The Association between Smoking Status and Influenza Vaccination Coverage Rate in Korean Adults: Analysis of the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Globally, smoking is one of the biggest challenges in public health and is a known cause of several important diseases. Influenza is preventable via annual vaccination, which is the most effective and cost-beneficial method of prevention. However, subjects who smoke have some unhealthy behaviours such as alcohol, low physical activity, and low vaccination rate. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between smoking status and factors potentially related to the influenza vaccination coverage rate in the South Korean adult population. METHODS: The study included 13,565 participants aged >19 years, from 2010 to 2012 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Univariate analyses were conducted to examine the association between influenza coverage rate and related factors. Multivariate analysis was obtained after adjusting for variables that were statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall vaccination rate was 27.3% (n=3,703). Older individuals (P < 0.0001), women (P < 0.0001), non-smokers (P < 0.0001), light alcohol drinkers (P < 0.0001), the unemployed (P < 0.0001), and subjects with diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001), hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.0001), and metabolic syndrome (P < 0.0001) had higher influenza vaccination coverage than the others. In multivariate analyses, current smokers and heavy smokers showed lower vaccination rates (odds ratio, 0.734; 95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.854). CONCLUSION: In the current study, smokers and individuals with inadequate health-promoting behaviors had lower vaccination rates than the others did.

Oligomeric Procyanidins (OPCs) Inhibit Procollagen Type I Secretion of Fibroblasts

Wound healing is composed of a complex process that requires harmonies of various cell populations where fibroblasts play the main role. Oligomeric procyanidins (OPC) are main components of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extracts, and recent studies showed OPC's effects on inflammation, cell migration, and proliferation. We investigated the effect of OPC on fibroblasts to regulate wound healing process. Human dermal fibroblast known as Hs27 cells were treated with various concentrations of OPC (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 µg/µl). Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit assay, and the expression levels of secreted procollagen were analyzed. Procollagen levels in OPC treated cells exposed to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) or ascorbic acid were evaluated using Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Relative mRNA expressions of procollagen, molecular chaperone such as HSP47, P4H were determined by real-time PCR in OPC treated cells. OPC showed no cytotoxicity on Hs27 cells at every concentration but inhibited procollagen secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect also appeared under TGF-β1 induced collagen overproduction. Immunocytochemistry showed that higher levels of intracytoplasmic procollagen were accumulated in TGF-β1 treatment group, whereas ascorbic acid induced a release of accumulated procollagen under OPC treatment. The mRNA expressions of procollagen, molecular chaperone were not affected by OPC, but procollagen level was increased when exposed to TGF-β1. OPC inhibits procollagen secretion from fibroblasts with no effects on cell proliferations even under the environment of TGF-b1-induced collagen overproduction. OPC could regulate the diseases and symptoms of abnormal overabundant collagen production.

Job Hazard Analyses for Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Factors in Pressing Operations of Dry-cleaning Establishments

Job hazard analyses were conducted to assess exposure to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors in seven workers of three dry-cleaning establishments. In accordance with the Washington State Ergonomics Rule, the analyses were performed in two separate steps: (1) observation and checklist approaches were made to identify a “caution zone job” in the seven workers' pressing operations across the three shops; and (2) detailed posture and motion analyses were undertaken to determine a “MSD hazard” in one worker's operation using a video technique. One “caution zone job” was identified and it was the pressing operation job in which five physical risk factors were found in the pressing operations. The detailed analyses confirmed that one “MSD hazard”, i.e., awkward posture in shoulders, was prevalent in the pressing operations of the three dry-cleaning facilities. It would be desirable to reduce MSD risk factors including awkward shoulder posture in the dry-cleaning industry.

Occupational Safety and Health Activities Conducted across Countries in Asia

Three occupational safety and health (OSH) activities, one international and two national workshops, were documented as part of OSH activities conducted under the International Labor Organization/Korea Partnership Program in the year 2011-2012. This study aimed to provide information on what the three OSH activities were implemented and how they contributed to the improvement of OSH in Asian countries. The international workshop was useful for the participants to understand a variety of information on OSH as well as participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) approaches at the regional and global levels. The two national workshops were practical for participants to strengthen their knowledge and skills on the PAOT at the enterprise and national levels. The study shows that the three OSH activities contributed to the understanding of the participants on OSH and PAOT, and that the activities promoted the improvement of OSH across countries in Asia.

Association between Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders and Psychosocial Factors at Work: A Review on the Job DCS Model's Perspective

Over years it has been increasingly concerned with how upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) are attributed to psychosocial job stressors. A review study was conducted to examine associations between UEMSDs and psychosocial work factors, and to recommend what to consider for the associations. For studies in which the job demand-control-support (DCS) model or its variables were specifically employed, published papers were selected and reviewed. A number of studies have reported relationships between UEMSDs symptoms and psychosocial exposure variables. For example, the findings are: higher numbness in the upper extremity was significantly attributed to by less decision latitude at work; work demands were significantly associated with neck and shoulder symptoms while control over time was associated with neck symptoms; and the combination of high psychosocial demands and low decision latitude was a significant predictor for shoulder and neck pain in a female working population. Sources of bias, such as interaction or study design, were discussed. UEMSDs were shown to be associated with psychosocial work factors in various studies where the job DCS model was addressed. Nonetheless, this review suggests that further studies should be conducted to much more clarify the association between UEMSDs and psychosocial factors.

Association between Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders and Psychosocial Factors at Work: A Review on the Job DCS Model's Perspective

Over years it has been increasingly concerned with how upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) are attributed to psychosocial job stressors. A review study was conducted to examine associations between UEMSDs and psychosocial work factors, and to recommend what to consider for the associations. For studies in which the job demand-control-support (DCS) model or its variables were specifically employed, published papers were selected and reviewed. A number of studies have reported relationships between UEMSDs symptoms and psychosocial exposure variables. For example, the findings are: higher numbness in the upper extremity was significantly attributed to by less decision latitude at work; work demands were significantly associated with neck and shoulder symptoms while control over time was associated with neck symptoms; and the combination of high psychosocial demands and low decision latitude was a significant predictor for shoulder and neck pain in a female working population. Sources of bias, such as interaction or study design, were discussed. UEMSDs were shown to be associated with psychosocial work factors in various studies where the job DCS model was addressed. Nonetheless, this review suggests that further studies should be conducted to much more clarify the association between UEMSDs and psychosocial factors.

Follow-up Comparison of Two Different Types of Anterior Thoracolumbar Instrumentations in Trauma Cases : Z-plate vs. Kaneda Device

OBJECTIVE: In a variety of thoracolumbar diseases, corpectomy followed by interbody bone graft and anterior instrumentation has allowed direct neural decompression and reconstruction of the weight-bearing column by short segments fusion. In this study, we compared spinal stability of the two different anterior thoracolumbar instruments : Z-plate and Kaneda device representing plate and two-rods type, respectively. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for all the patients with thoracolumbar diseases or traumas treated with anterior corpectomy, autologous iliac bone graft, and fixation with instruments from 1996 to 2000. For the anterior instrumentation, Z-plate or Kaneda device was used for 24 (M:F=5:9, average age=37) and 12 (M:F=9:3, average age=41) patients, respectively. The plain AP and lateral flexion-extension films were taken immediately after surgery and at each follow-up. The sagittal and coronal Cobb's angles at the operation segments were used to observe the change of initial fixation status. The surgical time length and bleeding amount of the two groups were compared. Intra-operative and post-operative instrumentassociated complications were evaluated. Student t-test was used for statistical analysis and p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: Mean follow-up durations for Z-plate and Kaneda device were 24 and 21 months, respectively. The fusion rate was 91% for Z-plate and 100% for Kaneda device. Two cases of Z-plate group showed instrumentation failure during the followup period, in which additional surgery was necessary. The mean differences of sagittal Cobb's angles among the AP images immediate after surgery and at follow-up were 7 and 2 degrees for Z-plate and Kaneda device, respectively (p<0.05). The mean differences of coronal Cobb's angles were 5 and 2 degrees for Z-plate and Kaneda device, respectively (p<0.05). No intra-operative complication has occurred in both groups. There was no difference in surgery time and bleeding amount between two groups. CONCLUSION: We think that Kaneda device (rod type) is stronger than Z-plate (plate type) to keep the spinal stability after anterior thoracolumbar surgery.

Epicanthoplasty with Flap Advancement and Redraping Technique

No Abstracts Available.

Midface Advancement with Rigid External Distraction System in Crouzon's Disease

Distraction osteogenesis has become an alternative technique to treat craniomaxillofacial anomalies. It was initially used to treat mandibular dysplasia and now it is applied to other regions of the craniofacial skeleton. We now present our clinical experience of midface distraction with the use of rigid external distraction for the treatment of an 8-years-old girl with midface hypoplasia in Crouzon's disease, who had undergone fronto-orbital advancement at the age of 6. We performed midface advancement by Le Fort III osteotomy with rigid external distraction system(RED II, KLS Martin, Jacksonville, FL). The active distraction was initiated on the 3rd postoperative day and was continued until the 20th postoperative day for 18 days. The rate of distraction can be adjusted during this time according to clinical judgment and cephalometric assessment. On completion of distraction, the RED II was left in place without activation for 25 days for rigid retention. The RED II was then removed and an orthodontic facemask was applied with elastic traction for 6wks. The total amount of distraction was 18.5mm, 28.5mm, 10.5mm, 14.5mm at right inferior orbital rim, left inferior orbital rim, right intraoral, left intraoral area respectively. The photography, cephalometry, and 3D CT(3 dimensional computed tomography) show that facial convexity was improved. We could correct midface deficiency successfully by LeFort III osteotomy and rigid external distraction.

Vaginal Reconstruction with Pudendal Thigh Flaps

Reconstruction of vagina can be accomplished by various methods. But in most cases they require stents or dilators and the angle of vagina is unphysiologic. Donor site scars are also formidable. We used pudendal thigh flaps described by Wee and Joseph to overcome the disadvantages of the traditional techniques. We performed the bilateral use of the flap to reconstruct vagina in 6 patients with congenital viginal atresia and the unilateral use to reconstruct vaginal defect in one patient after oncologic resection. The vaginas were successfully reconstructed with either bilateral or unilateral 6 x 12 cm pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap based on the terminal branches of the superficial perineal artery. All 13 pudendal thigh flaps in 7 patients survived completely and the vagina was reconstructed in one stage. The flaps were sensate and the vaginal dimensions were well maintained without stents or dilators. This technique seems superior to other methods as is already known. But the donor site scars became widened in 4 patients although they were in the groin crease. There were also minimal complications such as wound dehiscence in 1 patient, prolapse of flap in 1 patient, and some hair growth in the flaps in 3 patients. We report the use of pudendal thigh flaps for vaginal reconstruction and discuss the functional and aesthetic results in this article