Refractory intercostal neuralgia due to intercostal schwannoma: A case report

Intercostal neuralgia is neuropathic pain that develops in the thorax and abdomen. It usually occurs as a result of injury or inflammation associated with the intercostal nerve triggered by trauma, surgery, or herpes zoster. Primary intercostal neuroma is a rare cause of intercostal neuralgia. A 69-year-old male patient without a history of thoracic trauma or surgery underwent repeated testing and intermittent treatment for refractory pain in the right chest and abdomen for several years. However, the treatment had limited effect. Abdominal computed tomography performed to diagnose recent pain aggravation revealed schwannoma of the 11th intercostal nerve. The patient's pain was relieved following surgical excision of the tumor.

An anesthetic experience in severe preeclampsia patient suspected HELLP syndrome with an intraperitoneal hemorrhage caused by a rapidly progressed liver rupture: A case report

The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome associated with preeclampsia-eclampsia during pregnancy uses three test results, including hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, low platelets and their related clinical symptoms. Liver rupture is a life-threatening and rare complication related to HELLP syndrome. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment are very important for protecting the life of the patient and the fetus. We are reporting an anesthetic experience a sudden-onset suspicious HELLP syndrome with an intraperitoneal hemorrhage caused by a rapidly progressed liver rupture in a severe preeclampsia patient without any abnormalities during gestation.

Postherpetic Neuralgia Aggravated by Upper Complete Denture / 이화의대지

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic and refractory pain disease. It requires longterm treatment and follow-up. Comorbid diseases can change or aggravate the pain condition and responsiveness of patients to PHN treatment. In such cases, the cause of pain should be identified through proper testing, and appropriate treatment should be administered. Herein, we report the case of a 67-year-old man with PHN in the maxillary nerve. As the pain was being controlled with medication and infraorbital nerve block, the patient experienced deterioration of pain caused by a newly worn upper complete denture. The patient's pain was relieved following correction of the upper complete denture.

Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes and Nursing Intention toward AIDS and Chronic Hepatitis B / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aims at comparing nurses' knowledge, attitudes and nursing intention toward AIDS and Chronic Hepatitis B(CHB). METHODS: The data were collected through self-reported questionnaires from 245 nurses between July and August, 2011. The nurses were recruited from 3 hospitals located in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression were adopted to analyze the data. RESULTS: Regarding AIDS, higher knowledge level was correlated with positive attitudes only(r=-.22, p<.001), which were correlated with favorable nursing intention(r=-.41, p<.001). Higher CHB knowledge level was correlated with both positive attitudes toward CHB(r=-.14, p=.030) and favorable nursing intention(r=.18, p=.004). Nursing intention toward AIDS was affected by attitudes(beta=.58, p<.001) and explained 16.6% of the variance. Both knowledge(beta=.35, p=.028) and attitudes(beta=-.49, p<.001) influenced nursing intention toward CHB and explained 19.1% of the variance. CONCLUSION: We need to promote nurses' positive attitudes toward AIDS to increase their nursing intention for people living with AIDS.

Factors Related to Body Mass Index and Body Mass Index Change in Korean Children: Preliminary Results from the Obesity and Metabolic Disorders Cohort in Childhood / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: This preliminary study is to assess risk factors associated with children's body mass index (BMI) and their changes over a 2-year period based on the analysis of the Obesity and Metabolic Disorders Cohort in Childhood registry. METHODS: A total of 1,504 children comprised of 474 1st graders and 1,030 4th graders were included in the study. Data on physical activity, dietary intake, and socioeconomic status were obtained through self-administered questionnaires, and height and weight were measured annually for 2 years. RESULTS: In a cross-sectional analysis, BMI of 1st graders was associated with higher parental BMI (both P < 0.001) and frequent snack consumption (P = 0.049). BMI of 4th graders was additionally associated with shorter sleep duration (P = 0.001), lower household income (P = 0.016), higher fat intake (P = 0.017), and frequent meal skipping (P = 0.020). During a 2-year follow-up, BMI increased by 0.8 +/- 1.4 kg/m2 in 1st graders and by 1.3 +/- 1.4 kg/m2 in 4th graders. In a longitudinal analysis, higher exercise frequency (P = 0.007), shorter sleep duration (P = 0.027), lower household income (P = 0.002), and higher paternal BMI (P = 0.002, 0.043) were significant predictors of BMI changes in the 1st graders whereas only higher maternal BMI (P=0.035), and frequent snack consumption (P = 0.010) were predictors for the 4th graders BMI changes. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that parental obesity, short sleep duration, low socioeconomic status, and frequent snacking are associated with BMI and BMI changes.

Breakfast Skipping, Related Factors, and Nutrients Intake of 5th Grade Students / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Breakfast consumption is related not only with foods and nutrients intake, but also obesity, chronic diseases, school performance, and cognitive function. This study is to assess factors associated with breakfast skipping and its effects on food and nutrients intake in 5th grade children from the obesity and metabolic disorders cohort. METHODS: BMI percentile was used as an obesity index. Overnight fasting blood was collected to measure blood lipids, and glucose level. Dietary habits and physical activity levels were assessed with a self-filled questionnaire. If a student said "yes" to the question, "Have you taken all breakfast during previous seven days?," he or she was considered as 'breakfast consumer,' if a respondent said "no," he or she was considered as 'breakfast skipper.' Nutrients intake was estimated from a three-day 24-hour recall including two weekdays and one weekend. RESULTS: Among 1,536 students, 30.1% (n = 235) of boys and 31.3% (n = 231) of girls were the breakfast skipper. The breakfast skippers were more obese (P = 0.011), from families with lower household income (P = 0.037), went to bed late (P = 0.001), had a longer screen time (P = 0.003) than breakfast consumers. All macronutrients intake and the adequacy of micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, and folate) intake were lower in breakfast skipper. CONCLUSION: The breakfast skipping was associated with a lower socioeconomic state and a longer screen time. We confirmed breakfast skipping is a risk factor of nutrients deficiency (quantity) and is also related with food intake quality.

Weight Control Methods Related to Depressive Symptoms among Adults Living in Seoul / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a disease state which should be prevented and managed. However, attempting unhealthy weight control can be related to psychologic problem like depression. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between weight control methods and the depressive symptom among adults who have had weight control experience within recent 1 year. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study on 10,285 adults (age, 25 to 69 years), who had weight control experience within recent 1 year, from the Community Health Survey, Seoul, 2009. Depressive symptom, tried weight control methods, weight, height, smoking status, alcohol intake and socioeconomic status were surveyed through face-to-face interview. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale is used for assessment of depressive symptom. RESULTS: Depressive symptom was diagnosed in 5.2% (male: 2.9%, female: 7.0%) of study subjects and the most frequent method for weight control within 1 year was exercise (77.9%). Among men, depressive symptom was related to high likelihood of trying one-food diet (odds ratio [OR], 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62 to 6.62), fasting (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.61 to 8.02), dietary supplements (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.40 to 4.73), Korean herbal medicine (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.24 to 6.51), self-medication (OR, 5.50; 95% CI, 1.53 to 19.80). Among women, depressive symptom have relationship with high likelihood of trying one-food diet (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.94), fasting (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.59), prescribed medicine (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.48 to 3.52) and low likelihood of trying exercise (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.83). CONCLUSION: This study shows the difference of tried weight control methods depending on depressive symptom. Depressive symptom was related to high likelihood of trying weight control methods such as one-food diet, fasting and taking a diet-pill. In addition, that symptom was also related to low likelihood of trying exercise in women.

Health Status and Nutrient Intakes of 5th Grade Elementary Students in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate health status and nutrient intakes among 5th grade elementary students at Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2010. This study was cross-sectional study on 1,384 children (687 boys, 697 girls) from nine elementary schools located in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. The average height, weight and BMI were 145 cm, 40.6 kg 19.2 kg/m2 for boys and 145.4 cm, 38.2 kg, 18.0 kg/m2 for girls. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 11.3%, 5.2%, respectively. Serum AST, ALT, glucose, HDL-Cholesterol and RBC levels were significantly higher, while TG levels was significantly lower for boys than for girls. The average energy intake was 1772.4 kcal, which was 98.7% of Estimated Energy Requirement (EER). The boys consumed more energy intake (1800.4 kcal) than the girls (1744.7 kcal). Also, they took insufficient calcium and folate (69.1% and 83.3% of Recommended Intake (RI)) and excess sodium (297.6% of Adequate Intake (AI)) and 85.1% of the subjects had breakfast everyday. In general, the proportion of the children who consumed fruits and vegetables at least once or more a day was low. There was a higher proportion of children in boys who had ramyun and milk with sufficient physical activity than those in girls. As a result of this study, we can find risk factors on obesity and metabolic disorders, and the results can be used for an evidence of nutrition education program and the intervention program.

Lifestyle Habits Related to Abdominal Obesity in Korean Adolescents / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the abdominal obesity can cause various metabolic abnormalities not only in adults but also in adolescents. This study was conducted to investigate lifestyle habits related to abdominal obesity in Korean adolescents. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study on 561 adolescents (305 boys and 256 girls) aged 12-18 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005. The abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference at or above the 90th percentile for each age and gender based on the 2007 growth chart for Korean children. The frequency of physical activity, screen time, and the intake amount of energy and macronutrients were investigated as lifestyle habits. RESULTS: The prevalence of abdominal obesity in Korean adolescents aged 12-18 years was 9.1% (Boys, 9.4%; Girls, 8.7%). The mean of daily screen time was 4.3 +/- 0.1 hours (Boys, 4.4 +/- 0.2 hours; Girls, 4.2 +/- 0.2 hours). The subjects with daily screen time > or = 5 hours had a 3.0 times increased risk of abdominal obesity compared to subjects with daily screen time or = 35% of energy was 2.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 5.68; P-value = 0.020) with fat intake < 25% of energy as reference. The relationship between long screen time and abdominal obesity was observed in girls and high fat intake was related to abdominal obesity in boys. CONCLUSION: This study shows that abdominal obesity in Korean adolescents is associated to long screen time and high fat intake.

Glycemic Index and Chronic Diseases

No abstract available.

Protective Effect of HSP90 on Neuronal Cell Death-induced by beta-Amyloid Peptide / 체질인류학회지

In the present study, we determined the protective mechanism of HSP90 against neuronal cell death induced by Abeta. For the evaluation of protective role of HSP90, we used human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cell lines, examined AlamarBlue assay, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay. Incubation of SK-N-SH cells with Abeta significantly induced neuronal cell death. However, HSP90 induced by mild heat shock could attenuate neuronal apoptosis in Abeta treated condition. To identify the role of HSP90, we determined localization of HSP90 in SK-N-SH cells. Interestingly, HSP90 was increased and localized in mitochondria as treatment of mild heat shock. Also, treatment or increase of HSP90 largely elevated level of Bcl-2 expression, whereas inhibition of HSP90 with HSP90 antisense oligonucleotide significantly decreased Bcl-2 expression. In contrast to Bcl-2, Bax expression was regulated independently by HSP90. Moreover, increase of HSP90 could attenuate collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by Abeta. However, HSP90 antisense oligonucleotide largely increase breakdown of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by Abeta. These data suggest that HSP90 as chaperone protein significantly attenuates neuronal damage and protects neuroanl cells from neurotoxin such as Abeta.

Comparison of Food Intakes and Serum Lipid Levels in Overweight and Obese Women by Body Mass Index / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was done to investigate the health-related habits, dietary intakes and serum lipid levels in overweight and obese women by body mass index (BMI). Subjects were 137 pre-menopausal women aged 19 to 49 years. They were divided by 3 groups, overweight (23 or = 30) according to their BMI. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method. Dietary intakes were examined by 3-day record method and nutrient intakes were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional analysis program for professionals (CAN-pro 3.1). Serum lipid levels were measured using automatic biochemical analyzer (Selectra E). The average age, height, weight, and BMI of subjects were 31.7 years old, 159.3 cm, 69.4 kg, and 27.4 kg/m(2), respectively. Their average consumption of energy were 12 kcal and 86.4% of estimated energy requirement (EER). Their mean ratio of carbohydrate : protein : fat was 55.2 : 14.6 : 30.2. Particularly, the fat consumption of subjects tended to be elevated with increasing BMI. There was no significant difference in nutrient intakes among 3 groups. But the mean intakes of Ca, Fe, vitamin C and Na of all the subjects were 70.1%, 87.2%, 75.7% of recommended intake (RI) and 258.9% of adequate intake (AI), respectively. The intakes of vegetables and seaweeds were significantly higher in morbidly obese group while the intake of fruits was higher in overweight group compared to the other groups. Serum lipid analysis showed that there were no significant differences in the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol among the groups. But the serum HDL-cholesterol level of the overweight group was significantly higher than that of the other groups. LDL-/HDL-cholesterol ratio and AI index were significantly higher in the morbidly obese group compared to the other groups. In addition, The systolic blood pressure of morbidly obese group was significantly higher compared to the other groups. Overall data suggest that morbidly obese women have to more concern about reducing systolic blood pressure and serum lipid levels by decreasing their fat consumption and salt intakes as well as loosing body fat. In addition, all the subjects participated in this study have to be careful about their meals and health-related behaviors in order to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.

A Study on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Korean Adults / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This descriptive study was conducted to identify the use of complementary and alternative therapies, and the perception and attitudes toward CAT in Korean adults. METHODS: The 1,010 study subjects were recruited from ten regions in South Korea. Data were collected from July to September, 2004. RESULTS: The 43.2% of the sample(n=436) had an experience of using CAT. The subjects using CAT was more likely to have high score in the CAT perception compared to the subjects with no experience of CAT(p=.001). The primary source of information about CAT was mass media(59.7%). The 52.4% of the sample answered that CAT was supplementary and the 27.7% answered CAT was applicable to chronic pain or musculoskeletal disorders. Subjects(34.8%) pointed out that the greatest problem was no scientific informant in the use of CAT. The primary reason of using CAT was to maintain their health or to prevent disease(44.0%), and the 59.0% of the subjects responded that CAT was effective. Majority of subjects were satisfied with CAT(63.3%) and experienced no side effects of CAT(90.6%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that professional counseling and education for CAT is needed for Korean public as well as the research approach to test the effects of CAT.

Comparison of the Standard Threshold Shift Criteria for Evaluating Hearing Conservation Programs / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Workers from a factory was selected to compare 8 standard threshold shift criteria with the Korean diagnostic criteria of noise-induced hearing loss for this cohort study. METHODS: From 1990 to 1999, 491 workers at a manufacturing company with complete record of the hearing test covering the range of 0.5~6 kHz for 10 consecutive years were finally selected. Eight standard threshold shift criteria (15 dB once, NIOSH (1972), 10 dB average 3~4 kHz, OSHA STS, AAOHNS, 15 dB twice, 15 dB 1~4 kHz, OSHA STS twice) along with the Korean standard for diagnosing the noise-induced hearing loss (the average hearing threshold at 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz) were compared to calculate the degree of the threshold shift and the minimum time required to detect the change. RESULTS: Those workers showing at least one positive shift in the 'once'criteria of NIOSH (1972) were 92.5%; the 'average'criteria of 10 dB average 3~4 kHz were 35.8%; 'twice'criteria of 15 dB twice were 44.4%. The duration from the baseline to the year showing the first positive shift was from 3.2 +/- 3.1 years (NIOSH, 1972) to 6.0 +/- 2.1 years (OSHA STS twice). The percentage of true positive shift ranging from 20.4% (AAO-HNS) to 69.8% (NIOSH, 1972). There were 10 (2%) which met the Korean diagnostic criteria of noise-induced hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Currently the concept of hearing threshold shift in diagnosing the hearing loss was adopted in Korea thus in this study we determined the validity and the effect of the various hearing threshold shift criteria and showed that NIOSH (1972) criteria was the best of all. In the future, hearing data from various manufacturing workers should be compared to thoroughly evaluate the threshold shift criteria and to establish adequate standard for Korean workers.

Food Intake and Clinical Blood Indices of Female College Students by Body Mass Index / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the relationships among body composition, dietary intake, and clinical blood indices in college students by body mass index (BMI). Their body compositions were determined by means of BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) method. Their dietary intake was determined using a 3-day record method and their hematological indices were determined by semi-automated microcell counter (Sysmex F-520). Their serum lipid levels were measured using biochemical analyzer (Spotchem). Subjects were classified as underweight, normal or overweight groups according to their BMI. The subjects were 69 healthy college students aged 20 to 26 years. The average age, height, weight, and BMI was 21.3 years, 162.6 cm, 54.4 kg, and 20.6 cm/m2, respectively. Their average consumption of energy was 1693 kcal, 84.7% of RDA and their mean ratio of carbohydrate: protein: fat were 54.5 : 16.4 : 29.0. There was no significant difference in nutrient intake among the groups except beta-carotene and vitamin C. The beta-carotene intake was significantly higher in the underweight group. Vitamin C intake was significantly higher in the overweight group. The mean intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and folate of subjects were 74.8% to 83.2% of RDA. Especially, intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and folate were lower in the abnormal weight groups. The overall mean values of the hematological indices in female college students were within the normal range and there was no significant difference among the groups. However, anemic subjects with hemoglobin (<12 g/dl) and hematocrit (<36 g/dl) accounted for about 11% of the subjects. The overall mean values of the serum lipid levels were within the normal range and there was no significant difference among the groups. But serum HDL-cholesterol level of the overweight group was lower than that of the other groups. LDL-/HDL-cholesterol ratio and AI index were significantly higher in the overweight group compared to the other groups. Based upon this study, it is necessary for college women to be educated regarding consuming more Ca, Fe, Zn, folate and less fat and cholesterol in order to have better health promotion.

Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Elderly Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Antioxidant vitamin supplementation focuses one's attention on the prevention of age-related diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant status and lipid profiles and to look into the antioxidant vitamin supplementation that affects lipid metabolism in 20 elderly non-smoking Korean women (placebo group: n = 6, vitC suppl: n = 7, vitE suppl: n = 7). Age, height, weight, muscle, percent of fat and WHR were not significantly different among the groups, however % of fat was above 33% and WHR was above 0.9. And blood pressure of the placebo group was 131.7/81.7 (border line hypertension), that of vitamin C supplement was 141.4/87.1 (hypertension) and that of vitamin E supplement was 151.4/92.9 (hypertension). Although nutrient intakes of all groups were poor, antioxidant status (blood vitamins C, E, A, and beta-carotene) and lipid profile (TG, total-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol) were normal. For nutritional intervention, the vitamin C supplement group received L-ascorbic acid 1,000 mg, and vitamin E supplement group received d-alpha-tocopherol 400IU for 4 weeks, showing the effects of vitamin E supplementation. Response total cholesterol of HDL-cholesterol (T-Chol/HDL) in vitamin E supplement group was significantly decreased from 4.3 to 3.2. And response LDL-cholesterol of HDL-cholesterol (LDL/HDL) in the vitamin E supplement group was also significantly decreased from 2.6 to 1.7. In addition, after the adjustment for plasma lipids (TG, total cholesterol), plasma vitamin A levels in vitamin E supplement group were significantly increased from 7.89 mg/g to 14.91 mg/g. And systolic blood pressure in vitamin E supplement group was significantly reduced. These results suggested that vitamin E supplementation affects the lipid profiles and blood pressure in elderly non-smoking women. So various nutrition programs must be implemented against age-related diseases and further studies are needed regarding sorts and amounts of antioxidant nutrients and supplementation periods.

The Effects of Smoking, Drinking and Exercise on Antioxidant Vitamin Intakes and Plasma Antioxidant Status n Elderly People Living in Ulsan / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Body antioxidant status is an important factor in the prevention of many chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress, especially in the elderly and is affected by health-related habits, such as smoking, drinking and regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between these health-related habits and plasma antioxidant status in the elderly. Plasma antioxidant status was examined by determining plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin C, A, E, beta-carotene), total antioxidant status (TAS) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS). The subjects included 225 elderly persons aged over 60 years (63 males, 162 females) living in the Ulsan area. They were interviewed to collect data on their general characteristics and health behaviors such as smoking, exercise and alcohol consumption by means of questionnaires. Their dietary intakes were obtained by means of semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). The study population was divided into two or three groups according to their smoking, drinking, and exercise status. The ratio of smoker, drinker and exerciser was 16.7%, 31.0% and 44.2% respectively. The dietary antioxidant vitamin intakes were not significantly different among groups of smoking and drinking status, but tended to be higher in non-smokers and non-drinkers than in smokers and drinkers. Plasma vitamin C and beta-carotene levels were significantly higher in non-smokers, but plasma vitamin A and TBARS levels were significantly lower in non-smokers than in smokers. Plasma TAS was not significantly different among the smoking groups, but showed a tendency to decrease with an increase in the number of packyear. Plasma vitamin C and beta-carotene levels of the non-drinkers were higher than those of drinkers and past-drinkers, but plasma vitamin A, E, TBARS and TAS showed no difference among the groups of drinker. All vitamin intakes of the exercisers were slightly higher than those of the non-exercisers, but vitamin C intake was significantly higher in female exercisers than in non-exercisers. Plasma beta-carotene levels were significantly higher in male exercisers and plasma vitamin A, C, E, TAS and TBARS levels tended to be higher in exercisers than in non-exercisers. These results suggested that change to non-smoker, modulation of alcohol consumption and regular exercise could enhance antioxidant defences against reactive oxygen species and might increase the likelihood of a healthier life span.

The Effect of Noise Exposure and Age on the Changes of Group Mean Hearing Threshold Level: Annual Follow-up Studies for Seven Years / 대한산업의학회지

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of noise exposure and age on the changes of group mean hearing threshold level(HTL) over 7-year period. For this purpose, consecutive annual audiometric tests were performed from 1991 to 1997. among 718 male employees of a metal product manufacturing factory. The subjects were divided four groups as follows according to noise level category(NLC). NLC-I officer, exposed noise level was under 60 dB(A) of time weighted average(TWA) NLC-JI technical assistant or engineer, they exposed to workplace noise occasionally NLC-IJJ worker, exposed noise level was below 85 dB(A) of TWA. wore hearing protection device(earmuff or earplug) NLC-IV worker, exposed noise level was over 85 dB(A) of TWA, wore hearing protection device(earmuff and earplug). The results were as follows 1. The improvement of group mean HTL was continued until the fifth year, showing the peak at the third year. The magnitudes of this learning effect were 1.5 - 4.6 dB. 2. The mean HTL of each age group tended to increase after the third year and the tendency was more prominent at 4000 Hz. 3. In noise exposed group(NLC-II, III, and IV), mean HTL increased from the third year after decreasing, meanwhile, in noise free group(NLC-I). it was few changed for the entire period. Among the noise exposure group, the mean HTL of NLC-IV was lower than that of NLC-III and NLC-IV. 4. After learning effect, the mean increase of HTL in noise free group(NLC-I) was 0.4-1.7 dB that suggests aging effect, and that in noise exposure group(NLC-ll, III, and IV) was 0.9 -4.1 dB that suggests noise effect. 5. Statistical analysis of the general linear model implicated that the effect of age was statistically significant at 500, 3000, 4000 and 6000Hz. and the effect of noise exposure was statistically significant at all frequencies except 6000Hz. However, the age * noise interaction was not significant at all frequencies. From these results, it was concluded that the effect of age and noise exposure seems to affect the mean HTL independently and these two factors contribute to an additive effect for the mean HTL change. Furthermore, more concerns should be needed for hearing conservation of low level exposures without any specific protection.

A Study on Obesity-promoting Factors for the Elementary School Chirdren / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among body composition, dietary intake, exercise, and life style in children(M=80, f=102) of the 5th and 6th grades of elementary school. Anthropometry and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis were conducted to estimate body composition. Dietary intake, exercise, and life style were determined by using . When obesity was classified greater than 120% of the ideal body weight, the prevalence rates of obesity were 31.2% for boy and 20.6% for girl. There were significant differences in body composition between nonobese(NO) and obese(OB) groups. Mean fat mass(FM) and lean body mass(LBM) were 8.6 kg and 27.7 kg for NO group and 16.7 kg and 32.3 kg for OB group, respectively. Also a significant difference was found in hydration rate(TBW/body weight)between groups(<0.01). No significant difference was found I total calorie intake and nutrient intakes between groups. No difference was found in the frequency and duration of outdoor exercise and indoor activities. Mean sleeping hours was 8-9hours for 62% of nonobese children and for 59% of obese children. However, calorie intake per body weight was significantly lower inobese children than in nonobese. The present study showed that significant differences existed in their body size and composition between NO and OB groups, while no differences existed in daily calorie intake, excercise, and life style. This may indicate that important obesity-promoting factors of early onset obesity may rely on other factors such as hereditary or environmental factors besides factors considered. Further studies are required to understand obesity-promoting factors in children.