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Biomedical subjects

T Tuomi

Publications and source records attributed to T Tuomi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Which antigen to use in the detection of rheumatoid factors? Comparison of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and subjects with 'false positive' rheumatoid factor reactions.

In the search for differences between rheumatoid factors (RF) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in non-rheumatoid subjects, the reactivity of IgM- and IgA-class RF with rabbit IgG (rIgG) and Fc fragments of rabbit and human IgG (rFc, hFc) was studied by enzyme immunoassay. From a community-based cohort (n = 7124) representing the adult population of Finland, RA patients (n = 130), other subjects positive in the Waaler-Rose (WaRo, sensitized sheep cell agglutination) test (n = 137), and controls matched for age, sex and living area were selected for further study. In RA sera there was a good correlation between the results in the WaRo test and in the IgM-RF ELISA (rIgG, rFc and hFc). A considerable number of 'false positive' sera, though positive in the WaRo test and the rIgG-ELISA, were negative in the rFc-ELISA. Twenty-two per cent of the false positive sera reacted with either hFc or rFc, both types being equally common. IgA-RF reacted more frequently with hFc than with rFc in both the RA and the 'false positive' sera. In some sera, IgM- and IgA-RFs reacted differently with human and rabbit Fc, e.g. IgM-RF reacted only with human Fc, and IgA-RF reacted with both hFc and rFc, thus suggesting different regulation of their formation.

Adult↗

Significance of rheumatoid factors in an eight-year longitudinal study on arthritis.

A community-based cohort comprising 150 patients with recent-onset seropositive arthritis or seronegative oligoarthritis or polyarthritis was monitored for 8 years. Of the different rheumatoid factor (RF) tests, the initial positivity in the most sensitive assays (latex slide test and IgM-RF by enzyme immunoassay) was the most reliable factor when distinguishing between the erosive and nonerosive cases. The individual RF isotypes fluctuated in four serial specimens, but each patient tended to preserve his or her reactivity pattern. Seroconversion from positive to negative within the 1st year of follow-up did not indicate a particularly good long-term prognosis.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Rheumatoid factor isotypes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in subjects with "false-positive" reactions.

The appearance of RFs, as detected by standard serological techniques, often precedes the onset of clinical RA by years. This pre-rheumatoid immunological reactivity is not associated with C-reactive protein response or occurrence of antibodies against native type II collagen. The profile of RF isotypes appeared to be similar between pre-rheumatoid and rheumatoid sera. RA sera contained somewhat more frequently IgG and IgA class RFs than "false-positive" sera from a community-based population sample. 7S IgM could be detected at about the same frequency in rheumatoid sera, in RF-positive pre-rheumatoid sera and in sera with "false-positive" RF reactions. The significance of the findings in terms of the pathogenesis of RA will be discussed.

Adult↗

Effects of industrial respirators on breathing pattern at different work levels.

The effects of a filtering device and an air-line apparatus on breathing pattern were studied in healthy men with different physical characteristics and work capacity. The subjects comprised nine construction workers aged 35-44, and nine firemen aged 21-35. The construction workers' mean maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was 34.5 ml min-1 kg-1, the firemen's 66.9 ml min-1 kg-1. Breathing pattern was analyzed for its components, inspiratory time, expiratory time, breathing frequency, tidal volume, and pulmonary ventilation at rest, during two submaximal treadmill walks when the subjects' absolute work load was equal, and during recovery. Neither the filtering device nor the air-line apparatus had a significant effect on breathing pattern when compared with the control values measured twice with a low-resistance breathing valve. A significantly longer expiratory time, lower breathing frequency, and smaller pulmonary ventilation were found for the firemen with the breathing valve and the industrial respirators. The breathing pattern of the construction workers and the firemen differed, but the alterations were not induced by the use of the filtering device or the air-line apparatus when studied at aerobic work levels up to 60% VO2max.

Adult↗

The distribution of class-specific rheumatoid factors is similar in rheumatoid and pre-illness sera.

The occurrence of IgM, IgG, and IgA class rheumatoid factors (RF) was compared by means of ELISA in 21 sera from patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in 22 pre-illness sera from subjects who 4 months to 5 years later developed seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. The positive cases were virtually confined to three groups of about equal size: positive for all three RF classes, positive for IgM-RF and IgG-RF, and positive for IgM-RF only. Thus, the distribution of the RF isotypes was similar in rheumatoid and pre-rheumatoid sera.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Cardiorespiratory strain in jobs that require respiratory protection.

Twenty-one workers in the construction, foundry, shipyard, and metal industries, and nine firemen were studied in jobs that require the regular use of various industrial respirators. The subjects' heart rates (HR) were continuously recorded during 1 to 2 workshifts or during special tasks. Their oxygen consumption (VO2) and ventilation rates were measured during main work phases. The subjects' VO2max were determined by a submaximal bicycle-ergometer test. In construction and industrial jobs, when a filtering device or an air-line apparatus was worn, the subjects' mean HR-values ranged from 66 to 132 beats min-1, which is equivalent to a relative aerobic strain of 12 to 57% VO2max. In smog-diving and repair and rescue tasks with self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, the corresponding mean values were 142 to 160 beats min-1 and 54-74% VO2, respectively. The field results were compared with those measured in the laboratory with the same type of respirator. The suitability of different respirators in practical work situations was then evaluated, as were the physical qualifications required of the wearer.

Adult↗

Passive and active exposure to cigarette smoke in a smoking experiment.

Six volunteer female habitual smokers were exposed during a 2-wk experimental period to cigarette smoke, both actively and passively, in an exposure chamber (volume 10 m3, average air exchange rate 6.8 times/h), where the ambient carbon monoxide, particle, and aldehyde concentrations were monitored. Three of the six subjects were smoking at the time, 2 cigarettes (filtered, self-burning low tar brand) per person per hour, 30 cigarettes altogether during each of the 5-h experimental days in the chamber. Samples of blood and urine were taken from each subject after 3 nonsmoking days and after each day of active or passive smoking. Among the parameters tested, blood carboxyhemoglobin, plasma cotinine, and urinary mutagenicity were higher in samples taken after active smoking than after nonsmoking periods. Although the exposure conditions were similar for all subjects, the parameters measured showed quite high interindividual variation. Thioethers and thiocyanates were not significantly elevated in the active smoking samples; neither were there any differences during this short experimental period in the sister chromatid exchange frequencies. The only parameters showing an increasing trend after passive exposure, as compared with nonsmoking samples, were urinary mutagenicity and plasma cotinine, the main metabolite of nicotine.

Adult↗

Face seal leakage of half masks and surgical masks.

The efficiency and face seal leakage characteristics of two half masks equipped with particle filters or gas filters, and of two surgical masks were studied by means of a test head connected to a breathing machine. Filtration and leakage were studied as a function of particle size over a diameter range of 0.3-10 micron with corn oil aerosol and an optical particle counter. The filtration efficiency of the filter materials was good, over 95%, for particles above 5 micron in diameter but great variation existed for smaller particles. The face seal leakage was manifested as decreased efficiency for large particles and also for total mass, while the particles in the micrometer range contained the major part of the test aerosol mass. The particle number efficiency diagrams obtained can be used both in filter material studies and in leak detection of valves or filter housings.

Aerosols↗

Effects of an SCBA on breathing pattern, gas exchange, and heart rate during exercise.

The effects of a pressure demand-type self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (total weight, 15.5 kg) on breathing pattern, gas exchange, and heart rate were studied in 13 firemen. The subjects performed sequential progressive exercise tests on a treadmill both without and with an SCBA. The use of an SCBA consistently limited tidal volume. During submaximal exercise oxygen consumption and heart rate increased remarkably more with the SCBA than without it. Four subjects reached their maximal heart rate with the SCBA. Their mean ventilation rate was 68% and oxygen consumption was 83% of the maximal values attained without the SCBA. The shoulder harness of the heavy SCBA prevented free motion of the thorax, affecting the regulation of breathing, and thus seriously disturbed ventilation and gas exchange, particularly at heavier exercise levels.

Adult↗

Cardiorespiratory and thermal effects of wearing gas protective clothing.

Six healthy men aged 25 to 37 walked on a treadmill at work levels of 21 and 41% of their VO2max for 25 to 30 min wearing gas protective clothing (GPC) consisting of an impermeable suit with a self-contained breathing apparatus (total weight 25 kg) or shorts (control tests, CT) in a temperate environment (ta 24.3 degrees C +/- 1.0 degrees C, rh 30-50%). When the GPC was worn at 21 and 41% VO2max, the most prominent increases, compared with the CT, were noted in the heart rate (means +/- SE, 120 +/- 5 vs 76 +/- 3 beats min-1 and 171 +/- 5 vs 103 +/- 3 beats min-1), mean skin temperature (36.1 +/- 0.2 vs 31.3 degrees C +/- 0.1 degree C and 36.9 +/- 0.3 vs 30.9 degrees C +/- 0.4 degrees C) and sweat rate (473 +/- 51 vs 70 +/- 23 g m-2 h-1 and 766 +/- 81 vs 135 +/- 18 g m-2 h-1) indicating a high cardiovascular and thermoregulatory strain, which was not decreased by ventilating the suit with an air flow of 281 min-1 at 41% VO2max. The ventilation, oxygen consumption and production of carbon dioxide increased in relation to the extra weight of the GPC, partly dependent on the dynamic work level. It was concluded that the increase in the physiological load caused by the GPC was so high that the work-rest regimens, workers' level of physical fitness, cardiovascular health and heat tolerance should be considered whenever gas protective clothing is used.

Adult↗

Reduction of isometric muscle endurance after wearing impermeable gas protective clothing.

The isometric endurance of forearm muscles at 40% maximum voluntary contraction was measured in six healthy male subjects, after they had walked for 25-30 min on a treadmill while wearing an impermeable gas protective suit and a self-contained breathing apparatus at a light (21% VO2 max), and a moderate 41% VO2 max) work level. The mean endurance times were 12% (NS) and 24% (P less than 0.01) shorter than the average control value after exercise for the light and moderate work levels, respectively. These changes were accompanied by an increased heart rate, and rectal and skin temperatures. Ventilating the suit with an air flow of 181 . min-1 at the moderate work level did not significantly affect isometric endurance (decreased 27%), heart rate or body temperatures. It was concluded, that muscular performance capacity is reduced after wearing gas-protective clothing in a temperate environment, presumably due to the increased muscle temperature, and this should be considered in scheduling work times and rest periods.

Adult↗

Cardiorespiratory effects of respiratory protective devices during exercise in well-trained men.

The effects of a filtering device, an air-line breathing apparatus and a self-contained breathing apparatus ( SCBA ) on pulmonary ventilation, oxygen consumption and heart rate were studied in 12 well-trained firemen aged 21-35 years. Their average maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was 64.9 ml X min-1 X kg-1. Sequential tests without and with the respirator were performed on a treadmill. The continuous test contained five components, each of which lasted 5 min: sitting at rest, walking at 20%, 40%, and 60% of the individual VO2 max, and recovery sitting. During the higher submaximal work levels and recovery, ventilation, heart rate, and oxygen consumption in particular increased more with respirators than without them. At the highest work level the increments in oxygen consumption caused by the respirators were 13%, (8.7 ml X min-1 X kg-1), 7% (4.4 ml X min-1 X kg-1), and 20% (12.7 ml X min-1 X kg-1) of VO2 max. All three respirators hampered respiration, resulting in hypoventilation. The additional effort of breathing and the weight of the apparatus (15 kg with the SCBA ) increased the subjects' cardiorespiratory strain so clearly that the need for rest periods and the individual's work capacity when the respirators are worn must be carefully considered, particularly with the SCBA .

Adult↗