Eating behaviors and body self-esteem in couple's satisfaction during COVID-19 quarantine.

Background: Many experts agree that the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restriction have had an impact on relationships and eating habits in couples, but this hypothesis lacks evidence and empirical studies. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between satisfaction with the couple's relationship, body self-esteem, and eating behaviors during the Covid-19 lockdown. Method: Three hundred and eighty-one subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 26.88; SD = 9.22), of whom 89.8% women, participated in the survey. The online assessment included: the Relationship Assessment Scale; the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the relationship and the levels of couple's satisfaction are independent of respect to body experience and eating behavior. On the contrary, bodily experience is negatively correlated with diet, weight, body shape, and restriction attempts. However, the eating style of couple showed a change during the quarantine period, both in healthy and at-risk of ED subjects. Conclusion: The psychological impact of Covid-19 and its lockdown has had profound repercussions on the subjective relationship with body and food but have apparently preserved stable and satisfying bonds. The importance of the study confirmed the primary relation between self and body's satisfaction in subjective dimensions of life.

Combined exposure to phthalate esters and phosphate flame retardants and plasticizers and their associations with wheeze and allergy symptoms among school children.

BACKGROUND: Phthalate esters and phosphate flame retardants and plasticizers (PFRs) are both used as plasticizers and are commonly detected in indoor environments. Although both phthalates and PFRs are known to be associated with children's wheeze and allergic symptoms, there have been no previous studies examining the effects of mixtures of these exposures. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between exposure to mixtures of phthalate esters and PFRs, and wheeze and allergic symptoms among school-aged children. METHODS: A total of 128 elementary school-aged children were enrolled. Metabolites of 3 phthalate esters and 7 PFRs were measured in urine samples. Parent-reported symptoms of wheeze, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema were evaluated using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. In the primary model, we created a phthalate ester and PFR mixture exposure index, and estimated odds ratios (ORs) using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile g (qg)-computation. The two highest chemicals according to qg-computation weight %s were combined to create a combination high × high exposure estimate, with ORs calculated using the "low × low" exposure group as the reference category. Concentrations of each metabolite were corrected by multiplying this value by the sex- and body size-Standardised creatinine concentration and dividing by the observed creatinine value. All models were adjusted for sex, grade, dampness index and annual house income. RESULTS: The odds ratio of rhinoconjunctivitis for the association between exposure to chemical mixtures according to the WQS index positive models was; OR = 2.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-5.14). However, wheeze and eczema of the WQS index positive model, none of the WQS index negative models or qg-computation result yielded statistically significant results. Combined exposure to the two highest WQS weight %s of "high-high" ΣTCIPP and ΣTPHP was associated with an increased prevalence of rhino-conjunctivitis, OR = 5.78 (1.81-18.43) to the "low × low" group. CONCLUSIONS: Significant associations of mixed exposures to phthalates and PFRs and increased prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis was found among elementary school-aged children in the WQS positive model. Mixed exposures were not associated with any of allergic symptoms in the WQS negative model or qg-computation approach. However, the combined effects of exposure to two PFRs suggested an additive and/or multiplicative interaction, potentially increasing the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis. A further study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results.

Biomonitoring of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers in children: Associations with house dust and housing characteristics in Japan.

Indoor environments contain a wide range of new chemicals such as phosphate flame retardants and plasticizers (PFRs). Despite recent epidemiological evidence suggesting that children might be affected by widespread exposure to PFRs, questions remain about the various exposure pathways to these chemicals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate exposure to PFRs by measuring the concentrations a set of urinary metabolites for schoolchildren from Japan (n = 128) and associating them with house dust concentrations and housing characteristics. Detectable concentrations of both diaryl and dialkyl phosphates (DAPs) and hydroxylated metabolites (HO-PFRs) were found in urine samples of almost all children. 2-Hydroxyethyl bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEHEP) was the most frequently detected metabolite (98%) followed by 1-hydroxy-2-propyl bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPHIPP, 95%) and tris(chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Next to BBOEHEP, two other metabolites of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were also frequently detected. Significant correlations of moderate strength were found between parent compounds detected in high concentrations in house dust (TBOEP, tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP)) and their corresponding metabolites, suggesting that dust is a primary exposure source for these PFRs. Several personal and housing characteristics, such as gender, income, and the use of PVC and ventilation were associated with metabolite concentrations in multivariate linear regression. Overall, this study showed that Japanese schoolchildren are exposed to a wide range of PFRs.

Pyrrole adducts in globin and plasma of workers exposed to hexane.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary excretion of 2,5-hexanedione is currently used to estimate the exposure levels of hexane occurring to an individual during the previous work shift. However, because hexane exposures and urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels can vary considerably from day to day, and subchronic to chronic exposures to hexane are required to produce neuropathy, this biomarker may not accurately reflect the risk of an individual for developing hexane neuropathy. This investigation examines the potential of hexane-derived pyrrole adducts produced on globin and plasma proteins as markers for integrating cumulative exposures. Because the pyrrole markers incorporate bioactivation of hexane to 2,5-hexandione and the initial step of protein adduction involved in hexane-induced neuropathy, they potentially can serve as biomarkers of effect through reflecting pathogenetic events within the nervous system. Additionally, pyrrole formation is an irreversible reaction suggesting that hexane-derived protein pyrroles can be used to assess cumulative exposures to provide a better characterization of individual susceptibilities. METHODS: To examine the utility of the proposed markers, blood samples were obtained from eleven workers who used hexane for granulating metal powders in a slurry to produce metal machining die tools and four non-exposed volunteers. Globin and plasma were isolated, and the proteins were digested using pepsin, reacted with Ehrlich's reagent and the level of pyrrole adducts were determined by absorbance at 530 nm. To determine the dose-response curve and dynamic range of the assay, erythrocytes were incubated with a range of 2,5-hexanedione concentrations and the net absorbance at 530 nm of isolated globin was measured. RESULTS: Pyrrole was detected in both the globin and plasma samples of the workers exposed to hexane and the levels of pyrroles in plasma were positively correlated with the levels of pyrroles in globin for most of the workers. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrates that detectable levels of hexane-derived protein pyrrole adducts are produced on peripheral proteins following occupational exposures to hexane and supports the utility of measuring pyrroles for integrating cumulative exposures to hexane.

Human exposure to phthalates from house dust in Bangkok, Thailand.

The study determined concentrations of and estimated human exposure to house dust-ingested phthalates from 99 homes in Bangkok, Thailand. Phthalates in dust collected using a handheld vacuum cleaner was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealing a median content of 3,477 µg g-1, range 753-13,810 µg g-1, with di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) having the highest level (median = 1,739 µg g-1, range 467-8,172 µg g-1) followed by di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP) (median = 611 µg g-1, range 15.2-11,052 µg g-1). DEHP in house dust from multi-family apartments with polyvinyl (PVC) floor material (n = 34), multi-family apartments without PVC floor material (n = 55) and single family houses without PVC floor material (n = 10) was median and range 3,009 and 568-6,898; 1,479 and range 467-8,172 and 1,207 µg g-1 and 611-3518 µg g-1, respectively. At high-end house dust DEHP level, preschool children in all three types of homes were exposed above US Environment Protection Agency reference dose (20 µg g-1). The results suggest phthalate-containing house products constitute a likely major source of phthalates in indoor home environment and pose a potential health risk to residents, particularly preschool children, in Bangkok.

Species and inter-individual differences in metabolic capacity of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) between human and mouse livers.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess inter-species and inter-individual differences in the metabolism of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in humans and mice. METHODS: The activities of four DEHP-metabolizing enzymes [lipase, UDP-glucuronocyltransferase (UGT), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)] were measured in the livers of 38 human subjects of various ages and in eight 129/Sv male mice. RESULTS: Microsomal lipase activity was significantly lower in humans than in mice. The V max/K m value in humans was one-seventh of that in mice, microsomal UGT activity in humans was a sixth of that in mice, and cytosolic ALDH activity for 2-ethylhexanal in humans was one-half of that in mice. In contrast, ADH activity for 2-ethylhexanol was twofold higher in humans than in mice. The total amount of DEHP urinary metabolites and the concentration of mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) were much higher in intact mice than in the U.S. general population based on data reported elsewhere, regardless of the similar estimated DEHP intake between these mice and the human reference population. However, mono(2-ethyl-5-oxo-hexyl)phthalate (5oxo-MEHP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl)phthalate (5cx-MEPP) levels were higher in the latter than in the former. Of note, inter-subject variability in the activities of all enzymes measured was 10-26-fold. CONCLUSION: The inter-individual variation in the metabolism of DEHP in humans may be greater than the difference between mice and humans (inter-species variation), and both may affects the risk assessment of DEHP.

Asbestos in organochlorine insecticide powder sprinkled between pages of antiquarian books in a library in Japan.

Librarians at a university had planned to check the collection prior to the library renovations that began in 2015. They had previous knowledge of the presence of a light greyish-white powder with an unpleasant odour (hereinafter referred to as 'powder') sprinkled between the pages of antiquarian books in the library archive. The purpose of this study was to identify this powder with the help of experts from both inside and outside the university. The powder was qualitatively analysed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry after hexane extraction. The powder was examined under a polarised light microscope and a field-emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Benzene hexachloride (BHC) was detected in the powder. Talc was the most abundant particle in the powder. The powder also contained 0.52 wt% asbestos, which belonged to the tremolite-actinolite series. No other types of asbestos were detected. The powder was presumed to be a bulking agent for BHC, and its major constituent was talc. This is the first report on asbestos-containing insecticides.

Revision of the peristediid genus Satyrichthys (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) with the description of a new species, S. milleri sp. nov.

The Indo-Pacific peristediid genus Satyrichthys Kaup, 1873 was first diagnosed as having a broad head with mesethmoid, postocular, parietal and preopercular spines. Later, most ichthyologists characterized Satyrichthys by its toothless jaws and strong preopercular spine. Kawai (2008) divided Satyrichthys into two genera, Satyrichthys and Scalicus, on the basis of a phylogenetic hypothesis, and redefined Satyrichthys. Seven species of Satyrichthys are recognized here, including one new species: S. clavilapis, S. laticeps, S. longiceps, S. milleri sp. nov., S. moluccensis, S. rieffeli and S. welchi. The new species is distinguished from its congeners in having equilateral-triangular rostral projections, 4 lip and 4 chin barbels, and no anterior directed spines on the upper lateral row of the caudal peduncle. Satyrichthys laticeps, previously treated as a junior synonym of S. moluccensis, is regarded as a valid species. The following new synonyms are noted: S. adeni, S. halyi and S. magnus are all junior synonyms of S. laticeps; S. isokawae is a junior synonym of S. moluccensis; and S. lingi is a junior synonym of S. welchi. In addition, a neotype is designated for S. moluccensis.

Putative type specimens of Satyrichthys (Scorpaeniformes: Peristediidae) in the Bleeker collection of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

The presumed type status of the two remaining specimens of Peristedion moluccense Bleeker 1850 in the collection the Naturalis Biodiversity Center was examined by comparing them to descriptions in two Bleeker papers and an unpublished manuscript by Bleeker written for the Atlas Ichthyologique. Latin, French and Dutch parts of these papers were translated into English. The Dutch description of P. laticeps Schlegel 1852 was also translated. In the course of this study it became clear why Bleeker considered P. laticeps, a as a synonym of P. moluccense.

Examining the association between cultural self-construal and dream structures in the United States and Japan.

Cultural differences in self-construal, human relationships, and values between Western and East Asian people have been suggested. The aim of this article is to investigate cultural difference in dreamers' self-construal based on their dreams. We examined the dreams sampled via online questionnaires from 300 non-clinical participants from America and Japan, respectively. The free response for the contents of "impressive dreams in childhood" "recent impressive dreams" was categorized into the five general dream structural patterns. Besides, the participants were asked to answer the scales to investigate participants' cultural self-construal. The current results revealed the prevalence of the independent view of self in American participants and the interdependent view of self in Japanese participants. In addition, we found significant cultural differences in the dream length and structural patterns. For American dreams, the dream-ego had a clear will and strong mobility, and there were obvious ends of dream events. Conversely, for Japanese dreams, the weak agency and vague conscious of the dream-ego were shown, and others could play a main role in one's dreams. These results suggested that each characteristic of the American and Japanese samples may be influenced by the differences in self-construal or in the process of self-formation between American and Japanese cultures.

Validation of diffusive mini-samplers for aldehyde and VOC and its feasibility for measuring the exposure levels of elementary school children.

Exposure to various chemicals can cause adverse effects to health, such as asthma and allergies, especially in children. Data on personal exposure levels in children are scarce, thus small lightweight diffusive mini-samplers for aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were designed to measure the exposure level of children to these chemicals. The aim of the study was to validate and examine the applicability of these mini-samplers for measuring daily chemical exposure. The diffusive mini-samplers are 20 mm in length, 11 mm in diameter, and 1.67 g in weight. The devices are cylindrically shaped with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane filters placed at each end. To measure aldehydes and acetone, 20 mg of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine was used as an absorbent. To measure VOCs, a carbon molecular sieve was used. The sampling rate for each chemical was determined by parallel sampling with active samplers in a closed exposure bag. The blank levels of the chemicals and the storage stability of the device were tested. The mini-samplers were compared to commercially available diffusive samplers. To examine the applicability of the samplers, 65 elementary school children carried them for 24 h. The sampling rates for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone were 20.9, 22.9, and 19.7 mL min(-1), respectively. The limits of quantification (LOQ) for the 24-hour sampling by high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet (HPLC/UV) analysis were 8.3, 7.6, and 8.8 µg m(-3) for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone, respectively. The sampling rates for the 11 VOCs were determined and ranged from 3.3 mL min(-1) for styrene and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol to 11.7 mL min(-1) for benzene. The LOQ for the 24-hour sampling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis ranged from 5.9-105.2 µg m(-3), 1.1-24.7 parts per billion. The storage stability after 5 days ranged from 94.8 to 118.2%. Formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, and toluene were detected above the LOQ in more than 90% of the children, and the median concentrations were 21.7, 20.9, 10.1, and 21.5 µg m(-3), respectively. This study shows that the diffusive samplers developed were suitable for children to carry and were capable of measuring the children's daily chemical exposure.

The symbolic and non-symbolic aspect of image: clinical and cultural reflections.

It is fundamental for analytical psychology to understand images symbolically. However, Jung was aware of the non-symbolic and direct appearance of image in synchronistic visions and dreams. Therefore, there are two aspects of the non-symbolic: literal and synchronistic. Firstly, the pathology of the non-symbolic was explored in psychosomatic syndromes, trauma, borderline syndromes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Then the historical and cultural considerations show that dreams were shared and understood directly and non-symbolically in Japanese medieval times. Historically, the symbolic aspect emerged through the loss of this directness and is characteristic for the modern, western, and adult consciousness. However, the increasing prevalence of ASD and ambiguity between reality and virtual reality show that the contemporary world is again dominated by directness and the non-symbolic, which can be called 'postmodern consciousness'.

Il est fondamental pour la psychologie analytique de comprendre symboliquement les images. Cependant, Jung était conscient de l'apparition directe et non-symbolique de l'image dans les visions synchronistiques et les rêves. Ainsi, il y a deux aspects du non-symbolique: le littéral et le synchronistique. En ce qui concerne le premier, la pathologie du non-symbolique a été étudiée dans les syndromes psychosomatiques, le traumatisme, les syndromes borderline et les troubles du spectre autistique (TSA). Ensuite, les considérations historiques et culturelles montrent que les rêves furent compris et partagés directement et de manière non-symbolique à l'époque médiévale au Japon. Historiquement, l'aspect symbolique a émergé à travers la perte de l'aspect direct, ou franc, ce qui est caractéristique de la conscience adulte, moderne et occidentale. Cependant la prévalence accrue de TSA et l'ambiguïté entre la réalité et la réalité virtuelle montrent que le monde contemporain est de nouveau dominé par l'aspect direct et le non-symbolique, que nous pouvons appeler « conscience postmoderne ¼.

Es fundamental para la psicología analítica la comprensión simbólica de las imágenes. Sin embargo, Jung fue consciente del aspecto no simbólico y directo de la imagen en visiones y sueños sincronísticos. Por lo tanto, hay dos aspectos en lo no simbólico: literal y sincronístico. Inicialmente, la patología de lo no-simbólico fue explorada en síndromes psicosomáticos, trauma, síndromes borderline y trastorno del espectro autista (ASD). Luego, consideraciones históricas y culturales muestran que los sueños fueron compartidos y comprendidos de manera directa y no-simbólica en los tiempos medievales en Japón. Históricamente, el aspecto simbólico emergió a través de la pérdida de lo directo, y es característico de la consciencia moderna, occidental, adulta. Sin embargo, la prevalencia creciente de ASD y la ambigüedad entre la realidad y la realidad virtual muestran que el mundo contemporáneo es nuevamente dominado por lo no-simbólico y lo directo, la cual podría llamarse 'consciencia posmoderna'.

É fundamental que a psicologia analítica entenda as imagens simbolicamente. No entanto, Jung estava ciente da aparência não simbólica e direta da imagem em visões e sonhos sincrônicos. Portanto, há dois aspectos do não simbólico: literal e sincrônico. Primeiramente, a patologia do não simbólico foi explorada em síndromes psicossomáticas, trauma, síndromes limítrofes e transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA). Em seguida, as considerações históricas e culturais mostram que os sonhos foram compartilhados e compreendidos direta e não simbolicamente nos tempos medievais no Japão. Historicamente, o aspecto simbólico surgiu através da perda da franqueza e não simbólica, o que pode ser chamado de "consciência pós-moderna".

Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to dichloromethane by means of urinalysis for un-metabolized dichloromethane.

The objective of the study is to establish exposure-excretion relationship between dichlorometane (DCM) in air (DCM-A) and in urine (DCM-U) in workplace to confirm a previous report. Male workers in a screen-printing plant participated in the study. Time-weighted average DCM-A was measured by diffusive sampling followed by gas-chromatography (GC), and DCM in end-of-shift urine samples was by head-space GC. The data were subjected to regression and other statistical analyses. In practice, 30 sets of DCM-A and DCM-U values were available. The geometric mean DCM-A was 8.4 ppm and that of DCM-U (as observed) was 41.1 µg/l. The correlation coefficients (0.70-0.85) were statistically significant across the correction for urine density. Thus, the analysis for un-metabolized DCM in end-of-shift urine samples is applicable for biological monitoring of occupational exposure to DCM, in support of and in agreement with the previous report. In conclusion, biological monitoring of occupational DCM exposure is possible by use of analysis for un-metabolized DCM in end-of-shift urine.

Gender Differences in Psychological Symptoms and Psychotherapeutic Processes in Japanese Children.

Gender differences have been documented in the prevalence of psychological symptoms. Tic disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more common in male clinical samples, while selective mutism and trichotillomania are more common in female clinical samples. In a review of 84 published case studies of Japanese children, this study explored gender differences in the prevalence of four categories of symptoms and expressions made in therapy for tics, selective mutism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and trichotillomania. Case studies were evaluated using both qualitative coding and statistical analysis. The findings were mostly consistent with epidemiological surveys and empirical research on adults. The gender differences in symptom prevalence and their expression could be summarized as differences in more direct aggression for boys versus indirect aggression for girls. The objective and progress in the therapy were to control impulsive energy for boys and to express energy for girls.

Graves' disease and mental disorders.

Mental disorders merge highly with thyroid diseases. Because of its regulatory effects on serotonin and noradrenalin, T3 has been linked closely to depression and anxiety. It has known that in many cases, the mental symptoms persist even after normalization of thyroid function by treatment. Psychosocial factors including stress have been associated with mental symptoms even after thyroid function normalization in Graves' disease and a combination of mental disorders have been related to the exacerbation of hyperthyroidism. These findings suggest that psychosomatic approaches based on the bio-psycho-social medical model are important for the treatment of mental disorders associated with Graves' disease.

Effects of styrene exposure on vibration perception threshold.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether styrene can affect the vibration perception threshold (VPT) and to examine the dose-effect relationship at current and past styrene exposure levels. METHODS: VPT was examined using a Vibrometer (TM-31A) for 67 subjects exposed to styrene in a fiberglass reinforced plastic boat plant and 151 non-exposed subjects. We selected 67 age-matched controls out of the non-exposed subjects for the analyses. End shift urinary metabolites of styrene were measured for evaluation of the dose-effect relationship for the past eight years and at the time of VPT measurement. The current exposure level was expressed by the end shift urinary mandelic acid (MA) and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA) levels. Cumulative exposure index (CEI) were calculated based on the exposure frequency and urinary MA concentrations measured for the past eight years. RESULTS: The VPT of the exposed group was higher than that of non-exposed group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that past maximum exposure level and age were significant factors explaining the variation of VPT. Dose-effect relationship was recognized in upper limbs but not in lower limbs among exposure groups. When the exposed group was divided into high- and low-level groups for the past maximum exposure level by the cutoff point of MA 0.83 g/g cr (equivalent to 50 ppm in air) and compared to the control group, we found significant differences in the VPT in upper limbs, between the high-level exposed group and control group, and in lower limbs, between both of the high- and low-level exposed groups and the control group. CONCLUSION: If the maximum concentration of styrene exposure exceeded 50ppm in the past, effects of exposure to styrene on the VPT are likely to persist.

Simplified procedures for estimation of biological occupational exposure limits.

OBJECTIVES: To simplify the procedures to estimate biological occupational exposure limits (BOELs) by use of the ratio of geometric mean (GM) concentration of un-metabolized organic solvent in urine (U-GM) over GM organic solvent concentration in air (A-GM) (the [U-GM/A-GM] ratio). METHODS: Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) and BOELs were cited from publications from the Japan Society of Occupational Health (JSOH) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Data on [U-GM/A-GM] and the SLOPE of exposure-excretion regression line were collected from published articles (men and women were treated separately). Correlation analysis and paired t test were employed as the method to examine statistical significances. RESULTS: Significant linear correlation was established between the SLOPE and the [U-GM/A-GM]. Thus, it was considered to be possible to calculate the SLOPE value from the [U-GM/A-GM]. Previously established equation of BOEL = SLOPE × OEL allowed to estimate BOEL values in 22 cases of data sets. The comparison of the estimated BOELs with the existing BOELs (JSOH's BOELs and ACGIH's BEIs) in terms of the ratio of [(estimated BOEL)/(existing BOEL)] showed that the ratios for the 22 cases probably distributed log-normally with a GM of 0.85, and the maximum was 5. Therefore, the estimated BOEL may be generally applicable in occupational health when BOEL remains yet to be established. In the worst case, the estimated BOEL may be five times greater than it should be. The recommended procedures for application of estimated BOEL values were described. CONCLUSION: Simplified procedures for estimation of BOEL values are proposed.

Biological monitoring of occupational ethylbenzene exposure by means of urinalysis for un-metabolized ethylbenzene.

This study aimed to examine quantitative relation between ethylbenzene (EB) in air (EB-A) and un-metabolized EB in urine (EB-U) for biological monitoring of occupational EB exposure by urinalysis for EB. In total, 49 men in furniture production factories participated in the study. Time-weighted average EB-A was monitored by diffusive sampling. Urinalysis for EB was conducted by head-space gas-chromatography with end-of-shift samples. Data were subjected to regression analysis for statistical evaluation. A geometric mean (GM) and the maximum (Max) EB-A levels were 2.1 and 45.5 ppm, respectively. A GM and the Max for EB-U (observed values) were 4.6 and 38.7 µg/l. A significant linear correlation was observed. The regression equation was Y=3.1+0.73X where X is EB-A (ppm) and Y is EB-U (µg/l) (r=0.91, p<0.01). The significant correlation between EB-A and EB-U coupled with a small intercept suggests that biological monitoring of occupational EB exposure is possible by analysis for un-metabolized EB in end-of-shift urine samples. Further validation studies (including those on applicability to women) are envisaged. The feasibility should be examined for biological monitoring and the applicability of the equation among the workers exposed to EB at low levels.

Biological monitoring of o-toluidine in urine pretreated by an enzymatic deconjugation method.

OBJECTIVES: To establish an enzymatic deconjugation method to separately quantify urinary o-toluidine (OT), its six metabolites, another six chemicals present in an OT-processing plant, and one metabolite of p-toluidine, and to propose optimal urinary biological monitoring items of OT exposure. METHODS: Thirty-six urine samples of an OT-processing plant's workers were obtained and pretreated by an enzymatic deconjugation method employing ß-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase for 3 hours at 37°C and measured by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). An alkaline hydrolytic pretreatment and 1-chlorobutane extraction procedure was also examined as a widely used urinary OT measurement method. RESULTS: The 14 chemicals were separated by LC-MS condition set by us and 13 chemicals other than 2-chloroaniline showed satisfiable linearity and limits of determination. Standard substances of six OT metabolites decomposed after the alkaline heating. In the 36 urine samples, OT, N-(4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl) acetamide (NHM), and 4-amino-m-cresol (ACR) accounted for approx. 90% of the total OT and OT metabolites, but inter-individual variation of the three substance excretion seemed to be wide. Time course of urinary excretion revealed that concentration of the three substances was higher 24 hours after the work shift's end rather than just after the work shift. CONCLUSIONS: OT and its six metabolites can each be determined with LC-MS. The alkaline method is not so optimal for exact biological monitoring. Rather, the sum of urinary OT, NHM, and ACR measured by the enzymatic method is a better index, and "end of the workweek" is a good urine-sampling time for the biological monitoring of OT exposure.

A new stargazer, Ichthyscopus pollicaris (Perciformes: Uranoscopidae), from East Asia.

A new uranoscopid fish, Ichthyscopus pollicaris sp. nov., is described from East Asia waters around Taiwan and Japan. It can be distinguished from other congeners in having the ventral midline of the belly forming 3 prominent prolonged skin flaps, its posterior nostril oval to circular in shape, its pectoral-fin base lacking distinct blotches, and the uppermost pectoral-fin ray and adjacent interspace membrane with 1 or 2 white spots. The biogeography of I. pollicaris is discussed.