Data Profile
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Introduction to the forensic research via omics markers in environmental health vulnerable areas (FROM) study
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Jung-Yeon Kwon, Woo Jin Kim, Yong Min Cho, Byoung-gwon Kim, Seungho Lee, Jee Hyun Rho, Sang-Yong Eom, Dahee Han, Kyung-Hwa Choi, Jang-Hee Lee, Jeeyoung Kim, Sungho Won, Hee-Gyoo Kang, Sora Mun, Hyun Ju Yoo, Jung-Woong Kim, Kwan Lee, Won-Ju Park, Seongchul Hong, Young-Seoub Hong
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Epidemiol Health. 2024;46:e2024062. Published online July 12, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2024062
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Abstract
This research group (forensic research via omics markers in environmental health vulnerable areas: FROM) aimed to develop biomarkers for exposure to environmental hazards and diseases, assess environmental diseases, and apply and verify these biomarkers in environmentally vulnerable areas. Environmentally vulnerable areas—including refineries, abandoned metal mines, coal-fired power plants, waste incinerators, cement factories, and areas with high exposure to particulate matter—along with control areas, were selected for epidemiological investigations. A total of 1,157 adults, who had resided in these areas for over 10 years, were recruited between June 2021 and September 2023. Personal characteristics of the study participants were gathered through a survey. Biological samples, specifically blood and urine, were collected during the field investigations, separated under refrigerated conditions, and then transported to the laboratory for biomarker analysis. Analyses of heavy metals, environmental hazards, and adducts were conducted on these blood and urine samples. Additionally, omics analyses of epigenomes, proteomes, and metabolomes were performed using the blood samples. The biomarkers identified in this study will be utilized to assess the risk of environmental disease occurrence and to evaluate the impact on the health of residents in environmentally vulnerable areas, following the validation of diagnostic accuracy for these diseases.
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Summary
Korean summary
환경보건 취약지역 주민을 대상으로 실시한 현장 역학 조사에서 혈액과 소변 시료를 안정적으로 확보하였다. 현장에서 확보한 시료는 즉시 이송하여 오믹스 분석을 통해 환경유해인자별, 환경성질환별 특이적인 바이오마커를 개발한다.
Key Message
Blood and urine samples were stably obtained from on-site epidemiological investigations done on residents in environmental health vulnerable areas, and samples obtained from the sites were immediately transported to the omics laboratory after separation under biobank system. Through this analysis, we aimed to develop biomarkers specific to each environmental hazard and disease.
Original Articles
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Interaction between vitamin E intake and a COMT gene variant on colorectal cancer risk among Korean adults: a case-control study
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Shinyoung Jun, Madhawa Gunathilake, Jeonghee Lee, Jae Hwan Oh, Hee Jin Chang, Dae Kyung Sohn, Aesun Shin, Jeongseon Kim
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Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023100. Published online November 14, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023100
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3,732
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Abstract
Summary
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Previous human trials have not supported the anticarcinogenic effect of vitamin E despite biological plausibility and considerable epidemiological evidence. A possible explanation for this inconsistency is the interactive effect of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene and supplemental vitamin E on cancer. We examined whether a COMT gene variant modulates the effect of dietary vitamin E intake on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk.
METHODS
In this case-control study of Korean adults (975 cases and 975 age- and sex-matched controls), dietary vitamin E density (mg/1,000 kcal) was measured using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, COMT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs740603 (A>G) was genotyped, and CRC was verified histologically. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression models with adjustments for potential confounders.
RESULTS
Higher vitamin E density was associated with a lower risk of CRC (highest vs. lowest quartiles: OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.96; p-for-trend=0.002). When stratified by COMT SNP rs740603 genotype, the inverse association between vitamin E density and CRC risk was confined to those with at least 1 A allele (≥median vs. <median: OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.78). The interaction between rs740603 and vitamin E density was significant (p-for-interaction=0.020). No direct association was observed between COMT SNP rs740603 and CRC risk (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.41).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support a role for a genetic polymorphism in COMT in modifying the association between dietary vitamin E intake and CRC.
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Summary
Korean summary
본 연구는 국립암센터에서 수집한 대장암 환자-대조군 자료를 활용하여, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) 유전자의 단일염기다형성(SNP)에 따라 비타민 E 섭취와 대장암 위험 간의 연관성이 달라지는지 파악하고자 하였다. 분석 결과, COMT SNP rs740603의 유전자형에 따라 식이를 통한 비타민 E 섭취 밀도와 대장암 위험 간의 연관성이 다르게 나타나 COMT 유전자와 비타민 E 섭취 간의 상호작용이 대장암 발생 위험에 영향을 미칠 가능성이 있음을 제시하였다.
Key Message
In this case-control study of Korean adults, we examined whether a polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene modulates the effect of dietary vitamin E intake on colorectal cancer risk. Our results suggest that the inverse association between vitamin E density and colorectal cancer risk is confined to carriers of the COMT rs740603 A allele. The findings of our study support the interactive effect of the COMT gene and vitamin E intake on colorectal cancer risk.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- The Role of Dietary Vitamins and Antioxidants in Preventing Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Mohammed Ajebli, Christopher R Meretsky, Mourad Akdad, Ayoub Amssayef, Morad Hebi
Cureus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
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Evaluation of an air quality warning system for vulnerable and susceptible individuals in Korea: an interrupted time series analysis
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YouHyun Park, Jun Hyuk Koo, Hoyeon Jeong, Ji Ye Jung, Changsoo Kim, Dae Ryong Kang
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Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023020. Published online February 14, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023020
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5,819
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Abstract
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of an air quality warning system (AQWS) implemented in January 2015 in Korea by analyzing changes in the incidence and exacerbation rates of environmental diseases.
METHODS
Data from patients with environmental diseases were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database from 2010 to 2019, and data on environmental risk factors were acquired from the AirKorea database. Patient and meteorological data were linked based on residential area. An interrupted time series analysis with Poisson segmented regression was used to compare the rates before and after AQWS introduction. Adjustment variables included seasonality, air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter less than 10 μm in diameter, and ozone), temperature, and humidity.
RESULTS
After AQWS implementation, the incidence of asthma gradually decreased by 20.5%. Cardiovascular disease and stroke incidence also significantly decreased (by 34.3 and 43.0%, respectively). However, no immediate or gradual decrease was identified in the exacerbation rate of any environmental disease after AQWS implementation. Sensitivity analyses were performed according to age, disability, and health insurance coverage type. Overall, the AQWS effectively mitigated the occurrence of most environmental diseases in Korea. However, the relationships between alarm system implementation and reduced incidence differed among diseases based on the characteristics of vulnerable and sensitive individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that by tailoring the AQWS to demographic and sociological characteristics and providing enhanced education about the warning system, interventions can become an efficient policy tool to decrease air pollution-related health risks.
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Summary
Korean summary
한국에서 미세먼지경보제의 시행은 환경성질환의 발생률을 점진적으로 감소시켰으나, 민감·취약계층 특징에 따라 정책 시행에 영향을 받은 환경성질환 종류는 상이하였다.
한편, 기존 환경성질환 환자의 악화(입원 또는 응급실 방문)의 경우 미세먼지경보제 시행으로 인한 영향은 파악되지 않았다.
Key Message
Air Quality Warning System (AQWS) effectively mitigated the occurrence of most environmental diseases in Korea.
The relationships between alarm system implementation and reduced incidence differed among diseases based on the characteristics of vulnerable and sensitive individuals.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Trends in the Use of Air Quality Indexes in Asthma Studies
Angie Daniela Barrera-Heredia, Carlos Alfonso Zafra-Mejía, Alejandra Cañas Arboleda, María José Fernández Sánchez, Liliana López-Kleine, Adriana Rojas Moreno
Atmosphere.2024; 15(7): 847. CrossRef - Personal Strategies to Reduce the Cardiovascular Impacts of Environmental Exposures
Luke J. Bonanni, Jonathan D. Newman
Circulation Research.2024; 134(9): 1197. CrossRef
Data Profile
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Data resource profile: the Korean Community Health Status Indicators (K-CHSI) database
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Hye-Eun Lee, Yeon-gyeong Kim, Jin-Young Jeong, Dong-Hyun Kim
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Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023016. Published online February 2, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023016
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Korean Community Health Status Indicators (K-CHSI) is a model-based database containing annual data on health outcomes and determinants at the municipal level (<i>si/gun/gu</i>-level regions, including mid-sized cities, counties, and districts). K-CHSI’s health outcomes include overall mortality, disease incidence, prevalence rates, and self-reported health. Health determinants were measured in 5 domains: socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, social environment, physical environment, and the healthcare system. The data sources are 71 public databases, including Causes of Death Statistics, Cancer Registration Statistics, Community Health Survey, Population Census, and Census on Establishments and Statistics of Urban Plans. This dataset covers Korea’s 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, with data from approximately 250 municipal regions (<i>si/gun/gu</i>). The current version of the database (DB version 1.3) was built using 12 years of data from 2008 to 2019. All data included in K-CHSI may be downloaded via the Korea Community Health Survey site, with no login requirement (https://chs.kdca.go.kr/chs/recsRoom/dataBaseMain.do). K-CHSI covers extensive health outcomes and health determinants at the municipal level over a period of more than 10 years, which enables ecological and time-series analyses of the relationships among various health outcomes and related factors.
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Summary
Korean summary
지역사회 건강관련요인 데이터베이스는 17개 광역시도와 약 250개 시군구의 건강 결과 및 결정 요인에 대한 연간 데이터를 포함하는 모델 기반 데이터베이스이다. 본 데이터베이스의 건강 결과에는 사망률, 질병 발생률, 유병률, 자가 보고 건강상태 등이 포함되며 건강 결정 요인은 인구사회학적 환경, 건강 행태, 사회적 환경, 물리적 환경, 보건의료 체계의 5개 영역으로 구성되었다. 데이터는 질병관리청 지역사회건강조사 사이트에서 로그인 없이 다운로드할 수 있다(https://chs.kdca.go.kr/chs/recsRoom/dataBaseMain.do).
Key Message
Korean Community Health Status Indicators (K-CHSI) is a model-based database containing annual data on health outcomes and determinants from 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, with data from approximately 250 municipal regions (si/gun/gu). K-CHSI’s health outcomes include overall mortality, disease incidence, prevalence rates, and self-reported health. Health determinants were measured in 5 domains: socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, social environment, physical environment, and the healthcare system. The data included in K-CHSI may be downloaded via the Korea Community Health Survey site, with no login requirement (https://chs.kdca.go.kr/chs/recsRoom/dataBaseMain.do).
Epidemiologic Investigation
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An outbreak of neurologic symptoms among patients exposed to an unknown stench in a high school near an industrial complex: an epidemiological investigation
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Kiook Baek, Seongmin Jo, Chulyong Park, Joon Sakong
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Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022105. Published online November 9, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022105
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Seven students at a high school in Korea visited the emergency room with non-specific neurological symptoms after a stench was noticed during a school entrance ceremony. In relation to this incident, 105 patients visited medical institutions over 5 days. A team of environmental and epidemiological experts was assembled to investigate the incident.
METHODS
Our team of experts participated in the investigation 1 month post-incident. Previously, only air samples had been analyzed. We received results of air samples analyzed by other investigators, medical records of some students, and data from police interviews of patients. Additional investigation and interviews were conducted, and the events were reconstructed in spatial and temporal order.
RESULTS
A cluster of patients was observed on the south side and parts of the north side of the upper floor. A stench like that reported during the incident had been noticed for about 2 years near the school. Students consistently described a similar stench occurring frequently in the vicinity of the school. According to student statements, the odor mainly resembled something burning. The carboxyhemoglobin levels of some students were observed to be >1.5%.
CONCLUSIONS
In the investigation, 2 suspected sources were identified: a science room storing chemicals downstairs from the auditorium and various industrial facilities near the school. Combining the scattered evidence, we considered a toxic puff of gas, perhaps from brief incineration or leakage in a specific area, to be the likely cause of the incident. We describe our approach and the limitations encountered during the investigation.
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Summary
Korean summary
본 논문은 일개 고등학교에서 원인미상의 악취와 함께 100명 이상의 환자가 발생한 사건에 대한 조사과정을 담은 문헌이다.
본 연구진은 사건 발생 후 약 1달 후에 조사진에 합류하였으며, 발생 당시 환자 분포 점지도 작성, 인근 지역 사업장 및 악취발생 장소 점지도 작성, 사건 전후 시계열적 사건분석, 기상자료, 관계자 인터뷰 자료 분석 등의 역학적 기법을 동원하여 원인을 인근 지역에서 발생한 퍼프 가스의 유입으로 추정하였다.
본 사건의 원인은 결국 미제로 종결되었지만 추후 유사 사례 발생시 본 조사의 방법론을 참고할 수 있을 것이며, 의료진의 조기 개입을 수행하지 못함으로 인한 초기 상세 인터뷰 자료 확보, 생체 시료 수집 등이 이루어지지 못한 본 조사 과정의 한계점을 반면교사로 삼을 수 있을 것이다.
Key Message
This paper presents an investigation of an outbreak of over 100 patients experiencing an unexplained odor in a high school. The research team utilized epidemiological methods, including dot mapping, temporal analysis of events, and interview data analysis. The source of the odor was estimated to be the inflow of puff gas from surrounding areas. Although the toxic puff gas discharge facility was not identified, sharing the experience from this investigation could help with future investigations of similar incidents.
Cohort Profiles
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Cohort profile: the Environmental-Pollution-Induced Neurological EFfects (EPINEF) study: a multicenter cohort study of Korean adults
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Heeseon Jang, Woojin Kim, Jaelim Cho, Jungwoo Sohn, Juhwan Noh, Gayoung Seo, Seung-Koo Lee, Young Noh, Sung Soo Oh, Sang-Baek Koh, Hee Jin Kim, Sang Won Seo, Ho Hyun Kim, Jung Il Lee, Sun-Young Kim, Changsoo Kim
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Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021067. Published online September 16, 2021
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021067
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Abstract
The general population is exposed to numerous environmental pollutants, and it remains unclear which pollutants affect the brain, accelerating brain aging and increasing the risk of dementia. The Environmental-Pollution-Induced Neurological Effects study is a multi-city prospective cohort study aiming to comprehensively investigate the effect of different environmental pollutants on brain structures, neuropsychological function, and the development of dementia in adults. The baseline data of 3,775 healthy elderly people were collected from August 2014 to March 2018. The eligibility criteria were age ≥50 years and no self-reported history of dementia, movement disorders, or stroke. The assessment included demographics and anthropometrics, laboratory test results, and individual levels of exposure to air pollution. A neuroimaging sub-cohort was also recruited with 1,022 participants during the same period, and brain magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological tests were conducted. The first follow-up environmental pollutant measurements will start in 2022 and the follow-up for the sub-cohort will be conducted every 3-4 years. We have found that subtle structural changes in the brain may be induced by exposure to airborne pollutants such as particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter (PM<sub>10</sub>), particulate matter 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) and Mn<sub>10</sub>, manganese in PM<sub>10</sub>; Mn<sub>2.5</sub>, manganese in PM<sub>2.5</sub>. PM<sub>10</sub>, PM<sub>2.5</sub>, and nitrogen dioxide in healthy adults. This study provides a basis for research involving large-scale, long-term neuroimaging assessments in community-based populations.
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Summary
Korean summary
EPINEF 코호트는 환경유해인자에 의한 신경계 질환의 위해성을 평가하고, 환경유해인자로 유발되는 신경심리학적 기능 저하 또는 뇌 노화에 대한 근거를 제공하기 위해 2014년부터 50세 이상의 건강한 성인을 대상으로 시작되었습니다. 본 코호트는 뇌 영상학적 표지자와 인지 기능과 관련된 환경유해인자를 광범위하게 조사한 한국 최초의 장기 추적관찰 연구로, 대기 오염 물질 또는 다환방향족탄화수소 노출이 대뇌 영상표지자 및 신경심리학적 기능, 노인의 우울 증상에 대한 악화 요인으로서의 대기오염물질 노출과 결혼 상태의 교호작용 등의 연구결과들을 발표하였습니다. 또한, 추후에도 코호트의 지속적인 추적을 통해 환경유해인자 노출에 따른 신경학적 건강영향을 연구하여, 신경계 질환 관리를 위한 보건 정책 개선에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대됩니다.
Key Message
The EPINEF cohort was started in 2014 to assess the risk of neurological diseases caused by environmental harmful factors and to provide evidence for neuropsychological dysfunction or brain aging induced by these factors. This cohort is the first long-term follow-up study in Korea to extensively investigate brain imaging markers and environmental harmful factors related to cognitive function, and several related research results have been published. In addition, the follow-up survey will be continued in the future, and we expect that the results of the study will contribute to improving health policies for the management of neurological diseases.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure on amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: A matched case-control study
Heeseon Jang, Jungwoo Sohn, Hee Jin Kim, Sang Won Seo, Young Noh, Sang-Baek Koh, Jaelim Cho, Changsoo Kim
Heliyon.2024; 10(15): e35614. CrossRef - The enigma of mitochondrial epigenetic alterations in air pollution-induced neurodegenerative diseases
Sayanti Acharyya, Sruthy Hari Kumar, Apoorva Chouksey, Nikita Soni, Nazim Nazeer, Pradyumna Kumar Mishra
NeuroToxicology.2024; 105: 158. CrossRef - Associations of Particulate Matter Exposures With Brain Gray Matter Thickness and White Matter Hyperintensities: Effect Modification by Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation
Jaelim Cho, Heeseon Jang, Young Noh, Seung-Koo Lee, Sang-Baek Koh, Sun-Young Kim, Changsoo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and changes in brain cortical thickness and an Alzheimer's disease-specific marker for cortical atrophy in adults: A longitudinal neuroimaging study of the EPINEF cohort
Jaelim Cho, Jungwoo Sohn, Sung Hee Yang, Seung-Koo Lee, Young Noh, Sung Soo Oh, Sang-Baek Koh, Changsoo Kim
Chemosphere.2023; 338: 139596. CrossRef - Surveillance of long-term environmental elements and PM2.5 health risk assessment in Yangtze River Delta, China, from 2016 to 2020
Keqin Wu, Yuanhua Meng, Yan Gong, Xuhui Zhang, Linlin Wu, Xinliang Ding, Xiaofeng Chen
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2022; 29(54): 81993. CrossRef - Reduced brain subcortical volumes in patients with glaucoma: a pilot neuroimaging study using the region-of-interest-based approach
Yae Won Ha, Heeseon Jang, Sang-Baek Koh, Young Noh, Seung-Koo Lee, Sang Won Seo, Jaelim Cho, Changsoo Kim
BMC Neurology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
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Health Effects of Underground Workspaces cohort: study design and baseline characteristics
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Gerard Dunleavy, Thirunavukkarasu Sathish, Nuraini Nazeha, Michael Soljak, Nanthini Visvalingam, Ram Bajpai, Hui Shan Yap, Adam C. Roberts, Thuan Quoc Thach, André Comiran Tonon, Chee Kiong Soh, Georgios Christopoulos, Kei Long Cheung, Hein de Vries, Josip Car
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Epidemiol Health. 2019;41:e2019025. Published online August 16, 2019
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2019025
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Abstract
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Abstract
The development of underground workspaces is a strategic effort towards healthy urban growth in cities with ever-increasing land scarcity. Despite the growth in underground workspaces, there is limited information regarding the impact of this environment on workers’ health. The Health Effects of Underground Workspaces (HEUW) study is a cohort study that was set up to examine the health effects of working in underground workspaces. In this paper, we describe the rationale for the study, study design, data collection, and baseline characteristics of participants. The HEUW study recruited 464 participants at baseline, of whom 424 (91.4%) were followed-up at 3 months and 334 (72.0%) at 12 months from baseline. We used standardized and validated questionnaires to collect information on socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, medical history, family history of chronic diseases, sleep quality, health-related quality of life, chronotype, psychological distress, occupational factors, and comfort levels with indoor environmental quality parameters. Clinical and anthropometric parameters including blood pressure, spirometry, height, weight, and waist and hip circumference were also measured. Biochemical tests of participants’ blood and urine samples were conducted to measure levels of glucose, lipids, and melatonin. We also conducted objective measurements of individuals’ workplace environment, assessing air quality, light intensity, temperature, thermal comfort, and bacterial and fungal counts. The findings this study will help to identify modifiable lifestyle and environmental parameters that are negatively affecting workers’ health. The findings may be used to guide the development of more health-promoting workspaces that attempt to negate any potential deleterious health effects from working in underground workspaces.
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Summary
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Integrated lighting ergonomics: A review on the association between non-visual effects of light and ergonomics in the enclosed cabins
Zhiming Gou, Bingchen Gou, Wenyi Liao, Yuxue Bao, Yongqi Deng
Building and Environment.2023; 243: 110616. CrossRef - Effects of fun-seeking and external locus of control on smoking behaviour: a cross-sectional analysis on a cohort of working men in Singapore
Kar Fye Alvin Lee, Eun Hee Lee, Adam Charles Roberts, Josip Car, Chee Kiong Soh, Georgios Christopoulos
BMJ Open.2022; 12(10): e061318. CrossRef - A Comparative Study of International and Asian Criteria for Overweight or Obesity at Workplaces in Singapore
Nuraini Nazeha, Thirunavukkarasu Sathish, Michael Soljak, Gerard Dunleavy, Nanthini Visvalingam, Ushashree Divakar, Ram Chandra Bajpai, Chee Kiong Soh, George Christopoulos, Josip Car
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.2021; 33(4): 404. CrossRef - Prevalence of and factors associated with poor sleep quality and short sleep in a working population in Singapore
Nanthini Visvalingam, Thirunavukkarasu Sathish, Michael Soljak, Ai-Ping Chua, Gerard Dunleavy, Ushashree Divakar, Nuraini Nazeha, Ram Bajpai, Chee Kiong Soh, Kwok Kian Woon, Georgios Christopoulos, Josip Car
Sleep Health.2020; 6(3): 277. CrossRef - Activity Tracker–Based Metrics as Digital Markers of Cardiometabolic Health: Cross-Sectional Study
Yuri Rykov, Thuan-Quoc Thach, Gerard Dunleavy, Adam Charles Roberts, George Christopoulos, Chee Kiong Soh, Josip Car
JMIR mHealth and uHealth.2020; 8(1): e16409. CrossRef - Prevalence of psychological distress and its association with perceived indoor environmental quality and workplace factors in under and aboveground workplaces
Gerard Dunleavy, Ram Bajpai, André Comiran Tonon, Kei Long Cheung, Thuan-Quoc Thach, Yuri Rykov, Chee-Kiong Soh, Hein de Vries, Josip Car, Georgios Christopoulos
Building and Environment.2020; 175: 106799. CrossRef - Employee experiences in underground workplaces: a qualitative investigation
Vinita Venugopal, Adam Charles Roberts, Kian-Woon Kwok, George I. Christopoulos, Chee-Kiong Soh
Ergonomics.2020; 63(11): 1337. CrossRef - Associations of perceived indoor environmental quality with stress in the workplace
Thuan‐Quoc Thach, Dhiya Mahirah, Charlotte Sauter, Adam Charles Roberts, Gerard Dunleavy, Nuraini Nazeha, Yuri Rykov, Yichi Zhang, George I. Christopoulos, Chee‐Kiong Soh, Josip Car
Indoor Air.2020; 30(6): 1166. CrossRef - White- and Blue- collar workers responses’ towards underground workspaces
Ying Su, Adam C. Roberts, Hui Shan Yap, Josip Car, Kian Woon Kwok, Chee-Kiong Soh, George I. Christopoulos
Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology.2020; 105: 103526. CrossRef - Prevalence of sick building syndrome and its association with perceived indoor environmental quality in an Asian multi-ethnic working population
Thuan-Quoc Thach, Dhiya Mahirah, Gerard Dunleavy, Nuraini Nazeha, Yichi Zhang, Christina En Hui Tan, Adam Charles Roberts, George Christopoulos, Chee Kiong Soh, Josip Car
Building and Environment.2019; 166: 106420. CrossRef - A Multifactorial Approach to Sleep and Its Association with Health-Related Quality of Life in a Multiethnic Asian Working Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Gerard Dunleavy, André Comiran Tonon, Ai Ping Chua, Yichi Zhang, Kei Long Cheung, Thuan-Quoc Thach, Yuri Rykov, Chee-Kiong Soh, Georgios Christopoulos, Hein de Vries, Josip Car
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(21): 4147. CrossRef - Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases at Baseline and Their Short-Term Changes in a Workplace Cohort in Singapore
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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(22): 4551. CrossRef - Examining the Factor Structure of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in a Multi-Ethnic Working Population in Singapore
Gerard Dunleavy, Ram Bajpai, André Comiran Tonon, Ai Ping Chua, Kei Long Cheung, Chee-Kiong Soh, Georgios Christopoulos, Hein de Vries, Josip Car
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(23): 4590. CrossRef - Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Associated Work-Related Factors among Indoor Workers in a Multi-Ethnic Southeast Asian Country
Ushashree Divakar, Thirunavukkarasu Sathish, Michael Soljak, Ram Bajpai, Gerard Dunleavy, Nanthini Visvalingam, Nuraini Nazeha, Chee Kiong Soh, Georgios Christopoulos, Josip Car
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 17(1): 164. CrossRef
Editorial
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Lessons from radiation epidemiology
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Won Jin Lee
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Epidemiol Health. 2018;40:e2018057. Published online November 14, 2018
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2018057
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Abstract
Radiation epidemiology has developed as a specialized field and has unique characteristics compared to the other fields of epidemiology. Radiation exposure assessment is highly quantified and health risk assessment can yield precise risks per unit dose in each organ. At the same time, radiation epidemiology also emphasizes the uncertainty of the estimated doses and risks. More radiation epidemiologists work in radiation societies rather than those of epidemiology. This specialization deepens the research of radiation studies but also results in fragmentation from general epidemiology. In addition to continued involvement with radiation-related sciences, therefore, more efforts to communicate with the other fields of epidemiology are necessary for radiation epidemiology.
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Summary
Korean summary
방사선 역학은 역학의 세부 전공분야로서 다른 역학 분야와 구별되는 특성들이 있다. 노출 및 건강영향 평가에서의 정량화된 접근방법을 비롯하여 방사선 역학의 많은 장점들은 다른 역학분야에서도 응용될 필요가 있다. 이러한 전문화는 역학 연구의 내용을 깊게 발전시키는데 큰 역할을 하고 있는 반면, 일반 역학 분야와 분열되는 단점도 있다. 따라서 기존 방사선 관련 학문들과의 지속적인 교류뿐 아니라 다른 역학분야와의 활발한 교류를 통해 방사선 역학 및 전체 역학분야를 발전시키는 것이 중요하다.
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Citations
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- Testing and results of an open-source radiation epidemiology model using the Goiânia accident
Riccardo Quaranta, Gian Marco Ludovici, Luca Romano, Guglielmo Manenti, Andrea Malizia
The European Physical Journal Plus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - The influence of revised ordinance on radiation protection management in Japanese hospitals: device deployment and involvement of radiology technologists
Arman Nessipkhan, Naoki Matsuda, Noboru Takamura, Noboru Oriuchi, Hiroshi Ito, Kazuo Awai, Takashi Kudo
Japanese Journal of Radiology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - On the use of free code tools to simulate the propagation of radiation following dirty bomb explosions in sensible contexts
Riccardo Quaranta, Gian Marco Ludovici, Guglielmo Manenti, Pasqualino Gaudio, Andrea Malizia, A. Lyoussi, F. D’Errico, M. Carette, M. Joyce, R. Hodák, I. Jenčič, P. Le Dû, M. Morichi, S. Pospíšil, C. Reynard-Carette, L. Snoj, L. Vermeeren
EPJ Web of Conferences.2023; 288: 06009. CrossRef - The expression profile of redox genes in human monocytes exposed in vitro to γ radiation
Gina Manda, Cristian Postolache, Ionela Victoria Neagoe, Andreea Csolti, Elena Milanesi, Maria Dobre
Radiation Physics and Chemistry.2020; 170: 108634. CrossRef
Perspective
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Interpretation of the hygiene and microflora hypothesis for allergic diseases through epigenetic epidemiology
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Jong-Myon Bae
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Epidemiol Health. 2018;40:e2018006. Published online March 10, 2018
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2018006
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14,686
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Abstract
The hygiene hypothesis (HH) proposed by Strachan in 1989 was expanded to explain the inverse association between the occurrence of allergy disorders and the risk of infectious diseases and parasite infestation. The microflora hypothesis (MH) suggests that gut microbial dysbiosis in early life might trigger hypersensitivity disorders. The sharing concept of both HH and MH is gene-environment interaction, which is also a key concept in epigenetics. The amalgamation of epidemiology and epigenetics has created a scientific discipline termed epigenetic epidemiology. To accomplish an era of gene-environment-wide interaction studies, it is necessary to launch a national human epigenome project.
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Summary
Korean summary
1989년 제시된 위생가설 (Hygiene hypothesis)은 최근 체내미생물가설 (Microflora hypothesis) 대치되어 알레르기 질환의 발생기전을 해석하고 있다. 두 가설 모두 유전-환경 상호작용 gene-environment interaction) 을 강조하고 있다는 점에서 향후 후성유전역학 연구에 대한 활성화가 필요하다.
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- Multicenter study of seasonal and regional airborne allergens in Chinese preschoolers with allergic rhinitis
Zhifeng Huang, Aoli Li, Huiqing Zhu, Junxiu Pan, Jun Xiao, Jiang Wu, Yumin Han, Lili Zhong, Xuhui Sun, Lei Wang, Liang Hu, Cuihua Wang, Xingkai Ma, Zaixia Qiao, Min Zhang, Ling Yuan, Xin Liu, Jun Tang, Yue Li, Hong Yu, Zhaobing Zheng, Baoqing Sun
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - A Higher Incidence of Isolated Biliary Atresia in Rural Areas
Mark Nomden, Daan B.E. van Wessel, Solomon Ioannou, Henkjan J. Verkade, Ruben H. de Kleine, Behrooz Z. Alizadeh, Janneke L.M. Bruggink, Jan B.F. Hulscher
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.2021; 72(2): 202. CrossRef - Eradication of Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Cancer: A Controversial Relationship
Mariagrazia Piscione, Mariangela Mazzone, Maria Carmela Di Marcantonio, Raffaella Muraro, Gabriella Mincione
Frontiers in Microbiology.2021;[Epub] CrossRef - Pathogenesis of Children’s Allergic Diseases: Refocusing the Role of the Gut Microbiota
Tingting Hu, Yinmiao Dong, Chenghao Yang, Mingyi Zhao, Qingnan He
Frontiers in Physiology.2021;[Epub] CrossRef - Pilot study of the SCFA Headspace Analysis of Streptococcus mutans Metabolites in Media with and without Polyols
Goudarzi S Habibi, B Kabat, M Cannon, M Gashkoff, R Zurek
Edelweiss Journal of Biomedical Research and Review.2020; : 24. CrossRef - Blockade of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 alleviates renal injury associated with hyperuricemia
Yingfeng Shi, Liuqing Xu, Min Tao, Lu Fang, Jiasun Lu, Hongwei Gu, Shuchen Ma, Tao Lin, Yi Wang, Wenfang Bao, Andong Qiu, Shougang Zhuang, Na Liu
American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology.2019; 316(3): F488. CrossRef - Researches of Epigenetic Epidemiology for Infections and Radiation as Carcinogen
Jong-Myon Bae
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2018; 51(4): 169. CrossRef - Necessity of Epigenetic Epidemiology Studies on the Carcinogenesis of Lung Cancer in Never Smokers
Jong-Myon Bae
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2018; 51(5): 263. CrossRef
Original Articles
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The effects of community environmental factors on obesity among Korean adults: a multilevel analysis
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Nan-He Yoon, Soonman Kwon
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Epidemiol Health. 2014;36:e2014036. Published online December 24, 2014
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih/e2014036
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22,977
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OBJECTIVES
This study explored multidimensional factors related to obesity by dividing them into individual and environmental factors, and performed multilevel analysis to investigate community environmental effects.
METHODS
Data from the 2011 and 2012 Community Health Surveys were used for the analysis. Community-level variables, constructed from various regional statistics, were included in the model as environmental factors. Respondents with body mass index (BMI)≥25 were defined as obese, and a multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze individual and environmental factors related to obesity. Moreover, a stratified analysis was conducted to compare factors related to obesity between men and women.
RESULTS
Of 337,136 samples, 82,887 (24.6%) were obese, with BMI≥25. Sociodemographic characteristics at the individual level were mostly significantly related to obesity; however, while there were more obese men subjects among those with high socioeconomic status, there were more obese women among those with low socioeconomic status. There were fewer obese respondents among those who regularly walked and more obese respondents among those who reported short sleep duration or were highly stressed. At the community level, people living in areas with high socioeconomic status, high satisfaction with safety and public transportation, and high accessibility to sports facilities in their community had lower obesity risks.
CONCLUSIONS
Community-level environmental factors affected obesity, especially perceived community environment, more significant than physical environment. Thus, it is necessary to develop effective obesity prevention and management strategies by considering potential community environmental factors that affect obesity.
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Summary
Korean summary
다수준 분석을 통해 개인의 비만 발생에 영향을 미치는 다차원의 요인들을 탐색한 결과, 비만과 개인적 요인들의 관계는 성별에 따라 다르게 나타났고, 지역사회 환경에 대한 주관적 인식이 개인의 비만 발생과 유의한 관계가 있는 것으로 확인되었다. 보다 효과적인 비만 예방 및 관리를 위해 다양한 차원의 환경적 특성과 배경, 맥락을 반영한 전략의 개발이 필요하다.
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- Obesity-Related Factors in Adult Women with Early Menarche
Hunha Cho, Jeong-Won Han
Healthcare.2023; 11(4): 557. CrossRef - Do the Self-Reported Changes in Physical Activity After the Emergence of the COVID-19 Pandemic Associate With Major Depression According to Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Status?
Jeong Hyun Ahn, Jin Young Nam
Journal of Physical Activity and Health.2022; : 1. CrossRef - Employment Status Transition Predicts Adult Obesity Trajectory
Young Joong Kang, Dong-wook Lee, Min Young Park, Mo-Yeol Kang
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2021; 63(12): e861. CrossRef - Combined effects of disease management and food insecurity on physical and mental health in Korean adults
Hyun Ja Kim, Kirang Kim
Public Health Nutrition.2020; 23(1): 112. CrossRef - Generational Differences: A Comparison of Weight-Related Cognitions and Behaviors of Generation X and Millennial Mothers of Preschool Children
Ruiying Xiong, Kim Spaccarotella, Virginia Quick, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(13): 2431. CrossRef - Influence of Neighborhood Environment on Korean Adult Obesity Using a Bayesian Spatial Multilevel Model
Eun Young Lee, Sugie Lee, Bo Youl Choi, Jungsoon Choi
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(20): 3991. CrossRef - Associations between Social and Physical Environments, and Physical Activity in Adults from Urban and Rural Regions
Bongjeong Kim, Hye Sun Hyun
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2018; 9(1): 16. CrossRef - Influences of physical activity environments on obesity among adolescents
Nan-He Yoon
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion.2018; 35(2): 25. CrossRef - Childhood Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors in Iranian Children and Adolescents: A Multilevel Analysis; the CASPIAN-IV Study
Patricia Khashayar, Amir Kasaeian, Ramin Heshmat, Mohammad Esmaeil Motlagh, Armita Mahdavi Gorabi, Mehdi Noroozi, Mostafa Qorbani, Roya Kelishadi
Frontiers in Pediatrics.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
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Hebei Spirit oil spill exposure and acute neuropsychiatric effects on residents participating in clean-up work.
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Jin Hee Eum, Hae Kwan Cheong, Mina Ha, Ho Jang Kwon, Eun Hee Ha, Yun Chul Hong, Ye Yong Choi, Woo Chul Jeong, Jong Il Hur, Seungmin Lee, Eun Jung Kim, Eun Hee Lee, So Young Lee Ahn, Jong Hun Kim
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Korean J Epidemiol. 2008;30(2):239-251. Published online December 31, 2008
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/kje.2008.30.2.239
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Hebei Spirit oil spill accident has brought about the worst coastal oil contamination in Korean history.
Following the accident, residents and volunteers, number exceeding a million from nationwide, were exposed to chemicals from the crude oil itself and dispersants, including volatility organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals through the clean-up works over months. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of clean-up work on the peripheral nerve function and psychologic status of the residents after a prolonged exposure to clean-up work after the oil spill exposure.
METHODS
We performed a study on the residents of Jango-do Island, Chungnam, on 5 and 12 January 2008, six to eight weeks after the accident. A questionnaire on general characteristics, Korean Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI), color vision test (Lanthony desaturated D-15 test), and vibration perception threshold test were done. Among 210 residents with 30 years or older, 63 (30%) finished questionnaires and completed at least one among K-BDI, color vision test, or vibration perception threshold test.
Descriptive statistics was done on the residents.
RESULTS
The residents participated in clean-up work for average 20 days, max 30 days, during 6 weeks following the accident. Average work hours were 7.4 hours per day, max 10 hours. On K-BDI, 21 (33.3%) had a severe depressive state.
Mean color confusion index was 1.29 in the right and 1.20 in the left. Mean vibration perception threshold was 3.69 VU (right) and 3.55 VU (left), respectively.
DISCUSSIONS
AND CONCLUSIONS: Compared to literature report, the residents had higher depression scale. Color vision threshold was not higher compared to general population near an industrial complex. Vibration perception threshold was significantly higher than the residents of similar age living near an abandoned mine in southern coastal area only in the age group of forties. These suggests there is some evidence of neuropsychiatric effect related to oil cleaning work and a mid- and long-term study of the oil exposure health effects with continuous monitoring should be done for the exposed residents in the affected area.
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Summary
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Cancer Incidence Trend in the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill Area, from 1999 to 2014: An Ecological Study
Kyung-Hwa Choi, Myung-Sook Park, Mina Ha, Jong-Il Hur, Hae-Kwan Cheong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2018; 15(5): 1006. CrossRef - Inquiring into activist publics in chronic environmental issues: use of the mutual-gains approach for breaking a deadlock
Soojin Kim, Jeong-Nam Kim, Laishan Tam, Gwang Tae Kim
Journal of Public Affairs.2015; 15(4): 404. CrossRef - Community mental health status six months after the Sewol ferry disaster in Ansan, Korea
Hee Jung Yang, Hae Kwan Cheong, Bo Youl Choi, Min-Ho Shin, Hyeon Woo Yim, Dong-Hyun Kim, Gawon Kim, Soon Young Lee
Epidemiology and Health.2015; 37: e2015046. CrossRef - Disaster management from the perspective of governance: case study of the Hebei Spirit oil spill
Joon‐Young Hur
Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal.2012; 21(3): 288. CrossRef - Psychological Health in Residents Participating in Clean-up Works of Hebei Spirit Oil Spill
Minkyo Song, Yun-Chul Hong, Hae-Kwan Cheong, Mina Ha, Hojang Kwon, Eun-Hee Ha, Yeyong Choi, Woo-Chul Jeong, Jongil Hur, Seung-Min Lee, Eun-Jung Kim
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2009; 42(2): 82. CrossRef
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The Study on Active and Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Biological Samples among High School Students in Korea .
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Sun Ha Jee, Su jung Kim, So young Won, Ho Sang Shin, Chang Su Kim, Hee Ja Kim
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Korean J Epidemiol. 2002;24(1):83-92.
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PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to determine the active and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in biological samples (plasma, saliva and urine) among high school students in Korea.METHODS
Study samples were from 99 nonsmoker or smoking volunteers from high school in Kyungki-do in 2000. ETS was defined as the having smokers of their family members or their friends. Urinary samples were extracted with ethyl ether at pH 10.5, and the extract was injected in GC-NPD.
Plasma or saliva was extracted with methylene chloride at pH 10.5 and the quantification was performed with GC-MS (SIM).
Peak shapes and quantitation of nicotine and cotinine were excellent, with linear calibration curves over a wide range of 1 to 3000 ng/mL.RESULTS
The results are as followings1. The prevalence of smoking among study subjects were 18.2% among males and 6.1% among females. A 69.7% of total subjects among both males and females were exposed at ETS. 2. The primary metabolite cotinine of nicotine was good indicator of ETS exposure in nonsmokers. Salivary cotinine was found to be highly correlated to the concentration of cotinine in plasma (r=0.9480).
3. Urine cotinine was increased among those with smokers in their family members, while salivary or blood cotinine was increased among with smoking friends. 4. Blood cotinine was highly correlated with salivary cotinine, but it was relatively poorly correlated with urine cotinine.CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the results show how the students in high school in Korea suffer from secondhand smoke. It appeared that salivary cotinine was easy to collect and best way to predict the ETS among adolescents
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Summary
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Development of Lipoma among Residents Exposed to Glass Fiber Waste.
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Hyun Sul Lim, Hae Kwan Cheong, Ji Yong Kim, Jung Ran Kim, Kiyoshi Sakai, Naomi Hisanaga
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Korean J Epidemiol. 1999;21(2):159-175.
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This study was conducted to determine the relationship between exposure to glass fiber waste from an insulator factory and the development of cluster of lipomas among local residents in suburb Incheon, Korea. Authors surveyed 152 residents(71 males and 81 females) living near an insulator factory with a questionnaire and physical examination. Unused and disposed fiberglass from the waste site, along with ground water samples were examined under light and polarizing microscope and scanning electron microscope(SEM). Subcutaneous tumors excised from three of the residents were also examined under light and polarizing microscope, SEM with energy dispersive X-ray analysis(EDX), and transmission electron microscope(TEM). Analysis of elemental composition of the fibers and fiber concentration was done by with EDX under SEM and TEM after low temperature ashing.
Twelve(7.9%) had subcutaneous tumors among the 152 residents. Tumors were surgically excised from 3 of them and they were all lipomas, consisting of mature fat tissue.
These lipomas contained abundant birefringent fibers and particles under polarizing microscope. The concentrations of the fibers were 6.7, 71.8 and 499.2 million fibers per gram dry tissue, respectively. The birefringent fibers were composed of needle shaped particles with rectangular fractured ends up to 17 micrometer in length and 0.5 micrometer in diameter. EDX and x-ray diffraction analysis of the fibers showed that 71 to 100% of the fibers were magnesium silicate, talc. Magnesium silicate fibers were also found in the glass fiber sampled from the waste site.
Glass fibers and magnesium silicate fibers were also identified in the ground water.
Based on the fact that the magnesium silicate fibers found in the lipomas were similar in morphology and elemental composition to those found in the ground water and those from the waste site, these particles are likely to be introduced into the gastrointestinal tract through consumption of the contaminated ground water. It is suggested that fibrous magnesium silicate, talc, a component of fiberglass waste, may be associated with the development of lipomas.
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Summary
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