A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the effect of long term noise exposure on blood pressure among steel mill workers. The workers participated in periodic medical examinations performed from August 27 to September 6 in 1990. Examined were 1,034 workers with high-level noise exposure(average 91.8+/-5.2 dB{AA)), and 390 workers with low-level noise exposure(average 75.2+/-4.6 dB(A)). No significant difference was found in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the two exposure groups. Prevalence of hypertension (> or = 160 mmHg systolic or > or = 100 mmHg diastolic) was higher in a younger age group (< or = 40 years old) of high-level noise exposure than of low-level noise exposure. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, in younger ages, prevalence of. hypertension appeared to be higher in the hearing loss group (> or = 25dB at 1000 Hz or > or = 40 dB at 4000 Hz in at least one ear) than in the normal hearing group. From multiple regression analysis, hearing loss, body mass index, age, alcohol and family history of hypertension were proven to be predictors of diastolic blood pressure (p<0.02). When regression was performed for each age group, hearing loss was a strong predictor of diastolic pressure in the younger age group (p<0.01).
Blood Pressure* ; Body Mass Index ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Hearing Loss* ; Hearing* ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Noise* ; Prevalence ; Steel*

In the plywood manufacturing factory established in 1979, female 3 workers who had exposed to adhesives containing formaldehyde for more than 48 months of duration suffered from eye, nasal, oral, throat and skin irritation and dyspnea as chief complaints. The actual level of the exposure to formaldehyde were not estimated when the exposed workers started to have above symptoms. The environmental monitoring of workplace was measured on April 25, 1990, and the concentration of formaldehyde revealed 0.2 ppm, however the exhaustive ventilatory system was already installed at that time. Twenty six subjects from entire factory were examined by questionnaire, physical examination and spirometry, etc. on August 22, 1990. Significant difference was observed in symptoms and signs of nasal, oral and throat irritation between teh exposed group with longer duration and that with short duration. When the exposed group with longer duration was compared to the group of nonexposed, symptoms and signs of nasal, oral, throat and skin irritation, chest tightness and dullness were significantly increased in the former group. The results of the spirometric test showed that the forced vital capacity and the forced expiratory volume at 1 second were decreased amont the exposed group with longer duration but not significant.
Adhesives ; Dyspnea ; Environmental Monitoring ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Formaldehyde* ; Humans ; Pharynx ; Physical Examination ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Skin ; Spirometry ; Thorax ; Vital Capacity

POSCO Health Care Center has collected health and environmental data using computerized system since 1987. One of the important roles of Industrial Health Care Center is to provide a comprehensive occupational health care, including therapeutic medical care, periodic medical examination and industrial hygiene control for the prevention of work-related illness. To strengthen the functions of an occupational health surveillance system since May, 1992, and it is scheduled to be completed by March, 1994. The modified POSCO Computerized Occupational Health Surveillance System (PCOHESS) contains three major area: health care, environmental monitoring, and personal information. The linkage among three area, lacking in the previous system, was emphasized in PCOHESS. The area of health care assists the management of preplacement examination data as well as the diseased and disabled data, and it will facilitate the preplacement for new employees and will enable an efficient care for the diseased and disabled. Environmental and personal sampling data, and personal information data, such as age, education and jobcode etc, that are linked to each employees, can assist the health care professionals to decide the type and time of medical examination and to periodically supply proper protectors. Data collected from the time of one's employment until his/her retirement can be used for the epidemiologic surveillance which will enable to evaluate the employee's health status related to his/her work environments, and to indentify the places that are necessary to be improved.
Delivery of Health Care ; Education ; Employment ; Environmental Monitoring ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; Gyeongsangbuk-do* ; Humans ; Iron* ; Occupational Health* ; Retirement ; Steel*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate symptom frequency and symptom discomfort in liver, kidney and heart transplant recipients. METHODS: This descriptive, comparative study included 191 subjects (86 liver, 81 kidney, 24 heart: 135 male, 56 female). The symptom frequency and distress questionnaires were used to examine the symptom experience of the subjects. RESULTS: The most frequent and distressing symptom was fatigue. Increased hair, increased appetite, poor concentration and poor vision were frequently reported and poor vision, poor concentration, muscle weakness, and headache were causing high distress. Women reported a significantly higher level of symptom frequency and discomfort than men. Heart recipients reported a significantly higher level of symptom frequency and discomfort than renal or liver recipients. Significant (P<0.05) differences were found in symptom frequency and discomfort depending on transplant organs, numbers of immunosuppressants genders, age and types of drug and time after transplantation. Most of symptoms were related to the side effects of cyclosporine or corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The results provide a basis for patient and family education and for symptom management. Further investigation of the symptom experience of the transplant patients is needed, especially in relation to quality of life.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Appetite ; Cyclosporine ; Education ; Fatigue ; Female ; Hair ; Headache ; Heart ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Kidney ; Liver ; Male ; Muscle Weakness ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Transplantation ; Transplants*

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although the antioxidative effects of lycopene are generally known, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of lycopene are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine the role and mechanism of lycopene as an inhibitor of inflammation. METHODS/MATERIALS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated SW 480 human colorectal cancer cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, and 30 µM lycopene. The MTT assay was performed to determine the effects of lycopene on cell proliferation. Western blotting was performed to observe the expression of inflammation-related proteins, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inhibitor kappa B (IκB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 (p38 MAP kinase). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: In cells treated with lycopene and LPS, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 were decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The concentrations of PGE2 and NO decreased according to the lycopene concentration (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of NF-κB and JNK were decreased significantly according to lycopene concertation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene restrains NF-κB and JNK activation, which causes inflammation, and suppresses the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS in SW480 human colorectal cancer cells.
Blotting, Western ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Dinoprostone ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans* ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; Phosphotransferases ; Protein Kinases ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

A study for seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBs, HBeAg and Anti-HBe) by EIA method and the Liver Function Test(SGOT and SGPT) using kinetic method was carried :out from January; to October 1995 :among male workers of a .major iron and steel manufacturing company, located,,in Pohang. The results were as follows; 1. The distribution of hepatitis B virus markers showed that the proportions of HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (-), HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) 'and HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (+) were 8.1%, 60.5% and 0.1%, respectively. The positive rate of HBsAg in all subjects was 8.2% whereas that of anti-HBs was 60.6%. 2. The proportions of HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) increased significantly with age. While the distribution of hepatitis B virus markers exhibited no significant differences among the groups classified by educational background or work type. 3. The proportion of drinkers in HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) (73; 9%) was significantly lower than those of HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (+) (84.6% and 85.7% respectively). The proportions of smoking for the three groups of HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs(+),-HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) were 54.3%, 53.7% and 53.0%, respectively (p<0.01). The proportion of the subjects with abnormal liver function test in HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) was 40.1%, whereas those in HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) were 21.9% and 18.4%, respectively. 4. The distribution of e Ag markers among HBsAg (+) subjects showed that the proportions of HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(-), HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(+) and HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(+) were 31.3%, 55.0% and 1.6%, respectively. The proportion of HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(-) decreased significantly with age and those of HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(-) and HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(+) increased with age. The positive rate of HBeAg among HBsAg (+) subjects was 32.9%. In conclusion, as a screening method, EIA is. recommended to test hepatitis B virus markers, especially when examining Anti-HBs more sensitively. For the workers of the iron and steel manufacturing company studied, liver diseases caused by other than hepatitis B should be given a special care including an education avoiding alcohol drinking.
Alcohol Drinking ; Education ; Epidemiology ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus* ; Hepatitis B* ; Hepatitis* ; Humans ; Iron ; Liver ; Liver Diseases ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Steel*

A study for seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBs, HBeAg and Anti-HBe) by EIA method and the Liver Function Test(SGOT and SGPT) using kinetic method was carried :out from January; to October 1995 :among male workers of a .major iron and steel manufacturing company, located,,in Pohang. The results were as follows; 1. The distribution of hepatitis B virus markers showed that the proportions of HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (-), HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) 'and HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (+) were 8.1%, 60.5% and 0.1%, respectively. The positive rate of HBsAg in all subjects was 8.2% whereas that of anti-HBs was 60.6%. 2. The proportions of HBsAg(+)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) increased significantly with age. While the distribution of hepatitis B virus markers exhibited no significant differences among the groups classified by educational background or work type. 3. The proportion of drinkers in HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) (73; 9%) was significantly lower than those of HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (+) (84.6% and 85.7% respectively). The proportions of smoking for the three groups of HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs(+),-HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) were 54.3%, 53.7% and 53.0%, respectively (p<0.01). The proportion of the subjects with abnormal liver function test in HBsAg (+)/Anti-HBs (-) was 40.1%, whereas those in HBsAg (-)/Anti-HBs (-) and HBsAg(-)/Anti-HBs (+) were 21.9% and 18.4%, respectively. 4. The distribution of e Ag markers among HBsAg (+) subjects showed that the proportions of HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(-), HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(+) and HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(+) were 31.3%, 55.0% and 1.6%, respectively. The proportion of HBeAg(+)/Anti-HBe(-) decreased significantly with age and those of HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(-) and HBeAg(-)/Anti-HBe(+) increased with age. The positive rate of HBeAg among HBsAg (+) subjects was 32.9%. In conclusion, as a screening method, EIA is. recommended to test hepatitis B virus markers, especially when examining Anti-HBs more sensitively. For the workers of the iron and steel manufacturing company studied, liver diseases caused by other than hepatitis B should be given a special care including an education avoiding alcohol drinking.
Alcohol Drinking ; Education ; Epidemiology ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus* ; Hepatitis B* ; Hepatitis* ; Humans ; Iron ; Liver ; Liver Diseases ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Steel*

Melanosis ilei is an extremely rare condition in which black pigment, consisted of aluminum, magnesium, or silicon, accumulate in the terminal ileal mucosa. Medical treatment with charcoal enhances the neutralization of the toxic material and elimination of many drugs. In addition, it has been used as a traditional remedy in some oriental countries to relieve chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or acute enterocolitis, which is made up carbon, oxygen, aluminum, magnesium, silicon, calcium, and palladium. Two patients taking the charcoal for a long time underwent a colonoscopy to evaluate chronic diarrhea or abdominal pain. The colonoscopy revealed a normal colonic mucosa and multiple geographic black-pigmented mucosal changes at the terminal ileum. Therefore, it was assumed that melanosis ilei can develop in patients with long-standing charcoal ingestion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of melanosis ilei associated with the ingestion of charcoal.
Abdominal Pain ; Aluminum ; Calcium ; Carbon ; Charcoal ; Colon ; Colonoscopy ; Diarrhea ; Eating ; Enterocolitis ; Humans ; Ileum ; Magnesium ; Melanosis ; Mucous Membrane ; Oxygen ; Palladium

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are common mesenchymal tumors that arise in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding due to a GIST of the jejunum successfully documented by videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) and single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE). A 36-year-old man with hematochezia was referred for further evaluation of no evidence of bleeding focus on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. A VCE showed a suspicious ulcerative hyperemic mass that located in about 1 hour apart from duodenal second portion. SBE revealed a nonbleeding 4x2 cm mass with an ulcer at the proximal jejunum. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection without complication. Histological examination revealed a well circumscribed, dumbbell-shaped firm mass comprised of spindle cells. Immunohistochemical staining for CD 117 was diffusely positive, whereas staining for S-100, CD 34 and MIB-1 was all negative. It was confirmed to be a low-grade GIST at the proximal jejunum.
Capsule Endoscopy ; Colonoscopy ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Jejunum ; Ulcer

PURPOSE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can stimulate a variety of tumors including prostatic carcinoma. Research has recently shown that IL-6 may act to stimulate the progression of prostatic cancer. IL-6 is elevated in the sera of patients with metastatic prostatic cancer and it has been shown to be a candidate marker of disease activity. To date, little work has been performed to characterize the nature of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and the expression of IL-6. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of GM-CSF on the expression of IL-6 in PC-3 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone-derived PC-3 cell line was used in this study. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the GM-CSF and also the IL-6 mRNA expression. The IL-6 protein was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after treatments with the hGM-CSF. RESULTS: hGM-CSF was expressed in the PC-3 cell line. Our data indicated that the IL-6 mRNA expression was not increased at 4, 8 and 12 hours by the hGM-CSF in comparison to the control group, but it was slightly increased at 24 and 48 hours. The expression of IL-6 protein was increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours after hGM-CSF treatment, in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The IL-6 mRNA expression was slightly increased by hGM-CSF at 24 and 48 hours in comparison to the control group. Yet the IL-6 protein expression increased before the IL-6 mRNA expression. Therefore, hGM-CSF may modulate the post-transcription pathway of the IL-6 expression in prostate carcinoma cells. Our data suggest that GM-CSF may have a possible IL-6 mediated pathophysiologic role in prostate cancer.
Cell Line* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Granulocytes* ; Humans ; Interleukin-6* ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor* ; Macrophages* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prostate* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Reverse Transcription ; RNA, Messenger