OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the DNA damage by hair dyeing in human lymphocytes. METHODS: Comet assays were carried out to evaluate the DNA damage in lymphocytes by hair dyeing. Twenty subjects were selected from women volunteers whose age ranged from 55 to 67 year old. All subjects had no smoking history. Blood samples were collected before and 6 hours after hair dyeing. DNA damage was evaluated by means of the tail moments, which were quantified by a KOMET 4.0 image analysis system. RESUJLTS: The tail moments before hair dyeing showed no significant differences among subjects except for the high frequency group. The mean values of the tail moments in subjects with low and high frequencies of hair dyeing were 1.39 and 1.77, respectively (p<0.05). The tail moments after hair dyeing increased significantly. The mean values of tail moments in subjects before and after hair dyeing were 1.45 and 1.79, respectively (p<0.01). However, the difference levels of DNA damage in lymphocytes before and after hair dyeing were found to be slightly lower in both the dietary supplement taking group and high frequency group. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency group appears to have a higher level of DNA damage than the low frequency group before hair dyeing. DNA damage in lymphocytes was found to be significantly higher in the volunteers after hair dyeing. In this study, the related factors such as high frequency and taking dietary supplements appeard to reduce DNA damage in lymphocytes after hair dyeing.
Aged ; Comet Assay ; Dietary Supplements ; DNA Damage* ; DNA* ; Female ; Hair Dyes ; Hair* ; Humans ; Lymphocytes* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Volunteers*

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the DNA damage by hair dyeing in human lymphocytes. METHODS: Comet assays were carried out to evaluate the DNA damage in lymphocytes by hair dyeing. Twenty subjects were selected from women volunteers whose age ranged from 55 to 67 year old. All subjects had no smoking history. Blood samples were collected before and 6 hours after hair dyeing. DNA damage was evaluated by means of the tail moments, which were quantified by a KOMET 4.0 image analysis system. RESUJLTS: The tail moments before hair dyeing showed no significant differences among subjects except for the high frequency group. The mean values of the tail moments in subjects with low and high frequencies of hair dyeing were 1.39 and 1.77, respectively (p<0.05). The tail moments after hair dyeing increased significantly. The mean values of tail moments in subjects before and after hair dyeing were 1.45 and 1.79, respectively (p<0.01). However, the difference levels of DNA damage in lymphocytes before and after hair dyeing were found to be slightly lower in both the dietary supplement taking group and high frequency group. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency group appears to have a higher level of DNA damage than the low frequency group before hair dyeing. DNA damage in lymphocytes was found to be significantly higher in the volunteers after hair dyeing. In this study, the related factors such as high frequency and taking dietary supplements appeard to reduce DNA damage in lymphocytes after hair dyeing.
Aged ; Comet Assay ; Dietary Supplements ; DNA Damage* ; DNA* ; Female ; Hair Dyes ; Hair* ; Humans ; Lymphocytes* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Volunteers*

BACKGROUND: Since 2005, the commercial patch test panel, the TRUE-test, has been available. However, there have been no reports regarding the results of the TRUE-test compared with previously used Korean Standard Series in Korea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the contact allergy, causative allergens, and source of allergens in patients who were diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis, and to compare the findings with previously used Korean Standard Series. METHODS: We reviewed the results of the TRUE-test from 2005~2010 in Wonju Christian Hospital. We patch-tested 843 patients who were diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis. The patch test reading was performed on day 2 and days 3 or 4, according to the patients' needs. Epidemiologic findings of patients and the results of the patch tests were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 843 patch-tested cases were compiled and analyzed. Of 843 patch-tested patients (male, 309; female, 534), 65.8% had at least 1 positive reaction and 30.2% at least 2 positive reactions. The highest age distribution was the 5th decade in females. The face, with the exception of the eyelids, ears, and lips, was the most frequently affected site (comprising 50.3%). The highest sensitization rates were found with nickel (29.1%), thiomersal (10.9%), and cobalt dichloride (9.7%). The lowest positivity included caine mix (0.7%), mercaptobenzothiazole (1.2%), and quinolone mix (1.2%). Metal allergens displayed higher positive rates than any other standard allergens. The overall prevalence was similar with a recent report in Korea. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of the most sensitized allergen compared with the reports about previously used Korean standard series.
Age Distribution ; Allergens ; Cobalt ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; Dermatitis, Contact ; Ear ; Eyelids ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Lip ; Nickel ; Patch Tests ; Prevalence ; Thimerosal

OBJECTIVES: The presence of chronic low oxygen delivery to the tissues (blood flow X Hb concentration X arterovenous oxygen content difference) in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) leads to a aggravated dyspnea. Therefore, total oxygen delivery to the tissues is a reverse correlation with severity of dyspnea. So far, the treatment of patients with CLD has been limited to only the increase of ventilation and perfusion capacity. However, this study focused on the capacity of oxygen delivery to the tissues in patients with CLD. We measured blood oxygen parameters as one of the extended approaches. METHOD: Simultaneous arterial and venous blood samples from 15 patients with CLD at rest were evaluated for 2.3-DPG, CO-Hb (Carboxy-monohe-moglobin), Met-Hb (methomoglobin), ABGA (Arterial blood gas analysis), VBGA (Venous blood gas analysis) and Hb (Hemoglobin). Smokers and patients with other disease were excluded from the study in order to avoid the factors (2.3-DPG, CO-Hb etc.) which can shift the oxygen dissociation curve. There were 12 men and 3 women, ranging in age from 40 to 75 years. The disease onset varied from 3 years to more than 30 years. RESULTS: 1) As total oxygen delivery to the tissues decreased, Ao2(Arterial oxygen partial pressure) and A-VCb (Arteriovenous oxygen content difference) decreased, while 2.3-DPG increased. Total oxygen delivary to the tissues showed a significant correlation with more A-V and 2.3-DPG than AO2. 2) AO2 had a correlation with A-VO2 but AO2 did not clearly reflect A-VO2. 3) 2.3-DPG activity depended on more A-VO2 than AO2. 4) As A-VO2 decreased, there was more significant relationship among 2.3-DPG, A-VO2 and tissue oxygen delivery. 5) A-VO2 showed a significant reverse correlation with 2.3-DPG as well as Met-Hb % + CO-Hb %. 6) ACO2 (arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure) showed a correlation with 2.3-DPG as well as A-VO2. 7) Arterial PH did not correlate with 2.3-DPG as well as A-V. CONCLUSION: 1) AO2 in patient with CLD correlated with A-VO2 but AO2 did not clearly reflect A-V. 2) Total oxygen delivery (severity of dyspnea) showed a significant correlation with more A-VO2 and 2.3-DPG than AO2. 3) 2.3-DPG activity depended on more A-VO2 than AO2. 4) 2.3-DPG activity had a reverse correlation with A-V in spite that 2.3-DPG shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, because 2.3-DPG shift is secondary change associated with the low oxygen delivery to the tissues, More extensive k prospective investigations are needed to clearly define correlation among A-VO2, 2.3-DPG and prognosis of patients with CLD.
Carbon Dioxide ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Lung Diseases* ; Lung* ; Male ; Oxygen* ; Perfusion ; Prognosis ; Ventilation

PURPOSE: To determine the effective embolic material and appropriate embolic site by comparing bowel changesafter arterial embolization in dogs in which the proximal or distal level of the superior mesenteric artery hadbeen occluded with gelfoam particles or a coil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the coaxial catheter system,superselective arterial embolization was performed at sixteen sites in four dogs. In groups A and B, each site wasoccluded at the proximal or distal marginal artery, respectively, with gelfoam particles and in groups C and D, atthe proximal or distal artery, respectively, with a coi. All dogs were sacrifed one day after the procedure, andgross and microscopic histologic findings were evaluated. RESULT: In all dogs, the procedure was successful. Ingroup B, significant mucosal destruction, lymphocyte proliferation in submucosa and mucosa, and diffuse swellingin all layers of the intestine were found at all sites. The vessel in the submucosal layer was completelyobstructed by red blood cells and gelfoam.At three sites, the intestine showed diffuse ischemic change, and at oneother site, focal ischemic change was observed. In group D, exudation with destruction of mucosa and submucosalhemorrhage occurred at one site, but in groups A and C, intestinal layers were found to be normal. CONCLUSION: Using a coil, superselective arterial embolization was successful, even up to the distal level of the intestinalartery, and the intestine showed no ischemic change. Embolization with gelfoam must be performed carefully at theproximal level, and since it can cause severe intestinal necrosis, must be avoided at the distal level.
Animals ; Arteries ; Catheters ; Dogs ; Erythrocytes ; Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable* ; Intestines ; Lymphocytes ; Mesenteric Arteries ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior* ; Mucous Membrane ; Necrosis

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy and frequency of complications of fluoroscopy-guidedtransthoracic needle biopsy, using an automated gun biopsy system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 86 patients who underwent automated gun biopsy between October 1995 and October 1996. An 18-gauge cutting needle was used in all cases. All biopsies were performed under fluoroscopic guidance by one interventional radiologist. RESULTS: Tissue sufficient for histologic diagnosis was obtained in 73 of 86 biopsies(84.9%). Fifty-six lesions were malignent and 30 were benign. Sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for malignant lesions were 87.5% and 87.5%, respectively while cell type specificity in malignant diagnosis was 91.7%(11/12). Sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for benign lesions were 80.0% and 73.3%, respectively. Postbioptic pneumothorax occurred in three of 86 biopsies(3.5%), one of which required placement of a chest tube. CONCLUSION: Automated gun biopsy is a simple, safe method for the diagnosis of focal chest lesions. An automated biopsy device offers high diagnostic accuracy in cases involving malignant and benign lesions of the chest, and is particularly useful for determining malignant cell type and specific diagnosis of benign lesions.
Biopsy* ; Biopsy, Needle ; Chest Tubes ; Diagnosis ; Fluoroscopy ; Humans ; Needles ; Pneumothorax ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Thorax*

BACKGROUND: Topical steroid treatment induces diverse local Wand systemic adverse effects. Several approaches have been tried to reduce the steroid-induced adverse effects. Simultaneous application of physiological lipid mixture is also suggested. OBJECTIVE: Novel vehicles for topical glucocorticoids formulation were evaluated for the efficacy of reducing side-effects and the drug delivery properties of desonide, a low potency topical steroid. METHODS: Transcutaneous permeation and skin residual amount of desonide were measured using Franz diffusion cells. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using murine model. RESULTS: Topical steroids formulation containing desonide, in either cream or lotion form, were prepared using multi-lamellar emulsion (MLE), and conventional desonide formulations were employed for comparison. MLE formulations did not affect the anti-inflammatory activity of the desonide in phobol ester-induced skin inflammation model, compared with conventional formulations. While the penetrated amounts of desonide were similar for all the tested formulations at 24 hours after application, the increased lag time was observed for the MLE formulations. Interestingly, residual amount of desonide in epidermis was significantly higher in lotion type MLE formulation. Steroid-induced adverse effects, including permeability barrier function impairment, were partially prevented by MLE formulation. CONCLUSION: Topical desonide formulation using MLE as a vehicle showed a better drug delivery with increased epidermal retention. MLE also partially prevented the steroid-induced side effects, such as skin barrier impairment.
Desonide ; Diffusion ; Epidermis ; Glucocorticoids ; Inflammation ; Permeability ; Retention (Psychology) ; Skin ; Steroids

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to refer descriptive statistics of the disability duration in musculoskeletal injured patients in the automobile accidents. METHOD: The authors chose 469,319 injured patients in traffic accidents as subjects that met inclusion criteria with 8 representative Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) comparable with 4th edition of Korean standard classification of diseases. Mean, standard deviation, mode, median, maximum and minimum of 8 representative AIS code were calculated. RESULTS: Mean disability duration for minor cervical sprain was 18.8 days, that of moderate cervical disc herniation was 56.2 days, that of serious cervical disc herniation was 141.5 days, that of minor lumbar sprain was 21.2 days, that of moderate lumbar disc herniation was 53.5 days, that of serious lumbar disc herniation was 128.1 days, that of sprain of 3 major joint in lower limb without desmorrhexis was 24.0 days, and that of dislocation or desmorrhexis of 3 major joint in lower limb was 101.2 days. CONCLUSION: Disability duration of the representative musculoskeletal diseases comparable to AIS code in 4th edition of Korean standard classification of diseases was presented and this study can be utilized as a basic recommended disability duration of automobile injured persons.
Abbreviated Injury Scale ; Accidents, Traffic ; Automobiles* ; Classification ; Dislocations ; Humans ; Insurance, Disability ; Joints ; Length of Stay ; Lower Extremity ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Sprains and Strains

PURPOSE :The goals of this study were to investigate the medical care utilization and statistics of lengths of admissions such as the means, modes, medians, maximums, and minimums for patients with some musculoskeletal diseases among the National Health Insurance Corporation data. We provided basic recommendations for the proper lengths of admissions of occupationally injured workers with these diseases in Korea. METERIALS AND METHODS: The study subjects were 20 to 59 year-old patients who were admitted from January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, over 4-day lengths of admission for the management of 20 different musculoskeletal disorders. We calculated means, standard deviations, modes, medians, maximums, minimums, and points of inflection for the lengths of admission of patients with these disorders. RESULTS: The mean length of admission for carpal tunnel syndrome was 8.0+/-6.2 days, that of Raynaud's syndrome was 10.5+/-7.7 days, that of internal derangements of the knee was 12.9+/-11.8 days, that of unspecified internal derangements of the knee was 13.3+/-13.0 days, that of cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy was 16.8+/-19.0 days, that of other cervical disc displacements was 15.9+/-15.9 days, that of lumbar and other intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy was 14.9 +/-13.8 days, that of unspecified intervertebral disc displacements was 14.9+/-13.9 days, that of unspecified synovitis and tenosynovitis was 12.5+/-9.9 days, that of ganglions was 7.5+/-7.3 days, that of fasciitis, NEC, was 19.8+/-24.7 days, that of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder was 15.2+/-15.5 days, that of impingement syndrome of the shoulder was 11.4+/-12.0 days, that of medial epicondylitis was 11.2+/-7.3 days, that of lateral epicondylitis was 12.1+/-11.5 days, that of myalgias was 12.4+/-19.5 days, that of sprain and strain of the cervical spine was 12.4+/-10.2 days, that of sprain and strain of the lumbar spine was 12.3+/-10.9 days, that of a current tear of the meniscus was 13.3+/-13.2 days, and that of sprain and strain involving the cruciate ligaments of the knee was 18.2+/-17.0 days. Every point of inflection was the 80th percentile or the 90th percentile of the lengths of admission of the subjects. CONCLUSION: This study has significant weaknesses, such as limitations of applicable ranges and errors in the National Health Insurance Corporation data, among others. However, the authors present various statistics and points of inflection of lengths of admissions for patients suffering from 20 work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the general population. Those cases in which the lengths of admissions of patients with the above-mentioned musculoskeletal disorders that are greater than the points of inflection, need to be evaluated carefully.
Bursitis ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ; Fasciitis ; Ganglion Cysts ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; Knee ; Korea ; Ligaments ; Middle Aged ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Myalgia ; National Health Programs* ; Occupations ; Radiculopathy ; Shoulder ; Spine ; Sprains and Strains ; Synovitis ; Tenosynovitis

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to analyze the length of work-related musculoskeletal disability and to identify the various related factors of disability duration. METHOD: Approved cases work-related musculoskeletal disease between Jan 1, 2000 and Jan 6, 2004 were collected by using the workers' compensation company's database and questionnaire. The cases were comprised of 16 more frequent musculoskeletal diseases. 551 approved musculoskeletal disease cases were composed of 295 recuperated cases and 256 recuperating cases. RESULTS: The average length of work-related musculoskele- tal disability were 420.3+/-246.2 day in the recuperated group and 428.0+/-328.9 day in the recuperating group. The mean disability length of musculoskeletal diseases were over one year with similar distribution except for ganglion. The length of disability were not affected by age, employment duration, type and number of co-mobidity, time from claim receipt to allowance, type of treatment. But, operation history and accident type were affected to the length of disability. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the length of work- related musculoskeletal disability was not determined by biomedical disease related factors, however, it determined by social and social insurance systemic factors.
Employment ; Ganglion Cysts ; Insurance ; Musculoskeletal Diseases* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Social Security ; Workers' Compensation