The utility of sperm DNA damage assay using toluidine blue and aniline blue staining in routine semen analysis / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship among male age, strict morphology, and sperm chromatin structure and condensation. METHODS: Sperm samples from a total of 100 men underwent semen analysis, and sperm chromatin structure and condensation were assessed with toluidine blue (TB) and aniline blue (AB) tests. RESULTS: Prevalence of strict morphology of less than 4%, and abnormal sperm chromatin structure and condensation did not show any statistically significant differences according to male age (p=0.605, p=0.235, and p=0.080). No significant correlation was demonstrated among age of male partners, strict morphology, and abnormal sperm chromatin structure using TB and AB tests. However, abnormal sperm chromatin condensation was positively associated with sperm chromatin structure (r=0.594, p=0.000) and showed negative correlation with strict morphology (r=-0.219, p=0.029). CONCLUSION: The tests for sperm chromatin condensation showed a significant association with strict morphology. Further study is needed to elucidate the relationship between clinical outcome and sperm chromatin tests.

Successful birth with preimplantation genetic diagnosis using single-cell allele-specific PCR and sequencing in a woman with hypochondroplasia due to FGFR3 mutation (c.1620C>A, p.N540K) / 대한생식의학회지

Hypochondroplasia (HCH) is an autosomal dominant inherited skeletal dysplasia, usually caused by a heterozygous mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3). A 27-year-old HCH woman with a history of two consecutive abortions of HCH-affected fetuses visited our clinic for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). We confirmed the mutation in the proband (FGFR3:c.1620C>A, p.N540K), and established a nested allele-specific PCR and sequence analysis for PGD using single lymphocyte cells. We performed this molecular genetic analysis to detect the presence of mutation among 20 blastomeres from 18 different embryos, and selected 9 embryos with the wild-type sequence (FGFR3:c.1620C). A successful pregnancy was achieved through a frozen-thawed cycle and resulted in the full-term birth of a normal neonate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a successful pregnancy and birth using single-cell allele-specific PCR and sequencing for PGD in an HCH patient.

Application of Hot Start PCR Method in PCR-based Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

PURPOSE: To determine a method to improve the efficacy and accuracy of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) - polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we compared hot start PCR and conventional multiplex nested PCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed with single lymphocyte isolated from whole blood samples that were obtained from two couples with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). We proceeded with conventional multiplex nested PCR and hot start PCR in which essential reaction components were physically removed, and we compared the amplification rate, allele dropout rate and nonspecific products. Afterward, we used selective method for PGD. RESULTS: In the two couples, the respective amplification rate were 93.5% and 80.0% using conventional multiplex nested PCR and 95.5% and 92.0% using hot start PCR. The respective mean allele dropout rates for the two couples were 42.0% and 14.0% with conventional multiplex nested PCR and 36.0% and 6.0% with hot start PCR. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the hot start PCR procedure provides higher amplification rates and lower allele dropout rate than the conventional method and that it decreased the nonspecific band in multiplex nested PCR. The hot start method is more efficient for analyzing a single blastomere in clinical PGD.

The Effect of Aroma Therapy on Lower Extremity Edema of Terminal Cancer Patients: A Controlled Trial / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the effect of aroma massage therapy on lower extremity edema of terminal cancer patients. METHODS: A total of thirty-six terminal cancer patients with lower extremity edema were divided into two groups: the aroma massage group received massage with blending oil which was applied from toes to 10 cm above the knee of the subject for 15 to 20 minutes in each turn, while the control group received sham aroma massage (applied with carrier oil only). The circumferences of the fore-foot, ankle and calf were measured before massage and 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 12 hours after massage. The blood pressure, pulse and body temperature were also measured to find the change of subject's physiologic conditions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and lower extremity circumferences between two groups. However, edema at each site was slightly improved in the treatment group after the aroma massage therapy, compared to baseline data (P<0.05). In addition, the reduction of lower extremity circumference was maximal at 2 hours in foot, 30 min in right ankle and 12 hours in right calf after aroma massage therapy (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that aroma massage therapy is not effective on the lower extremity edema of terminal cancer patients.

Simplified EM Grid Vitrification Is a Convenient and Efficient Method for Mouse Mature Oocyte Cryopreservation

This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of simplified EM grid vitrification, skipping the step of removing the cryoprotectant (5.5M EG + 1.0M sucrose) droplet on the grid after loading oocytes, compared to conventional cryopreservation protocols for mouse mature oocytes. Firstly, the recovery, survival, fertilization and hatching rates of simplified EM grid vitrification were compared with those of the slow freezing method using 1.5M DMSO. Then, conventional EM grid vitrification was compared with simplified EM grid vitrification. Simplified EM grid vitrification showed higher survival, fertilization and hatching rates than those of the slow freezing method (85.6% vs. 63.2%; 51.0% vs. 22.3%; 38.7% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, simplified EM grid vitrification showed higher recovery, survival and fertilization rates than those of conventional EM grid vitrification (100% vs. 95.0%, p=0.024; 90.0% vs. 78.9%, p=0.033; 56.7% vs. 38.7%, p=0.021, respectively). Hatching rate tended to be higher for simplified EM grid vitrification compared to conventional EM grid vitrification (41.1% vs. 24.1%). In conclusion, simplified EM grid vitrification is a convenient and efficient method for cryopreservation of mouse mature oocytes, compared to conventional EM grid vitrification and slow freezing methods.

A Model Study on Medical Utilization of Workers with Non-Occupational Diseases : An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to examine the factors influencing the behavioral intention and behavior of workers with non-occupational diseases when utilizing medical facilities, using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). METHODS: The first TPB questionnaire was administered to 3,116 subjects during workers'periodic health examinations at one health examination institute, between September and December in 2000. An investigation of the medical facilities utilization was also conducted by administering a second survey to the 354 subjects (11.4%) adjudged to be workers with non-occupational diseases from the results of the health examination. RESULTS: The medical utilization rate within one month was 41.5%. To investigate the overall relationship between variables, the authors conducted a linear structural equation model analysis, based on the theory of planned behavior. The attitude toward behavior and the subjective norm both positively influenced the behavioral intention (T> or = 2.0). The perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention both positively influenced the behavior (T> or = 2.0) CONCLUSIONS: To improve the medical utilization by workers found to have diseases as a result of their health examination, the implementation of an intervention program will be necessary to increase the behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control, and care givers must pay more attention to eventually converting behavioral intention into actual behaviors.

A Case of Fraley's Syndrome with Benign Hematuria

Fraley's syndrome is a disorder of vascular impression on the renal infundibulum which is associated with unexplained disabling flank pain, painless microscopic hematuria, and urinary tract infection. We experienced one case of Fraley's syndrome in a 12-year-old girl whose chief complaint was persistent microscopic hematuria. We report this case with a brief review of related literatures.

Factors Related to the Intention of Participation in a Worksite Smoking Cessation Program / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate factors related to the intention of participation in a worksite smoking cessation program. METHODS: To explain the health behavior of participating intention in a worksite smoking cessation program, the health belief model(HBM) was used as study model, and 144 self-administered questionnaires were completed by electronic company workers. Variables of the health belief model were composed of perceived susceptibility to smokinginduced disease, perceived severity of smoking-induced disease, economical gain as perceived benefit of smoking cessation, and nicotine dependency as perceived barrier of smoking cessation. Variables of sociodemographics, smoking status, knowledge about adverse health effects of smoking, and cues to smoking cessation were used as modifying factors. RESULTS: Perceived severity(POR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.03-3.83), perceived benefit(POR=2.11, 95%CI: 1.07-4.17), and perceived barrier(POR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.11-0.76) were significant variables to the intention of participation in a worksite smoking cessation program in the logistic regression analysis. The perceived severity was significantly affected by knowledge about adverse health effects of smoking(POR=2.17, 95%CI: 1.23-3.84). The perceived barrier was significantly affected by education level(POR=3.66, 95%CI: 1.17-11.44), age to first cigarette (POR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.10-0.98), pack-years(POR=5.47, 95%CI: 2.37-12.61). To the perceived benefit, the model was not fitted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results found that counterplans improving the knowledge about adverse health effects of smoking, preventing early smoking, and decreasing smoking amount should be considered for an effective smoking ban policy.

Bladder Cancer with Exposure to Benzidine-based Dyes of Dyer / 대한산업의학회지

This is the first report on an occupational bladder cancer in Korea. The ease is 41 years old man who worked as a dyer for 17 years at two dyeing factories, which handled nylon and polyester fabrics in Taegu. He was exposed to many kinds of dyes during weighing, mixing, dissolving and dyeing processes. Among many kinds of acid, disperse and direct dyes that he has been exposed to, several dyes have confirmed to contain benzidine-based dyes, one was o-tolidine-based dye, and one was o-dianisidine-based dye. He visited a hospital due to the gross hematuria and urinary frequency in June, 1998, and he had radical cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion. He had smoked a half-pack of cigarette for 20 years. The main risk factor of bladder cancer is smoking, however, he was relatively a light smoker than usual Korean men. He was exposed to the definite occupational carcinogen even though the level was relatively lower than that of dye manufacturers. His age was younger than the prevalence age of bladder cancer caused by smoking. These evidences support that the dyer' s bladder cancer could be related to the occupational exposure to benzidine-based dyes.

Usefulness Assessment of Hemoglobin A1C as a Parameter Measuring Stress in Healthy Male Workers / 대한산업의학회지

No abstract available.

Factors Affecting Blood Donation in University Students / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Investigation of the factors affecting blood donation practice is essential to develop the ways of making blood donation campaign, as well as efficient and facilitating blood donation practice. A few studies has been made concerning the factors affecting blood donation in Korea. METHODS: 637 participants were examined using self-administered questionnaires including demographic variables, experience, knowledge and attitude for blood donation and others. RESULTS: 51.5% of participants had experienced the blood donation. Students who donated blood in high school days showed tendency to donate blood more than those who didn t donate blood in high school days. Students who had more knowledge and desirable attitude about blood donation experienced more blood donations. CONCLUSION: It is necessary for adolescents to take the opportunity of blood donation. It is important to clarify factors affecting blood donation practice and to encourage the public education and campaign which enable public has accurate knowledge and positive attitude about blood donation.

Effects of Number and Method of Visual Stimuli on Simple Reaction Time / 대한산업의학회지

In. order to evaluate the effects of number and method of visual stimuli on simple reaction time and determine the proper number of trials, simple reaction time of the computerized test of NTOS (Neurobehavioral Test for Occupational Screening) was carried out on 240 medical students. The prominent difference was found between male and female on simple reaction time. Regarding the effect of number based on the parameters of measures and the purpose of test itself, 64 trials was considered as proper number. The mean reaction time was different according to the methods of visual stimuli, such as color and size(p<0.05). The larger and more intence visual stimuli were, the faster sim-ple reaction time was. In respect to sex, that difference was similar. But, there was no difference depending upon whether the each result of each trial was showed on the monitor. The subjects, however, showed much interest when the result showed. Further studies, including the various variables on visual stimuli, are required to compare among various studies.

Development of Korean Computerized Neurobehavioral Tests arid Evaluation of Applicability / 대한산업의학회지

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.