[Evaluation and issues regarding a proposal for unification of maternal and child health activities].
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Child Health Services↗
Biomedical subjects
R Inaba
Publications and source records attributed to R Inaba.
A synthetic peptide corresponding to a critical intracellular signaling region of the human IL-4 receptor inhibits IL-4-induced proliferation.
We have previously identified a critical region for growth signal transduction in the cytoplasmic domain of the human IL-4 receptor (hIL-4R). Since the entire cytoplasmic domain of this receptor lacks known catalytic activities such as the tyrosine kinase domain, it is likely that the IL-4R associates with other signal-transducing molecules through this critical cytoplasmic region. We test here whether a synthetic peptide corresponding to this critical cytoplasmic region, designated SP-1, interferes with IL-4-induced proliferation by competing with the IL-4R for binding to intracellular signal-transducing molecules. Our data indicated that 100 micrograms/ml SP-1 peptide completely inhibits human IL-4 (hIL-4)-induced proliferation of Ba/F3 transfectants expressing the full-length hIL-4R (hIL-4R-Ba/F3 transfectants). In contrast, a wide concentration range of an unrelated synthetic peptide, designated SP-2, did not affect hIL-4-induced proliferation of hIL-4R-Ba/F3 transfectants. This difference between SP-1 and SP-2 peptides was not due to their differential uptake by cell, since approximately 100 times more SP-2 peptide could be found in cytoplasmic extracts than SP-1 peptide in experiments using radiolabeled peptides. The specificity of SP-1-mediated inhibition of IL-4-induced proliferation was supported by the fact that the SP-1 peptide had no effect on IL-3-induced proliferation of the same hIL-4-Ba/F3 transfectants. In addition, the SP-1 peptide did not affect either IL-2-induced proliferation of Ba/F3 transfectants expressing the human IL-2 receptor beta chain (hIL-2R beta) or hIL-4-induced proliferation of Ba/F3 transfectants expressing a chimeric receptor consisting of the hIL-4R extracellular domain and the hIL-2R beta cytoplasmic domain. SP-1 was unable to inhibit IL-4-induced proliferation of other IL-4-responsive cell lines such as human erythroleukemic cell line TF-1 and mouse T cell lines HT2 and CTLL-2. In addition, SP-1 caused only a 50% inhibition of Ba/F3 cell proliferation induced by mouse IL-4. The failure of SP-1 to inhibit IL-4-induced proliferation in these various cell lines while producing excellent inhibition of hIL-4-induced proliferation of hIL-4R-Ba/F3 transfectants appeared to be related to the number of IL-4Rs expressed on each cell type.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Subjective complaints in orthopedists and general surgeons.
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of subjective complaints among two groups of health care personnel. Using a mail questionnaire, 63 male orthopedists and 78 male general surgeons were asked to respond to questions on their subjective musculoskeletal complaints as well as their age, occupational career, and daily working time. In the final analysis, 54 orthopedists and 63 general surgeons who were aged < or = 59 years and had worked for at least 5 years in clinical practice were considered. The mean age was 43.3 (SD 7.6) years for the orthopedists and 41.8 (SD 9.5) years for the general surgeons. Their mean employment time was 18.1 (SD 8.9) years and 16.6 (SD 9.5) years, respectively. The average working time per day was 9.5 h. In general, the orthopedists had a higher prevalence of subjective complaints than the general surgeons. Problems in the shoulders and lower back were the most frequently reported complaints, followed by neck problems. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups regarding stiffness in the shoulders, stiffness in the lower back, pain in the neck, and numbness in the fingers. When subjective complaints were compared between the junior (employment time: < 20 years) and senior (employment time: > or = 20 years) staff, the junior orthopedists had significantly higher prevalence rates for stiffness in the shoulders, pain in the neck, and stiffness in the lower back.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
Identification of iso(18p) marker chromosome by fluorescence in situ hybridization with single-copy DNA probe.
The patient displayed the clinical features consistent with tetrasomy (18p) syndrome, who had an extra small metacentric iso(18p) chromosome in otherwise normal karyotype. Identification of the marker chromosome used the chromosome 18 band-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization strategy.
Adolescent↗
[Relationship between chilliness of the limbs and daily-life conditions in young females].
In winter, many people have trouble with chilliness in their arms and legs. Many women are especially sensitive to cold, and for them the chilliness of the hands and the feet is difficult to ease even after entering a warm room, or taking a bath. They even feel pain owing to coldness of their limbs in daily life. This symptom has been called "hiesho" in Japanese. The problem of this chilliness is difficult to study because this symptom, in general, can be cured when spring comes. Coldness of the limbs has been considered to be one of the symptoms of the climacteric disturbance among middle-aged females. Recently, however, it was reported that many young females also feel pain owing to coldness of the hands and legs in their daily life during winter. This study investigates the problems of chilliness in the limbs of young females in their daily life. By means of a questionnaire, 642 female college students aged from 18 to 20 years answered questions concerning: (1) physical characteristics, (2) physical conditions in their daily life, (3) physical conditions in winter, and (4) physical conditions in summer. The replies to the questionnaires were tested using the chi 2 test. The major results were as follows: 1. Half of the subjects were sensitive to cold, and had difficulty sleeping owing to chilliness of their limbs in winter even in a warm environment. For the following results the subjects who were sensitive to cold had significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to non-sensitive subjects to cold.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Activities of Daily Living↗
[Relationships between biting force and the morphology of the maxilloface].
The maximum biting force of 40 male students aged 26.1 +/- 3.9 years was assessed to evaluate the relationships between biting force and the morphology of the maxilloface. The evaluations were made using roentgenographic cephalogram measurements and oral model measurements. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The subjects who had strong maximum biting force (MBF) were those with high posterior facial height, high posterior inferior facial height, long length from the Ar-Me line to the gonion, and long length between the adhesion of the masseteric muscles. 2. The subjects who had strong MBF had a small gonial angle, and their occlusal plane and mandibular plane approached the anterior cranial base and eye-ear-plane, that is, the subjects with strong MBF were considered to be persons with a deep overbite. 3. There was a significant positive correlation between MBF and discrepancy values using oral model measurements (p < 0.01). No significant correlations were noted between MBF and the sum of teeth size. 4. There was a significant positive correlation between MBF and maximum grip strength (p < 0.01), back strength (p < 0.01) and the long jump (p < 0.05), and there was a significant negative correlation between MBF and 50m running (p < 0.01), but no significant correlations were noted between MBF and 1500m running.
Adult↗
[Salivary calcium and total protein in relation to dental caries].
To evaluate the relationship between salivary components (calcium: Ca, total protein: T-Pro) and dental caries, we collected nonstimulated and expectorated saliva from 131 primary school children aged 11 years old. All salivary samples were taken in the morning (11:00-11:30 A.M.) on Feb. 17, 1994, while the subjects were at rest. The salivary Ca concentration (mg/dliter), total salivary protein concentration (mg/mliter) and salivary flow rate (mliter/min) were measured based on the salivary sample taken for each person for 30 minutes at most. For each subject the Ca secretion rate (micrograms/min), T-Pro secretion rate (micrograms/min) and Ca/T-Pro ratio were determined. The numbers of permanent teeth erupted, and decayed, missing and filled (DMF) teeth for each subject were obtained from dental records. For the entire group we observed that the numbers of DMF teeth were highly correlated with the numbers of permanent teeth erupted, hence for further analysis we restricted the subjects to 18 boys and 29 girls who were classified as dental age IIIC-IVA (according to Hellman's classification). Multiple linear regression analysis was employed using the number of DMF teeth as a dependent variable. When we included the variables for the Ca/T-Pro ratio, numbers of erupted permanent teeth, sex and salivary flow rate into the model as independent variables, there was a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) between the Ca/T-Pro ratio and the numbers of DMF teeth. However, in other models there was no significant association between the numbers of DMF teeth with Ca concentration, Ca flow rate, total protein concentration, or total protein flow rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Calcium↗
Immunomodulatory effects of Maharishi Amrit Kalash 4 and 5 in mice.
To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of two kinds of Ayurvedic food supplements (Maharishi Amrit Kalash 4 and Maharishi Amrit Kalash 5, M-4 and M-5), superoxide anion (O2-) production of peritoneal macrophages and the response of spleen cells to concanavalin A (Con A) were examined in mice given an aqueous emulsion of M-4 and M-5 p.o. at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for 10 days. O2- production of peritoneal macrophages in the M-5 (50 mg/kg)-treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The indices of stimulation of spleen cells by Con A were significantly (3 to 4 times) higher in groups treated with M-4 and M-5 at all doses than in the control group. These results indicate that M-4 enhances lymphocyte responsiveness and M-5 enhances not only lymphocyte responsiveness but also macrophage function. It is also suggested in this study that M-4 and M-5 have mitogenic effects on lymphocytes.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Some aspects of occupational safety and health in green tea workers.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the health and safety conditions of 36 male and 27 female green tea workers who were aged 40-69 years and had worked for at least 5 years in green tea production procedures. The Mean +/- SD of age was 57.1 +/- 5.8 years in males and 54.4 +/- 6.4 years in females. The mean working career was 26.1 +/- 9.5 years and 24.3 +/- 9.1 years, respectively. The most commonly subjective complaints developed while at work was pain in the lower back at a rate of 72.2% in males and 63.0% in females. Regarding persistent subjective complaints, female workers had significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalence rate for breath shortness (25.9%) compared to that of male workers (5.6%). It was observed that the male workers whose occupational career was equal to or more than 28 years had significantly higher prevalence rates for stiffness in the neck and pain in the arms, compared to those of male workers whose occupational career was less than 28 years. The prevalence of nasal allergy was 11.1% either in the male or female workers. The total rate of accidents during working hours in the male workers was 22.2%, and that in the female subjects was 18.5%. The mean frequency weighted vibration magnitude produced by using tea-leaf plucker was in the range of 2.4-3.5 m/s2. The mean equivalent A-weighted noise level while using the same equipment was 100.6 +/- 5.0 dB(A). The need for occupational safety and health programs in these small farm settings are discussed.
Adult↗
Operating vibrating tools and prevalence of subjective complaints in vibration syndrome.
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of subjective symptoms and signs related to vibration syndrome in various groups of subjects exposed to hand-arm vibration (HAV). In 9 groups of subjects occupationally exposed to HAV, one group of subjects previously exposed to HAV, one control group, and 2 groups of general population (males and females), the prevalence of finger blanching, numbness in the hands, stiffness in the hands, and pain in the hands were investigated. The age of subjects ranged from 25 to 59 years. In subjects exposed to HAV, hand-transmitted vibration levels (HTVLs) were measured by means of vibration dosimeters, and the frequency-weighted acceleration levels [(Lh,w)eq,t] were determined as the vibration levels. The prevalence of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) in the exposed subjects was in the range of 0.0-9.6%, and that in subjects who were previously exposed to HAV was 4.1%. The prevalence rates of finger blanching in males and females of the general population were 2.7 and 3.4%, respectively. The highest prevalence rate of VWF was observed among subjects exposed to HTVLs of 2.7-5.1 m/s2. The prevalence of numbness of the hands fluctuated among the groups; i.e., in the exposed groups: in the range of 6.5-30.4%; in those previously exposed to HAV: 16.4%; and was 13.4% in males and 29.5% in females of the general population. The prevalence rates of stiffness in the hands were in the range of 7.6-65.2% in the exposed workers, 13.7% in those previously exposed to HAV, and was 5.5% in males and 20.9% in females of the general population. The prevalence of pain in the hands was between 7.4 and 17.4% in the exposed groups, 1.4% in those who stopped exposure to vibration, and 1.2% in subjects without segmental vibration exposure. Among the subjective symptoms, only VWF showed a significant positive correlation with the measured vibration acceleration; Y = -0.9 + 1.9 X, r = 0.8, P = 0.01. It was concluded that VWF is the most appropriate signs in decisions concerning quantitative recommendations for segmental vibration exposure.
Adult↗
Isolation and fluorescence in situ hybridization mapping of 60 cosmid clones on human chromosome 18.
We have mapped 60 new cosmids on the short and long arms of chromosome 18 either by R- or by DAPI-banding and simultaneous fluorescence in situ hybridization. These markers were isolated from hybrid MS126-21 made from a human-rodent hybrid cell line that retained human chromosome 18. Twenty-two of the cosmid probes map on the short arm, and 31 probes cluster in the distal half of the long arm between bands 18q21.1 and 18q23, while 7 other probes are mapped more proximal to the centromere around bands 18q11.1-q12.3. The technique of fluorescence in situ hybridization has proven to be a very efficient methodology for gene mapping. These 60 probes will be useful in the elucidation of genetic alterations associated with diseases such as tetrasomy 18p syndrome, 18q- syndromes, and colorectal cancer.
Animals↗
Prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon in different groups of workers operating hand-held vibrating tools.
In eight groups of subjects operating various hand-held vibrating tools and aged from 30 to 59 years, the prevalence rates of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and numbness, pain, or stiffness in the upper and lower extremities were investigated. Hand-transmitted vibration levels (HTVLs) were measured on the back of the hand, by means of unidirectional (x-axis) vibration dosimeters, and the frequency-weighted acceleration levels [(Lh,w)eq,t] were determined as the vibration levels. The prevalence rates of VWF and numbness of the hands in these subjects were compared to the prevalence rates of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and numbness of the hands in 1027 males and 1301 females not occupationally exposed to vibration (age range: 30-59 years). It was observed that in subjects exposed to HTVLs of between 1.1 and 2.5 m/s2, the prevalence of VWF was between 0.0% and 4.8%. The prevalence of VWF reached 9.6% in a group of workers exposed to HTVLs of 2.7-5.1 m/s2. The latter group showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of VWF compared to the 2.7% prevalence of RP in male subjects of the general population. The prevalence of VWF in female subjects exposed to vibration (4.3%) was not significantly different from the prevalence of RP in females of the general population (3.4%). The prevalence rates of numbness of the hands were in the range of 6.5%-30.4% in the exposed groups and in the range of 13.4%-29.5% in the general population. Among the subjective symptoms, only VWF showed a significant positive correlation with HTVLs (R2 = 0.5, P < 0.05). It was concluded that in decisions concerning quantitative recommendations for vibration exposure, the prevalence of VWF should be employed. With a view to decreasing the risk of developing VWF, estimated vibration safety values for 4 h and 2 h daily exposures are discussed.
Adult↗
Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the D18S336 locus.
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Alleles↗
[Biting force and physical fitness in athletes].
The maximum biting force in 82 male athletes and 12 male subjects without any particular athletic activity (nonathletes) were measured in order to evaluate the relationship between biting force and physical fitness in athletes. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The maximum biting force in athletes (50.8 +/- 17.4kg) were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that in the nonathletes (28.1 +/- 9.1kg). The maximum biting forces in the men who belonged to the rugby or judo clubs were predominantly higher than in other subjects. 2. In men who masticated on the left side of the mouth, the habitual (i. e., left) biting force was significantly higher than the nonhabitual (i. e., right) biting force. In men who masticated on the right side of the mouth, the habitual (i. e., right) biting force was also higher than the nonhabitual (i. e., left) biting force, but was not significantly so. 3. There was a significant positive correlation between the biting force and grip strength and back strength in athletes. In athletes, there was a significant correlation between biting force and the numbers of chin-ups, the numbers for the side-step tests and the time for 50m running.
Adult↗
[Effects of ingestion of "BON-NARINE" on immune functions in mice].
A study was carried out to examine the effects of ingestion of "BON-NARINE" (BN) on mice immune functions. Mice aged 12 weeks were divided into 4 groups. The first group was given BN at 30 mg/kg (BN-30 group), the second group was given BN at 90 mg/kg (BN-90 group), the third group was given zymosan at 50 mg/kg (Zy group) and the fourth group was a control receiving no treatment. The mice of groups BN-30 and BN-90 were given BN p.o. at doses of 30 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg per day for 20 consecutive days, respectively. The mice of group Zy were given zymosan i.p. at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day for 2 consecutive days. The results obtained were as follows: 1) Potentiation of phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system, examined by the carbon clearance method, was seen in the BN-30, BN-90 and Zy groups. 2) The glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages (M phi) increased significantly in the BN-30 and Zy groups, but not in the BN-90 group. 3) Superoxide anion (O2-) production of peritoneal M phi significantly increased in the BN-30 and Zy groups compared with the control group, but an increasing tendency was observed in the BN-90 group. 4) The acid phosphatase (APH), beta-glucuronidase (GLU) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities of peritoneal M phi increased significantly in the BN-30, BN-90 and Zy groups. 5) The proliferation of splenocytes induced by Con A in the BN-30, BN-90 and Zy groups significantly increased compared with the control group. These results demonstrated that the ingestion of "BON-NARINE" promotes phagocytic activity in the reticuloendothelial system in mice and has a stimulatory effect on M phi because of increases in glucose consumption, O2- production, APH, GLU and LDH activities in the peritoneal M phi of mice. BN also intensified the T-cell function represented by Con A-induced splenocyte proliferation.
Animals↗
Noise in aerobic facilities.
Noise levels were evaluated before and during aerobic sessions in 3 aerobic studios. In addition, hearing threshold levels (HTLs) of 10 female aerobic instructors with the mean (+/- SD) ages of 25.4 (+/- 2.4) years were measured before and 2 min after an aerobic session. The mean (+/- SD) of total instruction time of these subjects was 1274.0 (+/- 704.9) h. Before the aerobic session, noise level was 63 dB(A) and increased to 87 dB(A) during a warm-up period. The highest noise levels of 93-96 dB(A) were recorded during a peak exercise period and decreased to 73 dB(A) during a cool-down period. The dominant spectra of sound pressure levels (SPLs) during the aerobic session were in the frequency range of 1-2 kHz at levels of 75-88 dB(C). The mean values of HTL obtained for each ear of these subjects were between 5 and 15 dB in the frequency range of 1-8 kHz. No significant differences in the mean HTLs of pre- and post-aerobic sessions could be obtained. The mean values of HTL of two groups of subjects divided by their total instruction time (n = 5 in each group, and p < 0.01 in their total instruction time) were quite comparable.
Adult↗
Effect of hand-arm vibration on inner ear and cardiac functions in man.
To evaluate distant effects of hand-arm vibration we studied Finnish forestry workers using chain saw during the years 1972 through 1990. The hearing was tested annually and individual regression curves for sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) were calculated. Robinson's model was used in prediction of SHL. The heart rate variation (HRV) indexes at rest and during deep breathing test were analyzed to measure autonomic nervous function. In Robinson's model the measured SHL (17.8 dB) respected the predicted SHL (17.2 dB). The subjects with VWF had on average, 10 dB greater hearing loss than those who did not have VWF. The regression model based increase of hearing loss during follow up correlated with ageing, not to VWF. The intercept differed significantly in those with VWF from those without VWF. We found a significant difference between HRV indexes during deep breathing test in those with the shortest and those with the longest vibration exposure. The HRV decreased with age, but multiple regression analysis showed that the total exposure time to vibration had an independent negative association with HRV indexes. Our results suggest that prolonged exposure to vibration caused by chain saw has negative effects an autonomic functions. The aggravated hearing loss in subjects with VWF may be due to vibration induced changes in the autonomic nervous system or internal factors of the blood vessels.
Arm↗
Operating hand-held vibrating tools and prevalence of white fingers.
Hand-transmitted vibration levels (HTVLs) and the prevalence of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and numbness of the hands were investigated in eight groups of subjects operating various hand-held vibrating tools. The prevalence rates of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and numbness of the hands in 1,027 males and 1,301 females not occupationally exposed to vibration were compared to those of the exposed subjects. The prevalence of VWF was in the range of 0.0-4.8% in subjects exposed to HTLVs of between 1.1 to 2.5 m/s2 and reached 9.6% in a group of workers exposed to HTLVs of 2.7-5.1 m/s2. The latter group showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of VWF compared to the 2.7% prevalence of RP in male subjects of the general population. The prevalence of VWF in female subjects exposed to vibration (4.3%) was not significant compared to the prevalence of RP in females of the general population (3.4%). The prevalence rates of numbness of the hands were between 6.5% and 30.4% in the exposed groups and in the range of 13.4-29.5% in the general population. It was concluded that in decisions concerning quantitative recommendations for vibration exposure, the prevalence of VWF should be employed. To decrease the risk of developing VWF, estimated vibration safety values for 4 h and 2 h daily exposures are discussed.
Adult↗