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Biomedical subjects

Y Ikemi

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ikemi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Airway epithelial cell changes in rats exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone for 20 months.

The present study was designed to characterize and quantify morphologic changes occurring in rat intra-pulmonary airway epithelia after long-term exposure to a high ambient level of ozone. Fifteen rats were exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone for 20 months (5 hr/day, 7 days/week) and a control group of 15 rats were exposed to filtered room air. Many intra-cellular brown pigmented granules (presumed to be lipofuscin) were seen in both the control and exposed animals; however, more of these granules were observed in the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelia of the exposed animals. To detect DNA synthesis that occurred in airway epithelial cells during the repair process induced by ozone toxicity, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected intraperitoneally one hour before animals were sacrificed; the BrdU-labeling index was evaluated immunohistochemically. There was no difference in the BrdU-labeling index between the groups, the airway epithelia of the ozone-exposed animals exhibiting tolerance to ozone toxicity. However, the epithelial populations in the airways were altered by ozone exposure, and regional differences were seen in the changes. In the exposed animals, mucous cells increased in the lobar bronchus. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive pulmonary endocrine cells and neuroepithelial bodies were more frequently observed in the terminal bronchioles of the exposed animals than in the controls, although there were no differences in the lobar bronchus. Moreover, one adenoma in the peripheral lung was found in the exposed animals, while no tumorous lesions were detected in the controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenoma↗

Exposure to ozone and erythrocyte osmotic resistance in the rat.

In order to learn the biological effect of photochemical oxidants on living bodies, we exposed newborn and adult rats, of both sexes, to ozone at a concentration of 0.25 ppm, which can be encountered in an urban environment, and then measured the osmotic resistance of their erythrocytes. The results of experiments using newborn rats indicated a positive increase in the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes in whole blood following ozone exposure for 4 weeks. An increase in the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes in the top part obtained by centrifugation was observed following ozone exposure for 12 weeks. This tendency was especially evident among male rats. On the other hand, no increase in the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes was recognized in the adult animals which had been exposed to the same concentration of ozone for 18 months.

Aging↗

Production of bronchial papilloma with calcitonin-like immunoreactivity in rats exposed to urban ambient air.

In order to assess the effect of prolonged inhalation of polluted ambient air on the respiratory tract, 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were kept in facilities built close to a street with heavy traffic in the City of Yokohama for 18 months in an atmosphere of either filtered (filtered group) or non-filtered polluted ambient air (exposed group), and the histology of the lung was examined. Scattered areas of chronic inflammation were seen from the nasal to bronchiolar mucosae in both the groups. Rats which inhaled the urban ambient air showed deposition of dust particles in the alveolar space and the peribronchiolar tissue, but no deposition was recognized in the filtered group. In both the filtered and exposed groups, papillary hyperplasia showing a positive immunoreaction to calcitonin was noted in the bronchobronchiolar epithelium. The hyperplasia was thus shown to have endocrine differentiation and this was considered to be pulmonary endocrine cell hyperplasia. In the exposed group, 2 bronchial papillomas were induced, and were shown to contain cells giving a positive immunoreaction to calcitonin. A histogenetical sequence was suggested in these 2 lesions because of their histological and immunohistochemical similarities.

Air Pollutants↗

[Iron deposition in the brain of a case of the special type of hepatocerebral encephalopathy].

The histochemical demonstration of iron and the iron content was examined in the brain of a case of the special type of hepatocerebral encephalopathy (HCE). The patient had suffered from a liver disease since 36 years old. At 44 years old, she experienced the first attack of twilight state with flapping tremor. She had predilection for eating beans. Her personality gradually became euphoric with the recurrent episodes of unconsciousness. At 54 years old, she died of the complication of melena, renal insufficiency and pneumonia. The liver showed cirrhotic changes and iron content of liver was 0 or 1 after MacDonald's criterion scale. The histopathological findings of the brain showed the characteristic changes of HCE, which were incomplete softening and spongy state pseudolaminarilly extending in the deep layer of the cerebral cortex, the proliferation of the severely changed Alzheimer 2 type glia with or without intranuclear carmine positive substance. The deparaffinized sections, 20 mu in thickness, which were not fastened on slides were used for the histochemical study of iron, because iron deposits displaced inside of the brain tissues when the paraffin sections were fastened on slide glasses in the constant-temperature bath. The iron deposition was found in the central gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, medial and lateral occipito-temporal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus of occipital lobe. The iron accumulated in the ground substance, glia cell bodies, glia nuclei and unknown bodies in the 3-6 layers of cerebral cortex of these gyri. The iron accumulation demonstrated histochemically in other parts of the brain were group 1, 2 by Spatz, mammillary body, glia cell bodies in cerebellar white matter and pons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brain↗

An oriental point of view in psychosomatic medicine.

In many cases of 'alexithymia' there also seems to be a difficulty in the awareness and expression of bodily feelings (tentatively called 'alexisomia'). Furthermore, this insensitivity to the body obstructs one's awareness towards the laws of nature with which the body is implicitly in touch. Holistic awareness, which includes not only the intellect but also emotional, bodily and ecological (existential) aspects of man, can be the basic principle for holistic self-control. Oriental body-oriented approaches which facilitate such a holistic awareness must be reevaluated as an essential part of psychosomatic treatment.

Affective Symptoms↗

Self-regulation method: psychological, physiological and clinical considerations. An overview.

Body-oriented therapies as relaxation training and certain forms of meditation are gaining popularity in the treatment and prevention of psychosomatic disorders. In this paper, a new method of self-control called self-regulation method (SRM), derived from autogenic training and Zen meditation, is presented. The technique of SRM is introduced. Secondly, physiological studies on SRM using skin temperature, galvanic skin response, and cortical evoked potentials are presented. Thirdly, the results of psychological tests conducted on SRM are presented. These psycho-physiological studies suggest that SRM may elicit a state of 'relaxed alertness'. Fourthly, clinical applications of SRM are discussed, and 3 cases are presented. Finally, SRM is discussed in relation to the psychology and physiology of 'relaxed alertness'.

Adolescent↗

Coping behaviors of severe diabetics.

In order to study the relationship between personality and the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus, diabetics with retinopathy (severe group) and sex-, age-, and duration-matched diabetics without complications were tested by psychological tests, and interviewed. The result of the Yatabe-Guilford personality test (Y-G) and Spielberger's State and Trait Anxiety Inventory revealed that subjects were emotionally and socially stable and well-adjusted types and less anxious in the severe group than in the mild group. The interview findings reveal that the severe group had neglected the medical treatment and the diet therapy for significantly longer periods of time and the incidence of a childhood parental separation was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group. Discussion focuses on the severe diabetics' coping behavior which is characterized by the neglect of medical treatment and diet therapy for extended periods of time, which in turn resulted in diabetic retinopathy and other complications. Such coping behavior is shown to be equivalent to that found in the alexithymic behavioral syndrome.

Adult↗

[Urinary excretion of cadmium, copper and zinc in workers exposed to cadmium].

Changes in urinary cadmium, copper and zinc excretion in workers who had considerable exposure to cadmium oxide fumes were investigated over a 5-year period following the cessation of exposure. The 22 male subjects aged 22 to 55 had been welders on automobile parts for periods ranging from 7 months to 23 years, using silver solder which contained cadmium. They were divided into three groups according to levels of urinary cadmium in the first medical examination in 1975: 5 in the high excretion group, 11 in the moderate group, and 6 in the low group. Renal tubular dysfunctions were indicated in most workers in the high excretion group but not in the other two groups. The high and moderate groups showed a rapid decrease in the levels of urinary-excreted cadmium, with biological half-times of 1.42 and 1.21 years, respectively. Excreted cadmium levelled off in the two groups about 1.7 and 1.5 years after the last exposure. Urinary copper excretion in the high cadmium excretion group was about twice that in the moderate and low groups, the difference being statistically significant in comparison with the controls. Urinary zinc excretion was high in all subjects immediately after cessation of exposure but decreased rapidly. After three years it was found that the reduction of urinary zinc was greatest in the high cadmium group. Urinary cadmium showed significant correlations with both copper and zinc. Urinary copper showed a negative correlation with zinc excretion in the high cadmium excretion group and a significant positive correlation in the other two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

A new model of integrating Occidental and Oriental approaches.

In the Western countries, dynamically oriented psychoanalysis, behaviour modification based on learning principles and existential, humanistic psychology have been widely used as treatment modalities for neuroses and psychosomatic disorders. Autogenic therapy for relaxation and self-control has been utilized. In the Orient, Yoga, Zen, Acupuncture and Fasting Therapy have been applied to various neuroses and psychosomatic conditions. These unique Oriental approaches, in general, induce an altered state of consciousness in the subjects, and the characterized by the heightening of self-normalization and the restoration of homeostasis. Morita therapy aims at accepting reality as it is and at promoting constructive ego function, and is effective for suitable cases. The above-mentioned Western approaches, which are rather psychosomatic, and the Oriental approaches, which are rather somatopsychic, are considered to be complementary within the framework of a holistic and integrative therapeutic model.

Autogenic Training↗

Psychosomatic aspects of skin diseases from the standpoint of immunology.

The psychosomatic aspects of skin disease were studied both clinically and experimentally, from the standpoint of immunology. We found that emotional stress has a great influence on the immune system, as was manifested in skin disease. Skin test in allergic patients significantly improved with autogenic training and relaxation. For clarification of the effects of autogenic training and relaxation, various parameters were simultaneously assessed during the treatment. The serum levels of histamine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase fluctuated, as determined by the microvibration test. The levels of IgE and findings on the PK test varied only slightly. Before the onset of urticaria, there were changes in the life-style and considerable stress in daily life as well as exposure to an allergen. Using mice subjected to stress, the functions of T cells and macrophages were evaluated. Stress appeared to have a definite influence on the functions of these cells, as related to the important role of the immune system and skin. Thus, the role of stress in clinical disease must always be given consideration.

Adult↗

Some psychosomatic disorders in Japan in a cultural perspective.

Social scientists point to Japanese Society as having a high level of group cohesiveness that results from the psychodynamic need to mutual dependency in the Japanese personality structure, which is fostered by symbiotic mother-child relationship in childhood. Such a traditional interdependency seems to modify psychsomatic mechanisms in the Japanese inducing the preponderance of the types of reactions related to what is called 'vegetative retreat'. While over-indulgence to the maternal interdependence may threaten the development of an independent person, the severe deprivation of motherly love may, on the other hand, constitute the core of the modern crises. From this point of view, it is our belief that transcultural studies of psychosomatic mechanisms will contribute to the exploration of the social pathologies and their counter-measures in the present world, as well as to the development of effective therapeutic interventions to psychosomatic problems.

Adolescent↗

Asthma: the yoga perspective. Part II: Yoga therapy in the treatment of asthma.

The integral yoga approach to asthma (and other psychosomatic disorders) is briefly outlined as meeting all of the requirements for an optimal, holistic, somatopsychic therapy (as outlined in Part I), including correction of distorted posture and faulty breathing habits, teaching a system of general muscle relaxation, techniques for the release of suppressed emotion and for reducing anxiety and self-conscious awareness, as well as special methods for the expectoration of mucus. Yoga practices are described in detail and the available psychophysiological research on yoga practice, as well as clinical-therapeutic studies on yoga as asthmatic therapy, are reviewed. It can therefore be concluded that yoga therapy is most effective with asthma.

Asthma↗

[Experimental pneumoconiosis induced by cemented tungsten and sequential concentrations of cobalt and tungsten in the lungs of the rat (author's transl)].

Experimental pneumoconiosis was induced by intratracheal injection of dusts of presintered cemented tungsten carbide, G2 (WC : Co=98 : 2) and TX20 (WC : Co : TiC : TaC=64 : 16 : 6 : 14) into the lungs of rats in order to document the pathological changes in lung tissues associated with environmental cobalt and tungsten. The following results were obtained. 1) Six months after the administration of G2 and TX20 dusts, marked fibrotic foci were noted and tungsten was detected in the lung tissues of all of the experimental animals. 2) Twelve months after the administration of both dusts, both the fibrotic changes and the tungsten levels were reduced in both test groups, but the reduction was more notable in the G2 group. The cases with fibrotic changes were relatively concomitant with the cases in which tungsten was detected. 3) On examination of tissue levels of cobalt derived from the dust, the cobalt levels in the lungs and bone tissues were less influenced by the dust of the G2 group at any point of investigation, whereas only the pulmonary cobalt levels at six months after the administration of the TX20 group showed a remarkable influence from the dust cobalt (p less than 0.01). 4) In the cases where tungsten was detected six months after the administration of both groups and twelve months after the administration of the TX20 group, pulmonary cobalt levels had not reached the value that should have been gained by the addition of expected values (dust cobalt levels calculated from the tungsten levels) to the control values. 5) The above results indicate that both G2 and TX20 dusts induced marked fibrotic changes in rat pulmonary tissues. However, these changes were reversible to some extent. In addition, a portion of the dust cobalt was dissolved in the body fluid and disappeared from the pulmonary fields.

Animals↗

[Pulmonary functions observed by means of flow-volume curve in welders exposed to ozone (author's transl)].

Pulmonary functions were observed by the flow-volume curve method on 68 healthy welders who had been exposed to comparatively high levels of ozone while engaged in arc welding process shielded by inert gas. The welders between 20 and 29 years of age were selected as subjects and classified into five groups according to ozone concentrations of the workshops. Results of pulmonary function tests were analyzed with reference to working experiences, dust concentrations of the workshops, smoking habits and air pollution levels of the location of factories. An attempt were made to evaluate the possible effects of prolonged exposure to ozone produced by welding upon the health or workers. The results obtained were as follows. 1. Values of both peak flow rate and maximum expiratory flow rate at 75% of vital capacity (V75) were decreased slightly in welder groups, but relationships between the observed values and ozone concentrations were not recognized. 2. Values of maximum expiratory flow rate at 25% of vital capacity (V25) of welders who had been exposed to ozone in concentration of 1.05 ppm or more were decreased significantly compared with groups exposed to ozone under 1.05 ppm. 3. In addition, values of both V25 and forced vital capacity (FVC) of the workers who had been engaged in welding for 4 years or more were significantly lower than those of the workers for less than 4 years of exposure. However, the relationship between the lung function values and smoking habits were not significant in both groups. 4. The decreases in V25 values were observed in several workers who had been exposed even to 0.46 ppm or higher (but under 1.05 ppm) ozone concentrations. 5. Relationships between the lung function values and either smoking habits or air pollutant levels of locations were not significant in all groups.

Adult↗