• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.17-21
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• 2012

Objectives: Asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) have increased globally over the decades, causing an economic burden and increased health care costs. It is difficult to predict the risk of development of ARDs and of respiratory disability among workers with a history of asbestos exposure. Blood based biomarkers have been reported as promising tools for the early detection of malignant mesothelioma. This study investigated whether serum soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) would reflect severity of disablement in compensable ARDs. Methods: SMRP levels were measured in a cohort of 514 asbestos-exposed subjects. Severity of ARDs was assessed by a Medical Authority comprising four specially qualified respiratory physicians. Severity of ARDs and SMRP levels were compared. Results: Mean (standard deviation) serum SMRP level in the population with compensable ARDs (n = 150) was 0.95 (0.65) nmol/L, and was positively associated with disability assessment (p = 0.01). Mean SMRP level in healthy asbestos-exposed subjects was significantly lower than those with pleural plaques (p < 0.0001) and in subjects with ARDs who received compensation (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study indicates that serum SMRP levels correlate with severity of compensable ARDs. Serum SMRP could potentially be applied to monitor progress of ARDs. Further prospective work is needed to confirm the relationship between SMRP and disability assessment in this population.

• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.69-73
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• 2015

The mesothelium is an essential lining for maintaining the normal homeostasis of the closed body cavity and a central component of pathophysiologic processes. The mesothelium has been known as the end target for asbestos which induces asbestos-related lung diseases. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and fatal neoplasm predominantly due to asbestos exposure. Adaptation of an advanced and reliable technology is necessary for early detection of MM because it is difficult to diagnose this disease in its early stages. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional images of micro-tissue structures with a resolution of $2-10{\mu}m$ that can image the mesothelium with a thickness of ${\sim}100{\mu}m$ and, therefore, enable investigation of early development of MM. The mesothelium is typically located at the pleura and tunica vaginalis of the scrotum. In this study, we developed animal window models in the above two anatomical sites to visualize mesothelial layers within the mesothelium. OCT images at the two locations were also acquired.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.68-78
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• 2010

The purpose of this study, fire officials during the field activities find causes fugitive dust of containing asbestos is the seriousness of the phenomenon is a threat case and through questionnaires, during on-site activities to prevent exposure to asbestos is effectively. Analysis of the relationship to field activities of fire officials and about the dangers of asbestos dust, asbestos cancer caused by asbestos, and to protect fire officials from the same disease like malignant mesothelioma, by varying the conditions of irrational, fire officials at the scene activities in advance of a deadly hazard is aimed to eliminate through optimization of organizational management and a safe and pleasant working conditions for fire officials through the deadly hazards at the scene of action is aimed to obviate. Also according to asbestos exposure by wearing protective equipment as well as thoroughly strengthen firefighting, firefighting awards to recognize the seriousness of the hazard factors, disease and provide compensation to the legal system, for diseases not yet recognized officially recognized by disaster supplemented by institutional, fire officials to improve morale and working conditions, etc. versus expectations is to improve public services.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.201-209
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• 2011

The incidence of asbestos-related diseases (ARD) has increased in the last four decades. In view of the historical use of asbestos in Singapore since the country started banning it in phases in 1989 and the long latency of the disease, the incidence of ARD can be expected to increase further. As occupational exposure to asbestos still occurs, preventive measures to eliminate ARD continue to be required to protect the health of both workers and the public from asbestos exposure. The majority of occupational exposures to asbestos at present occur during the removal of old buildings. Preventive measures have been utilized by different government ministries and agencies in eliminating ARD in Singapore over the past 40 years. These measures have included the enforcement of legislation, substitution with safer materials, and engineering controls during asbestos removal as well as improvements in personal hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment. The existing Workman's Compensation System for ARD should be further refined, given that is currently stipulates that claims for asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma be made within 36 and 12 months after ceasing employment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.5
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• pp.355-358
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• 2011

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a useful, safe diagnostic modality for evaluating mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. We report a 51-year-old male who presented with a left renal mass and multiple pleural masses without lung parenchymal lesions. The pleural masses were thought to be metastatic tumors or malignant mesothelioma. The patient underwent two percutaneous needle biopsies of the pleural mass, but the specimens were insufficient for a histopathological diagnosis. Because one pleural mass was adjacent to the right main bronchus, we decided to perform EBUS-TBNA for the pleural mass. As a result, sufficient core tissue was obtained with no complications, and the histopathological findings were consistent with metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of using EBUS-TBNA for a pleural mass.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1507-1513
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• 2015

Pemetrexed is an antifolate agent which has been used for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma and non small lung cancer in the clinic as a chemotherapeutic agent. In this study, pemetrexed inhibited cell growth and induced G1 phase arrest in the A549 cell line. To explore the molecular mechanisms of pemetrexed involved in cell growth, we used a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) proteomics approach to analyze proteins changed in A549 cells treated with pemetrexed. As a result, twenty differentially expressed proteins were identified by ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS analysis in A549 cells incubated with pemetrexed compared with non-treated A549 cells. Three key proteins (GAPDH, HSPB1 and EIF4E) changed in pemetrexed treated A549 cells were validated by Western blotting. Accumulation of GAPDH and decrease of HSPB1 and EIF4E which induce apoptosis through inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt were noted. Expression of p-Akt in A549 cells treated with pemetrexed was reduced. Thus, pemetrexed induced apoptosis in A549 cells through inhibiting the Akt pathway.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.57-62
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• 2011

Asbestos have been used around the world because of reliable and cost-effective physicochemical characteristics. After incubation period about 15-40 years asbestos can cause various cancers, including malignant mesothelioma when inhaled into the air. These properties turned out, asbestos have been banned from using in developed countries. Also in Korea also, the use of asbestos was banned across the board by revision of Industry Safety and Health Act in February 2009. Therefore, the problem of asbestos is not when using. It is about dismantling, maintenance, and the final processing of asbestos waste. Asbestos Cement slates which is Widely distributed throughout the country as roofing materials has much scattering potential compare with inside materials. Also Ministry of Environment is planning to introduce legislation 'Asbestos Safety Management Act' through Environment Announcement and The same Act. 24 show as follows. Minister of Environment or governor should do survey on the actual condition targeting rural buildings with slates and partly or fully fund to dissolve, remove asbestos slate which was used in each buildings. Therefore, to solve these problems, database-building and necessity of management strategies have been continually arisen. So this study was performed. Its application value is very high in terms of its political, economic. Asbestos Cement Slates database could build to collect national registered building data and then using GIS, asbestos cement Slates distribution map were constructed in each province's cities and counties of the country. And this map by Application, construction was to visualize by application, construction of year. Through these results, information of Asbestos Cement Slates could visually inform to policy makers, asbestos dismantling and management contractor, and civilian and it would alleviate the gap of knowledge information. This is expected to be utilized by medium and long-term and effective plan for demolition and dismantling of asbestos cement Slates.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.425-430
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• 2020

Background: Asbestos exposure is associated with the development of the cancer malignant mesothelioma (MM). Measurement of soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) has been suggested as a method for detection of MM in its early stages. We prospectively examined SMRP levels in participants with asbestos exposure who are a group at a high risk of development of MM. Methods: This study was a follow-up of our cohort of 322 asbestos-exposed participants. No further participants developed MM or malignancy over the study period. Mean follow-up time was 22.9 months. Results: Mean (standard deviation) SMRP levels at baseline and follow-up were 0.94 (0.79) and 0.91 (0.86) nmol/L (p = 0.1033), respectively. Mean SMRP levels of the healthy individuals exposed to asbestos at baseline was significantly lower than those of participants with asbestosis and pleural plaques alone; similar patterns were found on follow-up measurements. There was a statistically significant effect of age on serial SMRP measurements. Our study confirms higher levels in participants with nonmalignant asbestos-related disorders. Levels decreased in asbestos-related disorders other than asbestosis, where a small increase was observed. We did not detect any further cases of malignancy. Conclusion: Monitoring programs for early detection of MM need to take into account increased SMRP levels found in benign asbestos-related diseases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.3175-3178
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• 2014

Background: Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor. Our previous study demonstrated inhibitory effects of 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) on pleural mesothelioma. Moreover, we found that 3-BrPA could inhibit human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 proliferation in vitro, but whether similar effects might be exerted in vivo have remained unclear. Aim: To investigate the effect of 3-BrPA to human gastric cancer implant tumors in nude mice. Materials and Methods: Animals were randomly divided into 6 groups: 3-BrPA low, medium and high dose groups, PBS negative control group 1 (PH7.4), control group 2 (PH 6.8-7.8) and positive control group receiving 5-FU. The TUNEL method was used to detect apoptosis, and cell morphology and structural changes of tumor tissue were observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: 3-BrPA low, medium, high dose group, and 5-FU group, the tumor volume inhibition rates were 34.5%, 40.2%, 45.1%, 47.3%, tumor volume of experimental group compared with 2 PBS groups (p<0.05), with no significant difference between the high dose and 5-FU groups (p>0.05). TEM showed typical characteristics of apoptosis. TUNEL demonstrated apoptosis indices of 28.7%, 39.7%, 48.7% for the 3-BrPA low, medium, high dose groups, 42.2% for the 5-FU group and 5% and 4.3% for the PBS1 (PH7.4) and PBS2 (PH6.8-7.8) groups. Compared each experimental group with 2 negative control groups, there was significant difference (p<0.05); there was no significant difference between 5-FU group and medium dose group (p>0.05), but there was between the 5-FU and high dose groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study indicated that 3-BrPA in vivo has strong inhibitory effects on human gastric cancer implant tumors in nude mice.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1978.06a
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• pp.5.1-5
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• 1978

Since Ikeda in traduced flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in 1968, use of bronchoscopy was expanded rapidly. Wide use of flexible bronchoscopy enabled us to get tissue diagnosis with more ease and safety. Authors analyzed 71 cases of tissue biopsy of 233 bronchoscopies from June '76 to. Jan. '78 and concluded as following : 1. 233 bronchoscopies af 20 Month duration, cases which needed tissue biopsy were 71 cases (30.5%). 2. Chief complaints af above cases are coughing, dyspnea, sputum, chest pain, hemoptysis in frequency. 3. Biopsy sites were as following in frequency: Rt.upper lobe, Lt. main bronchus, Lt. upper lobe, Rt. main bronchus, Lt. lower lobe. 4. The final diagnosis of biopsied cases were cancer 80%, tuberculosis 15%, and malignant mesothelioma, anthracosis, aspergillosis, were one case each. 5. Among 57 case of lung cancer, biopsy confirmed cases were 36 cases (63%). 6. Pathologic finding of 36 case of Biopsy confirmed lung cancer was as following: Squamous cell ca : 64% Anaplastic ca : 25% Adeno ca : 2.8% Unclassified: 2.8% 7. Bronchographies were done in 36cases (51%), one quarter of cases before biopsy, and three quarters of cases after biopsy. 8. Cytology was requested in 76% of cases with following results; PAP class V 15%, class IV 7.5%, class III 1.8%.