This study responds to the priorities of the National Health Strategy aimed at control and mitigation of the hazardous effects of the workplace factors on cardio-vascular diseases of people in active working age from the branch "Mining industry". The aim of this work is to study the vegetative balance (by analysis of heart rate variability--AHRV) and the correlations with the state of miners' hearing functions. Sixty eight miners (diggers and mate-diggers) from mining industry were studied. This paper treats the results of AHRV examination of 25 miners who have no major and additional causes, leading to hearing injury--traumas, other diseases, medicines, etc. The analysis of heart rate variability was made by computer analysis of heart rate and variability. Standard ECG electrodes at bi-polar breast lead-off were used for recording ECG signals. The echo-cardiographic signal was converted by an ECG converter board into epochs of cardiac events (R-R intervals) for 10 minutes. The principal indices of heart rate variability were analysed. The obtained results provide the ground for further comprehensive studies on different workers contingents from other industries in order to detect workers with initial changes in the hearing analyser and to establish the corresponding pathogenetically based registration, monitoring, and treatment system. The studies conducted for monitoring the dynamic of vegetative equilibrium reflect the degree of disturbed heterostasis by chronically manifested sympatic activity in miners, diagnosed by AHRV indices. The revealed significant relationships between hearing changes and AHRV indices prove the presence of an extra-aural paraprofessional effect and statistically significant relations with the changes in the critical organ. The revealed highly significant correlations between AHRV indices and hearing show a significant relationship between the physiological vegetative level (assessed by AHRV) and the hearing status at chronic exposure to work-related stress factors in miners. The chronic sympathicotonia is an additional pathogenic factor (besides acoustic stress) manifested by spastic changes in the microcirculation of the cochlear neuroreceptor elements.

• MeSH
• audiologie metody   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• elektrokardiografie MeSH
• hluk na pracovišti škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• hornictví * MeSH
• hygiena práce MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci z povolání etiologie   MeSH
• nervus cochlearis zranění   MeSH
• poruchy sluchu etiologie   MeSH
• sluch fyziologie   MeSH
• srdeční frekvence fyziologie   MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

The authors present the results of the study carried out in South Moravia, Czech Republic, in a group of 140 patients (76 women and 64 men) with occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The time-lag between the occupational disease certification and the investigation ranged from 2 to 14 years. The mean age of persons at the diagnosis was 44.5 +/- 7.4. years, and the duration of hazardous occupational exposure was 19.8 +/- 9.8 years. Repetitive and excessive strain of upper extremities was observed in 59% of patients and locally transmitted vibrations to the hands or vibration combined with repetitive and excessive strain of upper extremities in 41% of patients. Following the CTS certification as an occupational diseases, 98% of patients were removed from exposure to etiologic factors. During a follow-up examination, 19% of patients evaluated their health condition as better or recovered, deterioration was reported by 28%, and unchanged condition by 63% of subjects. Surgery was performed on 61% of patients. The comparison of the examination outcome at CTS certification as an occupational disease with the follow-up examination indicated significant improvement of distal motor latency, but the complete recovery of the median nerve conduction was found only in 13% of patients.

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci z povolání epidemiologie   etiologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• nervus medianus patofyziologie   MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• ruka inervace   MeSH
• syndrom karpálního tunelu epidemiologie   etiologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• anglický abstrakt MeSH
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Vibration-induced white finger (VWF) is secondary Raynaud's phenomenon caused by vibrating hand tools. Initially described in 1911 by Loriga, the pathophysiology of VWF remains unclear. This review attempts to summarize the current common and the most modern theories of the pathogenesis of VWF and propose a model of multifactorial etiology. The role of vasoregulatory abnormalities--autonomic dysfunction, local vasoregulatory abnormalities, of the endothelial cell control, of hemostasis, fibrinolysis and hemorrheology, of the leukocyte activation and the levels cell adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reviewed.

• MeSH
• cévní endotel patofyziologie   MeSH
• fibrinolýza MeSH
• hemostáza MeSH
• leukocyty cytologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• prsty ruky patofyziologie   MeSH
• Raynaudova nemoc etiologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• reologie MeSH
• sympatický nervový systém patofyziologie   MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

The authors present the results of the investigation of peripheral nerves of the hand in a group of 30 glass cutters, 21 metal grinders, 10 blacksmiths and 24 workers who worked with nailers. The measurements of vibrotactile sensitivity were carried out by Vibrometry System Brüel & Kjaer Type 9627. The vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPT) were measured in frequency range from 8 to 500 Hz. The same investigations were carried out in 103 healthy subjects with no previous work-exposure to vibration or shocks. Further electromyographic examination was carried out in all members of exposed groups. The results of measurements VPT have proved reliability and high sensitivity of this method for the early detection of light disorders of peripheral nerves of the hand due to vibration. All the workers also passed investigation of vascular system of fingers. Simultaneously the measurement of vibration and shocks of single types of hand-held tools used by workers was done. The results of measurement have been worked up according to ISO 5349 (1) that enables to determine the beginning of the incidence of disorders of the hands and arms on the base of measured values of vibration and shocks. The results of the vascular system investigation have been compared with the results of the assessment of exposure according to ISO 5349. The conformity has been proved in the case of hand-transmitted vibrations not in the case of shocks.

• MeSH
• bezpečnost vybavení * MeSH
• elektromyografie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci periferního nervového systému etiologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• nemoci z povolání etiologie   MeSH
• onemocnění periferních cév etiologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• pracovní síly MeSH
• průmysl MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Tinnitus is a hearing sensation appearing without available sound fluctuations in the external environment. It is one of the major, constant and earliest symptoms suggesting different pathology of the hearing analyser. It must be considered, though, that it is evidenced also at disturbed functions of other organs and systems of the organism. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the state of the hearing analyser in patients with tinnitus occupationally exposed to noise and vibrations in relation to therapy. The study was performed on 67 miners, aged 34-55, mean age 44.5 years. The workers with subjective tinnitus (29 persons--43% of the studied group) are the object of this investigation. They were subjected to the following tests of the hearing analyser: pure tone audiometry; above-threshold audiometry (Carhardt's adaptation test, Lusher's differential threshold, SISI test, Kietz test. The evidence reveals that the studied group of workers occupationally exposed to noise, vibrations, dust, toxic substances etc. complain predominantly of tinnitus. It is accompanied by vertigo, headache and disturbed balance. Changes in the hearing function are observed; manifested by different degree of hypacusia concerning air and bone conductivity in the pure tone audiometry. The above-threshold tests also evidence deviations suggesting disturbed hearing function. These changes can be explained by mechanical-toxic pathogenic mechanisms leading to cerebral and vestibular dysfunction most probably of vascular-circulatory type manifested by the above stated deviations. The results are the basis for the following conclusions: 1. The anamnestic profile of workers with tinnitus exposed to noise and vibrations shows a prevalent percentage of vertigo, followed by headache and disturbed balance. 2. The otoneurological profile shows changes in the air and bone conductivity manifested by different degree of hypacusia. 3. The evaluation of the above-threshold tests also confirms the evidence of disturbed hearing function. 4. The relevant therapeutical approach has to be elaborated, having in mind the existing suggestion about the mechanical-toxic etiopathogenesis of the developed process of vascular-circulatory type.

• MeSH
• audiometrie * MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hluk škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• hornictví MeSH
• hyperakuze etiologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• tinnitus komplikace   diagnóza   etiologie   terapie   MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• klinické zkoušky MeSH

From data in the literature, the potential risk of mechanical vibrations on reproduction in experimental, clinical and epidemiological studies (in experimental animals, men occupied in transport and industry), as well as the influence on sexuality are summarised. Results of the authors own experimental and clinical studies on the influence of the vibration on the male reproductive system are also presented. In male rats, decreased sperm counts, spermatogenesis index and size of testes, changed character of their motion, chronic venous stagnation and dystrophic alterations in tubuli contorti, changed ScDH, ATP-ase, LDH and GL-6-PDH activity, germ cells structural damages were observed. Workers exposed to vibrations had an increased prevalence of oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Sexual disorders are also observed. The authors suggest that reproductive disorders should be included in the list of non-specific effects of vibrations. The detected changes justify further investigations and development of mathematical models for early detection and prognosis of the unfavourable effect on male reproductive function.

• MeSH
• cestování MeSH
• infertilita etiologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pohlavní orgány fyziologie   MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Dynorphin A (1-13) and its analog dynorphin A (1-10) amide were applied intracerebroventricularly in male ICR mice. Both dynorphins did not reveal any analgesic activity in tail-flick test under normal (non-stressed) conditions. However, in combination with stress (forced swimming or whole body vibration) both dynorphins prolonged tail-flick latencies when compared with stressed saline controls. Naloxone inhibited the effect of dynorphins in forced swimming test. Neither dynorphin A (1-13) nor dynorphin A (1-10) amide increased tail-flick latencies when combined with weak immobilization stress. Our results suggest that the analgesic effects of dynorphins are potentiated by strong stressors.

• MeSH
• analgezie * MeSH
• dynorfin aplikace a dávkování   antagonisté a inhibitory   farmakologie   MeSH
• imobilizace MeSH
• injekce intraventrikulární MeSH
• měření bolesti účinky léků   MeSH
• myši inbrední ICR MeSH
• myši MeSH
• naloxon farmakologie   MeSH
• narkotika - antagonisté farmakologie   MeSH
• opioidní analgetika aplikace a dávkování   antagonisté a inhibitory   farmakologie   MeSH
• peptidové fragmenty aplikace a dávkování   antagonisté a inhibitory   farmakologie   MeSH
• plavání MeSH
• ponoření MeSH
• psychický stres psychologie   MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dynorfin MeSH
• dynorphin (1-13) MeSH Prohlížeč
• dynorphin amide (1-10) MeSH Prohlížeč
• naloxon MeSH
• narkotika - antagonisté MeSH
• opioidní analgetika MeSH
• peptidové fragmenty MeSH

Male infertility is a significant health problem. Increasing attention has been paid to the use of semen analysis as an indicator of exposure to potential reproductive hazards. The aim of the current paper was to study the effects of vibrations on the spermatogenesis in workers of different occupational groups (professional drivers, miners, engine drivers, etc.). Semen samples were analyzed for pH, volume, turbidity, sperm density sperm count and sperm morphology. Workers had an increased prevalence of oligospermia and azoospermia. The semen volume and percentage of motile spermatozoa decreased significantly and the incidence of sperm malformation increased in exposed workers.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hornictví * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužská infertilita etiologie   MeSH
• oligospermie etiologie   MeSH
• pracovní expozice škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• řízení motorových vozidel MeSH
• spermatogeneze * MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

We introduce a new examination method developed at the University Dermatology Hospital in Tübingen in cooperation with the Institute for High Frequency Techniques of Aachen Technical College and the Metabo Factory in Nürtingen, Germany. The Tübingen workplace simulator for studying vibration white finger (VWF) syndrome standardized vibrations reproducing the vibration pattern of actual hand-held tools. This stimulator makes it possible to evaluate on-line the effects of defined vibrations on skin blood flow in the fingers and to investigate the etiopathogenesis of vibration white finger syndrome. The vibration simulator itself is modelled after an altered router with two side-mounted handles. The electronic speed control and exchangeable unbalance pins make it possible to adjust the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations to simulate actual conditions in the job. New developed photoplethysmographic sensors are fastened to the fingertips with double adhesive rings and measure blood flow in the skin. Measurements are recorded simultaneously with a multi-channel plotter. This method is not only useful as a diagnostic tool but has potential future applications in pre-employment screening in the affected industries and in the development of reduced-vibration tools.

• MeSH
• fotopletysmografie * MeSH
• kůže krevní zásobení   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci z povolání patofyziologie   MeSH
• prsty ruky krevní zásobení   MeSH
• Raynaudova nemoc patofyziologie   MeSH
• regionální krevní průtok MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• kazuistiky MeSH

Gloves that attenuate vibration above approximately 25 Hz and that exceed the characteristics of standard viscoelastic gloves have been developed using an air bladder system in the palm and fingers of a glove. Testing was performed on a variety of viscoelastic gloves currently marketed to obtain the ratio of energy leaving the handle of a vibrating device and the energy entering the hand. Several simple rectangular air bladders of varying thickness were developed and tested for their vibration attenuating characteristics. A four degree-of-freedom, lumped-parameter model of the vibration response of the human and air bladder was developed using measured hand and bladder parameters. This model, along with subjective criteria, was used to design and fabricate two prototype air bladder gloves. These gloves were tested and found to exceed adopted standard requirements and the characteristics of standard viscoelastic gloves. The prototypes in this study will be further developed, adapted and marketed for practical applications.

• MeSH
• design vybavení MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci z povolání etiologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• ochranné rukavice * MeSH
• pružnost MeSH
• vibrace škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• viskozita MeSH
• vzduch MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH