self-reported menstrual characteristics (e.g., pain), physical workloads (e.g., working hours and night shifts) and psychological workloads, measured with the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Participants with at least four somatic symptoms (e.g., cold, fatigue) which are present during their menstrual cycles were considered to have "somatic symptoms associated with menstruation." We also measured serum ovarian and gonadotropin-releasing hormones.Approximately 40% of women answered "intention to leave" work, and 17% had "somatic symptoms associated with menstruation." Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that nurses reporting "somatic symptoms associated with menstruation" were more likely to have "intention to leave" work: the adjusted odds ratios (AOR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) were 2.15 (1.12-4.11) in the personal-burnout model, 2.23 (1.16-4.31) in the work-related burnout model, 2.91 (1.52-5.56) in the client-related burnout model; 2.96 (1.50-5.82) in the JCQ model. There was no association between serum and gonadotropin hormones and the intention to leave.Somatic symptoms with menstruation were associated with intention to leave work among female Japanese nurses. Intervention for somatic symptoms with menstruation might support nurses to continue work.

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.

In this paper we review the risk assessment of carbonaceous nanomaterials, such as single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), fullerenes and carbon black, and summarize elemental carbon (EC) analyses for the determination of the those nanomaterials, focusing on the inhalation exposure of airborne nanomaterials. In the reports of hazard assessment, the proposed OELs (Occupational Exposure Limits) of MWCNTs and SWCNTs ranged from 1 to 50 μg/m3. The fullerenes and carbon black seem to be less toxic than the CNTs. In the reports of exposure assessment, the aerosol concentrations of MWCNTs and SWCNTs in work environments were from less than 0.1 to more than 100 μg/m3. The expected minimum concentration of airborne MWCNTs in the EC analyses was around 1 μg/m3, but the concentrations of EC in ambient particulate matters (APM) were more than 1 μg/m3 in urban environments. The EC analysis introduced in this paper is a convenient method to quantify the carbonaceous nanomaterials in the samples, but size-classification of aerosol samples by cascade impactor and observation using electron microscopes are needed to confirm the characteristics of the nanomaterials.

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.

Purpose Finger sucking is the most commonly observed habit in children. However, a prolonged sucking habit may have negative effects on dentition and occlusal development, including maxillary protrusion, anterior open bite, and posterior cross-bite. For treatment of malocclusion, early detection is important, especially in children, though it is difficult to exam oral habits using typical dental examination methods. In this study, we report the relationship between a callus on the sucking finger and malocclusion. Methods While performing dental examinations, we checked the fingers of 719 children (0–6 years old) who were attending 10 different kindergartens in Sendai City, Japan, in 2009 to determine the presence of a sucking callus formed by a finger sucking habit. Results The peak ratios of children with a sucking callus and malocclusion was at the age of 2 years (13.6% and 11.0%, respectively), and then decreased with age. Maxillary protrusion was detected in 42.9%, 56.2%, 42.9%, and 37.5% of the children with a sucking callus at the age of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years old, respectively. In those with maxillary protrusion, a sucking callus was detected in 42.9%, 75%, 75%, and 60%, respectively. Conclusion We concluded that the presence of a sucking callus is a useful indicator for malocclusion caused by an oral habit.

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.

Purpose Several methods have been used to prevent dental caries, including fluoride application to strengthen teeth and promote remineralization and the use of sealants to fill pits and fissures in pediatric dentistry. However, none of these methods alone can be considered a perfect preventive treatment. For caries prevention, we evaluated pre-reacted glass-ionomer (PRG) Barrier Coat (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan), a tooth-surface coating material developed using PRG technology that contains high levels of controlled-release fluoride. Methods The tooth-surface coating material was applied clinically as a new method of preventing dental caries. Its effect on plaque adhesion, along with its preventive effect on dental caries was investigated in actual cases treated in a pediatric dentistry department of a university hospital. Results PRG Barrier Coat was shown to have suitable adhesive strength and to be a safe material that does not fracture the adherend. Actual ion release and acid buffering were confirmed, and when clinically applied, continuous fluoride release and recharge occurred, as did the release of the other ions. This suggests that this material promoted dentin remineralization, suppressed plaque adherence, and had a preventive effect on dental caries. Conclusion This material promoted enamel remineralization, suppressed plaque adherence, and had a preventive effect on dental caries. These results suggest that this coating material is appropriate for young children at high risk of dental caries.

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.

Background and objective Recently, there have been produced several kinds of camera systems, lighting devices and image processing programs. The intraoral photographs are periodically required in pediatric dentistry, since the oral environment of children changes rapidly and dramatically because of disease, growth, and tooth eruption. However, the suitable settings for intraoral digital imaging have not yet been reported. In this study, single-lens reflex and mirrorless cameras were used with a ring flash, ring light emitting diode (LED), or standard fluorescent lamp to determine the optimal exposure parameters for occlusal photography. Materials and methods Fifty-six dentists evaluated images of a discolored nonvital central incisor and first molar with recurrent caries and stained fissures clipped from a low-magnification photograph of the adult maxillary occlusal surface reflected in a mirror by using various F-numbers (representing aperture), shutter speeds, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) numbers (representing light sensitivity). Results The results showed that F-numbers between 5.6 and 10, shutter speeds faster than 1/30s, and ISO 800 produce the best occlusal images when a 60 mm f/2.8 Macro lens is used. Better images are obtained with ring LED than with ring flash. Furthermore, ISO 3200 is required for low-magnification photography in natural light. Finally, intraoral digital images should be captured under low magnification, because tilted or deflected images can be adjusted by using imaging software.

A mucocele is a common lesion originating from the minor salivary glands and frequently seen in children. For this study, we established an ex vivo mucocele model using a mouse salivary gland organ culture method. Results First, medium from the upper portion of salivary gland organ cultures was either removed or not, then culturing was continued for 10 days. After that 10-day period, 13 of 21 specimens (61.9%) in the medium removed group showed mucocele-like mucus restoration, while only 1 of 15 (6.7%) in the non-medium removed group showed restoration. Next, we examined mucocele type in the ex vivo salivary gland organ cultures and found mucous retention type mucocele formation in only the main duct of most of the cultures. Other types were observed in the main excretory and intercalated ducts, but not exclusively in the intercalated duct. We also investigated the effect of duct cutting on mucocele recrudescence. Mucoceles that developed in the cultures were cut with stainless needles under a stereomicroscope and mucus was promptly discharged. At 7 days after duct cutting, 5 of 19 specimens (26.3%) showed recrudescence mucus retention. Conclusions This is the first report of establishment of an ex vivo pathogenic condition for examination of salivary glands. Our model may be useful to establish mucocele treatment options including drug screening and surgical procedures.

Cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions are essential for cell differentiation, function, and maintenance of skeletal tissue. Gap junction proteins, composed of connexin (Cx) and pannexin (Panx) families, mediate these interactions and play an important role in cell–cell communications. Cx and Panx share similar protein structures, but have evolved differently. The Panx family was initially identified by its sequence homology to the invertebrate gap junction innexin family. The Panx family comprises three members, Panx1, 2, and 3. Panx1 is expressed in many organs, such as the eyes, thyroid, prostate, kidneys, and liver, but its expression is especially strong in the central nervous system. Similarly, Panx2 is expressed mainly in the central nervous system. Panx3 is expressed predominantly in skeletal tissues, including cartilage and bone. In this review, we describe the expression and functions of Cxs and Panx3 in cartilage and bone.

Novel carbonaceous nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and fullerenes have many beneficial characteristics as industrial materials, but exposure to these nanomaterials also poses health risks. As part of an exposure assessment, we characterized the following carbonaceous nanomaterials, using an aerosol carbon monitor: nine samples of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), a sample of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), a standard sample of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), and an ambient particulate matter (APM). The amounts of elemental carbon (EC) determined by the monitor coincided with the mass of MWCNTs calibrated by a microbalance. The carbonaceous nanomaterials were oxidized in three steps of oven temperatures (550, 700 and 920 °C) in this method. The portion of oxidized carbon at each temperature depended on the sample characteristic. We used the monitor to analyze the aerosol samples collected in five stages by a Sioutas cascade impactor (SCI), which collects size-segregated airborne particles having aerodynamic diameters from 6.6 μm to less than 0.25 μm. As MWCNTs aggregate/agglomerate easily, the size was of a good parameter to distinguish the MWCNTs from other materials. Two-dimensional mapping by size and oxidized temperature suggested the origin of the carbonaceous aerosol samples. Based on the results, we reanalyzed our previous data obtained at a factory manufacturing MWCNTs. The characteristics of workplace samples by particle size and carbon analysis were similar to those of MWCNT aerosol particles.

As the production of engineered nanomaterials quantitatively expands, the chance that workers involved in the manufacturing process will be exposed to nanoparticles also increases. A risk management system is needed for workplaces in the nanomaterial industry based on the precautionary principle. One of the problems in the risk management system is difficulty of exposure assessment. In this article, examples of exposure assessment in nanomaterial industries are reviewed with a focus on distinguishing engineered nanomaterial particles from background nanoparticles in workplace atmosphere. An approach by JNIOSH (Japan National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) to quantitatively measure exposure to carbonaceous nanomaterials is also introduced. In addition to real-time measurements and qualitative analysis by electron microscopy, quantitative chemical analysis is necessary for quantitatively assessing exposure to nanomaterials. Chemical analysis is suitable for quantitative exposure measurement especially at facilities with high levels of background NPs.

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.

Mass production of some kinds of carbon nanotubes (CNT) is now imminent, but little is known about the risk associated with their exposure. It is important to assess the propensity of the CNT to release particles into air for its risk assessment. In this study, we conducted aerosolization of a multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) to assess several aerosol measuring instruments. A Palas RBG-1000 aerosol generator applied mechanical stress to the MWCNT by a rotating brush at feed rates ranging from 2 to 20 mm/h, which the MWCNT was fed to a two-component fluidized bed. The fluidized bed aerosol generator was used to disperse the MWCNT aerosol once more. We monitored the generated MWCNT aerosol concentrations based on number, area, and mass using a condensation particle counter and nanoparticle surface area monitor. Also we quantified carbon mass in MWCNT aerosol samples by a carbon monitor. The shape of aerosolized MWCNT fibers was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The MWCNT was well dispersed by our system. We found isolated MWCNT fibers in the aerosols by SEM and the count median lengths of MWCNT fibers were 4–6 μm. The MWCNT was quantified by the carbon monitor with a modified condition based on the NIOSH analytical manual. The MWCNT aerosol concentration (EC mass base) was 4 mg/m3 at 2 mm/h in this study.

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.

To understand the exposure to Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from CNT composites in work environments, case studies were conducted on machining, weaving, and incineration, in work environments and in simulation studies. The case studies showed that fragments of CNT composites having protruding CNTs were observed in most of the cases, moreover, individual CNTs or agglomerates were also observed in some cases during mechanical processes. In most cases, direct-reading instruments are being used; however, most of the released particles are a mixture of fragments with or without CNTs. Moreover, in real workplaces, direct-reading instruments are not sensitive enough to detect the release of small numbers of particles. To distinguish CNTs or CNTs embedded in polymers from the interference of background particles, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations should be conducted. The release of particles should be evaluated quantitatively to compare the results and assess the health effects. To quantify these particles, a harmonized method is needed.

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.

当施設で経過観察中の男児出産歴のある全身性強皮症(SSc),全身性エリテマトーデス(SLE),シェーグレン症候群患者(SjS)を対象にfetal microchimerismを検討した。末梢血中に残存する胎児由来細胞を,Y染色体マーカー(DYZ 1)を用いて二段階PCR法にて検出した。さらにY染色体検出群,非検出群間の病型,臨床症状,自己抗体の差異について比較,検討した。結果,対照の健常者女性では20例中2例(10%)の末梢血抽出ゲノムDNA中にDYZ 1が検出されたのに対し,SSc患者17例中8例(47.7%)にDYZ 1配列が検出され,有意(p=0.031)に高頻度であった。またSLE 9例, SjS 4例の末梢血抽出ゲノムDNA中にDYZ 1配列は検出されなかった。一方SScの臨床像との比較検討で, DYZ 1配列が検出された群において,皮膚硬化が中枢側に及び様々な内臓病変を伴う症例が多い傾向にあり,多彩な自己抗体の出現を認めた。また原発性胆汁性肝硬変を合併した3例すべてよりDYZ 1配列を検出した。

Autoantibodies to human carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) were screened by ELISA in 109 sera from Asian–Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjogren’s syndrome (Sjs), progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and dermatomyositis (DM). Anti-CAII antibodies were positive in 24.1% of SLE, 20.0% of primary Sjs, 16.7% of PSS and 25.0% of DM. On the other hand, sera from atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid and psoriasis patients showed no activity for anti-CAII antibodies. CAII could be a common exonuclear autoantigen in subsets of rheumatic autoimmune diseases.

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.