• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제9권4호
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• pp.223-229
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• 2003

The welding workers are frequently exposed to heavy metals such as manganese. Manganese is well evaporated into the air while welding. This study had been carried out to investigate the relationship of the blood manganese level to age, work duration, and smoking status among 128 welding workers in Gyeongnam and Jeonnam province from May to November, 2003. They showed high manganese level in the first health examination. Subjects were also classified for the investigation according to their smoking status as smokers and nonsmokers, work duration ($\leq$9, 10~9, 20$\leq$years), and ages ($\leq$29, 30~39, 40~49, 50$\leq$years). Blood manganese Jevels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Mean blood manganese level was 1.62$\pm$0.56 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl. In the comparison of blood manganese levels by age and smoking status, mean blood manganese levels of smokers in age of 20's, 30's, and 50's were 2.09$\pm$0.44 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl, 1.94$\pm$0.33 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl, and 2.l5$\pm$0.33 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl, respectively. Blood manganese levels of smokers were significantly higher than those of non-smokers, showing no significant difference in the 40's. In the comparison of blood manganese levels by work duration, the blood manganese levels of smokers were the highest in the case of 10 to 19 years work duration. This study showed that the blood manganese levels were related to the smoking status, work duration, and age. Mean manganese levels of smokers showed higher than those of nonsmokers. It also showed that the length of work duration was related to the elevation of blood manganese levels. Among the welding workers, blood manganese levels of smokers were the highest over their age of 50's. In conclusion, smoking was the most significant risk factor to increase blood manganese levels. The further study will need analysis of the other factors related to manganese level elevation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.403-410
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• 2000

The effects of dietary Ca and Na levels on lipid metabolism in hyper lipidemic/hypercholesterolemic rats were examined. In Expt. 1, normal rats were divided into six groups and fed high fat(15%, w/w)/cholesterol(1%, w/w) diet containing two levels of Na, low (0.05) or high(1.5%) and three levels of Ca, low(0.1%), normal (0.5%), or high(1.5%) for 8 weeks. In Expt. 2, hyperlipidemia / hypercholesterolemia rats were induced by feeding high fat / cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. They were divided into four groups and fed the high fat / cholesterol diet, containing two levels of Na, low or high and two levels of Ca, low or high for 4 weeks. In Expt. 1, total lipid and total cholesterol contents in serum and liver were significantly lower in rats fed high Ca diet than in rats fed normal or low Ca diet regardless of dietary Na levels. Serum TG was the highest in rats fed low Ca and low Na diet. In Expt. 2, Serum total lipid, TG, and total cholesterol levels decreased by 24, 35, 26% respectively in rats fed high Ca diet regardless of dietary Na levels. Serum total lipid level tended to increased in rats fed low Na diet. The total lipid and TG contents in liver slightly decreased in rats fed high Ca diet. Another observation was that high Ca intake significantly faciliated the fecal lipid and cholesterol excretion regardless of dietary Na levels. There results suggest that the hypolipidemidc/hypocholesterolemic effects of high Ca diet could be partly due to increase in lipid and cholesterol excretion and these effects may be independent of dietary Na levels.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• 제8권3호
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• pp.169-174
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• 2005

This study investigated the effect of allium vegetable intake on the storage and utilization of energy substrates before, during, and after exercise in tissues of rats. Ninety mts were fed either a control diet or a diet with added allium sativum (AS), allium cepa (AC), allium fistulosum (AF), or allium tuberosum (AT) for 4 weeks and then subdivided into 3 groups: before-exercise (BE) during-exercise (DE) after-exercise (AE). The DE group exercised on treadmill for 1 hour just before being sacrificed at the end of the 4th week of the dietary treatment Rats in the AE group were allowed to recuperate for 2 horns after being exercised like the DE group. Pyriooxal 5'-phospwe (PLP) levels were compared in plasma, liver and skeletal muscle of rats. There was no difference between AS animals and control animals in plasma PLP levels regardless of exercise. The plasma PLP levels of AC animals were higher than those of control animals before exercise but this PLP was decreased with exercise and lower than that of control animals after exercise. The plasma PLP levels of AF animals were higher than those of control animals during exercise but there was no difference before and after exercise. The plasma PLP levels of AT animals were higher than those of control animals regardless of exercise. Compared to those of control mts, the PLP levels of liver and muscle were significantly lower in AS, AC, AF and AT mts before exercise. The levels of liver PLP were significantly decreased in control mts while not changed in AS, AC, AF and AT mts during exercise. The levels of liver PLP tended to decrease in AS, AC and AF mts after exercise. The levels of muscle PLP were significantly decreased in control rats, while not changed in AS, AC and AF mts during exercise. The levels of muscle PLP were decreased in control mts but not changed in AS, AC and AF mts after exercise. Thus, it is suggested that the changes of PLP concentrations in plasma and tissues induced by exercise are affected by allium vegetable diet and demonstrated that allium vegetable intake induced an alteration in the redistribution of PLP among tissues.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.491-499
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• 2003

Selenium is a strong antioxidant trace mineral, scavenging free radicals. The prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases is increasing in Korean adults with increasing age. The increased cell damage from free radicals has been implicated in the etiology of these diseases, and evidence is accumulating that the low selenium status that comes with advanced aged is involved in the prevalence of age-associated diseases. However, little is known about the selenium status of Koreans, its age-related change and its relationship to dietary nutrient intake. In this study, the serum selenium levels of healthy adult females according to life cycle and its association with blood albumin levels and nutrient intake were examined. Serum selenium level was measured with the Huwo research reactor using the neutron activation analysis method (NAA). The overall proportion of women with selenium deficiency, serum selenium concentrations below 7.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl, was 9.4%. The average serum selenium levels were 12.39 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl, 9.45 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl and 9.16 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl in the young adult, middle-aged and elderly groups, respectively, showing a reduction of selenium status with advancing age. Selenium deficiency was seen only in the elderly group. Generally, serum selenium levels positively or negatively correlated with nutrient intake, but these association patterns differed depending on the age. The nutrients that showed positive correlations with selenium levels were proteins and phosphate in the young adult group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05), and total calcium, potassium and vegetable-origin calcium in the middle-aged group. Vitamin C and fiber were the negative correlated nutrients with serum selenium levels in the elderly group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis of the determining factors responsible for selenium status showed that age and serum albumin levels were important factors which explained up to 26.9% variances in serum selenium levels. The average selenium concentrations of Korean adult female subjects were above the deficiency levels in all three age groups. There was a tendency toward decreasing selenium levels as the age of the subjects increased. The factors with the strongest in-fluence on selenium status in healthy adult Korean females were age and serum protein status. (Korean J Nutrition 36(5): 491~499, 2003)

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.199-220
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• 2005

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the effects of Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoresis in allergic contact dermatitis. Methods : Contact hypersensitivity assay, video microscope, melanin-erythema levels, pH levels, hydration levels, WBC count, RBC count, neutrophil ratio, lymphocyte ratio and total IgE levels were measured. Results : At contact hypersensitivity assay, the right ear swellings in Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoresis group were decreased compared with control group, but have no statistical significance. At observation of skin morphologic change, many papules were seen in control group and keratins were seen in Sophorae Radix-iontophoresis group. At melanin levels, Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoresis groups showed no significant difference compared with control group. At pH levels, Sophorae Radix-iontophoresis group showed significant decreased with control group. At hydration levels, Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoreses groups showed to significant difference compared with control group. WBC count, RBC count and neutrophil ratio were significantly increased in Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoresis group compared with control group. Lymphocyte ratio and total IgE levels were significantly decreased in Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoresis groups compared with control group. At morphology of skin, inflammation was decreased and the thickness of epidermis was well preserved in Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoresis group. Conclusion : Sophorae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-iontophoresis had some anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory effects on allergic contact dermatitis, but had no effects on melanin-erythema levels, pH levels and hydration levels of skin.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제3권3호
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• pp.216-223
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• 2012

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the lead levels in blood samples from nielloware workers, to determine airborne lead levels, to describe the workers' hygiene behaviors, and to ascertain and describe any correlations between lead levels in blood samples and lead levels in airborne samples. Methods: Blood samples and airborne samples from 45 nielloware workers were collected from nielloware workplaces in Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province, Thailand. Lead levels were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), at a wavelength of 283.3 nm. FAAS was used especially adequate for metals at relatively high concentration levels. Results: The geometric mean of the 45 airborne lead levels was 81.14 ${\mu}g/m^3$ (range 9.0-677.2 ${\mu}g/m^3$). The geometric mean blood lead level of the 45 workers was 16.25 ${\mu}g/dL$ (range 4.59-39.33 ${\mu}g/dL$). No worker had a blood lead level > 60 ${\mu}g/dL$. A statistically significantly positive correlation was found between airborne lead level and blood lead levels (r = 0.747, p < 0.01). It was observed that personal hygiene was poor; workers smoked and did not wash their hands before drinking or eating. It was concluded that these behaviors had a significant correlation with blood lead levels (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Improvements in working conditions and occupational health education are required due to the correlation found between blood leads and airborne lead levels.

• 대한지구과학교육학회지
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• 제6권3호
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• pp.165-173
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• 2013

This study was to analyse the understanding of the concepts of science based on the 6th graders' levels of logical thinking in elementary schools. To achieve the goal of this study, logical thinking test was given to 108 6th graders of elementary school and 32 students were interviewed. The result of this study was as follows. First, 61.1% of students were in concrete operational period in their logical thinking, 27.8% were in their transitional period, and 11.1% were in their formal operational period. By using Flow-Map, 32 students were analyzed and their levels of logical thinking was significantly associated with their understanding of concept. Students' flexibility of cognitive structure was significantly associated with logical thinking and the levels of understanding concepts as well. However, misconception didn't show significant association with levels of logical thinking. Second, the characters of understanding of scientific concept by their levels of logical thinking was that as you get higher levels of logical thinking, their cognitive structure to understand concept was more systemized, in order and more logical. The result of this study suggested the followings in science experiment class. First, 6th graders of elementary schools had various levels of logical thinking and that affected to their understanding of scientific concepts. Therefore, lesson planning and class should be done by reflecting their different levels of logical thinking. Second, since they had different levels of logical thinking, various teaching methods should be utilized to make students understand scientific concepts more systematically.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권15호
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• pp.6121-6125
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• 2014

Background: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a potential biomarker for early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) but its level is known to be affected by many background factors and roles of ubiquitous toxicants have not been determined. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous reproductive toxicants used in consumer products, which promote tumor formation in some reproductive model systems by binding to AhR, but human data on its expression in prostate cancer as well as its association with PSA levels are not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of AhR and its association with serological levels of PSA and to detect possible effects of background factors and EDC exposure history on PSA levels in PCa cases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the tissue levels of AhR and serum levels of PSA in 53 PCa cases from 2008-2011 and associations between each and background and lifestyle related factors were determined. Results: Although the AhR was overexpressed in PCa and correlated with the age of patients, it did not correlate with PSA levels.Of nutritional factors, increased intake of polysaturated fats and fish in the routine regimen of PCa cases increased the PSA levels significantly. Conclusions: AhR overexpression in PCa pontws to roles of EDCs in PCa but without any direct association with PSA levels. However, PSA levels are affected by exposure to possible toxicants in foods whichneed to be assessed as possible risk factors of PCa in future studies.

• 대한간호
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.70-80
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• 1997

This study of elderly in-patient subjects' expected level of care given by family members and nurses is intended to provide foundational information for use by nurses is attending to elderly patients. The objects of the study were elderly in-patients over the age of 65 hospitalized at two General hospitals in Chonju: 102 subjects filled out the 60 question survey between December 16 and 24. 1996. The analysis process was conducted using SPSS producing percentage. mean and standard deviation. maximum and minimum values. t-test, ANOVA. and so on. The results are as follows: 1. From the general results of the survey. one can observe that statistically significant differences appeared in various levels of education of the subjects: no education(2.98). primary school completed(2.91). middle school or higher completed(2.77). As shown. the lower level of education correlates with higher care-giving expectation. 2. On a scale of 1(minimum) to 4(maximum). the mean levels of care expected by elderly inpatients from their families is 2.93. with a standard deviation of 0.28. The level of psychological care expected(mean 3.02. standard deviation 0.31) is higher than the level of care expected(mean 2.83. standard deviation 0.34). 3. The level of care expected among those of different levels of dependency for daily living (differentiated as dependent. partially dependent. independent) was highest among the partially dependent(mean 2.98. standard deviation 0.17). but the results were not statistically significant. 4. Elderly in-patients with high levels of emotive interaction with their families expected relatively high levels of physical care. while the highest levels of socio-psychological care were expected from those who reported normal levels of emotive interaction with their families. However. We can see that low levels of care are expected from those reporting low levels of emotive interaction with their families. Overall. the differences in the level of care expected between those reporting different levels of emotive interaction with their families was not shown to be statistically significant.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.107-114
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• 1995

To assess the contribution of automobile exhaust to indoor and outdoor levels of $NO_2$ around a major trunk road in Tokyo, $NO_2$ levels of 200 homes were measured at living rooms, kitchens and outdoor at each season, from the summer of 1990 to the spring of 1991, $NO_2$ level was measured for four days using diffusion $NO_2$ dosimeter. Outdoor $NO_2$ levels at each season and indoor $NO_2$ levels at seasons when heaters were not used decreased according to the distance from the roadside. The differences between $NO_2$ levels at zone I(within 20m from the roadside) and zone III(beyond 50m) was about 3 ppb. Automobile exhaust seemed to contribute to this difference. At seasons when heaters were used, indoor $NO_2$ levels of the homes equipped with vented heater, decreased according to the distance from the roadside. However, there was no correlation between indoor levels and the distance from the roadside at homes equipped with unvented heater.