OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects on the formation of benzidine-hemoglobin, and benzidine metabolite-hemoglobin adducts, caused by pretreatment with the known xenobiotic metabolism effectors, ethanol and phenobarbital, in rats administered Direct Black 38 dye. METHODS: The experimental rats were divided into three groups: a control group, an ethanol group and a phenobarbital group. Rats were pretreated with ethanol (1g/kg) or phenobarbital (80mg/kg) 24 hours prior to the oral administration of Direct Black 38 (0.5mmol/kg), with the control group being administered the same amount of distilled water. Blood samples were obtained from the vena cava of 5 rats from each group prior to, and at 30 min, 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, and 144 h following the oral administration of Direct Black 38. Directly after sampling the blood was separated into hemoglobin and plasma, with the adducts being converted into aromatic amines by basic hydrolysis. Hydrolyzed benzidiene, monoacetylbenzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl were analyzed by reverse-phase liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector. The quantitative amount of the metabolites was expressed by the hemoglobin binding index (HBI). RESULTS: In the ethanol group, benzidine-, monoacetylben-zidine-, and 4-aminobiphenyl-HBI were increased to a greater extent than those in the control group. These results were attributed to the ethanol inducing N-hydroxylation, which is related to the formation of the hemoglobin adduct. In the phenobarbital group, all the HBIs, with the exception of the benzidine-HBI, were increased to a greater extent than those of the control group. These results were attributed to the phenobarbital inducing N-hydroxylation related to the formation of the hemoglobin adduct. The N-acetylation ratio was only increased with the phenobarbital pretreatment due to the lower benzidine-HBI of the phenobarbital group compared to those of the control and ethanol groups. The N-acetylation ratios for all groups were higher than 1 for the duration of the experimental period. Although the azo reduction was unaffected by the ethanol, it was inhibited by the phenobarbital. The ratio of the benzidine-HBI in the phenobarbital group was lower than those of the ethanol the control groups for the entire experiment. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that both ethanol and phenobarbital increase the formation of adducts by the induction of N-hydroxylation, but also induced N-acetylation. Phenobarbital decreased the formation of benzidine-HBI due to the decrease of the azo reduction. These results suggest that the effects of ethanol and phenobarbital need to be considered in the biochemical monitoring of Direct Black 38.
Administration, Oral ; Amines ; Animals ; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase ; Ethanol* ; Hydrolysis ; Metabolism ; Phenobarbital* ; Plasma ; Rats* ; Water

Animal models are useful tools to study the molecular basis of schizophrenia pathophysiology and efficacy of potential therapeutic agents. Schizophrenia animal models can be subdivided into three classes ; drug-induced models, genetic models, and environmental models and each model is designed based on specific traits corresponding to the characteristic symptoms of human schizophrenia patients. Psychomotor agitation and sensitivity to psychotomimetic drugs are often thought to reflect positive symptoms. Social interaction deficits and affective impairments are known to correspond to negative symptoms. Also, cognitive symptoms have been linked to the working memory impairments, attention deficits and related cognitive deficits in animals. To analyze such components in quantifiable manners, various behavioral paradigms have been developed and utilized. Here, we overview these animal models, focusing on underlying rationales for their use in the context of schizophrenia research.
Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Memory, Short-Term ; Models, Animal* ; Models, Genetic ; Neurobehavioral Manifestations ; Psychomotor Agitation ; Schizophrenia*

The survival rate of commotio cordis is low, and there is often associated neurological disability if return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) can be achieved. We report a case of commotio cordis treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) that demonstrated a favorable outcome. A 16-year-old female was transferred to our emergency department (ED) for collapse after being struck in the chest with a dodgeball. She has no history of heart problems. She was brought to our ED with pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ROSC was achieved with defibrillation. She was comatose at our ED and was treated with TH at a target temperature of 33degrees C for 24 hours. After transfer to the intensive care unit, pulseless VT occurred, and defibrillation was performed twice. She recovered to baseline neurologic status with the exception of some memory difficulties.
Adolescent ; Coma ; Commotio Cordis* ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Heart ; Humans ; Hypothermia* ; Intensive Care Units ; Memory ; Survival Rate ; Tachycardia ; Tachycardia, Ventricular* ; Thoracic Injuries ; Thorax

Cerebral white matter changes (WMCs) and silent brain infarcts (SBIs) are common radiologic findings in neurologically asymptomatic elderly people, but are associated with an increased risk of subsequent stroke. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for these cerebral changes on brain computed tomography (CT) in 480 community-dwelling healthy Korean adults without stroke or dementia, who were recruited for an early health program. Cerebral WMCs were defined as the presence of approximately 5 mm wide ill-defined and moderately hypodense lesions, and SBIs were defined as the presence of >2 mm wide well-defined hypodense lesions. Of the 480 patients, 49 (10.2%) had cerebral WMCs and SBIs findings on brain CT. The prevalence of WMCs and SBIs increased with age: the prevalence was 2.4%, 9%, and 32% for subjects in their 50, 60s, and 70s, respectively. In addition, hypertension, abdominal obesity, increased levels of homocysteine and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were significantly associated with cerebral WMCs and SBIs. Our study suggests that regular monitoring of risk factors is required to prevent cerebral WMCs and SBIs and decrease the incidence of stroke and dementia in healthy individuals.

The purpose of this study is to reveal how the road traffic noise influences on the response of teachers and students, which composed of conversation, studying, relation, and physical disturbances. The research method used in this study was self- administrated questionnaire. Samples of the survey were composed of 420 persons(l14 teachers and 306 students) who are exposed to traffic noise less than 65 dB(A) from two junior high schools and 410 persons(140 teachers and 270 students) from two noisy junior high schools which the road traffic noise above 65 dB(A). In the response of both of the teachers and students in noisy(above 65 dB) schools complaints of disturbances of conversation, studying, relaxation, and physical disturbances are much higher than that of less noisy schools' teachers and students(p<0.01 ). On the occasion of time and season, the subjects answered the traffic noise cause high troublesome and stresses in the afternoon(12:00-17:00) and summer respectively. It is necessary to provide governmental comprehensive and fundamental measures to improve the noisy school environments.
Humans ; Noise* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Relaxation ; Seasons

No abstract available.
Incheon* ; Trichloroethylene*

This study examined the physical and mental health factors affecting the industrial accidents of 142 injured and 1,212 uninjured workers in the shipbuilding industry from 1986 to 1988. The results acquired from the Todai Health Index (THI) and from analysis of the health examination were as follows: 1. Among the personal characteristics of the workers, the educational level of injured workers was significantly lower than that of the uninjured workers. 2. Among the physical characteristics, vision and R hrer Index of the injured workers were lower than those of the uninjured workers, and the difference was statistically significant. On the other hand, the differences in height, weight, hearing function, hematocrit, blood pressure, urine test, and X-ray findings were not statistically significant between the injured and uninjured workers. 3. The score of the THI questionnaire on the physical and mental health of the injured workers was higher than that of the uninjured workers, and the difference was statistically significant. 4. Form the THI score, the industrial workers had complained more about mental health than physical health and there was a statistically significant relation with the industrial accidents. 5. The relative risk expressed in terms of the odds ratio was 2.9 for poorer vision, 2.7 for a lower educational level, 2.2 for a higher THI score and 1.6 for overdrinking. 6. Educational level, vision, and the THI score were selected as significant factors influencing industrial accidents based on a log-linear model. According to the results of this model by logistic analysis, the odds ratio of industrial accidents was 1.8 for a lower educational level, 1.7 for poorer vision, and 1.6 for a higher THI score. 7. By event history analysis with the dependent variable as the duration of work at the time of the industrial accident, educational level, age, R hrer Index and THI score were the statistically significant variables selected, and the hazard rate of industrial accident occurrence was 0.24 for a lower educational level, 0.92 for age, 0.99 for a lower R hrer Index and 2.72 for a higher THI score. As we have seen, educational level and THI score were the most significant factors affecting the hazard rate of industrial accidents. Vision, R hrer Index, age, and drinking behavior were also statistically significant variables influencing industrial accidents. Therefore, in order to prevent industrial accidents, it is necessary to establish a health management plan for industry which can objectively evaluate not only the physical but also the mental health of the workers. If we use this type of study as a prospective study design, we can determine the relative risk of physical and mental health factors on industrial accidents. Furthermore, it is expected that this type of study will provide workers at high risk with more precise basic data for a health management plan for industrial accident prevention.
Accidents, Occupational* ; Blood Pressure ; Drinking Behavior ; Hand ; Hearing ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Life Change Events ; Linear Models ; Mental Health* ; Odds Ratio ; Prospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Increased anterior teeth mastication following posterior teeth loss leads to greater anterior occlusal force. It may cause greater attrition of anterior teeth, traumatic force occlusion (TFO), also often followed by antagonist extrusion and occlusal disharmony. This clinical report describes the treatment for a 67-year-old female patient diagnosed with loss of both maxillary and left mandibular posterior teeth, severe attrition of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and extrusion of multiple teeth. A diagnostic cast was mounted on articular in centric relation (CR) position to evaluate vertical dimension (VD) and interspace. To provide adequate space for the prosthetic reconstructions, VD was increased by 3 mm on the anterior pin. And then diagnostic wax-up was completed upon that VD. Wax-up was converted to provisional restorations and verified in the patient's mouth and the final restorations were delivered. Clinical follow up examination held 3 months after temporary restoration owing to changes in vertical dimension revealed proper function in mastication without evidence of temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This clinical report presents successfully restoring severe attrition case with increasing vertical dimension resulting in satisfaction in esthetics and function.
Aged ; Bite Force ; Centric Relation ; Esthetics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Mastication ; Mouth ; Tooth ; Vertical Dimension

OBJECTIVES: In this study, radiotechnologists who work performing PET and PET/CT methodologies were analyzed in order to find the cause for the differences in radiation exposure as they applied to general characteristics, work characteristics, knowledge, and exposure recognition or conduct. METHODS: From April 15th, 2010 to May 14th, 2010, we conducted a retrospective analysis on 80 radiotechnologists using data garnered from their individual general characteristics, work characteristics, knowledge, and exposure recognition or conduct. Their average annual radiation exposure dosages were measured using a thermoluminescence dosimeter. A multiple regression analysis was performed as a statistical tool. RESULTS: Regarding the general PET and PET/CT characteristics, when the work experience was short, the exposure dose was higher. The factors of age, marriage, work experience in nuclear medicine, PET, PET/CT, and sex were found to have statistically significant effects. The knowledge, recognition, and conduct factors for the radiotechnologists were affected by unsecure radiation exposure at the moment of carrying, unsecure radiation exposure at the moment of injection, the application of protection at the moment of injection, and the use of auto distributor. It was found that, the use of an auto distributor, efforts in reducing the radiation exposure, unsecure exposure when with a patient, and the application of protective procedures at the moment of injection affected the overall factor of radiotechnologists radiation exposure dose. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that if radiotechnologists would reduce their radiation exposure by using auto distributors, make efforts to reduce the chance of exposure, and be conscious of radiation, they would be able to reduce the radiation exposure dose even during unavoidable circumstances.
Humans ; Lifting ; Marriage ; Nuclear Medicine ; Retrospective Studies

Chromic acid has widely been used for decorative chromium plating, hard chromium plating, and surface treatment of raw materials. However, its strong oxidizing action has been found to cause corrosion of mucous membranes and skin, such as the nasal septum, conjunctiva, face, and hand skin. Excessive exposure to chmmic acid has frequently caused ulceration and perforation of a nasal septum. These ulcerations are painless and confined to the cartilaginous portion at the lower anterior part of the septum known as Kisselbach's or Little's area. This study was undertaken to investigate the general characteristics, actual conditions of the working environment and the prevalence rate of nasal septal perforation due to inhalation of chromic acid mist in workers employed at plating industries. This study was conducted on 627 workers who were exposed to chromic acid from July to November 1988. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The mean age of workers with septal perforation was 26 years and the mean working duration was 84 months. 2. The prevalence rates of nasal septal perforation and ulceration of mucosa of the plating workers were 31.7% and 10.5% respectively. 3. The significant variables related with occurrence of nasal septal perforation were age of workers, working duration, kinds of plating, efficiency of local ventilation and performance of health examinations. From the above results, occurrences of nasal septal perforation in plating workers were affected by the duration of chromium exposed work and state of the working environment. Prevention of occupationsl diseases fri plating workers will be accomplished by implementation of an industrial health care system which includes thorough health checkups for workers and regular environmental monitoring.
Chromium ; Conjunctiva ; Corrosion ; Environmental Monitoring ; Hand ; Inhalation ; Mucous Membrane ; Nasal Septal Perforation ; Nasal Septum ; Occupational Health ; Prevalence ; Skin ; Ulcer ; Ventilation