• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.409-420
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• 2018

Objectives: An outbreak of humidifier disinfectant-related respiratory disease has not only been a massive disaster for end users, but it is also a concern for the workers of the manufacturers. This study presents the results of a questionnaire survey on the health effects among workers involved in the manufacture of humidifier disinfectants. Methods: Seven sites where humidifier disinfectants were manufactured were identified. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the physical symptoms experienced by workers related to humidifier disinfectants. Among a total of 177 workers, 42 subjects were available for the survey. Results: Twenty-one of the 42 respondents reported that they experienced respiratory or skin and mucosal irritation symptoms during work. Of the respondents who experienced symptoms, 14 believed that their symptoms were related to the work process and reported that the symptoms were experienced while working. However, no respondents reported ongoing symptoms or sequelae during the investigation period, and this result could not minimize selection bias due to low response rates. We then compared the characteristics of the group who experienced suspicious symptoms with those of the group without any symptoms. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups. Conclusions: We could not find significant health effects related to the humidifier disinfectant manufacturing process, although 21 respondents experienced stimulant symptoms and 14 respondents believed that the symptoms were related to the work process. Due to the long period of time after occupational exposure and the lack of data, there were many limitations to this study. However, this is one of the few follow-up investigations of workers related to this large-scale disaster in South Korea and the limitations of this study highlight the need to follow up with a nationwide database rather than an occasional survey.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2008

Allergic diseases have been dramarically increased over recent years, especially in industrialized countries. Oxidative stress has been believed to playa significant role in the occurrence of the allergic inflammatory responses. Although previous studies concerning oxidative stress and systemic inflammation have been reported, few data is available, and other allergic diseases, except for asthma, are hardly studied about the association with oxidative stress. This study evaluated the relationship between allergic disease and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidative stress. The study population was 197 male adults living in an industrial area. The ISAAC questionnaire was used to confirm wheezing and rhinitis, and atopy was evaluated by skin prick test. MDA was analyzed by spectrophotometer. To examine bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), methacholine test was performed, and the index of bronchial responsiveness (BR index) was calculated. We used multivariate logistic regression model and general linear model with SAS program. We found significant associations of MDA with brindex (p=0.023), rhinitis (p=0.016), atopy (p=0.03), adjusted by age, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). On the contrary, there was no significant difference of MDA with the status of asthma. Our result suggests that oxidative stress may playa major role in the occurrence of allergic response in male adults.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 1993

N-Heterocyclic aromatics (NHA) are widely occurring environmental pollutants formed during the pyrolysis of nitrogen-containing organic chemicals. NAH are found in significant amounts in tobacco condensates, synthetic fuels, polluted river sediment, and effluents from the heating of coal. Following topical application 7H-dibenzo[c, g]carbazole (DBC) induces cancer in liver as well as skin, indicating that dermal exposure can lead to systemic effect. DBC and dibenz[a,j]acridine (DBA) are examples of NHA. The potency of many carcinogenic compounds is related, at least in part, to the efficiency of their biological activation. We undertook studies to determine which initial metabolites lead to the formation of high levels of carcinogen-DNA adducts in vivo. DBC and DBA's, DBA, trans-DBA-1,2-dihydrodiol (DBA-1,2-DHD), trans-DBA-3,4-dihydrodiol (DBA-3,4-DHD), and trans-DBA-5,6-dihydrodiol (DBA-5,6-DHD), were applied to the skin of mice. There were six adducts that were related to DBC application. These addusts were seen in the target organ, liver at high levels, but at very low levels in non-target organs, skin, lung and kidney. In skin, DBA produced two distinct adducts. The same two adducts were seen when DBA-3,4-DHD was applied. In addition the total adduct level elicited by DBA-3,4-DHD higher than that of parent compound. Two adducts were seen when DBA-5,6-DHD was applied, but these were very different from adducts seen with DBA. These results suggested that activation of DBA to DNA-binding compounds in skin includes initial formation of DBA-3,4-DHD.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.343-353
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• 2012

Objectives: This aim of this study was to effectively isolate mesenchymal stem cells (hSMSCs) from human submandibular skin tissues (termed hSMSCs) and evaluate their characteristics. These hSMSCs were then chemically induced to the neuronal lineage and analyzed for their neurogenic characteristics in vitro. Materials and Methods: Submandibular skin tissues were harvested from four adult patients and cultured in stem cell media. Isolated hSMSCs were evaluated for their multipotency and other stem cell characteristics. These cells were differentiated into neuronal cells with a chemical induction protocol. During the neuronal induction of hSMSCs, morphological changes and the expression of neuron-specific proteins (by fluorescence-activated cell sorting [FACS]) were evaluated. Results: The hSMSCs showed plate-adherence, fibroblast-like growth, expression of the stem-cell transcription factors Oct 4 and Nanog, and positive staining for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker proteins (CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, and vimentin) and a neural precursor marker (nestin). Moreover, the hSMSCs in this study were successfully differentiated into multiple mesenchymal lineages, including osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Neuron-like cell morphology and various neural markers were highly visible six hours after the neuronal induction of hSMSCs, but their neuron-like characteristics disappeared over time (24-48 hrs). Interestingly, when the chemical induction medium was changed to Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS), the differentiated cells returned to their hSMSC morphology, and their cell number increased. These results indicate that chemically induced neuron-like cells should not be considered true nerve cells. Conclusion: Isolated hSMSCs have MSC characteristics and express a neural precursor marker, suggesting that human skin is a source of stem cells. However, the in vitro chemical neuronal induction of hSMSC does not produce long-lasting nerve cells and more studies are required before their use in nerve-tissue transplants.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.45-61
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• 1988

Clonorchiasis should be realized as an important public health problems in Korea by their wide distribution, high prevalence rate and heavy infection intensity. This study was designed to obtain the infection rate, contributing factors as well as the behavior of infected persons among the factory workers in Pohang area where that parasite still remains as a problem. Study was undertaken from September '86 to October '87. Clonorchiasis skin test was performed for 3180 factory workers, and stools of skin test positive reactors were examined. Praziquantel was prescribed to stool examination positive persons for clonorchis sinensis ova. After one year. stool examination was repeated for them who received medicine. At the same time. a structured questionnaire was given and the results were analyzed and compared with control group. The results of this study are summarized as follows; 1. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis. 1) Clonorchiassis skin test positive rate was $26.2\%$ (834/3180). 2) Stool(Clonorchis sinensis ova) positive rate among skin test positive reactors was $21.6\%$ (129/598) All 129 infected persons were male. 2. Contributing factors of Clonorchis sinensis infection. 1) The chance of infection was higher in low-educated peple(p<0.01) 2) Stool(Clonorchis sinensis ova)positive rate was higher among the persons who reside near the riverside now(p<0.01), or among the persons who long history of riverside residence(p<0.01) 3) The infection rate was higher in thoes who like sliced raw fresh water fishes than in those who like cooked fishes(p<0.05). 4) Correct answering rate for questions about the cause and route of Clonorchis sinensis infection was low in infected persons. 5) The infection rate was lower among those who had experience of previous clonorchiasis test(p<0.01). 6) Family members of infected persons show higher rates of infection(p <0.01). 3. Treatment effect and compliance of infected person to treatment. 1) After one year, negative stool conversion rate was $85.4\%$. 2) $70.8\%$ of infected persons took the medicine; Only $3.1\%$ of them consulted to physician to know the medication effect; As many as $29.4\%$ of them continued to consume raw fresh water fishes. As a conclusion, City of Pohang area, Hyung San River in the center, is an endemic area of clonorchiasis. Current clonorchiasis control system seemed to be ineffective; many of the skin test positive group did not submitted their stool for examination; only $70.8\%$ of infected persons took the medicine even though the drugs were given free of charge; $29.4\%$ continued to consume raw fresh water fishes after taking medicine. Therefore. proper education program should be provided to improve the compliance to treatment. Follow-up for infected cases is mandatory to prevent waste of restricted budget.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.72-78
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• 2009

Exposure to HDI(hexamethylene di-isocyanate) commonly used in vehicle crash repair workshops remains a leading cause of occupational asthma. Although skin and eye contamination are considered as absorption routes, there are no occupational exposure standards for skin and ocular exposure. This is the reason why there are more empirical data should be provided. Therefore this study was to determine contamination levels of HDI on the skin, eyes, work surfaces, respirators and eye protectors. There was evidence of contamination on a variety of work surfaces, for example, door handles, bench top and spray gun, etc. A high proportion(47~80%) of skin wipe samples from neck, forehead, back hand, palm and wrist was positive for HDI contamination, even though spray time was relatively brief. The contamination levels from spraying inside spray booth were generally higher than outside booth due to poor work practices and inappropriate personal protective use like safety gloves. Apprentices had higher exposure levels than the qualified painters, likely due to lack of the recognition of safety and hygiene. The extent of contamination inside the PPE might provide an indication of the potential for respiratory & skin exposure and ocular exposure. Eye fluid samples from 4 out of 14 workers had the positive detection of HDI contamination, due to poor work practices like no or inappropriate eye protection. Considering the potential for dermal & ocular exposure to contribute to possible health symptoms including respiratory sensitization, the empirical data point to a need for improving work practices and appropriate PPE selection, use and maintenance.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.240-249
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• 2015

Objectives: Farmers are known to be exposed to a variety of allergens related to the work environment. This study was conducted to determine the sensitization rates as well as South Korea that they are sensitized to certain allergens farmers through the skin prick test. Methods: By targeting a total of 1143 people living in the rural town of Gyeonggi Province, it was conducted a questionnaire containing demographic and occupational risk factors and underwent skin prick tests with 15 types of allergens(including positive and negative controls). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between occupational risk factors and skin prick test positivity. Results: Except for the 30 people whose result is invalid, positive rate of the skin prick test was 18.6% in 1,113 people. The species of house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae was the highest at 8.7% and 8.6%. After adjusted by age, gender, smoking and education level, odds ratio of flower plant farmers is 4.467(95% CI: 2.094-9.527) and fruit farmer is 2.275(95% CI: 1.096-4.721). In addition, the rate of sensitization to grass pollen mixture of the flower plant farmers is significantly higher(15.9%, p<0.001) than other allergens. Conclusions: Even farmers, the rate of sensitization to allergens related to the general environment, such as house dust mite is relatively dominant. However, given the presence of potential cross-reactivity between the allergens or distribution showed that the unique aspects of allergen sensitization in the flower growers, occupational cause is not be completely ruled out.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.412-423
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• 2002

Currently, health promotion is an important issue in health policy for world citizens. Aerobic workout may be one way to attain health promotion. In recent years, there ave been many studies to evaluate the effects of exercise on obese people and various patients. However, there are few studies in which both physiological and psycho-perceptual aspects of health romotion for healthy people have been evaluated. Purpose: This study focused on evaluating the holistic effect of an 8 week aerobic workout for health promotion in young women. Method: This quasi-experimental study was designed as a nonequivalent control group pre-post test study. Forty healthy college women, aged between 20 and 25 volunteered for the study. Twenty women took 30 minutes of exercise a day for five days a week over 8 weeks with Jane Fonda's aerobic workout program. Twenty women participated as controls. The aerobic workout program consisted of warm-up for arms, waist, abdominal, leg, hips, buttocks and cool down exercises. Result: After the eight weeks of aerobic exercise, changes in health related fitness components through the In Body Test, skin fold, circumference of body, Body image, Self concept, Mood and Self-efficacy were compared. The results areas follows ; 1. Following the 8 week aerobic workout, health related body components, and fitness scores, increased significantly (P < 0.05) and skin fold for four sites (right upper arm, scapular, abdomen, supra ilium), and circumference of mid thigh decreased significantly (P<0.05, p<0.005, P<0.001) compared to the control group. 2. Following the 8 week aerobic workout, there was a significant increase in Self-concept and Mood (P<0.005 and 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: According to these results, it is concluded that 8 weeks of aerobic workout have a positive effect on young women's holistic health promotion.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.33 no.2 s.95
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• pp.83-91
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• 2007

This study investigated the health effects of offensive odor in residents living near the petrochemical industry complex area(PICA) and the thermoelectric power plant(TPP) by using questionnaire. Residents who felt the offensive odor were 58.3% at PICA, 50.9% at TPP and 24.4% at classical fishing and agrarian villages (CFAV)(p=0.000). People who answered that the offensive odor was sever at CFAV were 95.2% only on summer, but at PICA and TPP, were 44.1% and 57.3% on Spring, 62.4% and 68.8% on Summer, 22.0% and 31.7% on Autumn, and 21.7% and 25.7% on Winter, respectively. Average days that the odor occurred were 4.4 days/month at CFAV, but 12.0 and 9.5 days/month at PICA and TPP, respectively. People who experienced the sleep disturbance were 28.0% and 27.1% at PICA and TPP, respectively. The most frequently subjective symptoms were headache(0.953), frequently sneezing(0.825), itchy eyes(0.766), and stimulating eyes(0.709) at PICA, and headache(1.082), itchy eyes(0.931), itchy skin(0.826), and frequent sneezing(0.674) at TPP, respectively. At PICA and TPP, the occurrence rates of diseases in respondents' families were 15.4% and 15.6% for asthma, 12.4% and 9.2% for respiratory diseases, 27.8% and 31.2% for skin diseases, and 9.1% and 6.9% for nervous diseases, respectively. In conclusion, many residents who living near the PICA and TPP experienced the offensive odor during four seasons, especially high on summer, the most frequently subjective symptoms such as headache, itchy and stimulating eyes, frequently sneezing, and some diseases among their families such as asthma, respiratory diseases, skin diseases, and nervous diseases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7189-7193
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• 2015

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death throughout the world. Increasing life expectancy and aging population are important factors for increasing cancer incidences in developing countries. National programs are essential for prevention and control of cancer in any society. This study aimed to investigate cancer epidemiology and trends in the province of Hamadan, located in Northwest Iran. Materials and Methods: This analytical study was carried out based on cancer registry data from 2004 to 2009 in the province of Hamadan, analyzed using STATA (version 12) software for descriptive tests and Join point 4.1.1.1 software for analytical tests. Results: There were 7,767 registered cases of cancer during the 6 years studied. Of the total cases registered, 59.1% (4,592 cases) involved men and 40.9% (3,175 cases) occurred in women. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) increased from 72.9 to 132.0 in males and 48.2 to 115.0 in females during the 6 years of the study (p<0.001). The most common cancers were skin, stomach, breast, bladder, and leukemia. In women, teh most common were breast, skin, stomach, colorectal, and leukemia, in that order, and in men skin, stomach, bladder, leukemia, and prostate cancers. Conclusions: The cancer incidence is greater in men that women in this region but with increasing trends in both sexes. Planning regarding education in prevention of exposure to risk factors and control strategies is required to decrease the incident cases. Screening programs for common cancers in older age groups might be helpful to reduce the disease impact.