ABSTRACT
We tried to develop Korean computerized neurobehavioral tests to promote neurobehavioral research and screening in occupational setting in Korea. This program was designated Neurobehavioral Tests for Occupational Screening (NTOS). NTOS consisted of 3 test items, choice reaction time (2 choice and 4 choice), simple reaction time (visual and auditory stimulus), finger tapping test (both hands). NTOS was administered to 120 students of medical school and to evaluate applicability. The results of reaction time tests was positively skewed but finger tapping test was negatively skewed. The only data that was not skewed was the mean frequency of finger tapping of dominant hand. The means and standard deviations of choice reaction time were 429.7 msec and 109.8 msec (2 choice), 493. 6 msec and 92.0 msec (4 choice). The results of simple reaction time were 254 msec (mean) and 55 msec (standard deviation). The mean frequency of finger tapping of dominant hand was 77.2 and that of nondominant hand was 64.9. The results of 2 choice reaction time test and finger tapping of dominant hand showed statistically significant sex difference. Factor analysis showed 2 factors, 1st reaction tests and 2nd tapping. The mean frequency of finger tapping had negative weak correlation with other reaction time test results. This computerized neurobehavioral tests may be widely applied in the other future studies, and is to be improved for the practical purpose of the occupational neurotoxico-logical area.
Subject(s)
Humans , Fingers , Hand , Korea , Mass Screening , Reaction Time , Schools, Medical , Sex CharacteristicsABSTRACT
The relationship between copper content in scalp hair and mental retardation was investigated. Samples of scalp hair were collected from 297 mentally retarded children who were students in one of two schools providing special educational services, one, consisted of children living in an orphan home, the other, children living with parents. For comparison, 117 scalp hair samples were collected from the children who had got average or above average academic achievement in a regular elementary school. Hair samples were taken from the nape of the neck and the copper content was determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (IL 551). There was no statistically significant difference in scalp copper levels across different age groups except female orphan group, but no trend or correlation between copper contents and age was found. The hair copper contents of the group accompanied by Down's syndrome and unknown group were significantly lower than that of control group in both sex, and in the case of accompanied by epilepsy or autism, lower than control group in male. Although the results of this study show no evidence that mental retardation has owed to copper deficiency, the possibility of copper deficiency in their fetal or infant age could not be ruled out. Thus further study is needed to determine whether mental retardation could be attributed to copper deficiency. through the examinations about their living environments, dietary pattern, eating habit and the impact of copper deficiency on brain development.