1.Relationship Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Knee Cartilage Loss and Work-related Physical Workload in Farmers and Fishers
Hansoo SONG ; Yong Soo CHO ; Hye-min KIM ; Soo Hyeong PARK ; Dong Hwi KIM ; Chul Gab LEE
Safety and Health at Work 2026;17(1):47-55
Background:
This study examined the relationship between work-related physical workload and knee cartilage loss using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among farmers and fishers in the Republic of Korea.
Methods:
Bilateral knee MRI and questionnaire data from 545 farmers and 204 fishers aged 40—79 years were analyzed. Cartilage damage was evaluated using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS). Mean cartilage loss scores were compared by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess associations of cumulative squatting work time (CSWT, hours) and cumulative lifting work time (CLWT, hours) with cartilage loss, adjusting for age and BMI, and stratified by sex.
Results:
Age was the most significant factor associated with cartilage loss, whereas BMI was not. In women, CSWT was significantly associated with medial cartilage loss in the tibiofemoral (TF) joint after adjusting for age and BMI (right: p = 0.036; left: p = 0.021). The CLWT was significantly associated with cartilage loss in the right patellofemoral joint (right: p = 0.005; left: p = 0.051). In men, CLWT showed a significant association only in the right medial TF joint (p = 0.046).
Conclusion
Among Korean farmers and fishers, cumulative squatting and lifting workloads were associated with knee cartilage damage in a compartment- and sex-specific manner.
2.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
3.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
4.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
5.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
6.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
7.Impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in Korean line workers: a cross-sectional study
Bounggyun JU ; Jaehoo LEE ; Hye-min KIM ; Chul Gab LEE ; Hansoo SONG
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e11-
Occupational neck disability is a prevalent issue, especially among line workers, who are often exposed to elevated levels of cervical ergonomic stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in a specific occupational group in Korea. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 line workers in Gwangju and Jeonnam, Korea. Data were collected using the Neck Disability Index, Cervical Degenerative Index, and a structured questionnaire focusing on demographic and occupational factors. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for neck posture and factors related to neck disability. Neck disability prevalence was 17.2% among the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors related to neck disability included age over 60 years (adjusted OR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.63–5.83), depression (adjusted OR: 8.33; 95% CI: 3.85–18.00), a history of cervical trauma (adjusted OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.04–4.40), and radiological degenerative changes in the cervical spine (adjusted OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.26–4.33). In particular, the adjusted OR of neck disability among live-line workers was 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12–3.92) when compared with support workers (model 1). Other analysis models showed that use of insulating sticks for more than 10 hours per week (adjusted OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.32–4.61) and higher neck extension (adjusted OR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.14–3.46) were significant work-related risk factors (model 2,3). Neck posture, age, depression, cervical trauma history, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, and use of insulating sticks are significant risk factors for neck disability among line workers in Korea. These findings highlight the need to improve the working environment and reduce the burden of cervical ergonomic stress among line workers.
8.Impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in Korean line workers: a cross-sectional study
Bounggyun JU ; Jaehoo LEE ; Hye-min KIM ; Chul Gab LEE ; Hansoo SONG
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e11-
Occupational neck disability is a prevalent issue, especially among line workers, who are often exposed to elevated levels of cervical ergonomic stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in a specific occupational group in Korea. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 line workers in Gwangju and Jeonnam, Korea. Data were collected using the Neck Disability Index, Cervical Degenerative Index, and a structured questionnaire focusing on demographic and occupational factors. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for neck posture and factors related to neck disability. Neck disability prevalence was 17.2% among the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors related to neck disability included age over 60 years (adjusted OR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.63–5.83), depression (adjusted OR: 8.33; 95% CI: 3.85–18.00), a history of cervical trauma (adjusted OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.04–4.40), and radiological degenerative changes in the cervical spine (adjusted OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.26–4.33). In particular, the adjusted OR of neck disability among live-line workers was 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12–3.92) when compared with support workers (model 1). Other analysis models showed that use of insulating sticks for more than 10 hours per week (adjusted OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.32–4.61) and higher neck extension (adjusted OR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.14–3.46) were significant work-related risk factors (model 2,3). Neck posture, age, depression, cervical trauma history, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, and use of insulating sticks are significant risk factors for neck disability among line workers in Korea. These findings highlight the need to improve the working environment and reduce the burden of cervical ergonomic stress among line workers.
9.Impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in Korean line workers: a cross-sectional study
Bounggyun JU ; Jaehoo LEE ; Hye-min KIM ; Chul Gab LEE ; Hansoo SONG
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e11-
Occupational neck disability is a prevalent issue, especially among line workers, who are often exposed to elevated levels of cervical ergonomic stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in a specific occupational group in Korea. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 line workers in Gwangju and Jeonnam, Korea. Data were collected using the Neck Disability Index, Cervical Degenerative Index, and a structured questionnaire focusing on demographic and occupational factors. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for neck posture and factors related to neck disability. Neck disability prevalence was 17.2% among the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors related to neck disability included age over 60 years (adjusted OR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.63–5.83), depression (adjusted OR: 8.33; 95% CI: 3.85–18.00), a history of cervical trauma (adjusted OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.04–4.40), and radiological degenerative changes in the cervical spine (adjusted OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.26–4.33). In particular, the adjusted OR of neck disability among live-line workers was 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12–3.92) when compared with support workers (model 1). Other analysis models showed that use of insulating sticks for more than 10 hours per week (adjusted OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.32–4.61) and higher neck extension (adjusted OR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.14–3.46) were significant work-related risk factors (model 2,3). Neck posture, age, depression, cervical trauma history, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, and use of insulating sticks are significant risk factors for neck disability among line workers in Korea. These findings highlight the need to improve the working environment and reduce the burden of cervical ergonomic stress among line workers.
10.Pancreatic Cancer with Brain Metastases: Case Report with Literature Review.
Sang Jik LEE ; Chang Min CHO ; Min Kyu JUNG ; Seung Hyun CHO ; Gab Chul KIM ; Han Ik BAE
Korean Journal of Pancreas and Biliary Tract 2018;23(2):65-70
Pancreatic cancer is well known as a relentlessly progressive and fatal disease. Although distant metastasis is common at the time of diagnosis, brain metastasis originating from pancreatic cancer is rare and its clinical manifestation remains poorly described. Additionally, it is generally known that the prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer and brain metastasis is very poor. Surgical resection of brain metastasis may play a limited role or may allow long-term survival in patients for whom the primary pancreatic cancer is well controlled. We present a case of brain metastasis in patient with pancreatic cancer after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and complete response to chemotherapy for hepatic metastases. Brain metastasis was resected successfully, but survival period was relatively short, even though the patient received curative treatment for pancreatic cancer. This case demonstrated that resection of brain metastatic lesion from pancreatic cancer being controlled may be helpful, but the timing of resection is also important.
Brain*
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Diagnosis
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Drug Therapy
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Humans
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Neoplasm Metastasis*
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Pancreas
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Pancreatic Neoplasms*
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Pancreaticoduodenectomy
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Prognosis

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