• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.156-164
• /
• 1996

Benzidine is recognized as a urinary bladder carcinogen in humans. The use of benzidine in industries was prohibited because of its carcinogenecity, but, production and usage of benzidine-based dye was still permitted in most countries. This study was performed to compare the excretory patterns of urinary metabolites between benzidine-based dye(Direct Black 38) and benzidine in rats Benzidine-based dye was administered orally at the doses of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 mmol/kg and benzidine was administered orally at the doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mmol/kg into Sprague-Dawley rats. To analyze benzidine and its metabolites, the high performance liquid chromatography with an electric chemical and ultraviolet detector were used. N-acetylbenzidine, N,N'-diacetylbenzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl were identified in the urine of the rats receiving dye and benzidine. The excreted amount of the urinary benzidine from dye was almost 1/10 of that from benzidine. Excretion rates of metabolites were more prolonged in the dye receiving group than those of the benzidine group. Peak concentration time of urinary N,N'-diacetylbenzidine was more prolonged than other metabolites in both groups. The excreted amount of N-acetylbenzidine was more than the others in both group. These results suggested that N-acetylbenzidine may be an useful Biological exposure index for benzidine-based dye.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.35-40
• /
• 2012

The purpose of this review was to investigate feasibility of intensive virtual reality training to improve upper extremity function with brain plasticity of individuals with stroke through the literature. The recovery of the paretic upper extremity depends on regularity and intensity of training as use-dependent plasticity. In resent, virtual reality program has been widely used in the occupational therapy field of augmented stroke rehabilitation. There is a growing body of evidence that virtual reality training of the paretic extremity induces brain plasticity associated with motor improvement. In terms of therapeutic feasibility to improve paretic upper extremity, recent research has explored several important factors of virtual reality training for recovery of upper extremity motor function. These factors include high repetition intensity, high motivation like type of game, enhanced multisensory feedback regarding performance, and interactive task-oriented training. Therefore, occupational therapy combined with intensive and repetitive virtual reality training will enhance recovery of upper extremity motor function after stroke.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.250-257
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This study examined the effects of training using the slime on the hand function and problem behavior in adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Five adults with intellectual disabilities who were judged as Level 1 or Level 2 were selected. The training consisted of one session (50 min)/day, one day/week for 10 weeks (preparatory activities: 5 min, slime activities: 40 min, finishing activities: 5 min) The functions of the hand (Purdue Pegboard Test [PPT], grip strength test [GST]) and problem behavior (Korean Behavior Problems Inventory [KBPI]) were assessed three times (first assessment; pre, second assessment; post-5 weeks, third assessment; post-10 weeks). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze changes in the subjects' performance before and after the intervention. Results: In the PPT, the use of the non-dominant hand was increased significantly (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the remaining results, but the mean value increased. In addition, although the problem behavior was not statistically significant, an increase in the problem behavior score was noted. Conclusion: The training using the slime for adults with intellectual disabilities is effective in hand function improvement and reducing problem behavior.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2014

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate Activities of Daily Living(ADL) function recovery of repeated measurement of stroke who received ADL training. Method : Twenty stroke patients were treated by ADL program therapy from May to June. All of in twenty stroke patients, 10 stroke patients take part in Occupational Therapy and 10 stroke patients take part in ADL training for 30 min five times a week during four weeks in M- hospital occupational Therapy treatment room, local in Changwon and Geoje. We used two assessment on is Motor Free Visual Perception Test-Third Edition(MVPT-3) for visual perception the other is Modified Barthel Index(MBI) for ADL. Result : First, Visual Short Term Memory(VSTM) score was changed statistical significance OT intervention group than compare with ADL training group(p<.05). Second, Visaul Closure(VC) score was changed statistical significance OT intervention group than compare with ADL training group(p<.05). Third, Spatial Orientation(SO) score was changed statistical significance OT intervention group than compare with ADL training group(p<.05). The fourth Motor Free Visual Perception Test-Third Edition(MVPT-3) score was changed statistical significance OT intervention group than compare with ADL training group(p<.05). The fifth Modified Barthel Index(MBI total) score was changed statistical significance OT intervention group than compare with ADL training group(p<.05). Conclusion : Therefore, ADL training can be on method the visual perception of stroke patients.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.75-79
• /
• 2019

Background: Since the presence of a co-driver can be considered as a companion, partner, or friend for a driver through eliminating driver's loneliness, it plays a significant role in health and safety of drivers. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of co-drivers on depression and occupational stress on male truck drivers. Methods: This study was an interventional case-control study. Seventy truck drivers were selected and divided into two groups: case (33 truck drivers with co-drivers) and control (37 truck drivers without codrivers). Two Goldberg depression inventories (for evaluating driver's depression) and the Karasek job content questionnaire (for evaluating driver's job stress) were used to collect data which were completed by interview. Results: The results showed that job content values for the case group were higher in all dimensions except job nature. The comparison of the percentages showed significant difference between two groups. Depression rate in drivers with co-driver is truly less than depression rate in drivers without co-driver. There was significant positive relationship between dimensions of job content and depression rate. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be claimed that a co-driver decreases stress and loneliness of drivers, as well as increases work performance and job satisfaction, and, in turn, leads to a decrease in job-related depression.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.105-112
• /
• 2022

Background: A study was conducted to check the occupational personality competency status of students enrolled in the three-year dental hygiene department and to understand the contents of vocational personality education to be prepared according to these results. Methods: For 240 students enrolled in the Department of Dental Hygiene in Area, Daegu, the College Student Occupational Personality Scale (OPSU) was administered. Results: The higher the major satisfaction (F=10.589, p<0.000) and the higher the major performance (F=3.704, p<0.01), the higher the vocational personality competency. The average occupational personality competency for job adaptation was 3.96±0.47 points (out of 5 points). As for the average for each sub-area, consideration was the highest at 4.51±0.42, and confidence was the lowest at 3.54±0.84. Among professional personality competencies, the average of each sub-area showed the highest positive correlation in the order of positivity (r=0.835, p<0.00), reliability (r=0.769, p<0.00), and community consciousness (r=0.767, p<0.00), and consideration (r=0.696, p<0.00) showed the lowest correlation. Conclusions: Personalized career and employment education should be provided in consideration of the individual occupational personality level of dental hygiene students considering the characteristics of the health and medical fields, and individual counseling should be provided in areas that are insufficient or supplemented. In addition, dental hygiene ethics education is necessary for the development of vocational personality competencies in the dental hygiene curriculum, and universities should spare no support for completing vocational personality education programs in preparation for the future society by using comparative programs.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.237-242
• /
• 2023

Background: This study evaluated occupational exposure levels of doxorubicin in healthcare workers performing rotational intraperitoneal pressurized aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedures. Methods: All samples were collected during PIPAC procedures applying doxorubicin to an experimental animal model (pigs). All procedures were applied to seven pigs, each for approximately 44 min. Surface samples (n = 51) were obtained from substances contaminating the PIPAC devices, surrounding objects, and protective equipment. Airborne samples were also collected around the operating table (n = 39). All samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Among the surface samples, doxorubicin was detected in only five samples (9.8%) that were directly exposed to antineoplastic drug aerosols in the abdominal cavity originating from PIPAC devices. The telescopes showed concentrations of 0.48-5.44 ng/cm² and the trocar showed 0.98 ng/cm² in the region where the spraying nozzles were inserted. The syringe line connector showed a maximum concentration of 181.07 ng/cm², following a leakage. Contamination was not detected on the surgeons' gloves or shoes. Objects surrounding the operating table, including tables, operating lights, entrance doors, and trocar holders, were found to be uncontaminated. All air samples collected at locations where healthcare workers performed procedures were found to be uncontaminated. Conclusions: Most air and surface samples were uncontaminated or showed very low doxorubicin concentrations during PIPAC procedures. However, there remains a potential for leakage, in which case dermal exposure may occur. Safety protocols related to leakage accidents, selection of appropriate protective equipment, and the use of disposable devices are necessary to prevent occupational exposure.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• /
• v.35
• /
• pp.46.1-46.12
• /
• 2023

Background: As unpredictable work schedule (UWS) has increased worldwide, various studies have been conducted on the resulting health effects on workers. However, research on the effect of UWS on workers' well-being in Korea is still insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between UWS and work-family conflict (WFC) using 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). Methods: Both UWS and WFC were measured using self-reported questionnaires, using data from the 6th KWCS conducted between 2020 and 2021, including 31,859 participants. UWS was measured by questions regarding the frequency of changes in work schedules and limited advanced notice. WFC was measured by questions regarding work to family and family to work conflicts. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between UWS and WFC. Results: The prevalence of UWS was higher among men, those under 40 years old, service and sales workers and blue-collar workers, and those with higher salaries. Workplace size also influenced UWS prevalence, with smaller workplaces (less than 50 employees) showing a higher prevalence. The odds ratio (OR) for WFC was significantly higher in workers with UWS compared to workers without UWS after adjusting for gender, age, marital status, occupation, salary, education, weekly working hours, shift work, company size, and having a child under the age of 18 years, employment status (OR: 3.71; 95% confidence interval: 3.23-4.25). Conclusions: The analysis of nationwide data revealed that UWS interferes with workers' performance of family roles, which can lead to WFC. Our findings suggest that it is crucial to implement policies to address unfair work schedule management, promoting a healthier work-life balance and fostering a conducive environment for family responsibilities.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.344-352
• /
• 2020

Objectives: Much attention has been paid to indoor air quality. Ventilation within schools is important because of indoor air quality and its effect on health and learning performance. In this study, we evaluated the carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations and ventilation rates in schools. Methods: This study measured the concentration of CO₂ in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms over six months. The seasons during the study were summer, fall, and winter. Sensor-based monitoring was used and the basic characteristics of the classroom were investigated. The body surface area of the students was used to calculate the CO₂ generation rate, and the air change per hour (ACH) was evaluated using mass balance modeling. Results: The average CO₂ concentration measured in most schools exceeded 1000 ppm. The ventilation rates varied from season to season. Compared to the recommended ventilation rate of 4.9 ACH, the roughly 3 ACH calculated in this study indicates that most schools possessed insufficient ventilation. Conclusions: The concentration of CO₂ in school classrooms could be an indicator of indoor air quality and can affect students' learning ability. In this study, CO₂ concentrations exceeding the standard indicate a lack of ventilation along with problems with indoor air quality. Therefore, appropriate improvements are needed to overcome these problems.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.8-17
• /
• 2012

Objectives: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are man-made, persistent global pollutants widely diffused throughout the environment. They have been even found in the cord blood and breast milk of humans. Furthermore evidence of developmental toxicity in animals exists. To assess the distribution of maternal and fetal exposure to PFOS and PFOA, we analyzed paired maternal blood, cord blood and breast milk samples. Methods: Maternal blood, cord blood and breast milk were collected from 150 volunteers from the general population (aged 20-40, mean $30.5{\pm}2.9$) of the city of Busan in 2009-2010. The samples were extracted using the weak anion exchange and solid-phase extraction methods and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC, Agilent 1200 Series) coupled with an Triple Quad LC-MS/MS system (Agilent 6410). Results: Median PFOA and PFOS concentrations in maternal blood were 2.18 and 3.32 ng/ml, in cord blood were 0.83 and 0.58 ng/ml, and in breast milk were 0.13 and 0.11 ng/ml, respectively. PFOS and PFOA concentrations were significantly correlated among matrices (Spearson's ${\rho}=0.226$, p = 0.05 for maternal blood; ${\rho}=0.736$, p < 0.01 for cord blood; ${\rho}=0.493$ p < 0.01 for breast milk). The ratio of cord blood/maternal blood was 0.39 for PFOA and 0.19 for PFOS. The ratio of breast milk/maternal blood was 0.07 for PFOA and 0.06 for PFOS. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PFOA and PFOS exposure through the placenta was more prominent than through breast milk among Korean neonates born in Busan. The transfer efficiency of maternal blood to breast milk was similar between PFOA and PFOS, but that of maternal blood to cord blood was higher in PFOA than PFOS.