Polysystemic assessment of the state of sanogenesis in workers employed in nuclear fuel plants. The analysis of functional state of cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychomotor systems

The state of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychomotor systems of workers employed in nuclear fuel plant was evaluated using a computer-assisted laboratory complex. It was found that neuroendocrine regulation of the peripheral circulation and muscular activity responsible for fine motions are most vulnerable to industrial hazardous factors.     

The effect of exposure to high and low frequency hand-arm vibration on finger systolic pressure

Twenty-three patients with hand-arm vibration exposure and diagnosed vibration syndrome were given a thorough clinical and neurophysiological examination, together with finger strain gauge plethysmography. Eleven of the patients were forest workers regularly using chain saws (low frequency vibration exposure), and twelve were metal grinders (higher frequency vibration exposure). Both groups had significantly lower finger blood pressures than healthy controls, and comparisons between the groups indicated that the mean values tended to be lower in the grinders. The findings suggest that hand-arm vibration exposure is associated with obstructive changes in the distal arteries of the fingers, and that vibration frequency is one of the factors determining the severity of the changes and the time of onset of the symptoms.     

Fetal cells in the maternal circulation during first trimester in pregnancies

To investigate the presence of fetal cells in the maternal circulation during early pregnancy, the polymerase chain reaction was used to test the presence of human Y chromosome-specific ZFY and SRY gene DNA sequences in maternal peripheral blood specimens from 19 women carrying male fetuses and 12 women carrying female fetuses. The presence of fetal cells was suggested as early as 6 weeks gestation in 1 of the 19 women bearing male fetuses. Fetal cells were present in the maternal circulation of 15 of the 19 women by 9 weeks gestation, and in only 1 of the 19 were fetal cells not detected until the 12th week after conception. These results suggest that identification of fetal cells in the maternal circulation is possible with a properly designed and executed polymerase chain reaction. However, there was considerable variation with respect to when these fetal cells first became detectable during pregnancy. These fetal cells are potentially a valuable source of material for biochemical and genetic studies of the fetuses.     

Movement of Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli larvae from the hemocoel to the peripheral circulation of Gammarus pseudolimnaeus

Acanthors and early acanthellae of Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli were observed in the peripheral circulation of experimentally infected laboratory-reared Gammarus pseudolimnaeus. This has not previously been reported for larval P. bulbocolli during development in the intermediate host. The timing of larval movement from hemocoel to vessels and sinuses was related to intensity of infection. In an experimental group with a low mean intensity of infection, the movement of larval P. bulbocolli into the peripheral circulation occurred later (9 days postfeeding) than in a group with a high mean intensity of infection (2 days postfeeding). Larvae were observed in the peripheral circulation for a longer period of time in amphipods from the group with the high mean intensity of infection. Dead and slightly melanized acanthors and early acanthellae were present in the hemocoel at the time living larvae moved into the peripheral circulation. Only 1 incidence of a hemocytic response to the larvae was observed in the first 20 days postfeeding.     

Benzene Exposure at Gasoline Stations: Health Risk Assessment

This study aimed to assess the health risk of benzene exposure among gasoline stations workers. There were 98 workers from each zone of gasoline station in Muang Khon Kaen,Thailand. The benzene concentrations were monitored via personal air sampling and analyzed with a gas chromatography flame-ionization detector (GC-FID). Information about adverse symptoms were obtained by an interview questionnaire. Levels of health risk were calculated from the likelihood level of exposure and the adverse symptoms level, which were summarized in a risk matrix. Most workers had experienced adverse symptoms related to benzene toxicity (68.4%). The health risk of benzene exposure was higher than an acceptable level in 15.3% of workers and in a similarly proportion of fueling workers and cashiers. Moreover, the proportion of risk group was found highest in urban zone (18%) and the risk scores had a significant difference across all zones. This study showed that over 15% of workers were under health risk conditions on benzene exposure and over 60% of workers had experienced adverse symptoms related to benzene toxicity. Therefore, findings suggest the need of the health surveillance program and safety training for workers to increase awareness of benzene exposure.     

Shift work tolerance and the importance of sleep quality: a study of police officers

The aim of this study was to examine how subjective shift work tolerance was related to general health variables, with the expectation of inter-individual differences in the nature of this relation. A total of 740 employees of the Dutch Police force completed a questionnaire, covering seven health-related domains: sleep quality, sleep duration, need for recovery, fatigue, physical health, mental health, and work–life balance. Based on subjective reports of shift work tolerance, participants were classified as intolerant, medium-tolerant, or tolerant workers. Analysis involved group comparisons, regression, and cluster analysis. Eighteen percentage of the shift workers were classified as intolerant. The intolerant and medium-tolerant workers expressed more severe complaints than the tolerant workers, for all seven health-related domains. Shift work tolerance was primarily related to sleep quality and subsequently to need for recovery, fatigue, and work–life balance. No indications were found for systematic inter-individual differences in the nature of this relationship. For all participants equally, the degree of shift work tolerance was related to the severity of health-related complaints. This study highlights the central role of sleep for tolerance to shift work and underlines the need for occupational medicine to take explicit account of sleep.     

CEAmRNA在大肠癌患者微转移早期预测中的意义

目的：大肠癌是最常见的恶性肿瘤之一,血行转移是大肠癌根治性手术失败的原因之一,在根治性切除肿瘤患者中,有大部分患者死于肿瘤的复发和转移,因此早期发现大肠癌微转移,对于延长患者预后指导下一步治疗具有重要意义。本研究已检测大肠癌患者外周血和引流静脉血中CEAmRNA的表达,以探索手术操作和微转移的关系,以及引流静脉血中微转移的发生与临床病理因素的关系,探讨早期发现大肠癌血循环微转移的意义。方法：应用逆转录多聚酶链式反应（RT-PCR）法检测大肠癌患者手术前,手术后外周血及引流静脉血液中的CEAmRNA水平。结果：（1）大肠癌患者术前外周血CEAmRNA阳性率26．7％（16／60）,引流静脉血阳性率48.3％（29／60）,引流静脉血明显高于外周静脉血（P〈0．05）。（2）大肠癌引流静脉血中CEAmRNA在肿瘤大于5厘米者、DukesC期、中低分化程度、有淋巴转移者、浸及浆膜者比外周静脉血更有统计学上的意义。（3）手术前后引流静脉血CEAmRNA阳性率具有显著差异（P〈O．05）,外周血CEAmRNA阳性率无显著差异。结论：大肠癌引流静脉血微转移是大肠癌肝转移的发生的早期阶段,引流静脉血CEAmRNA的表达能更早期反映出大肠癌患者微转移的发生,引流静脉微转移发生率与肿瘤分化程度、浸润深度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移相关,是反映大肠癌生物学行为的指标之一,手术对大肠癌血循环微转移有促进作用。     

CEA mRNA在大肠癌患者微转移早期预测中的意义

目的:大肠癌是最常见的恶性肿瘤之一,血行转移是大肠癌根治性手术失败的原因之一,在根治性切除肿瘤患者中,有大部分患者死于肿瘤的复发和转移,因此早期发现大肠癌微转移,对于延长患者预后指导下一步治疗具有重要意义。本研究已检测大肠癌患者外周血和引流静脉血中CEA mRNA的表达,以探索手术操作和微转移的关系,以及引流静脉血中微转移的发生与临床病理因素的关系,探讨早期发现大肠癌血循环微转移的意义。方法:应用逆转录多聚酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法检测大肠癌患者手术前,手术后外周血及引流静脉血液中的CEA mRNA水平。结果:(1)大肠癌患者术前外周血CEA mRNA阳性率26.7%(16/60),引流静脉血阳性率48.3%(29/60),引流静脉血明显高于外周静脉血(P0.05)。(2)大肠癌引流静脉血中CEA mRNA在肿瘤大于5厘米者、Dukes C期、中低分化程度、有淋巴转移者、浸及浆膜者比外周静脉血更有统计学上的意义。(3)手术前后引流静脉血CEAm RNA阳性率具有显著差异(P0.05),外周血CEA mRNA阳性率无显著差异。结论:大肠癌引流静脉血微转移是大肠癌肝转移的发生的早期阶段,引流静脉血CEA mRNA的表达能更早期反映出大肠癌患者微转移的发生,引流静脉微转移发生率与肿瘤分化程度、浸润深度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移相关,是反映大肠癌生物学行为的指标之一,手术对大肠癌血循环微转移有促进作用。     

瘤坚大球蚧蜡泌物的超微形态与红外光谱特征

采用扫描电镜和红外光谱技术研究了瘤坚大球蚧Eulecanium gigantea在不同发育阶段蜡泌物的超微形态和化学成分。结果发现：该虫在低龄期分泌湿蜡,最初在虫体背面凝结成晶体状的不同大小颗粒,接着连接成片状和块状构造,最后蜡质堆积形成龟背状蜡壳。蜡壳的各个板块与体壁上突起的腺孔分布区位置相对应。雄虫蜡壳与低龄期若虫蜡壳质地相同。雌成虫分泌的蜡质为长而卷曲的空心蜡丝。雌成虫背面和腹面蜡泌物的红外光谱特征说明二者所含的主要化学基团和成分是相同的。尽管雄虫蜡壳与雌虫的化学成分基本相似,但存在的官能团有明显差别,主要表现在雄虫蜡泌物光谱图上1736.3 cm^-1处出现两个吸收峰,而雌虫只有一个;在振动频率1 242.0 cm^-1～1 106.6 cm^-1出现3个C-O键振动峰,而雌虫的是一系列锯齿状长碳链-C-C-C-骨架振动峰。根据红外光谱特征分析,推测该虫蜡泌物的化学成分可能主要是由长链烃、长链脂肪酸、脂肪醇和某些带芳香环的化合物组成。     

Intra-Patriline Variability in the Performance of the Vibration Signal and Waggle Dance in the Honey Bee, Apis mellifera

We examined intra-patriline behavioral plasticity in communication behavior by generating lifetime behavioral profiles for the performance of the vibration signal and waggle dance in workers which were the progeny of three unrelated queens, each inseminated with the semen of a single, different drone. We found pronounced variability within each patriline for the tendency to produce each signal, the ontogeny of signal performance, and the persistence with which individual workers performed the signals throughout their lifetimes. Within each patriline, the number of workers that performed each signal and the distribution of onset ages for each signal were significantly different. In each patriline, workers of all ages could perform vibration signals; vibration signal production began 3–5 d before waggle dancing; and some workers began performing waggle dances at ages typically associated with precocious foraging. Most workers vibrated and waggled only 1–2 d during their lifetimes, although each patriline contained some workers that performed the signal persistently for up to 8 or 9 d. We also found marked variability in signal performance among the three worker lineages examined. Because the vibration signal and waggle dance influence task performance, variability in signaling behavior within and between subfamilies may help to organize information flow and collective labor in honey bee colonies. Inter-patriline variability may influence the total number of workers from different partrilines that perform the signals, whereas intra-patriline variability may further fine-tune signal performance and the allocation of labor to a given set of circumstances. Although intra-patriline behavioral variability is assumed to be widespread in the social insects, our study is the first to document the extent of this variability for honey bee communication signals.     

The apparent mass of the seated human exposed to single-axis and multi-axis whole-body vibration

Most workplaces where workers are exposed to whole-body vibration involves simultaneous motion in the fore-and-aft (x-), lateral (y-) and vertical (z-) directions. Previous studies reporting the biomechanical response of people exposed to vibration have almost always used single-axis vibration stimuli. This paper reports a study where apparent masses of 15 subjects were measured whilst exposed to single-axis and tri-axial whole-body vibration. Each subject was exposed to 28 vibration conditions comprising every combination of single-axis and tri-axial vibration with magnitudes of 0.4 and 0.8 ms(-2) r.m.s. in each direction, once with backrest contact and once without backrest contact. Results show that increasing the magnitude of vibration in directions orthogonal to that being measured affects the apparent mass, causing a reduction in the resonance frequency as the total magnitude of vibration increases. It is demonstrated that the apparent mass resonance frequency is a function of the total vibration magnitude in all axes rather than a function of the vibration magnitude in the direction being measured. It is also shown that, for individuals, the frequency of the peak in the apparent mass in one direction is not related to the frequency of the peak in another direction. It is concluded that more complex biomechanical models are required in order to simulate human response to multi-axis vibration.     

Correlations Between the Manifestations of Autonomic Regulation Related to the Orthostatic Test and Physical Loading

In 30- to 45-year-old healthy men (workers of the coal mines), we studied using correlation analysis the interrelations between the manifestations of autonomic regulation of the heart rhythm related to the active orthostatic test (AOT) and the state of systemic circulation in the physical loading test (PhLT). It has been concluded that the pattern of correlations is determined by the direction of autonomic regulatory drives within a transitional period of the AOT. In the group of tested persons with clear domination of ergotropic reactions, the variation range and power of a slow wave component of the heart rhythm in the standing posture strictly correlated with the cardial stroke, peripheral resistance, vascular tone, myocardial tension, and aerobic productivity. In persons with relatively balanced ergotropic and trophotropic effects, the AOT transitional period was characterized by correlations of nearly all indices of autonomic regulation of the heart rhythm with the indices of central hemodynamics of the PhLT.     

Age and Behavior of Honey Bees,Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), that Perform Vibration Signals on Workers

The vibration signal is one of the most commonly occurring communication displays in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. It may function in a ‘modulatory’ manner, because it causes a nonspecific increase in activity that enhances a variety of behaviors depending upon the age and caste of the recipient. We examined honey bee workers that performed vibration signals on other workers in three observation hives, each containing a population of marked bees of known age. In all three colonies, the mean age of the first performance of the vibration signal was significantly different from the mean age at which workers first performed waggle dances, carried pollen loads, or attended the queen. However, workers of all ages, except those less than 3 d old, could perform vibration signals. In older workers of foraging age, signal performance was most closely associated with recent foraging success. Younger workers that vibrated did not appear to be early-maturing foragers and thus their signals were probably not influenced by food collection. Rather, for these preforaging-age workers, signal performance was associated more with periods of orientation flight, during which younger bees learn the location of the nest and surrounding landmarks. Thus, the vibration signal may be triggered by different stimuli in different worker age classes. Because it elicits a general increase in activity in all recipients, the signal may help adjust many different colony behaviors simultancously to changes in foraging success and colony development.     

Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes in workers exposed to benzene

In the present study, the method of cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was used to investigate 66 workers exposed to benzene, and 20 individuals selected from general population from the same locality, not exposed to particular mutagenic or carcinogenic agents (control group). Altogether, 8,600 metaphases were analysed. Frequencies of aberrant cells, including chromatide and chromosomal breaks, and chromatide and chromosomal exchanges, were scored in both groups. A very slight increase in aberrant cell frequencies (2.152% aberrant cells) was observed in the professional exposure group as compared to the control group (1.6% aberrant cells). Increased frequencies of aberrant cells were found in smokers of both the benzene-exposed and the control group. The differences were however not significant. In addition to cytogenetic examination, the workers underwent a general examination of their health condition (preventive examination). Benzene exposure seemed to have no injurious effect on the state of health of exposed workers. Biochemical and haematological tests gave normal values.     

Localized intravascular coagulation in the mesenteric region

Coagulation and fibrinolysis were measured in the portal and peripheral circulation in 15 rabbits after ligation of the superior mesenteric artery. It was found that the local coagulation syndrome in the mesenteric region can be recognized by tests in blood samples taken from the peripheral circulation area.     

Expression of lymphocyte cell surface markers in workers exposed to different respiratory hazards: biomarkers of occupational respiratory disease

This study was designed to evaluate the potential of flow cytometry to measure biomarkers of airways inflammation in the peripheral blood of two cohorts of workers reporting work related respiratory symptoms, who were exposed to different respiratory hazards. Nine bakers exposed to wheat flour and 10 glass bottle manufacturers exposed to a range of irritant chemicals were selected for study. Phenotypic and inducible cell surface markers were measured by flow cytometry. Results were compared with a control population of 58 volunteers reporting no respiratory problems. The bakers showed a significant increase above control values for cell types associated with inflammation; in particular CD3 CD4 cells p 0.005 and CD4 CD25 cells p 0.01 . In contrast, the workers reporting work related respiratory symptoms who were exposed to a range of irritant chemicals showed a different pattern of cell surface lymphocyte markers, with a significant decrease in the total T cell population p 0.05 . Comparison of results from a subset of smoking controls with the population of bakers who were all heavy smokers confirmed that the increase in CD3 CD4 cells and CD4 CD25 cells could not be ascribed to the effects of smoking alone. We have shown activation of helper T cells in the peripheral blood of bakers reporting work related respiratory symptoms consistent with the changes observed in mild to severe asthmatics. However, workers with similar symptoms who were exposed to irritant chemicals did not show this pattern of phenotypic or inducible cell surface markers, reflecting an absence of airways inflammation in these individuals. Our results suggest that flow cytometry may be of use as an objective test for detecting workers with airways inflammation to allow the identification of workers at risk of developing occupational asthma.     

Expression of lymphocyte cell surface markers in workers exposed to different respiratory hazards: biomarkers of occupational respiratory disease

This study was designed to evaluate the potential of flow cytometry to measure biomarkers of airways inflammation in the peripheral blood of two cohorts of workers reporting work related respiratory symptoms, who were exposed to different respiratory hazards. Nine bakers exposed to wheat flour and 10 glass bottle manufacturers exposed to a range of irritant chemicals were selected for study. Phenotypic and inducible cell surface markers were measured by flow cytometry. Results were compared with a control population of 58 volunteers reporting no respiratory problems. The bakers showed a significant increase above control values for cell types associated with inflammation; in particular CD3 CD4 cells p 0.005 and CD4 CD25 cells p 0.01 . In contrast, the workers reporting work related respiratory symptoms who were exposed to a range of irritant chemicals showed a different pattern of cell surface lymphocyte markers, with a significant decrease in the total T cell population p 0.05 . Comparison of results from a subset of smoking controls with the population of bakers who were all heavy smokers confirmed that the increase in CD3 CD4 cells and CD4 CD25 cells could not be ascribed to the effects of smoking alone. We have shown activation of helper T cells in the peripheral blood of bakers reporting work related respiratory symptoms consistent with the changes observed in mild to severe asthmatics. However, workers with similar symptoms who were exposed to irritant chemicals did not show this pattern of phenotypic or inducible cell surface markers, reflecting an absence of airways inflammation in these individuals. Our results suggest that flow cytometry may be of use as an objective test for detecting workers with airways inflammation to allow the identification of workers at risk of developing occupational asthma.