Characterization of a novel allergenic protein from the octocoral Scleronephthya gracillima (Kuekenthal) that corresponds to a new GFP-like family named Akane.

Certain marine organisms have been known to cause allergic reactions among occupational fishermen. We have previously reported that bronchial asthma among the workers engaged in spiny lobster fishing in Japan was caused by octocorals such as Dendronephthya sp. and Scleronephthya gracillima (previously named Alcyonium gracillimum).

Chronic arsenic poisoning in drinking water in Inner Mongolia and its associated health effects.

Since 1990, a large number of people have been experiencing various health problems from drinking arsenic contaminated water (50-1860 microg/L) in 13 counties of Inner Mongolia, China, most of which are located in the Hetao Plain area. It is calculated that 411,243 people are currently at risk from arsenic poisoning. Clinical and epidemiological investigations were carried out on 13,021 people to ascertain the nature and degree of morbidity that occurred due to chronic arsenic toxicity.

[A case of chrome asthma induced by exposure to the stone cutter dust].

The case of a forty-six year old, male patient with asthma caused by exposure to dust containing chrome is presented. When the patient was nineteen years old, he started working as a stonemason in a factory. He cut and ground stone with a stone-cutter to make statues and tombstones.

Arsenic in drinking water and peripheral nerve conduction velocity among residents of a chronically arsenic-affected area in Inner Mongolia.

Background: It remains unclear whether chronic ingestion of arsenic in drinking water affects the peripheral nervous system. We examined the effects of arsenic exposure on nerve conduction velocity using electromyography.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of a population living in an arsenic-affected village in Hetao Plain, Inner Mongolia, China.

Chronic arsenic exposure and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in an arsenic-affected area in Inner Mongolia, China.

Objective: Recent studies have shown that generation of reactive oxidants during arsenic metabolism can play an important role in arsenic-induced injury. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between arsenic in drinking water and oxidative stress in humans by measuring 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in an arsenic-affected village in Hetao Plain, Inner Mongolia, China.