PURPOSE: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a clinical syndrome representing multi-organ and psychological symptoms caused by chronic exposure to various chemicals in low concentrations. We evaluated the prevalence and related factors of MCS targeting Korean adults using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI(c)). METHODS: A total of 446 participants were recruited from Severance Hospital. Participants underwent a questionnaire interview including questions on sociodemographic factors, occupational and environmental factors, allergic diseases, and the QEESI(c). Among them, 379 participants completed the questionnaire and the QEESI(c). According to the QEESI(c) interpretation results, participants were divided into very suggestive (VS) group and less suggestive (LS) group. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of MCS was higher in allergic patients than non-allergic participants (19.7% and 11.3%, respectively, P=0.04). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, ages of 30-39 (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.25-6.95) and those of 40-49 (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.02-6.21) were significantly related to MCS compared to those aged less than 30 years. Female sex (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.11-4.18), experience of dwelling in a new house (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.04-4.03), and atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04-3.69) were also significantly related to MCS. However, only age of 30-39 in the allergic group was significant in the stratified analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated prevalence of MCS was higher among allergic patients than non-allergic participants. People with experience of dwelling in a new house and atopic dermatitis were more at risk of being intolerant to chemicals. Further studies to provide the nationally representative prevalence data and clarify risk factors and mechanisms of MCS are required.
Adult* ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Multiple Chemical Sensitivity* ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors

A male mixed-breed dog of unknown age was presented with a history of bloody diarrhea and cachexia. Toxocara canis in vomitus was identified by a parasitologist. Hematology revealed low hematocrit, eosinophilia, and low albumin. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an enlarged pulmonary artery with an irregular wall, micronodules in the lung, and vicarious excretion of contrast medium to small intestine. CT scan was helpful for identifying lung lesions and the central organs of larval migration and also show vicarious excretion of contrast medium to the small intestine in T. canis infection.

Background: The normal vertebral anatomy of Korean raccoon dogs and their variants require research attention as a prerequisite for identifying pathologies and anomalies. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed at describing the vertebral formula and congenital vertebral anomalies in Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis). Methods: Radiographs of 82 raccoon dogs (42 males, 40 females) acquired from May 2013 to June 2020 in the Gangwon Wildlife Medical Rescue Center were reviewed to evaluate the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae of the spine. Results: Normal morphology of all vertebrae was observed in 50 of the 82 raccoon dogs, and the vertebral formula was cervical 7, thoracic 13, and lumbar 7. Congenital vertebral anomalies were found in 32 raccoon dogs: transitional vertebrae (TV) in 31 and block vertebrae in 2. Two raccoon dogs had 2 types of vertebral anomalies: one had TV and block vertebra, and the other had 2 types of TV. Twenty-nine raccoon dogs had thoracolumbar TV (TTV) and 3 had lumbosacral TV. TTV was morphologically classified into 4 different types:unilateral extra-rib in 5 raccoon dogs, bilateral extra-ribs in 14, bilateral elongated transverse processes in 4, and an asymmetric mixed formation of extra-rib with elongated transverse process in 6. Conclusions This study showed that TTV is common in Korean raccoon dogs, and that the vertebral formula is relatively diverse. The bilateral extra-ribs type TTV is the most common variant, which is almost similar to normal rib to be confused the radiographic evaluation.

Background: The normal vertebral anatomy of Korean raccoon dogs and their variants require research attention as a prerequisite for identifying pathologies and anomalies. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed at describing the vertebral formula and congenital vertebral anomalies in Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis). Methods: Radiographs of 82 raccoon dogs (42 males, 40 females) acquired from May 2013 to June 2020 in the Gangwon Wildlife Medical Rescue Center were reviewed to evaluate the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae of the spine. Results: Normal morphology of all vertebrae was observed in 50 of the 82 raccoon dogs, and the vertebral formula was cervical 7, thoracic 13, and lumbar 7. Congenital vertebral anomalies were found in 32 raccoon dogs: transitional vertebrae (TV) in 31 and block vertebrae in 2. Two raccoon dogs had 2 types of vertebral anomalies: one had TV and block vertebra, and the other had 2 types of TV. Twenty-nine raccoon dogs had thoracolumbar TV (TTV) and 3 had lumbosacral TV. TTV was morphologically classified into 4 different types:unilateral extra-rib in 5 raccoon dogs, bilateral extra-ribs in 14, bilateral elongated transverse processes in 4, and an asymmetric mixed formation of extra-rib with elongated transverse process in 6. Conclusions This study showed that TTV is common in Korean raccoon dogs, and that the vertebral formula is relatively diverse. The bilateral extra-ribs type TTV is the most common variant, which is almost similar to normal rib to be confused the radiographic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Iron and steel foundry workers are exposed to various toxic and carcinogenic substances including crystalline silica, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and arsenic. Studies have been conducted on lung cancer in iron and steel founding workers and the concentration of crystalline silica in foundries; however, the concentration of crystalline silica and cases of lung cancer in a single foundry has never been reported in Korea. Therefore, the authors report two cases of lung cancer and concentration of crystalline silica by the X-ray diffraction method. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old blasting and grinding worker who worked in a foundry for 33 years was diagnosed with lung cancer. Another 64-year-old forklift driver who worked in foundries for 39 years was also diagnosed with lung cancer. Shot blast operatives were exposed to the highest level of respirable quartz (0.412 mg/m3), and a forklift driver was exposed to 0.223 mg/m3. CONCLUSIONS: The lung cancer of the two workers is very likely due to occupationally related exposure given their occupational history, the level of exposure to crystalline silica, and epidemiologic evidence. Further studies on the concentration of crystalline silica in foundries and techniques to reduce the crystalline silica concentration are required.
Arsenic ; Crystallins ; Humans ; Iron ; Korea ; Lung Neoplasms* ; Lung* ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupations ; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic ; Quartz ; Silicon Dioxide ; Steel ; X-Ray Diffraction

Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS) is a condition manifested by malformations of vertebral bodes and related ribs. There are two major subtypes spondylocostal dysostosis and spondylothoracic dysostosis, with different survival rates, associated malformations, and inheritance patterns. We have experienced an autopsy case of a premature female fetus with multiple congenital anomalies. She was 30 weeks of gestational age, born as the second baby of twins and expired shortly after birth. A post-mortem examination revealed multiple abnormalities including cervicothoracic hemivertebrae, a diminished number of right-sided ribs, and pulmonary hypoplasia with left diaphragmatic hernia. In addition, there were anomalous rotation of the foregut, unfused pancreas and anomalous drainage of the superior vena cava. Chromosomal analysis showed 46, XX, del(4)(q ter).
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics/*pathology ; Autopsy ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4 ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Ribs/*abnormalities ; Spine/*abnormalities ; Syndrome

Protein Kinase C which is a Ca++ -activated, phospholipid - dependent enzyme phosphorylates numerous protein substrates and participates in intracellular signaling processes. Protein kinase C is associated with a wide range of biological effects including stimulus-secretion coupling, induction of cellular proliferation and differentiation, activation of nuclear transcription factors and cell surface receptors and tumor promotion. Programmed cell death, referred to apoptosis is an active, energy-dependent process in which the cell participates in its own destruction during apoptosis. There is condensation and fragmentation of nuclear chromatin, accompanied by a marked decline in total cell volume, dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum and general compacting of cellular organelles. Thereafter, there is fragmentation of both nucleus and cytoplasm to give rise to small membrane-bound vesicles known as apoptotic bodies. Protein kinase C may have the regulatory role in apoptosis. Staurosporine is a potent protein kinase C inhibitor. Staurosporine inhibited the growth of human invasive bladder tumor cells, T24 in MTT test. The survival fractions of human invasive bladder tumor cells T24 were 100.0%, 76.0%, 62.5% and 18.1% with staurosporine concentration 0nM, 10nM, 100nM and 1000nM, respectively. From the results we identified that staurosporine inhibited the growth of T24 cells markedly in a dose dependent manner(P<0.05). 12-hour exposure of T24 cells to staurosporine failed to induce DNA fragmentation at the concentrations of 0nM, 10nM and 100nM but promoted fragmentation at the concentration of 1000nM, showing typical ladder pattern on agarose gel electrophoresis. On the examination of cellular morphology, T24 cells showed the features of apoptosis such as cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation and formation of bleb and apoptotic bodies after exposure to staurosporine of 10nM, 100nM and 1000nM concentrations. These results suggest that staurosporine have remarkable cytotoxic effect against human invasive bladder tumor cells T 24 and the mechanism of cytotoxicity may be apoptosis.
Apoptosis ; Blister ; Cell Death ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Size ; Chromatin ; Cytoplasm ; DNA Fragmentation ; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel ; Endoplasmic Reticulum ; Humans* ; Organelles ; Protein Kinase C* ; Protein Kinases* ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; Staurosporine ; Transcription Factors ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* ; Urinary Bladder*

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies on occupational stress and depression among Korean workers are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between changes in occupational stress and the presence of depression. METHODS: This study analyzed data from a survey conducted with workers in a large Korean company (2015–2016). Occupational stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, and depression was screened using the WHO-5 Well-being Index. The levels of occupational stress were grouped in quartiles based on subjects’ occupational stress scores in 2015, and changes in occupational stress were measured using the score changes between the 2015 and 2016 surveys. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of depression in 2015 and 2016: a non-depressed group whose mental health did not change, a non-depressed group whose mental health deteriorated, a depressed group that continued to be depressed, and a depressed group whose symptoms of depression were alleviated. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of the subjects’ deterioration in mood or alleviation of depression by occupational stress levels and changes. RESULTS: The OR for developing depressive symptoms was 2.51 (95% CI 1.46–4.33) and 2.73 (95% CI 1.39–5.36) in the third and the fourth quartiles of occupational stress, respectively, compared to the first quartile. When the occupational stress score increased by 1 point, the OR for increasing depressive symptoms was 1.07 (95% CI 1.04–1.10). There was no significant difference in the alleviation of depressive symptoms between the groups by level of occupational stress. However, when the occupational stress score decreased by 1 point, the OR for alleviating depressive symptoms was 1.08 (95% CI 1.05–1.11). CONCLUSION: The results showed that increased occupational stress increased the presence of depressive symptoms, and that reduced occupational stress suppressed the development of depressive symptoms. More attention should be paid to stress management among workers.
Depression ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Studies ; Mental Health ; Odds Ratio ; Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND: Dependent self-employment is precarious employment, which can be vulnerable to mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the association of dependent self-employment with depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder in South Korea. METHODS: This study used data from the Fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey and included 32,691 paid workers. Dependent self-employment and self-reported depression/anxiety, and sleep disorder were investigated using a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between dependent self-employment and mental health problems. RESULTS: Of the 32,691 paid workers, 2,371 (7.3%) were dependent self-employed workers. The odds ratio (OR) of dependent self-employment for self-reported depression/anxiety was 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–2.45) and the OR of dependent self-employment for self-reported sleep disorder was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.01–1.59) compared to other paid workers. CONCLUSIONS: Dependent self-employment is related to an increased risk of self-reported depression/anxiety and sleep disorder in South Korea.
Anxiety ; Depression ; Employment ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Mental Health ; Odds Ratio ; Sleep Wake Disorders

Background: Long commuting times have a negative impact on mental health. However, few studies have explored the relationship between commuting time and well-being based on urbanization by region. Our study examines this relationship as well as the effect of regional differences on Korean workers. Methods: We used data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey. Commuting time and occupational factors were assessed using a questionnaire, and subjective well-being was assessed using the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index. Regions were divided into the cities and the provinces based on Korea’s administrative divisions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between commuting time and wellbeing. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for well-being were estimated, using participants commuting time of < 20 minutes as a reference group. Results: The total number of workers was 29,458 (13,855 men, 15,603 women). We found higher aORs for low well-being among workers with long commuting times (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.11–1.36 and aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.16–1.42 for 60–79 and ≥ 80 minutes, respectively). When stratified by sex and region, higher aORs for low well-being were found only in the workers who lived in cities. Conclusion Long commuting time was negatively associated with well-being in Korean wage workers living in the cities. Policies for reducing commuting time should be discussed to address the mental health of workers, especially those living in metropolitan cities.