Telepathology systems will be common systems in hospitals. The two systems were designed and implemented in web environments for test. One was implemented with the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) technique. The other system was implemented in the form of ActiveX. The histopathological materials were stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin. By the Donpisha CCD camera attached to an Olympus BX-51 optical microscope 180 color images come to be acquired. For evaluation of the systems, transmission times and telediagnosis concordance rates were measured. Image processing ability was tested using two telepathology systems. For the local area test, system I using CORBA had measured image transmission times of 0.1 s, 0.2 s, and 0.4 s at the file sizes of 100 K byte, 900 K byte and 3.6 M byte respectively. Transmission times for system II using Component Object Model (COM) were slightly slower, ranging from 0.02 s to 0.05 s. In the long distance area test, system II transmission times were 0.5 s, 0.8 s, and 2.0 s. The overall concordance rate of telediagnosis for the 180 images was 78.3%. In this study, we compared our systems about image transmission, and processing for the further development of system configurations.
Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Hematoxylin ; Internet* ; Telepathology*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of obese and underweight adolescents in Incheon area and to examine the relationship between serum cholesterol level and obesity, then to assess the nutritional condition of adolescents. METHODS: With a questionnaire regarding their demographic characteristics, blood samples were obtained from apparently healthy students aged 12 to 24 years by venipuncture at April and May, 2000. We measured the obesity index using standard body weight and the body mass index(BMI) according to the criteria established by the Korean Pediatric Society in 1998. Obesity was defined as BMI more than 95 percentile, and underweight less than 15 percentile by age and sex. RESULTS: A total of 1,456 students(M:F=685:771) aged 12 to 24 years were included in this study. The prevalence of obesity by standard body weight in adolescents in Incheon were 11.7%:mild obesity 6.5%, moderate 4.6%, and severe 0.5%. By BMI, the prevalence of obesity was 6.4% in males and 6.2% in females. In males, the prevalence of obesity in rural areas was 8.5%, lower than in urban areas(14.3%). The prevalence of underweight by obesity index was 34.1% in rural areas and 22.9% in urban areas. In females, the prevalence of obesity was 12.5% in rural areas and 19.6% in urban areas. There were no significant differences between the two regions(P=0.529). The prevalence of obesity increased with age till 16.3% of peak prevalence in 16 years of age, and then decreased. In males, the prevalence of obesity in academic and vocational school were 13.7% and 9.7%, respectively(P=0.116). In females of the academic and vocational school, the prevalence of obesity was 6.8% and 18.0%, respectively(P=0.001). In obese adolescents, serum total cholesterol was over 200 mg/dL in 6.2%. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the prevalence of obesity in adolescents was about 12% and that the prevalence of underweight adolescents was considerably high. We think nutritional assessment and intervention are warranted for adolescent students.
Adolescent* ; Body Weight ; Cholesterol* ; Female ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Incheon* ; Male ; Nutrition Assessment ; Obesity* ; Phlebotomy ; Prevalence* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Thinness*

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the toxic effects of toluene on the placental functions and reproductionin the rat. In this study, the expression of placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) and Pit-1 genes, the frequency of placental trophoblast cells, and the reproductive data were analyzed. METHODS: The pregnancy of the Sprague-Dawley rats (250+/-25 g) was determined by verifying the presence of the copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear and the day on which this was observed was defined as pregnancy day 0. The pregnant rats were divided into three groups. The control group was intraperitoneally (ip) injected with sesame oil, and the other two groups were given either 150 or 750 mg/kg BW/day of toluene resuspended in sesame oil during pregnancy days 7-11 and 16-20. The rats from the three experimental groups were sacrificed on pregnancy days 11 and 20, respectively. The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH, Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The hormonal concentration was analyzed by Radioimmunoassay. The frequency of the placental trophoblast cells was determined by means of a histochemical study. Reproductive data, such as the placenta and infnat weight, pregnancy period and litter size were surveyed at pregnancy day 20 and after birth. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of the SAS program (version 8.1). RESULTS: The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH family genes were reduced in a linear fashion by exposure to toluene. The mRNA levels of the Pit-1a and b isotype genes, which induce the expression of the PRL-GH family genes, were also reduced by exposure to toluene. The placental lactogen Iv and II concentrations in the rat placenta, fetus and maternal blood were also decreased by exposure to toluene. During the last stage of gestation, exposure to a high dose of toluene reduced the frequency of the spongiotrophoblast cells that secrete the PRL-GH hormones. Reproductive data such as the placenta and infant weight, and litter size were reduced, and the pregnancy period was extended in the toluene exposed group as compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Toluene disrupts the PRL-GH hormone metabolism in the rat placenta and this leads to reproductive disorder.
Animals ; Blotting, Northern ; Fetus ; Humans ; Infant ; Litter Size ; Metabolism ; Parturition ; Placenta ; Placental Lactogen ; Pregnancy ; Radioimmunoassay ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reproduction* ; RNA, Messenger ; Sesame Oil ; Spermatozoa ; Toluene* ; Trophoblasts ; Vaginal Smears

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between concentrations of air pollutants and the prevalence of allergic diseases/pulmonary function among elementary school students. METHODS: There were 1,262 students in the second grade of 11 elementary schools in Incheon. At each school, 5-year mean concentration of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide and PM10 (particulate matter with diameter < or =10 microm) were calculated via the Geographic Information System through the database of the National Institute of Environmental Research. The association was compared by two ways of grouping. First, the schools were classified into adjacent and nonadjacent schools by whether the school was located within or away 1 km from air pollutant-emitting facilities. Second, the schools were divided into 2 groups: those with relatively high concentrations of air pollutants based on the median level of 5-year mean concentrations and those with low concentrations. RESULTS: The concentrations of air pollutants except ozone were higher in adjacent schools than nonadjacent schools. The students of adjacent schools showed a lower level of forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow, and higher prevalence of 'difficulty of speaking due to dyspnea, within the last year' than those of nonadjacent schools. The prevalence of this speaking difficulty was higher in schools with relatively high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and PM10 groups than in those with low concentrations of them. The relatively high level of PM10 group increased the prevalence of allergic rhinitis than the low level of PM10 group. CONCLUSION: Air pollutants may influence an increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis, and a decrease in the pulmonary function in students.
Air Pollutants ; Asthma ; Carbon Monoxide ; Dyspnea ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humans ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; Ozone ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; Sulfur Dioxide

PURPOSE: Obesity and iron deficiency are common nutritional problems. Obese children are known to have iron deficiencies, but one presented opposite opinion in Korea. This study investigated the prevalence of obesity and iron deficiency in Incheon and the relationship between iron deficiency and obesity. METHODS: Physical measurement and hematologic examinations were done a 764 healthy female students aged 14 to 15 years in May, 2005. Overweight was defined as a body mass index > or = 85th percentile. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin <10 ng/mL. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was defined as serum Hb <12 g/dL and serum ferritin <10 ng/mL and/or transferrin saturation <16%. RESULTS: 1) The prevalence of overweight was 24.4 percent (n=186), and that of obesity 16.5 percent (n=126). Ferritin and transferrin saturation was the lowest in the normal weight group. 2) The prevalence of iron deficiency and IDA was 18.7 percent (n=102) and 5.3 percent (n=41), respectively. 3) Iron deficiency was more common in the normal weight group compared with the overweight and underweight groups. Also, the non-obese had more iron deficiency and IDA than the obese. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity in middle school girls could be higher in Incheon than in other regions, but there might be no difference in iron deficiency. However, iron deficiency was more prevalent in the normal weight group than in overweight group. The overweight group ate more food and gained more iron, so seemed to be less prevalent in iron deficiency than the normal weight group.
Adolescent ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Body Mass Index* ; Child ; Female* ; Ferritins ; Humans ; Incheon ; Iron* ; Korea ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Prevalence ; Thinness ; Transferrin

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the incidence of complication in severely obese children and to determine whether the difference of Lp (a) between severely obese children and normal control group exists. METHODS: Body weight, height and obesity index were measured in 5885 (M:F= 3089:2796) elementary school children. Eight eight (M:F=63:25) were selected as severely obese children. Of the 88 children, 74 agreed to venous puncture for the measurement of serum glucose, total cholesterol, AST, ALT, HDL-cholesterol, apo A1, apo B and Lp (a). Blood pressure and atherogenic index were also checked. Twenty nine children were selected for the control group. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe obesity in elementary school children was 1.5%. Of 74 severely obese children, serum total cholesterol was over 200mg/dl in 16.2%, and HDL cholesterol below 40mg/dl in 47.3%. Atherogenic index was over 3 in 60.8%. The incidence of hypertension and fatty liver was 6.8% and 13.5%, respectively. DM was not found. The levels of total cholesterol, ALT, HDL cholesterol and atherogenic index in severely obese group differed significantly from those of control group. There were no significant differences in apolipoprotein levels between severely obese and control group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of complication in severely obese children is considerably high. We need systemic program about obesity prevention and management, and individualized approaches to prevention have to be applied. It seems that severe obesity doesn't directly influence on the levels of Lp (a) and apolipoproteins.
Apolipoprotein A-I ; Apolipoproteins B ; Apolipoproteins* ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Weight ; Child* ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Fatty Liver ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incheon* ; Incidence ; Lipoprotein(a)* ; Lipoproteins* ; Obesity ; Obesity, Morbid ; Prevalence ; Punctures

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia frequently occurs in adolescence because of accelerated physical growth in both boys and girls, and because of menstrual iron loss and dieting to avoid obesity in female teenagers. As little is known about iron deficiency in adolescents in Korea, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in apparently healthy Korean adolescents in relation to gender, physical development, and dietary habit. METHODS: With a questionnaire regarding their demographic characteristics, blood samples were obtained from apparently healthy students aged 10~18 years by venipuncture at Sept. and Oct. 1996. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, RBC indices, serum ferritin levels, iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were measured. RESULTS: A total of 1,164 students (M:F = 610:554) aged 10~18 years were included in this study. In boys, the mean Hb concentration increased with age from 13.3g/dL in the 10~12 years group to 15.3g/dL in the 17~18 years group. In girls, the mean Hb concentration was 13.2g/dL in the 10~12 years group, and 12.7g/dL in the 15~16 years group. In boys, iron deficiency prevalence was 5.6% in the 10~12 years group, 10.6% in the 13~16 years. In girls, the prevalence of anemia increased with age: 0.8% in the 10~12 years group; 5.5% in the 13~14 years group; 16.9% in the 15~16 years group; 19.7% in the 17~18 years group. Iron deficiency prevalence in girls was 9.2% in the 10~12 years group, 14.1%in the 13~14 years group, 22.6% in the 15~16 years group, and 30.7% in the 17~18 years group. The prevalence of IDA in girls was 0.8% in the 10~12 years group, 4.3% in the 13~14 years group, 7.3% in the 15~16 years group, and 13.1% in the 17~18 years group. On questionnaire, 19.5% of males and 40.0% of females usually missed one meal a day. The proportion of missed meals in girls increased with age. The proportions of Hb<12g/dL and ferritin<10ng/dL were significantly high in boys aged 10~14 years with vegetarian parents. The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in the students with menstruation was 14.9% and 21.6%, which was higher than the prevalence of 3.3% and 13.2% in those who did not have the menarche (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: As the prevalence of iron deficiency and IDA were substantially greater than expected, studies of iron state in adolescent girls, especially middle to high school age, should be undertaken to assess iron deficiency. In addition, nutritional education for adolescents is warranted.
Adolescent* ; Anemia ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* ; Diet ; Education ; Female ; Ferritins ; Food Habits ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Iron* ; Korea ; Male ; Meals ; Menarche ; Menstruation ; Obesity ; Parents ; Phlebotomy ; Prevalence* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) frequently occurs in adolescents because of accelerated physical growth in boys and girls. This was aimed at assessing the prevalence of iron deficiency and IDA in apparently healthy Korean adolescents according to the gender and age. METHODS: Apparently healthy students(M: F=1: 1.2) aged 11 to 24 years were included in this study and blood samples were obtained from April to May, 2000. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell indices, serum ferritin, iron and total iron-binding capacity were measured. RESULTS: In males, the prevalence of iron deficiency was 15.7% in the 11~12 years group, 16.1% in the 13~14 years group, 9.9% in the 15~16 years group, and 6.4% in the 17~18 years group. In females, the prevalence of iron deficiency was 26.8% in 11~12 years group, 27.9% in the 13~14 years group, 38.8% in the 15~16 years group, 36.0% in the 17~18 years group, 30.9% in the 19~24 years group. The prevalence of IDA in males was 3.6% in 11~12 years, 2.1% in 13~14 years group, 1.9% in 15~16 years group, and 0.6% in 17~18 years group. The prevalence of IDA in females was 4.2% in 11~12 years, 9.7% 13~14 years, 20.4% in 15~16 years, 16.2% in 17~18 years group, and 12.4% in 19~24 years group. CONCLUSION: As the prevalence of iron deficiency and IDA were substantially greater than expected, studies of iron state in adolescent girls, especially middle to high school age, should be undertaken to assess iron deficiency.
Adolescent* ; Anemia ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Erythrocytes ; Female ; Ferritins ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Incheon* ; Iron* ; Male ; Prevalence