Inhibin α gene promoter polymorphisms in Korean women with idiopathic premature ovarian failure.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that variations in the inhibin α gene (INHA) may affect the ovarian function of women. This study was performed to investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of the INHA gene are associated with idiopathic premature ovarian failure (POF) in a Korean population. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 159 idiopathic POF patients and 233 post-menopausal controls. Genotyping for the -16C>T polymorphism was performed by an minor groove binder (MGB) primer/probe Taqman assay, and the -124A>G polymorphism was identified using PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Haplotypes were deduced by using the Haploview version 4.1. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the genotype distributions or allele frequencies of the INHA gene -16C>T and -124A>G polymorphisms between the POF and the control group. Haplotype analysis also showed no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the INHA gene promoter polymorphisms in a Korean POF population was not significantly different from controls, implying that the INHA gene polymorphisms may not be associated with the risk of idiopathic POF.

Weekend catch-up sleep is associated with decreased risk of being overweight among fifth-grade students with short sleep duration.

Previous studies have reported a relationship between short sleep duration and childhood overweight. Although school-aged children tend to compensate for weekday sleep deficit by increasing weekend sleep duration, the association between weekend catch-up sleep and childhood overweight remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between weekend catch-up sleep and being overweight in children. A total of 936 school children (48.2% boys) aged 10 or 11 years participated in this school-based cohort study. Anthropometric measurements including height and body weight were carried out. We obtained data on sleep patterns, lifestyle and parent characteristics using questionnaires. The main outcome measure was childhood overweight. After adjusting for the relevant confounding variables (age, sex, breakfast eating, screen time and parental obesity), longer sleep on weekdays and weekends was associated with decreased odds of childhood overweight (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54-0.86; OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53-0.77, respectively). Participants with increased catch-up sleep duration during weekends also had decreased odds of being overweight (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.53-0.85). There was an interaction between weekday sleep duration and weekend catch-up sleep in relation to childhood overweight, and this effect of weekend catch-up sleep on being overweight was stronger as the participants slept less on weekdays (P = 0.024). These results indicate that weekend catch-up sleep is independently associated with decreased risk of being overweight in fifth-grade students, and this effect can be varied by the weekday sleep duration. A prospective study is required to confirm this observation.

Depression, aggression, and suicidal ideation in first graders: a school-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the clinical characteristics and risk factors of suicidal ideation in a sample of first graders from South Korea. Children's depression and aggression and maternal depression were examined as possible risk factors. METHODS: This study is a school-based, cross-sectional study of 5 elementary schools in Gunpo City, South Korea. Participants were 707 first graders (mean age, 6.54 years) and their mothers. We assessed children's depressive and aggressive symptoms using the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2) and maternal depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Two items from BASC-2 and 1 item from BDI identified children's and maternal suicidal ideation. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (3.8%) children evidenced suicidal ideation. Children with suicidal ideation had higher mean scores of depression domain (10.11 ± 5.34 vs 4.57 ± 3.44, P < .0001) and aggression domain (7.78 ± 3.84 vs 3.80 ± 2.85, P < .0001) on BASC-2 and maternal depression (9.78 ± 6.45 vs 7.28 ± 5.38, P = .02) on BDI. In regression analysis, children's depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.32; P = .001) and aggression (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.41; P = .002) contributed significantly to children's suicidal ideation, whereas maternal depression was not significantly related to children's suicidal ideation (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.92-1.06; P = .75). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that even first graders had a considerable prevalence of suicidal ideation and that depression and aggression were associated with suicidal ideation in young children.

High-resolution computed tomography findings of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection: comparison with scrub typhus.

BACKGROUND: Swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection and scrub typhus, also known as tsutsugamushi disease can manifest as acute respiratory illnesses, particularly during the late fall or early winter, with similar radiographic findings, such as a predominance of ground-glass opacity (GGO). PURPOSE: To differentiate S-OIV infection from scrub typhus using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the HRCT findings of 14 patients with S-OIV infection and 10 patients with scrub typhus. We assessed the location, cross-sectional distribution, and the presence of a peribronchovascular distribution of GGO and consolidations on HRCT. We also assessed the presence of interlobular septal thickening, bronchial wall thickening, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pleural effusion, and mediastinal or axillary lymph node enlargement. RESULTS: Scrub typhus was more common than S-OIV in elderly patients (P < 0.001). The monthly incidences of S-OIV and scrub typhus infection reached a peak between October and November. About 86% of S-OIV patients and 80% of scrub typhus patients presented with GGO. About 67% of the GGO lesions in S-OIV had a peribronchovascular distribution, but this was absent in scrub typhus (P = 0.005). Consolidation (93% vs. 10%, P < 0.001) and bronchial wall thickening (43% vs. 0%, P = 0.024) were more frequent in S-OIV infection than scrub typhus. Interlobular septal thickening (90% vs. 36%, P = 0.013) and axillary lymphadenopathy (90% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) were more common in scrub typhus than S-OIV infection. CONCLUSION: There was considerable overlap in HRCT findings between S-OIV infection and scrub typhus. However, S-OIV showed a distinctive peribronchovascular distribution of GGO lesions. Consolidation and bronchial wall thickening were seen more frequently in S-OIV infection, whereas interlobular septal thickening and axillary lymphadenopathy were more common in scrub typhus. Thus, CT could be helpful for differential diagnosis between S-OIV infection and scrub typhus.

The association between nonstandard work and occupational injury in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The number of workers who died due to occupational injury in Korea as of 2007 was 1,383. The aim of this study was to identify whether there were any differences in the risk of occupational injury between nonstandard workers (temporary workers and/or subcontract workers) and regular workers. METHODS: 1,576 injured workers, selected from National Health Insurance and National Workers' Compensation Insurance, were interviewed via telephone survey using standardized questionnaires in 2007. The control group was 1,500 workers matched for age, gender, and severity of injury. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between the type of nonstandard work and occupational injury. RESULTS: Nonstandard temporary workers were more likely to be injured than regular workers even if other related factors of occupational injury were statistically adjusted (adjusted odds ratio, OR 2.87, 95% confidence interval 2.37-3.49). CONCLUSIONS: The reason why the risks of nonstandard workers are higher than those of regular workers is that nonstandard workers are placed in poor working conditions.

Clinical and radiographic factors associated with distal radioulnar joint instability in distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is an important cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain in distal radius fractures. However, instability is frequently undiagnosed and the clinical and radiographic factors associated with instability are not well understood. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore identified clinical and radiographic factors associated with DRUJ instability in distal radius fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all 221 patients who underwent surgical treatment for unstable distal radius fractures from 2007 to 2010. Ten patients (five men and five women) had DRUJ instability by intraoperative manual testing (Group I); these patients had a median age of 52 years. The other 211 patients (81 men and 130 women) (Group II) had a median age of 55 years. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The incidence of open wounds at the wrist and the relative ulnar length measured on the prereduction radiograph were greater in Group I. An open wound at the wrist and positive ulnar variance of 6 mm or greater on the prereduction radiograph increased the risk of DRUJ instability (relative risks = 45 and 17, respectively) in distal radius fractures. CONCLUSIONS: An open wound at the wrist or positive ulnar variance of 6 mm or greater observed on the prereduction radiograph in patients with distal radius fractures should alert the physician to the possibility of DRUJ instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Interictal pattern-induced visual discomfort and ictal photophobia in episodic migraineurs: an association of interictal and ictal photophobia.

BACKGROUND: Pattern-induced visual discomfort and photophobia are frequently observed symptoms in migraineurs. The presumed pathophysiologic mechanisms of pattern glare and photophobia seem to overlap anatomically within the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between interictal pattern-induced visual discomfort and ictal photophobia in episodic migraineurs. METHODS: We compared pattern-induced visual discomfort among 3 groups: controls, migraineurs without ictal photophobia (MwoP), and migraineurs with ictal photophobia (MwP). Photophobia was assessed with a validated photophobia questionnaire. Visual discomfort tests were performed using 3 striped patterns with different spatial frequencies. After viewing the patterns for 10 seconds, subjects were asked to report the severity of visual discomfort using 4 scales (none, mild, moderate, and severe) and using a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS). We compared the proportion of subjects choosing moderate-to-severe discomfort and the median values of VAS scores for each pattern among the 3 groups. RESULTS: We enrolled 35 controls, 18 MwoP, and 44 MwP, and there were no significant differences in clinical features among the 3 groups. MwP reported a significantly higher proportion of moderate-to-severe discomfort and higher median VAS scores than the controls and MwoP did. The intensity of discomfort increased with higher frequency of visual stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that MwP experienced more severe pattern-induced visual discomfort as compared with the controls and MwoP.

Pharmacogenetic distribution of warfarin and its clinical significance in Korean patients during initial anticoagulation therapy.

During warfarin treatment, determining the optimal dose and maintaining the target PT-INR are challenging. Increasing evidence supports the theory that genotypic polymorphisms influence an individual's warfarin dose requirement. In this study, we evaluated allele frequencies and effects of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 on warfarin response during initial anticoagulation therapy in Korean patients. We enrolled patients who had initiated warfarin therapy and undergone PT-INR testing at least three times within the first month of anticoagulation therapy. All the participating patients were tested for the detection of CYP2C9*3 (c.1075A>C) and VKORC1-1639G>A. A melting-curve analysis after real-time PCR was performed using CYP2C9*3 and VK1639 genotyping kits (Idaho Technology, US). A total of 37 patients were enrolled in this study. CYP2C9*1/*1 (87%) and VKORC1-1639AA genotypes (89%) were predominant in Korea. The CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1-1639G alleles were found in five (13%) and four patients (11%), respectively. Patients with the CYP2C9*3 allele received a lower warfarin dose (P = 0.018) and tended to show more rapid PT-INR increase than CYP2C9*1/*1 genotype. Patients with the VKORC1-1639G allele nonsignificantly received higher warfarin dose than those without. The CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1-1639G alleles influenced warfarin response during the first month of anticoagulation therapy. Considering these results, CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotyping can be an useful tool to estimate initial warfarin dose and frequency of PT-INR monitoring during the first month of anticoagulation therapy.

Estrogen receptor {alpha} gene polymorphisms in patients with idiopathic premature ovarian failure.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha gene (ESR1) may be associated with reproductive patterns of women. This study was performed to investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of the ER-alpha gene are associated with idiopathic premature ovarian failure (POF) in a Korean population. METHODS: The subjects were 126 idiopathic POF patients and 221 post-menopausal controls recruited from university hospitals between 1999 and 2004. Genotyping was performed by MGB primer/probe Taqman assay. Haplotypes were deduced by using the Haploview version 4.1. Bonferroni correction was applied for the correction of multiple testing. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the allele distribution of the ER-alpha gene (TA)n repeats between the POF and the control group. For the PvuII polymorphism, the POF group showed a higher frequency of TT genotype compared with the controls (41.3 versus 26.3%, P = 0.004, 98.75% CI 1.8-28.2%). No significant difference was found in the distribution of the XbaI polymorphism between the POF and the control group. Haplotype analysis showed that the frequency of TA haplotype was significantly higher in the POF patients compared with the controls (64.7 versus 52.7%, P = 0.002, 98.75% CI 2.4-21.6%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the ER-alpha gene polymorphisms may be associated with idiopathic POF.

Hair nicotine levels in non-smoking pregnant women whose spouses smoke outside of the home.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether spouses who only smoke cigarettes outside the home can reduce the secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure of non-smoking pregnant women to the levels of those with non-smoking spouses. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey performed between 1 October 2006 and 31 July 2007, 896 non-smoking pregnant women in their 35th gestational week were included. Hair nicotine levels and the smoking behaviour of their spouses at home were assessed. RESULTS: The geometric means of the hair nicotine levels of the participants with non-smoking spouses (group A), the participants with spouses who only smoked outside the home (group B), and the participants with spouses who smoked inside the home (group C) were 0.33 ng/mg (95% CI 0.30 to 0.35), 0.51 ng/mg (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.57) and 0.58 ng/mg (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.65), respectively. The mean log hair nicotine level of group A was significantly different from the other groups (p<0.001, Scheffe's post hoc test). Multiple linear regression analysis of the log-transformed hair nicotine levels of the participants after adjusting for confounding showed that the mean differences (SE of the mean difference) of groups B and C compared to the reference group A were 0.43 (0.07; p<0.001) and 0.44 (0.10; p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Spouses who only smoked outside the home did not reduce the level of SHS exposure of pregnant women to the level of pregnant women with non-smoking spouses. A strategy based on the separation of pregnant women and the smoking activity of their spouses might be inadequate to protect pregnant women from SHS at home.

CT evaluation of local leakage of bone cement after percutaneous kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous injection of bone cement (acrylic cement) during percutaneous kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty can cause symptomatic or asymptomatic complications due to leakage, extravasation or vascular migration of cement. PURPOSE: To investigate and to compare the incidence and site of local leakage or complications of bone cement after percutaneous kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty using bone cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 473 cases of percutaneous kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Of the 473 cases, follow-up CT scans that covered the treated bones were available for 83 cases (59 kyphoplasty and 24 vertebroplasty). RESULTS: The rate of local leakage of bone cement was 87.5% (21/24) for percutaneous vertebroplasty and 49.2% (29/59) for kyphoplasty. The most common site of local leakage was perivertebral soft tissue (n=8, 38.1%) for vertebroplasty. The most common site of local leakage was a perivertebral vein (n=7, 24.1%) for kyphoplasty. Two cases of pulmonary cement embolism developed: one case after kyphoplasty and one case after vertebroplasty. CONCLUSION: Local leakage of bone cement was more common for percutaneous vertebroplasty compared with kyphoplasty (P<0.005). The most common sites of local leakage were perivertebral soft tissue and perivertebral vein.

Evaluation of factors relating to tumor recurrence and survival after resection of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Most patients whose lung cancers are resected have a local or distant recurrence, as determined postoperatively, or show residual or local disease at the time of autopsy. There are few reports that have described a relationship between tumor recurrence and variable factors such as stage, pathology, surgical method, and mode of recurrence. PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with tumor recurrence after resection of lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 124 patients who underwent surgical resection of lung cancer also underwent follow-up with computed tomography (CT) imaging (6, 12, and 24 months after surgery) for the surveillance of tumor recurrence. The CT images were retrospectively reviewed, focusing on the hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes, surgical margin, lung parenchyma, pleura, chest wall, and the presence of distant metastasis. The rate, mode, and time to recurrence after surgery were compared with the tumor stage, pathology, and operative method to identify factors associated with tumor recurrence. The correlation between survival and tumor stage was also evaluated. RESULTS: For 112 cases, a tumor recurred in 52 (41.0%) cases. The recurrence rate was lower for patients with stage IA (n=5, 9.6%) as compared to patients with stage IB (n=18, 34.6%), stage II (n=11, 21.1%), or stage IIIA (n=18, 34.6%). The differences in the recurrence rate between patients with stage IA and stage IB, stage IA and stage II, and stage IA and stage IIIA were statistically significant (P<0.05). The mode of recurrence in the 52 cases was local recurrence (n=31, 59.6%), distant metastasis (n=17, 32.7%), and combined lesions (n=4, 7.7%). The variations in survival rate were statistically significant between patients with stage IA and stage IB (P<0.05) and between patients with stage IA and stage IIIA (P<0.01). Other factors such as pathology and operative method did not correlate with tumor recurrence or patient survival. CONCLUSION: The tumor stage was the only factor associated with tumor recurrence and survival after resection of lung cancer.

CYP2E1 and NQO1 genotypes, smoking and bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) catalyze the activation of some environmental procarcinogens present in tobacco smoke (i.e. nitrosoamines and heterocyclic amines). We conducted a hospital based case-control study to evaluate the potential association between genetic polymorphisms of CYP2E1 (C1019T in the 5' flanking region) and NQO1 (C609T in exon 6) and bladder cancer risk in Asian population. METHODS: The study population was comprised of 218 histologically confirmed prevalent bladder cancer cases and 199 controls without cancer or systemic illness. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism based methods were used for the genotyping analyses and unconditional logistic regression model for the statistical evaluations. RESULTS: The risk of bladder cancer increased with the amount of smoking (P for trend < 0.01). The frequency of CYP2E1 c1/c1 genotype was significantly higher in bladder cancer patients (57.9%) than in the controls (47.9%) (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-2.9). Similarly, the NQO1 C/C genotypes were significantly more prevalent in the patients (45.8%) than in the controls (37.6%) (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0-2.7). The risk for bladder cancer increased with the number of the putative risk genotypes (P for trend = 0.03); the most remarkable risk was observed for heavy smokers with both CYP2E1 c1/c1 and NQO1 C/C genotypes (OR = 13.8, 95% CI = 3.9-48.6) when compared to non/light smokers with other genotypes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CYP2E1 and NQO1 genotypes may play an important role in development of smoking related bladder cancer among Korean men.

Combined effect of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 genotypes on bladder cancer risk.

To evaluate the association between genetic polymorphism of GSTM1, GSTT1 and development of bladder cancer, a hospital-based case-control study was conducted in South Korea. The study population consisted of 232 histologically confirmed male bladder cancer cases and 165 male controls enrolled from urology departments with no previous history of cancer or systemic diseases in Seoul during 1997-1999. The GSTM1 null genotype was significantly associated with bladder cancer (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.4), whereas the association observed for GSTT1 null genotype did not reach statistical significance (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9-2.0). There was a statistically significant multiple interaction between GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype for risk of bladder cancer (P=0.04); the risk associated with the concurrent lack of both of the genes (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-4.3) was greater than the product of risk in men with GSTM1 null/GSTT1 present (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 0.7-2.5) or GSTM1 present/GSTT1 null (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6-2.2) genotype combinations.

Working hours and cardiovascular disease in Korean workers: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Long working hours can negatively impact a worker's health. The objective of this study was to examine the association between working hours and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and compare the degree of risk based on CVD subtypes in Korean workers. METHODS: This study was a case-control study of the patients registered in the Occupational Cardiovascular Diseases Surveillance 2010. The cases included 348 patients diagnosed with a CVD (123 cerebral infarction, 69 intracerebral hemorrhage, 57 subarachnoid hemorrhage, 99 acute myocardial infarction). Controls were 769 participants with no history of CVDs matched for gender, age, type of occupation, and region. Participants' working hours in the previous week and the average working hours over the past three months were assessed to examine short-term and long-term effects. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding factors, the odds ratios (ORs) for CVDs in the short-term were 2.66 (95% Confidence interval (CI) :1.78-3.99) for working ≤40 hours, 1.85 (95% CI: 1.22-2.81) for working 50.1-60 hours and 4.23 (95% CI: 2.81-6.39) for working >60 hours compared with the 40.1-50-hour working group. The ORs in the long-term were 2.90 (95% CI: 1.86-4.52) for working ≤40 hours, 1.73 (95% CI: 1.03-2.90) for working 48.1-52 hours and 3.46 (95% CI: 2.38-5.03) for working >52 hours compared with the 40.1-48-hour working group. CONCLUSIONS: Long working hours are related to an increased risk of CVDs, and the degree of risk differs based on CVD subtype. Short working hours are also related to an increased risk for CVDs. More prospective studies targeting specific disease risks are required.

CT findings in apical versus basal involvement of pulmonary tuberculosis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare clinical features and computed tomography (CT) findings of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in lower lobe basal segments and upper lobe apical or apicoposterior segments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and chest CT scans of 986 adults who were diagnosed with active pulmonary TB. Active pulmonary TB confined to the basal segments was found in 21 patients. Sixty patients had disease localized to the apical or apicoposterior segments only. Clinical features and CT abnormalities of the lung parenchyma, airways, mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes, and pleura were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of underlying disease prevalence associated with an immunocompromised state (basal, 6/21, 28.6%; apical or apico- posterior, 3/60, 5%; P = 0.008). Chest CT findings, including consolidation (P = 0.0016), lymphadenopathy (P = 0.0297), and pleural effusion (P = 0.008), were more common in basal segment TB than in apical or apicoposterior segment TB. Small nodules were less common in basal segment TB than in apical or apicoposterior segment TB (P = 0.0299). The tree-in-bud sign was the most common CT finding in both basal segment TB (17/21, 81%) and apical or apicoposterior segment TB groups (53/60, 88.3%) (P = 0.4633). CONCLUSION: Lower lobe basal segment TB was more commonly present with common CT findings of primary pulmonary TB including consolidation, mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy, and pleural effusion than apical or apicoposterior segment TB.

Degenerative changes of spine in helicopter pilots.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between whole body vibration (WBV) induced helicopter flights and degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spine. METHODS: We examined 186 helicopter pilots who were exposed to WBV and 94 military clerical workers at a military hospital. Questionnaires and interviews were completed for 164 of the 186 pilots (response rate, 88.2%) and 88 of the 94 clerical workers (response rate, 93.6%). Radiographic examinations of the cervical and the lumbar spines were performed after obtaining informed consent in both groups. Degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spines were determined using four radiographs per subject, and diagnosed by two independent, blinded radiologists. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in general and work-related characteristics except for flight hours and frequency between helicopter pilots and clerical workers. Degenerative changes in the cervical spine were significantly more prevalent in the helicopter pilots compared with control group. In the cervical spine multivariate model, accumulated flight hours (per 100 hours) was associated with degenerative changes. And in the lumbar spine multivariate model, accumulated flight hours (per 100 hours) and age were associated with degenerative changes. CONCLUSION: Accumulated flight hours were associated with degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spines in helicopter pilots.

The association between impaired fasting glucose and noise-induced hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to determine whether there is an association between impaired fasting glucose and noise-induced hearing loss. METHODS: The study subjects were workers in one automobile manufacturing company. The data were obtained from results of health examinations during 2005 and 2009. The factors analyzed were age, smoking and alcohol history, work duration, environmental noise level, hearing thresholds, blood pressure, serum creatinine, initial hearing threshold and fasting glucose. RESULTS: The hearing thresholds at 4,000 Hz frequencies for both ears were significantly higher in 2009 than those in 2005. The changes in the hearing thresholds of the subjects with an impaired fasting glucose (100-125 mg/dl) and diabetes (≥126 mg/dl) were greater than those of the normal (<100 mg/dl) group. After adjusting for variables such as age, smoking and alcohol history, environmental noise, hypertension and serum creatinine, fasting glucose was found to be a significant variable. Impaired fasting glucose (100-125 mg/dl) was significant (ß=1.339, p=0.002) for the right ear, whereas it was not significant (ß=0.639, p=0.121) for the left ear. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired fasting glucose, as well as diabetes, might be risk factors for hearing loss in individuals with exposure to certain noise levels. The results of this study suggest that impaired fasting glucose should be considered a risk factor for hearing loss.

Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy (PCNAB) of lung lesions: 5 years results with focusing on repeat PCNAB.

PURPOSE: To evaluate 5 years results of percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy (PCNAB) for lung lesions and usefulness of the reaspiration or rebiopsy of lung lesions (repeat PCNAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred and fifteen cases of PCNAB (591 initial PCNAB and 24 repeat PCNAB) performed under the CT or fluoroscopy guidance in 591 patients was enrolled. The procedure was done using an automated biopsy gun with a 20-G needle (519 cases) or a 20-G aspiration needle (96 cases). The pathologic results, type and rate of complications in the initial and repeat PCNAB were evaluated. The pathologic agreement rate between the initial and repeat PCNAB, and reasons of the repeat PCNAB were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 615 PCNAB cases, 345 cases yielded tumors and 270 cases yielded non-tumorous lesions. Of the tumorous lesions, 307 cases were primary lung malignancies, 34 cases were metastases, and 4 were benign tumors. The repeat PCNAB rate was 4.1% (24/591). There was no statistically significant difference between automated gun biopsy and needle aspiration as a biopsy tool for calling repeat PCNAB (p=0.4034). The causes for a repeat PCNAB were inconclusive (n=14) and unexpected pathologic results (n=10). Of the 14 pathologically inconclusive cases on initial PCNAB, 9 cases revealed malignancy after the repeat PCNAB. Of the 10 cases with unexpected pathologic results on initial PCNAB, 3 cases yielded different pathologic results on repeat PCNAB from initial PCNAB. The cumulative complication rate of PCNAB was 11.4% (70/615). CONCLUSION: PCNAB was useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. Repeat PCNAB might be helpful for the exact diagnosis of lung lesions where initial PCNAB yields inconclusive or unexpected pathologic results.

[Public perceptions of the risk of Asian dust storms in Seoul and its metropolitan area].

OBJECTIVES: In spite of the recent increased concern for Asian dust storms, there are few studies concerning how dangerous the general public recognizes these dust storms to be. This study examined the public's perceptions of the risk of the Asian dust storms and also the source of the information concerning the risk. METHODS: A telephone interview survey using a standardized questionnaire was done for the adults living in Seoul and its metropolitan area from May 15th, 2003 to May 16th, 2003. The contents of the questionnaire were the sociodemographic characteristics, the perceptions of risk to the Asian dust storms, and the coping strategy of the study participants. RESULTS: The study participants get their information on Asian dust storms mainly from TV newscasts and they have a good knowledge of them. They regard it as one of the most dangerous health risks, along with dioxin. They think that it is associated with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma, etc. Of the 500 study participants, 201(40.2%) persons suffered bodily discomforts during the Asian dust storm period. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are uncertainties about the health risks of Asian dust storms, the public thinks these dust storms are very dangerous to health in many ways. This negative perception will not disappear easily. To fill the gap of the public's perceptions of the risk and the objective evidence of its health effects, more studies about its health effects and the methods to reduce exposure are required.