Association of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With the Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Background@#Although recent evidence supports that prolonged sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity are associated with colorectal cancer risk, there are few studies analyzing the colorectal cancer risk according to different types of physical activity and combined effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity on colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association of sedentary behavior and physical activity with colorectal cancer. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study included a total of 33,403 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 to 2019. Sedentary behavior was dichotomized into < 10 hr/day and ≥ 10 hr/day, and three types of physical activity were investigated, including leisure-time, occupational, and transportation physical activity. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk of colorectal cancer in relation to sedentary behavior and physical activity. @*Results@#Sedentary behavior was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR] 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–2.21), while the different domains of physical activity were not significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk. In a combined analysis, those with sedentary behavior and without physical activity showed an increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to that of the reference category without sedentary behavior and with physical activity (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02–2.16). @*Conclusion@#This study found that sedentary behavior was significantly associated with the increased risk of colorectal cancer. Moreover, sedentary behavior without physical activity increased the risk of colorectal cancer. Reducing sedentary behavior and recommending any type of physical activity may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Association of Depression With Susceptibility and Adaptation to Seasickness in the Military Seafarers

Background@#Although depression and motion sickness are prevalent in military personnel and seafarers, the association between depression and seasickness has been not yet elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of depression with initial susceptibility and adaptation to seasickness amongst military seafarers. @*Methods@#This retrospective cohort enrolled Navy seafarers who started seafaring between 2017 and 2019. Three groups were established according to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score: no depression (BDI score of 0), minimal depression (BDI score 1–9), and mild-tomoderate depression (BDI score 10–29). The occurrence of seasickness requiring treatment was observed as the prescription of medication for the first 30 distant seafaring days.Considering adjustment period, the two different outcomes were defined. The susceptibility to seasickness was evaluated via at least one day suffered from seasickness requiring treatment during the early period (the first 5 seafaring days), and adaptation ability to seasickness was defined by more than 10% of the ratio, calculated days suffered from seasickness requiring treatment/days of seafaring during the late period (the 6–30th seafaring days). Binary logistic regression was further evaluated to estimate the odds of BDI groups and BDI score adjusted for age and workplace whether outside visual perception was possible. @*Results@#Among the 185 recruits, 179 participants (97%) sailed for more than 5 days were included in the study. Of the participants, 36% was susceptible to seasickness in the early and 17% was poorly adapted to seasickness in the late period. Multivariable model revealed that mild-to-moderate depression had elevated risk of poor adaptation (odds ratio [OR], 4.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–16.98) whereas the results were not statistically significant for susceptibility to seasickness in the early period BDI score was independently associated with increased odds of poor adaptation (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.18). @*Conclusion@#The present study suggests that depression is associated with poor adaptation to seasickness in Navy seafarers. Depression screening tool might be helpful for providing preventable strategies for population at risk.

Insufficient Rest Breaks at Workplace and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Korean Kitchen Workers

Background@#The socioeconomic burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is significant, and kitchen work is a high-risk occupation for MSDs due to the intensive manual workload and repetitive movements that are involved. However, there are very few studies on MSDs and rest breaks as a workplace intervention among kitchen workers. This study examined the relationship between insufficient rest breaks and increased MSD risk among Korean kitchen workers. @*Methods@#Sociodemographic and occupational factors of 1,909 kitchen workers were collected from the 3rd–4th Korean Working Conditions Survey data. Five items on rest breaks at work were categorized into two groups, “sufficient” and “insufficient.” The number of MSDs and work-related MSDs (WMSDs), an outcome variable, was obtained from the sum of MSDs/WMSDs in three anatomical sites (back, neck, and upper limb, lower limb). The association between rest breaks and MSDs was estimated using zero-inflated negative binomial analyses, with adjustments for age, education level, and weekly working hours, and the analyses were stratified by sex. @*Results@#After adjustment, significant associations were found between insufficient rest breaks and an increased risk of MSDs (odds ratio [OR] 1.68 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–2.54) and WMSDs (OR 1.40 95% CI 1.01–1.96) among female kitchen workers. Insufficient rest breaks were significantly associated with MSDs in female kitchen workers in all three anatomical sites. @*Conclusion@#This study emphasizes the need for rest breaks as a workplace intervention for preventing MSDs in kitchen workers. Further studies to reveal the causality of this relationship are required.

Associations Between General Perceptions of COVID-19 and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Korean Hospital Workers: Effect Modification by Previous Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Experience and Occupational Type / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#This study investigated associations between perceptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19, as well as the difference in the magnitude of these associations by occupational type and previous Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) experience. @*Methods@#The participants were workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19 who completed a questionnaire about their perceptions related to COVID-19, work experience during the previous MERS-CoV outbreak, and symptoms of PTSD ascertained by the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Participants’ characteristics were compared using the chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations between perceptions and the prevalence of PTSD, stratified by occupational type and previous MERS-CoV experience. @*Results@#Non-medical personnel showed stronger associations with PTSD than medical personnel according to general fear (odds ratio [OR], 6.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92 to 23.20), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.56), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.59). Those with prior MERS-CoV quarantine experience were more prone to PTSD than those without such experience in terms of general fear (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.37), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.40), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.38). @*Conclusions@#During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-medical personnel tended to have higher odds of being categorized as having PTSD. Workers with prior MERS-CoV experience were more susceptible than those without such experience. These findings suggest the need for timely interventions to manage human resources for a sustainable quarantine system.

Insufficient Rest Breaks at Workplace and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Korean Kitchen Workers

Background@#The socioeconomic burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is significant, and kitchen work is a high-risk occupation for MSDs due to the intensive manual workload and repetitive movements that are involved. However, there are very few studies on MSDs and rest breaks as a workplace intervention among kitchen workers. This study examined the relationship between insufficient rest breaks and increased MSD risk among Korean kitchen workers. @*Methods@#Sociodemographic and occupational factors of 1,909 kitchen workers were collected from the 3rd–4th Korean Working Conditions Survey data. Five items on rest breaks at work were categorized into two groups, “sufficient” and “insufficient.” The number of MSDs and work-related MSDs (WMSDs), an outcome variable, was obtained from the sum of MSDs/WMSDs in three anatomical sites (back, neck, and upper limb, lower limb). The association between rest breaks and MSDs was estimated using zero-inflated negative binomial analyses, with adjustments for age, education level, and weekly working hours, and the analyses were stratified by sex. @*Results@#After adjustment, significant associations were found between insufficient rest breaks and an increased risk of MSDs (odds ratio [OR] 1.68 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–2.54) and WMSDs (OR 1.40 95% CI 1.01–1.96) among female kitchen workers. Insufficient rest breaks were significantly associated with MSDs in female kitchen workers in all three anatomical sites. @*Conclusion@#This study emphasizes the need for rest breaks as a workplace intervention for preventing MSDs in kitchen workers. Further studies to reveal the causality of this relationship are required.

Associations Between General Perceptions of COVID-19 and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Korean Hospital Workers: Effect Modification by Previous Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Experience and Occupational Type / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#This study investigated associations between perceptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19, as well as the difference in the magnitude of these associations by occupational type and previous Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) experience. @*Methods@#The participants were workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19 who completed a questionnaire about their perceptions related to COVID-19, work experience during the previous MERS-CoV outbreak, and symptoms of PTSD ascertained by the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Participants’ characteristics were compared using the chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations between perceptions and the prevalence of PTSD, stratified by occupational type and previous MERS-CoV experience. @*Results@#Non-medical personnel showed stronger associations with PTSD than medical personnel according to general fear (odds ratio [OR], 6.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92 to 23.20), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.56), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.59). Those with prior MERS-CoV quarantine experience were more prone to PTSD than those without such experience in terms of general fear (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.37), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.40), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.38). @*Conclusions@#During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-medical personnel tended to have higher odds of being categorized as having PTSD. Workers with prior MERS-CoV experience were more susceptible than those without such experience. These findings suggest the need for timely interventions to manage human resources for a sustainable quarantine system.

The Effects of Workplace Rest Breaks on Health Problems Related to Long Working Hours and Shift Work among Male Apartment Janitors in Korea

BACKGROUND: Rest breaks at work are reported to reduce fatigue and job stress. Apartment janitors in Korea who perform night shift work and work long hours can be exposed to various health problems (HPs). However, few studies have evaluated relationships between their rest breaks and HPs. This study was conducted to examine the relationships between long working hours, shift work, and insufficient rest breaks and HPs among Korean apartment janitors.METHODS: Data on 1,212 selected male apartment janitors were obtained from the 3rd and 4th Korean Working Conditions Surveys. Demographic and occupational characteristics were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Rest breaks at work were classified as “sufficient” or “insufficient.” Long working hours were considered as working more than 60 hours per week. Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression was performed to investigate the effects of shift work and long working hours on HPs and the effects of rest breaks on relationships between HPs and long working hours and shift work.RESULTS: Among those with insufficient rest breaks at work, significant associations were found between long working hours and the risk of HPs [odds ratio (OR) = 1.489; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.038–2.136] and work-related HPs (WRHPs) [OR 1.621; 95% CI = 1.156–2.272], and between shift work and HPs [OR = 1.603; 95% CI = 1.084–2.372]. These relationships became nonsignificant when sufficient rest breaks were provided.CONCLUSION: It is important to provide breaks at work to reduce HPs because of long working hours and shift work among aged workers such as apartment janitors.

Association between night work and cardiovascular diseases: analysis of the 3rd Korean working conditions survey

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between night work and cardiovascular diseases among wage workers in Korea. METHODS: The study was based on the 3rd Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS; 2011). This study included 29,711 wage workers. We used the chi-squared test and logistic regression to examine the association between cardiovascular diseases and night work and cumulative night work. RESULTS: Among all of the paid workers, 12.5% reported doing night work > or = 1 day per month. Night work was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.25). Also, compared to the group that did not do night works, the group with higher cumulative night work demonstrated an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.19-2.74). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that night work is significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Emotional labor and dysmenorrhea in women working in sales and call centers

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the association between emotional labor and dysmenorrhea among women working in sales and call centers in Seoul, South Korea. METHODS: Working women in sales jobs and call centers in Seoul were interviewed face-to-face by well-trained interviewers. In total, 975 participants were analyzed in the final model. Emotional labor was measured using a constructed questionnaire with two components: an emotive effort component with three questions and an emotive dissonance component with five questions. To examine the association between emotional labor and dysmenorrhea, chi-squared tests and logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among sales workers and call center workers were 43.0% and 61.1%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) of emotive effort and emotive dissonance for dysmenorrhea in call center workers were 1.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-3.28) and 1.72 (95% CI, 1.13-2.63), respectively. The adjusted OR of emotive effort and emotive dissonance for dysmenorrhea in sales workers were 1.71 (95% CI, 0.92-3.16) and 1.15 (95% CI, 0.67-1.98), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional labor was found to be associated with dysmenorrhea in call center workers. Further studies to investigate other factors, such as management strategies and the relationship between emotional labor and dysmenorrhea, are needed to support interventions to prevent dysmenorrhea that will further promote the quality of health and life of working women.

Combined actions of Na+/K+-ATPase, NCX1 and glutamate dependent NMDA receptors in ischemic rat brain penumbra / 대한해부학회지

Instrumental role of Na+ and Ca2+ influx via Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) is examined in the N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated pathogenesis of penumbra after focal cerebral ischemia. An experimental model of 3, 6, and 24 h focal cerebral ischemia by permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery was developed in rats. The changes in protein expression of Na+/K+-ATPase and NCX1 as well as functional subunits of NMDA receptor 2A and 2B (NR2A and NR2B) in the penumbra were assessed using by quantitative immunoblottings. The most prominent changes of Na+/K+-ATPase (78+/-6%, n=4, *P<0.05) and NCX1 (144+/-2%, n=4, *P<0.05) in the penumbra were developed 24 h after focal cerebral ischemia. The expression of NR2A in the penumbra was significantly increased (153+/-9%, n=4, *P<0.05) whereas the expression of NR2B was significantly decreased (37+/-2%, n=4, *P<0.05) as compared with sham-operated controls 3 h after focal cerebral ischemia. However, the expression of NR2A and NR2B in the penumbra was reversed 24 h after focal cerebral ischemia (NR2A: 40+/-7%; NR2B: 120+/-16%, n=4, *P<0.05). Moreover, the decreased expression of neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in the penumbra was most prominent than that of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) 24 h after focal cerebral ischemia. These findings imply that intracellular Na+ accumulation via decreased Na+/K+-ATPase exacerbate the Ca2+ overload cooperated by the increased NCX1 and NR2B-containing NMDA receptor which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the penumbra.

Neuropsychological Characteristics of Schizophrenic Patients who Committed Homicide / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: There is a moderate but significant association between schizophrenia and violence. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between violence and brain cognitive functions in schizophrenic patients who have committed homicide using neuropsychological tests. METHODS: The study involved three group of subjects: schizophrenics who have committed homicide (n=51), schizophrenics who have not committed homicide (n=50) and normal control (n=50). Intelligence test (K-WAIS), memory test (Rey-Kim Memory Test) and executive function test (Stroop test, WCST) as well as Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality (SIDP) were administered by trained researchers. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic variables among groups. Schizophrenic patients showed overall cognitive deficit in intelligence, memory and executive functions, regardless of homicide behavior. Homicidal schizophrenic group was not significantly different from non-homicidal schizophrenic group in every cognitive domain. There was no significant correlation between index scores of cognitive functions and Life History of Aggression assessment (LHA). However, index scores of cognitive functions were negatively correlated with the PANSS and schizotypal trait scores. CONCLUSION: Cognitive dysfunction is common across both schizophrenic groups. It doesn't significantly correlate with homicidal experience, but it correlates with the schizophrenic symptom domains.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Symptomatic Discoid Meniscus in Children

We retrospectively reviewed the results of nine children who were less than sixteen years old and in whom partial or total arthroscopic meniscectomy was performed for symptomatic discoid meniscus in eleven knees between March 1991 and February 1997. On arthroscopic findings, there were two complete and eight incomplete type of lateral discoid menisci and one medial discoid meniscus. Among eleven cases, partial meniscectomy was performed in seven and total meniscectomy in four. The average duration of follow-up was two and a half years (range, one to five years). In this study, arthroscopic total meniscectomy was superior to partial meniscectomy for a symptomatic discoid meniscus including pain, click and locking in children. Therefore, arthroscopic meniscectomy may offer the best prognosis following accurate diagnosis in children.