富硒酵母对高脂饮食大鼠血脂和抗氧化指标的影响

目的研究富硒酵母对雄性高脂血症大鼠血脂水平的影响和抗氧化作用。方法喂养雄性SD大鼠高脂饲料建立高脂血症模型,将造模成功的大鼠随机分为含有硒剂量为0.83和8.33μg/kg的干预组、模型对照组,同时设空白对照组,干预60 d。模型对照组和空白对照组灌胃相等剂量的生理盐水。在干预的第20、40、60天,眼内眦采血(不禁食),测定总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平;并在实验干预第60天禁食12 h,眼内眦静脉丛取血,测血清中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)及总抗氧化(T-AOC)水平。同组不同时期血脂水平采用重复测量数据的方差分析,同时期不同组血脂水平采取单因素方差分析和LSD-t检验。结果干预实验第20、40、60天,0.83μg/kg干预组血清TC、LDL-C、TG水平和8.33μg/kg干预组血清TG水平明显低于模型对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);在干预实验的第60天,8.33μg/kg干预组血清TC、LDL-C水平[分别为(3.06±0.38)、(0.99±0.14)mmol/L]明显低于模型对照组[分别为(3.46±0.70)、(1.11±0.16)mmol/L],差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。干预第60天,0.83μg/kg干预组血清T-AOC、GSH、SOD水平和8.33μg/kg干预组血清GSH、SOD水平均明显高于模型对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论适量的酵母硒可降低雄性SD高脂血症大鼠的血脂水平,具有抗氧化能力。     

补硒对多囊卵巢综合征患者不对称二甲基精氨酸及心血管指标的影响

目的：探讨补硒对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者不对称二甲基精氨酸(ADMA)水平、心脏代谢危险因素和性激素水平的影响。方法：2021年1月-2022年1月在本院妇科门诊就诊的76例PCOS患者，随机分为补硒组(34例)和对照组(32例)。补硒组每日口服富硒酵母片60μg,对照组服用安慰剂，连续服用12周。分别于干预前和结束后，检测空腹血糖(FBG)、血清胰岛素、总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、载脂蛋白-AI(Apo-A1)和载脂蛋白-B100(Apo-B100)水平。酶联免疫吸附法测定血清总T、性激素结合球蛋白(SHBG)和ADMA的水平。胰岛素抵抗的静态模型评估(HOMA-IR)计算胰岛素抵抗性。结果：干预后补硒组循环ADMA(52.4±18.64 ng/L)和T(0.49±0.31 ng/ml)水平低于对照组(63.96±15.77 ng/L、0.67±0.32 ng/ml),Apo-B100/Apo-A1比值(0.61±0.16)低于对照组(0.67±0.19);两组FBG、胰岛素和HOMA-IR及其他血脂水...     

湖北恩施地区老年人群血清硒与骨质疏松的 相关性研究及硒暴露分析

目的 探讨湖北恩施不同硒水平环境老年人群血清硒与骨质疏松相关性及硒暴露情况。方法 随机选取2018年6月至2020年5月在恩施州中心医院健康体检的60岁以上来源于富硒足硒缺硒地区老年人各200名,按骨密度(bone mineral density, BMD)测量值及来源地分组,检测血清硒浓度、骨代谢血清学标志物水平及居民饮用水,原产土豆和玉米的硒含量,进行统计分析,计量资料两组间比较采用 t 检验,多组间比较采用单因素方差分析,率的比较采用卡方检验,进一步两两比较采用 SNK—q 检验,相关分析采用 Spearman 相关检验。结果 研究对象按骨密度分为正常骨量组（152名）、骨量低下组（242名）和骨质疏松组（206名）.三组人群骨密度比较,差异具有统计学意义（ F =1.032, P <0.05).骨质疏松组和骨量低下组的血硒含量分别为(78.254±13.256) μg/L、(103.124±12.425) μg/L,均低于正常组的(222.845±15.182) μg/L,差异具有统计学意义( F =22.254, P < 0.05)。富硒足硒缺硒地区人群血硒含量为(262.124±13.268) μg/L、(145.987±11.243)μ     

饮用水水质对小鼠脂代谢影响的实验研究

目的探讨饮用水水质对小鼠脂代谢的影响。方法将超纯水配成不同离子浓度的水样及取3种饮用水(纯净水、自来水、碱性离子水),滴加三油酸甘油酯混合震荡,观察乳化差异;分别测定三种饮用水的水质指标;将30只雌性ICR小鼠随机分为纯净水组、自来水组、碱性离子水组,90d后眼球取血,测定小鼠体质量、Lee′s指数、脂肪系数、肝脏系数、血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、血钙、血镁,羟甲基戊二酸单酰辅酶A还原酶(HMG-CR)、卵磷脂-胆固醇酰基转移酶(LCAT)、总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性及载脂蛋白A1(apo-A1)、载脂蛋白B(apo-B)、丙二醛(MDA)含量,观察脂肪细胞形态。结果不同离子浓度的水样乳化三油酸甘油酯的能力随着离子浓度的增大而减小。3种饮用水的水质指标各不相同,其乳化能力依次为:纯净水(119.67±13.52)μl自来水(50.67±2.16)μl碱性离子水(43.50±3.78)μl(F=157.916,P0.05)。三种水喂养小鼠90d后,碱性离子水组小鼠HMG-CR(21.92±1.38)μg/kg、LCAT(33.50±2.27)μg/kg活性较纯净水组[(20.42±1.70)μg/kg、(31.31±3.32)μg/kg]、自来水组高[(19.36±1.78)μg/kg、(30.16±2.65)μg/kg](F=6.139、3.442,P均0.05);apo-B含量碱性离子水组(67.65±13.89)mg/g、自来水组(69.15±10.81)mg/g较纯净水组(93.39±19.35)mg/g低(F=8.735,P=0.001);脂肪细胞形态大小依次为:碱性离子水组自来水组纯净水组。结论饮用水中离子浓度越高,乳化越少油脂,机体获得的能量越多。     

亚硒酸钠与核黄素联合暴露对高脂饮食大鼠血脂及血清肝生化指标的影响

目的研究亚硒酸钠与核黄素联合暴露对高脂饮食雄性大鼠血脂及血清肝生化指标的影响。方法将60只健康SPF级雄性SD大鼠按体重随机分为空白对照组(10只)和高脂组(50只),分别给予基础饲料和高脂饲料;喂养4周后,将50只高脂组大鼠按照血脂水平和体重随机分为5组,分别为高脂对照组、1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组、18.40μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组、1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+3.50 mg/kg核黄素干预组和18.40μg/kg亚硒酸钠+3.50 mg/kg核黄素干预组,每组10只。采用灌胃方式进行染毒,同时,空白对照组和高脂对照组给予相同体积的生理盐水,染毒容量为10 ml/kg,每天1次,连续60 d。分别于第0(染毒前)、20、40、60天,测定大鼠血清中总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平;并于第60天,检测大鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转氨酶(AST)的水平。结果与空白对照组比较,染毒期间高脂对照组及各干预组大鼠血清TC、TG、LDL-C的水平均升高,除第60天时1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清TG水平外,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);而血清HDL-C水平均未见显著变化。与高脂对照组相比,第20、40天时1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清TC、TG的水平及1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+3.50 mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清TG的水平以及第60天时1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清TC、TG、LDL-C的水平及18.40μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清TC的水平均下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);而各干预组大鼠血清HDL的水平均无明显改变。与空白对照组比较,高脂对照组、18.40μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组和1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+3.50mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清ALT的水平以及高脂对照组、18.40μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组和18.40μg/kg亚硒酸钠+3.50 mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清AST的水平均升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。与高脂对照组相比,仅1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清ALT的水平降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组、18.40μg/kg亚硒酸钠+0.70 mg/kg核黄素干预组以及1.84μg/kg亚硒酸钠+3.50 mg/kg核黄素干预组大鼠血清AST的水平降低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论适量亚硒酸钠与核黄素联合暴露可以拮抗高脂饮食所致雄性大鼠血脂及血清肝生化指标的升高。     

青春期儿童血清瘦素脂联素与血脂水平的配对研究

目的探讨青春期儿童血清瘦素(LEP)、脂联素(ADIPO)与血脂的关系,为心血管疾病的早期预防提供线索。方法选取13～14岁肥胖和体重正常儿童共73对,用放射免疫法测血清LEP,用酶联免疫法测血清ADIPO,用酶比色法测三酰甘油(TG)及总胆固醇(TC),用沉淀法测高密度脂蛋白(HDL)和低密度脂蛋白(LDL),进行配对分析。结果肥胖组儿童血清LEP(24.011±6.831)μg/L,TG(1.574±0.889)mmol/L水平高于对照组(12.542±6.565)μg/L,(0.913±0.362)mmol/L(P值均=0.000);ADIPO(4.074±2.493)μg/mL,HDL(1.115±0.256)mmol/L水平低于对照组(5.526±3.194)μg/mL,(1.404±0.331)mmol/L(P值均0.01)。女童血清LEP与LDL呈正相关(r=0.246,P=0.043),与HDL呈负相关(r=-0.438,P=0.000);男童血清LEP与TG(r=0.518,P=0.000),TC(r=0.284,P=0.012)均呈正相关,与HDL呈负相关(r=-0.353,P=0.002),ADIPO与HDL呈正相关(r=0.253,P=0.025)。结论青春期肥胖儿童存在瘦素、脂联素和血脂代谢紊乱,瘦素较脂联素与血脂有明显的相关性。     

噪声暴露对某国有大型煤矿工人血糖和血脂水平的影响

目的 探讨某国有大型煤矿工作场所噪声对工人血糖和血脂水平的影响。方法 对新泰市某国有大型煤矿作业工人进行职业健康检查,随机选择长期接触高噪声(82.8~100.1 LAeq dB(A))428人为观察组,接触低噪声(53.9~71.0 LAeq dB(A))506人为对照组,比较两组工人血糖和血脂水平差异。结果 观察组工人血清葡萄糖为(5.32±0.79)mmol/L、总胆固醇为(4.72±0.82)mmol/L、甘油三酯为(1.67±1.31)mmol/L、高密度脂蛋白为(1.41±0.30)mmol/L、低密度脂蛋白为(2.79±0.68)mmol/L。观察组工人血清葡萄糖、总胆固醇、甘油三酯和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平均明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组的血清葡萄糖、总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇异常率均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组的脂肪肝检出率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。随着工龄的增加,血糖、总胆固醇、甘油三酯和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量也增高,各工龄组之间血糖、总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论 长期接触高噪声可能是煤矿作业工人血糖和血脂水平升高的危险因素。     

妊娠期糖尿病孕妇血清Apo A5 SPARC Nesfatin-1及CTRP6水平和糖脂代谢胰岛素抵抗的关系

目的分析妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)孕妇血清载脂蛋白A5(Apo A5)、富含半胱氨酸酸性分泌蛋白(SPARC)、人新饱食分子蛋白-1(Nesfatin-1)及C1q/肿瘤坏死因子相关蛋白6(CTRP6)水平和糖脂代谢、胰岛素抵抗的关系。方法选取2016年1月-2020年1月收治的300例GDM孕妇为GDM组,糖耐量正常的322例孕妇为对照组。比较两组血清Apo A5、SPARC、Nesfatin-1及CTRP6水平,糖脂代谢指标[空腹血糖(FPG)、餐后2 h血糖(2 h PG)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)]水平,胰岛素抵抗相关指标[空腹胰岛素(FINS)、胰岛β细胞功能指数(HOMA-β)及胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)]水平。分析GDM孕妇血清Apo A5、SPARC、Nesfatin-1及CTRP6水平与糖脂代谢、胰岛素抵抗相关指标的相关性。采用多元Logistic回归分析法分析GDM发病的危险因素。结果 GDM组血清Apo A5水平为(66.35±9.48)μg/L,低于对照组的(102.51±16.49)μg/L,血清SPARC、Nesfatin-1及CTRP6水平分别为(5.35±1.64)μg/L、(2.25±0.63)μg/L及(689.40±36.75)μg/L,高于对照组的(2.63±0.69)μg/L、(1.02±0.35)μg/L及(572.35±31.64)μg/L,差异均有统计学意义(t=33.210,P=0.000;t=27.183,P=0.000;t=30.365,P=0.000;t=42.652,P=0.000)。GDM孕妇血清Apo A5与TG、FPG、FINS、2 h PG、HbA1c及HOMA-IR呈负相关(P0.05),与HOMA-β呈正相关(P0.05);GDM孕妇血清SPARC、Nesfatin-1及CTRP6水平与TG、FPG、FINS、2 h PG、HbA1c及HOMA-IR呈正相关(P0.05),与HOMA-β呈负相关(P0.05)。多元Logistic回归分析结果显示:血清Apo A5水平降低,血清SPARC、Nesfatin-1、CTRP6及HOMA-IR水平升高是GDM发病的危险因素(均P0.05)。结论 GDM孕妇血清Apo A5水平降低,血清SPARC、Nesfatin-1及CTRP6水平升高,4项指标均与GDM发病、糖脂代谢异常及胰岛素抵抗有关。     

富硒竹节人参提取物降血脂及抗氧化作用

目的 观察富硒竹节人参提取物对实验性高脂血症大鼠血脂及抗氧化作用的影响.方法 采用高脂饲料喂养大鼠建立高脂血症模型,富硒竹节人参提取物按2,4g/(kg·bw)给大鼠灌胃,1次/d,连续4周.4周后取血测定血脂及抗氧化酶含量.结果 富硒竹节人参提取物高、低剂量组可降低大鼠血清总胆固醇(TC)和甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)的含量,升高高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C),高剂量组作用尤其明显;可使血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力上升,丙二醛((MDA)含量降低,与高脂模型组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 富硒竹节人参提取物能降低高脂饲料喂养大鼠的血脂水平,提高抗氧化能力,抑制脂质过氧化.     

过量氟和适量硒对新西兰兔血脂及血液流变的影响

目的 研究过量氟对新西兰兔血脂及血液流变的影响及硒的保护作用.方法 将20只健康清洁级雄性新西兰 兔分为对照组、加氟组(含氟100mg/L)、加硒组(含硒1 ms/L)、加氟加硒组(含硒1 ms/L,氟100mg/L),以饮水途径自由染毒6个月后检测全血流变、血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力、血清丙二醛(MDA)含量.结果 加氟组新西兰兔血流变各指标异常.与对照组比较,加氟组血清TC、HDL-C、LDL-C水平升高,血清SOD、全血GSH-Px活力降低,血清MDA含量升高.加氟加硒组与加氟组比较上述指标明显改善.结论 氟中毒导致血流变异常,脂质代谢紊乱,抗氧化酶活力降低.适量硒可起到一定的保护作用.     

The human drama of genetics: 'hard' and 'soft' media representations of inherited breast cancer

This paper examines media coverage of 'breast cancer genetics', and explores its implications for public understanding. We present a content analysis of coverage in British newspapers and look at a variety of popular forms, including women's magazines, television soap opera and radio drama. Genetic/inherited risk receives a great deal of coverage across a wide range of media formats and outlets. Much of this attention has focused on individuals from 'high risk families' and dilemmas around prophylactic mastectomies. Through examining media coverage, combined with interviews with media personnel and their sources, we show why this story proved so attractive to the media and highlight the different production values which influence coverage. Finally, we introduce preliminary findings from focus group discussions to demonstrate how such 'human interest' framing has engaged audience attention and influenced public understandings. The paper concludes by highlighting the implications for analysing, predicting, and engaging with, media representations of science.     

Worker education in the primary prevention of occupational dermatoses

This paper reports the evaluation of a skin care education programmeconducted on a fine chemicals manufacturing site where over1,000 employees are located. Approximately 60% are involvedin chemical manufacture. Over a 12 month period production staffreceived training in prevention of occupational dermatoses linkedto a site-wide poster initiative. The incidence of new casesof occupational dermatoses fell from 0.055 (70 cases in 1,277employees) to 0.021 (27 cases in 1,277 employees) before andafter the intervention respectively (p<0.0001). After otherfactors such as chemicals handled, observer bias and changesin reporting related to socioeconomic climate were taken intoaccount it is concluded that this study demonstrates the importanceof worker education as a tool for primary prevention of disease.Training materials such as video and poster presentations maybe effectively used in the chemical manufacturing industry asan adjunct to prevention and control of exposure to substanceshazardous to the skin. Such methods may also be used in otherindustries where there are significant risks of dermatoses.     

Regional Variation in Travel-related Illness acquired in Africa,March 1997–May 2011

To understand geographic variation in travel-related illness acquired in distinct African regions, we used the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network database to analyze records for 16,893 ill travelers returning from Africa over a 14-year period. Travelers to northern Africa most commonly reported gastrointestinal illnesses and dog bites. Febrile illnesses were more common in travelers returning from sub-Saharan countries. Eleven travelers died, 9 of malaria; these deaths occurred mainly among male business travelers to sub-Saharan Africa. The profile of illness varied substantially by region: malaria predominated in travelers returning from Central and Western Africa; schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and dengue from Eastern and Western Africa; and loaisis from Central Africa. There were few reports of vaccine-preventable infections, HIV infection, and tuberculosis. Geographic profiling of illness acquired during travel to Africa guides targeted pretravel advice, expedites diagnosis in ill returning travelers, and may influence destination choices in tourism.     

The design of hazard risk assessment matrices for ranking occupational health risks and their application in mining and minerals processing

Two hazard risk assessment matrices for the ranking of occupational health risks are described. The qualitative matrix uses qualitative measures of probability and consequence to determine risk assessment codes for hazard-disease combinations. A walk-through survey of an underground metalliferous mine and concentrator is used to demonstrate how the qualitative matrix can be applied to determine priorities for the control of occupational health hazards. The semi-quantitative matrix uses attributable risk as a quantitative measure of probability and uses qualitative measures of consequence. A practical application of this matrix is the determination of occupational health priorities using existing epidemiological studies. Calculated attributable risks from epidemiological studies of hazard-disease combinations in mining and minerals processing are used as examples. These historic response data do not reflect the risks associated with current exposures. A method using current exposure data, known exposure-response relationships and the semi-quantitative matrix is proposed for more accurate and current risk rankings.     

Psychopathological features of a patient population of targets of workplace bullying

BACKGROUND: A strong association between workplace bullying and subsequent anxiety and depression, indicated by empirical research, suggests that bullying is an aetiological factor for mental health problems. AIMS: To evaluate levels of stress and anxiety-depression disorder developed by targets of workplace bullying together with outcome at 12 months and to characterize this population in terms of psychopathology and sociodemographic features. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (36 women and 12 men) meeting Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror criteria for bullying were included in a prospective study. Evaluations were performed at first consultation and at 12 months using a standard clinical interview, a visual analogue scale of stress, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, the Beech scale of stress in the workplace and a projective test (Picture-Frustration Study). RESULTS: At first consultation, 81% of patients showed high levels of perceived stress at work and 83 and 52% presented with anxiety or depression, respectively. At 12 months, only 19% of working patients expressed a feeling of stress at work. There was a significant change in symptoms of anxiety while there was no change in symptoms of depression. Stress at work and depression influenced significatively capacity to go back to work. At 12-month assessments, workers showed a significantly better score on the HAD scale than non-workers. Over half the targets presented a neuroticism-related predominant personality trait. CONCLUSION: Workplace bullying can have severe mental health repercussions, triggering serious and persistent underlying disorders.     

The rise and fall in incidence of malignant mesothelioma from a British Naval Dockyard, 1979-1999

BACKGROUND: The incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Britain is predicted to rise over the next 15-25 years because of past failure to protect the workforce against inhalation of asbestos. In British Naval dockyards, alternative insulation materials and respiratory protection were introduced from the mid-1960s. Aims This study was carried out to investigate the effects of these control measures on mesothelioma deaths in dockyard workers. METHODS: Cases of mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum between 1979 and 1999 in workers from the Devonport Naval Dockyard, south-west England, were sought from coroners' and medico-legal records. RESULTS: Three hundred and one cases were identified, 7% peritoneal. The peak incidence occurred in 1991 with 25 cases per annum (quadratic model fit R(2) = 74.2%, P < 0.001) and we predict that by 2003 the incidence will fall to fewer than five cases per annum. The mean time between first exposure and presentation was 48.5 years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 47.3-49.8], but this was significantly shorter in the more heavily exposed trades, when compared with the less heavily exposed (42 years, 95% CI = 39.0-45.0, versus 49.5 years, 95% CI = 48.2-50.9). Those with higher exposure were also at significantly greater risk of peritoneal disease (P < 0.023, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: The reduction in incidence of mesothelioma is greater than can be accounted for by reduction in numbers of dockyard workers over the last 50 years. Changes in insulation materials and improved industrial hygiene measures introduced into the Devonport Dockyard from the mid-1960s have resulted in an earlier decline in the incidence of malignant mesothelioma than that predicted for the British workforce as a whole.     

Organophosphate toxicity and occupational exposure

The ubiquitous organophosphates present a continuing health hazard in agriculture, public health eradication programmes and as chemical warfare agents. Despite significant progress in understanding the potential mechanisms of toxicity far beyond the commonly accepted mechanism of cholinesterase inhibition in intentional exposures, the precise health effects following occupational exposures are yet to be completely defined. A much greater understanding exists of the clinical features of organophosphate poisoning. These are characterized by a triphasic response involving an initial acute cholinergic phase, an intermediate syndrome (both associated with high mortality) and a disabling but non-lethal delayed polyneuropathy. The delayed polyneuropathy may occur in the absence of the cholinergic or intermediate phases. However, progress is still required in order to improve the quantification and assessment of occupational exposures and the implementation of appropriate preventive measures. Finally, evidence-based guidelines for appropriate or optimal therapeutic interventions following poisoning are required urgently and collaborative work with colleagues in developing countries, where the occurrence of organophosphate exposures is more frequent, may provide the answers.     

Miliaria rubra of the lower limbs in underground miners

This report documents a case series of miliaria rubra of the lower limbs in miners at a deep underground metalliferous mine in tropical arid Australia. During the summer months of February and March 1999, all cases of miliaria rubra of the lower limbs in underground miners seen at the mine's medical centre were clinically examined and administered a questionnaire. Twenty-five patients were seen, an incidence of 56.4 cases per million man-hours. Miliaria rubra was most often located between the ankle and knee (88% of cases). Twenty-four percent had concurrent folliculitis and 20% had concurrent tinea. Thirty-two percent had a personal history of asthma. Walking through ground-water and splashing of the legs was common. Three to 4 weeks of sedentary duties in air conditioning was generally required to achieve resolution of miliaria rubra. The incidence of miliaria rubra of the lower limbs is 38% of the incidence of heat exhaustion at the same mine. The length of disablement is greater, however. Atopics may be at increased risk of miliaria rubra. Control measures are discussed.     

Planning research

The starting point for any research project should be a question.Once this has been defined and the relevant scientific literaturereviewed, a protocol should be drawn up. This will be used notonly as a guide to the conduct of the study and in the preparationof the final report, but also in seeking any financial supportand approvals that are required for the investigation. A protocolis normally arranged in sections covering the background tothe study, the question(s) that it will address, the methodsthat will be used for the collection and analysis of data, thestatistical power of the investigation (where relevant), anyethical considerations, and the financial input that will beneeded. A pilot study is often helpful where aspects of thestudy method are untried or of uncertainvalidity.     

Stress in the Norwegian police service

BACKGROUND: High levels of stress have been attributed to the conditions of police work, but there is little empirical evidence for this. AIMS: To develop a new instrument to measure job stress in the police; to assess the most severe and frequent police stressors; to compare levels of stress according to the demographic and organizational factors; and to study stress in relation to personality traits, work locus of control and coping strategies. METHODS: A comprehensive nationwide questionnaire survey of 3272 Norwegian police at all hierarchical levels, including the Norwegian Police Stress Survey (NPSS), the Job Stress Survey, the Basic Character Inventory, the Work Locus of Control Scale, and the Coping Strategies Scale. RESULTS: Work injuries were appraised as the most stressful but least frequent stressor and job pressure was reported the least severe but most frequent stressor. Females experienced job stressors less frequently, but appraised them as more severe than men did. Older police officers reported more job pressure severity and fewer work injuries. The police in districts where peer support was planned but not implemented, and who worked in districts with more than 50,000 inhabitants, perceived the lack of support more severely than others. The correlations between stress and personality traits, work locus of control, and coping were moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The NPSS captures police-specific stressors that are not adequately measured by global stress instruments. The study of stress in police work should preferably involve a nationwide use of police-specific stress instruments.