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In Korea, the estimated values of blood lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) levels differ between two national-level biomonitors, namely the Korean National Environmental Health Survey and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The present study used integrated data from these surveys to estimate the representative values of the change in concentration and recent distribution characteristics. The yearly trend of age-standardized exposure levels in regular adults was identified, and the geometric mean (GM) adjusted according to demographic characteristics was presented. Age-standardized GM for blood Pb and Hg in the integrated data was 2.06 and 3.64 μg/L in 2008, respectively, which decreased to 1.55 and 2.92 μg/L, respectively, by 2017. Adjusted GMs from most recently conducted surveys (2015–2017) were 1.61 and 2.98 μg/L for blood Pb and Hg, respectively. In particular, the adjusted percentage of blood Hg exceeding the reference value of 5 μg/L was 20.79%. While the blood Pb and Hg exposure levels are decreasing in Korea, the levels remain high relative to those in other countries. The Hg levels exceeded the reference value in many individuals. Therefore, continued biomonitoring must be conducted, and a reduction plan and exposure management are needed for harmful metals, including Hg.
Jeong-Wook Seo; Young-Seoub Hong; Byoung-Gwon Kim. Assessment of Lead and Mercury Exposure Levels in the General Population of Korea Using Integrated National Biomonitoring Data. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6932 .
AMA StyleJeong-Wook Seo, Young-Seoub Hong, Byoung-Gwon Kim. Assessment of Lead and Mercury Exposure Levels in the General Population of Korea Using Integrated National Biomonitoring Data. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (13):6932.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJeong-Wook Seo; Young-Seoub Hong; Byoung-Gwon Kim. 2021. "Assessment of Lead and Mercury Exposure Levels in the General Population of Korea Using Integrated National Biomonitoring Data." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 13: 6932.
Arsenic (As) exists as highly toxic chemical species. Chronic exposure to its inorganic form can cause multiple organ failure and skin cancer in humans, warranting the need to determine the toxicity of each chemical species. This study evaluated the proportions of exposure to four chemical species of As (cAs), namely arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsinic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsenic acid (DMA), and it confirmed the necessity of evaluating biological exposure to cAs. Urine samples were collected from 457 subjects residing near 103 abandoned metal mines. Hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy (HG-AAS) was performed to measure the combined concentration of four cAs (hAsAAS). High-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) were performed to determine the concentrations of the individual cAs and the sum of the four cAs (hAsICP). The proportions of AsV and MMA were relatively higher in the low-hAsICP concentration section. These findings suggest that hAsAAS, which is mainly used for its cost-efficiency, is limited for evaluating exposure. Though hAsAAS was found to exist in a low concentration, highly toxic AsV and MMA could be observed in high concentrations. Therefore, HPLC-ICP-MS is recommended for assessing cAs in environmentally vulnerable areas such as abandoned metal mines.
Jeong-Wook Seo; Young-Seoub Hong. Necessity of Assessing Biological Exposure to Arsenic Species by Two Representative Analytical Methods. Toxics 2021, 9, 138 .
AMA StyleJeong-Wook Seo, Young-Seoub Hong. Necessity of Assessing Biological Exposure to Arsenic Species by Two Representative Analytical Methods. Toxics. 2021; 9 (6):138.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJeong-Wook Seo; Young-Seoub Hong. 2021. "Necessity of Assessing Biological Exposure to Arsenic Species by Two Representative Analytical Methods." Toxics 9, no. 6: 138.
Introduction Manganese (Mn)-induced parkinsonism involves motor symptoms similar to those observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous literature suggests that chronic Mn- exposure may increase PD risk, although Mn-induced clinical syndromes are considered atypical for PD. This study investigated whether asymptomatic welders display differences in the substantia nigra (SN), the key pathological locus of PD. Method Brain MRI data and occupational exposure history were obtained in welders (N = 43) and matched controls (N = 31). Diffusion tensor imaging fractional anisotropy (FA; estimate of microstructural integrity) and R2* (estimate of iron and other PD-related brain differences) values in the SN pars compacta (SNc), SN reticulata (SNr), and globus pallidus (GP) were compared between the two groups. The MRI markers of the SN and GP within welders were related to exposure estimates. Results Compared to controls, welders who had chronic, but low-level, Mn-exposure had similar FA and R2* values in both SN regions (p's > 0.082), but significantly lower FA (p = 0.0013), although not R2* (p = 0.553), in the GP. In welders, FA values in the SN and GP showed a second-order polynomial relationship with cumulative lifetime welding exposure (p's < 0.03). Conclusion Neurotoxic processes associated with Mn-exposure may be different from those in PD when the exposure-level is relatively low. Greater welding duration and level, however, were associated with FA differences in the GP and SN, indicating that welding exposures above a certain level may induce neurotoxicity in the SN, a finding that should be explored further in future studies.
Eun-Young Lee; Michael R. Flynn; Guangwei Du; Mechelle M. Lewis; Michael Goldenberg; Lan Kong; Richard B. Mailman; Young-Seoub Hong; Xuemei Huang. Nigral MRI features of asymptomatic welders. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 2021, 85, 37 -43.
AMA StyleEun-Young Lee, Michael R. Flynn, Guangwei Du, Mechelle M. Lewis, Michael Goldenberg, Lan Kong, Richard B. Mailman, Young-Seoub Hong, Xuemei Huang. Nigral MRI features of asymptomatic welders. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 2021; 85 ():37-43.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEun-Young Lee; Michael R. Flynn; Guangwei Du; Mechelle M. Lewis; Michael Goldenberg; Lan Kong; Richard B. Mailman; Young-Seoub Hong; Xuemei Huang. 2021. "Nigral MRI features of asymptomatic welders." Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 85, no. : 37-43.
We evaluated the level and factors of heavy metal exposure to children residing in the Togttsetsii, Khanbogd, and Bayandalai soums of South Gobi province, Mongolia. A total of 118 children aged 9–12 years were surveyed, and the level of heavy metal exposure in their bodies was investigated. Exposure was investigated by measuring concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury in the blood; mercury concentration in the hair; and total arsenic in the urine. Blood cadmium concentration had geometric averages of 0.16 µg/L in the children from Bayandalai, 0.15 µg/L Tsogttsetsii, and 0.16 µg/L Khanbogd. Blood lead concentration showed a relatively higher geometric average of 7.42 µg/dL in the children from Bayandalai compared to 4.78 µg/dL and 5.15 µg/dL in those from Tsogttsetsii and Khanbogd, respectively. While blood mercury concentration was the highest in the children from Bayandalai, with a value of 0.38 µg/L, those from Tsogttsetsii and Khanbogd had similar concentrations of 0.29 µg/L and 0.29 µg/L, respectively. Hair mercury concentration was the highest in the children from Bayandalai, with a value of 78 µg/g, a particularly significant difference, with a concentration of 0.50 µg/g in those from Khanbogd. Urine arsenic concentration was the highest in the children from Khanbogd, with a value of 36.93 µg/L; it was 26.11 µg/L in those from Bayandalai and 23.89 µg/L in those from Tsogttsetsii. The high blood lead concentration of children in Bayandalai was judged to be due to other factors in addition to mine exposure; the reason why blood and hair mercury concentration was higher in children from Bayandalai may have been due to exposure to many small-scale gold mines in the area. In the case of Khanbogd, it was estimated that the high arsenic level in urine was caused by the effect of mines.
Ulziikhishig Surenbaatar; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Jeong-Wook Seo; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Jung-Yeon Kwon; Min-Kyung Kang; Enkhjargal Altangerel; Tsogtbaatar Byambaa; Suvd Batbaatar; Oyunchimeg Myagmardorj; Chul-Woo Lee; Young-Seoub Hong. Environmental health survey for children residing near mining areas in South Gobi, Mongolia. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2021, 33, 1 .
AMA StyleUlziikhishig Surenbaatar, Byoung-Gwon Kim, Jeong-Wook Seo, Hyoun-Ju Lim, Jung-Yeon Kwon, Min-Kyung Kang, Enkhjargal Altangerel, Tsogtbaatar Byambaa, Suvd Batbaatar, Oyunchimeg Myagmardorj, Chul-Woo Lee, Young-Seoub Hong. Environmental health survey for children residing near mining areas in South Gobi, Mongolia. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2021; 33 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleUlziikhishig Surenbaatar; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Jeong-Wook Seo; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Jung-Yeon Kwon; Min-Kyung Kang; Enkhjargal Altangerel; Tsogtbaatar Byambaa; Suvd Batbaatar; Oyunchimeg Myagmardorj; Chul-Woo Lee; Young-Seoub Hong. 2021. "Environmental health survey for children residing near mining areas in South Gobi, Mongolia." Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 33, no. : 1.
This study compares the heavy metal exposure levels of the population of abandoned metal mines, with high risks of environmental pollution and health effects. We used data from a two-stage abandoned metal mines survey (AMS, n = 4467). The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS) were used as general population data. Based on the sex and age distribution in the AMS, a simple random sampling was performed, so that the two datasets had the same distribution (KNHANES n = 1815, KNEHS n = 2328). Blood lead concentrations were slightly higher in the AMS than in KNEHS. Blood cadmium concentrations were similar between the two groups. However, the difference in urine cadmium concentrations was pronounced and statistically significant. Moreover, 30.6% of the AMS data for urine cadmium concentration exceeded the 95th percentile of the KNEHS data. The concentration of lead and cadmium in the residents of the abandoned metal mines, i.e., the vulnerable regions, was higher than that in the general population. It is necessary to monitor and manage the vulnerable regions via a more active and extensive survey system.
Jeong-Wook Seo; Young-Seoub Hong. Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Residents of Abandoned Metal Mines. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6280 .
AMA StyleJeong-Wook Seo, Young-Seoub Hong. Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Residents of Abandoned Metal Mines. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (17):6280.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJeong-Wook Seo; Young-Seoub Hong. 2020. "Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Residents of Abandoned Metal Mines." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 17: 6280.
Women of childbearing age who are susceptible to mercury exposure were studied to understand the relation between mercury intake through fish and shellfish consumption and mercury exposure indices from blood, hair, and urine samples. A total of 711 women of childbearing age from coastal areas with a high concentration of mercury exposure in Korea were studied. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, dietary intake of fish and shellfish using the simple Food Frequency Questionnaire. Mercury concentration was estimated from the collected samples of blood, hair, and urine. The geometric mean of blood methyl mercury concentration of mercury exposure through seafood was 3.06 μg/L for the low tertile, 3.12 μg/L for the middle tertile, and 3.60 μg/L for the high tertile, indicating a clear tendency of blood methyl mercury to increase as the mercury exposure by fish and shellfish intake ascended. For total blood mercury and hair mercury, the middle and high tertiles had higher values than the low. Mercury exposure through fish and shellfish intake is a main factor for an increase of blood methyl mercury concentration in women of childbearing age. More attention needs to be paid to mercury exposure through seafood intake, considering the serious effect mercury concentration has on women of childbearing age.
Jeong-Wook Seo; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Young-Seoub Hong. The Relationship between Mercury Exposure Indices and Dietary Intake of Fish and Shellfish in Women of Childbearing Age. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4907 .
AMA StyleJeong-Wook Seo, Byoung-Gwon Kim, Young-Seoub Hong. The Relationship between Mercury Exposure Indices and Dietary Intake of Fish and Shellfish in Women of Childbearing Age. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (13):4907.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJeong-Wook Seo; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Young-Seoub Hong. 2020. "The Relationship between Mercury Exposure Indices and Dietary Intake of Fish and Shellfish in Women of Childbearing Age." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 13: 4907.
Sickness presenteeism (SP) indicates "going to work while being ill." The importance of SP has only recently been investigated, and the association between SP and employment status has been inconsistent across studies. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore the association between SP and employment status by using presenteeism propensity (PP), which can reflect the individual decision-making process. The study population included employees participating in the 5th Korean Working Condition Survey. We analyzed data of only employees with at least one health event, which was calculated as the sum of SP and sickness absenteeism days. Employment status was grouped into 3 categories: stable employment, unstable employment (contract period ≥ 1 year), and unstable employment (contract period < 1 year). Survey-weighted logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between employment status and PP (dichotomized as "≤ 0.5" and "> 0.5"). Unstable employees (contract period ≥ 1 year) had higher odds of PP than stable employees (odds ratio [OR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.47), whereas unstable employees (contract period < 1 year) had lower odds of PP than stable employees (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.96). Employment status was associated with SP. Given the negative health impact of SP, social efforts, such as paid sick leave, are required to reduce SP and enhance the health status of unstable workers.
Jeong Woo Park; Seong Sik Cho; Jongwoo Lee; Jonghyun Hwang; Jung Il Kim; Byoung Gwon Kim; Young Seoub Hong. Association between employment status and sickness presenteeism among Korean employees: a cross-sectional study. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2020, 32, e17 .
AMA StyleJeong Woo Park, Seong Sik Cho, Jongwoo Lee, Jonghyun Hwang, Jung Il Kim, Byoung Gwon Kim, Young Seoub Hong. Association between employment status and sickness presenteeism among Korean employees: a cross-sectional study. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2020; 32 (1):e17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJeong Woo Park; Seong Sik Cho; Jongwoo Lee; Jonghyun Hwang; Jung Il Kim; Byoung Gwon Kim; Young Seoub Hong. 2020. "Association between employment status and sickness presenteeism among Korean employees: a cross-sectional study." Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 32, no. 1: e17.
To compare the chest computed tomography (CT) images of children and adults in families with clusters of humidifier disinfectant-related lung injury (HDLI) after cessation of exposure to humidifier disinfectant (HD). We reviewed medical records of 19 families with 43 patients (21 adults, 22 children) among families, which had at least one adult and one child with HDLI. Each family was exposed to the same HD exposure environment. In adults, centrilobular nodules were predominant (95.2%) in chronic HDLI findings after cessation of exposure to HD, however, in children, normal pattern was most prevalent on chest CT (45.5%), followed by centrilobular nodule (36.4%), bizarre lung cysts (36.4%), and reticulation (13.6%). Unlike the known chronic HDLI finding of adults, centrilobular nodules were only present in 36.4% of children. The frequency of bizarre lung cysts were significantly greater in children than that in adults after cessation of similar exposure to HD. Thus, bizarre lung cysts may be useful as another novel finding of chronic HDLI in children who have no history of pulmonary infection or other perinatal disorder such as hyaline membrane disease or other interstitial lung disease.
Soyeoun Lim; Jong Han Leem; Young-Seoub Hong; Jungwon Kim; Soyoung Park; Joon-Sung Joh; Woon-Jung Kwon; Yangho Kim. Comparison of Long Term Follow-up Chest CT Imaging in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Humidifier Disinfectant-related Lung Injury. Journal of Korean Medical Science 2020, 35, e377 .
AMA StyleSoyeoun Lim, Jong Han Leem, Young-Seoub Hong, Jungwon Kim, Soyoung Park, Joon-Sung Joh, Woon-Jung Kwon, Yangho Kim. Comparison of Long Term Follow-up Chest CT Imaging in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Humidifier Disinfectant-related Lung Injury. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2020; 35 (45):e377.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSoyeoun Lim; Jong Han Leem; Young-Seoub Hong; Jungwon Kim; Soyoung Park; Joon-Sung Joh; Woon-Jung Kwon; Yangho Kim. 2020. "Comparison of Long Term Follow-up Chest CT Imaging in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Humidifier Disinfectant-related Lung Injury." Journal of Korean Medical Science 35, no. 45: e377.
In Korea, around the abandoned metal mines, heavy metals are being accumulating in the cultivated areas. Among exposed heavy metals, mercury is known to harm for cardiovascular system known to affect blood pressure. So, we studied the relationship between blood mercury level and hypertension in residents around abandoned metal mines. From 2008 to 2011, we surveyed 7,055 residents in provinces affected by abandoned metal mines and collected data from 6 Hospitals. We conducted a personal questionnaire interview survey with residents on the basis of household questionnaires, sex, age, household income, smoking, and drinking items. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between blood mercury level and hypertension. We compared residents with low and high groups based on blood mercury level 5.8 μg/L, and higher group was significantly higher risk of hypertension than lower group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.277; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.135-1.436), also in adjusted model, higher group was significantly higher risk of hypertension than lower group (OR: 1.276; 95% CI: 1.117-1.457). This study showed a significant correlation between mercury and hypertension in residents around abandoned metal mines. Therefore, we should continuously monitor people who are higher than the standard value and the hypertensive patients.
Jeong Woo Kim; Byoung Gwon Kim; Jeong Woo Park; Jong Woo Yi; Jung Il Kim; Young Seoub Hong. A study of relationship between blood mercury concentration and hypertension in residents living in old mine fields and related factors. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2019, 31, e6 .
AMA StyleJeong Woo Kim, Byoung Gwon Kim, Jeong Woo Park, Jong Woo Yi, Jung Il Kim, Young Seoub Hong. A study of relationship between blood mercury concentration and hypertension in residents living in old mine fields and related factors. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2019; 31 (1):e6.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJeong Woo Kim; Byoung Gwon Kim; Jeong Woo Park; Jong Woo Yi; Jung Il Kim; Young Seoub Hong. 2019. "A study of relationship between blood mercury concentration and hypertension in residents living in old mine fields and related factors." Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 31, no. 1: e6.
Several gut commensals have been shown to modulate host immune response. Recently, many food derived microbes have also been reported to affect the immune system. However, a mechanism to identify immunostimulatory and immunoregulatory microbes is needed. Here, we successfully established an in vitro screening system and identified an immunoregulatory bacterium, Lactobacillus pentosus KF340 (LP340), present in various fermented foods. LP340 induced a regulatory phenotype in mice Ag presenting cells which, in turn, induced IL-10 and IFN-γ producing Type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells) from naïve CD4+ T cells. Naïve CD4+ T cells co-cultured with LP340 treated dendritic cells highly expressed cytokine receptor IL-27R and were CD49b and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 double positive. Oral administration of LP340 in mice with atopic dermatitis reduced cellular infiltration in affected ear lobes and serum IgE levels, thus, ameliorating the disease symptoms. This suggests a systemic immunoregulatory effect of LP340. These findings demonstrate that LP340, a bacterium derived from food, prevents systemic inflammation through the induction of IL-10 producing Tr1 cells.
Jung Eun Kim; Amit Sharma; Garima Sharma; So Young Lee; Hee Soon Shin; Dipayan Rudra; Sin-Hyeog Im; Jihyun Kim; Seonwoo Kim; Sook-Young Woo; Jin-Yong Chung; Young-Seoub Hong; Se-Young Oh; Suk-Joo Choi; Soo-Young Oh; Kyung Won Kim; Hye-Sung Won; Kyung-Ju Lee; Soo Hyun Kim; Ja Young Kwon; Si Hyeon Lee; Soo-Jong Hong; Kangmo Ahn. Lactobacillus pentosus Modulates Immune Response by Inducing IL-10 Producing Tr1 Cells. Immune Network 2019, 19, e39 .
AMA StyleJung Eun Kim, Amit Sharma, Garima Sharma, So Young Lee, Hee Soon Shin, Dipayan Rudra, Sin-Hyeog Im, Jihyun Kim, Seonwoo Kim, Sook-Young Woo, Jin-Yong Chung, Young-Seoub Hong, Se-Young Oh, Suk-Joo Choi, Soo-Young Oh, Kyung Won Kim, Hye-Sung Won, Kyung-Ju Lee, Soo Hyun Kim, Ja Young Kwon, Si Hyeon Lee, Soo-Jong Hong, Kangmo Ahn. Lactobacillus pentosus Modulates Immune Response by Inducing IL-10 Producing Tr1 Cells. Immune Network. 2019; 19 (6):e39.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJung Eun Kim; Amit Sharma; Garima Sharma; So Young Lee; Hee Soon Shin; Dipayan Rudra; Sin-Hyeog Im; Jihyun Kim; Seonwoo Kim; Sook-Young Woo; Jin-Yong Chung; Young-Seoub Hong; Se-Young Oh; Suk-Joo Choi; Soo-Young Oh; Kyung Won Kim; Hye-Sung Won; Kyung-Ju Lee; Soo Hyun Kim; Ja Young Kwon; Si Hyeon Lee; Soo-Jong Hong; Kangmo Ahn. 2019. "Lactobacillus pentosus Modulates Immune Response by Inducing IL-10 Producing Tr1 Cells." Immune Network 19, no. 6: e39.
There have been few studies investigating the association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and prenatal exposure to heavy metals. We aimed to evaluate whether prenatal exposure to heavy metals is associated with the development or severity of AD in a birth cohort study. A total of 331 subjects were followed from birth for a median duration of 60.0 months. The presence and severity of AD were evaluated at ages 6 and 12 months, and regularly once a year thereafter. The concentrations of lead, mercury, chromium, and cadmium in umbilical cord blood were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) were isolated and stimulated for analysis of cytokine production using ELISA. Heavy metal levels in cord blood were not associated with the development of AD until 24 months of age. However, a positive correlation was observed between the duration of AD and lead levels in cord blood (p=0.002). AD severity was also positively associated with chromium concentrations in cord blood (p=0.037), while cord blood levels of lead, mercury, and cadmium were not significantly associated with AD severity (p=0.562, p=0.054, and p=0.055, respectively). Interleukin-13 production in CBMCs was positively related with lead and chromium levels in cord blood (p=0.021 and p=0.015, respectively). Prenatal exposure to lead and chromium is associated with the persistence and severity of AD, and the immune reaction toward a Th2 polarization.
Jihyun Kim; Seonwoo Kim; Sook-Young Woo; Jin-Yong Chung; Young-Seoub Hong; Se-Young Oh; Suk-Joo Choi; Soo-Young Oh; Kyung Won Kim; Hee Soon Shin; Hye-Sung Won; Kyung-Ju Lee; Soo Hyun Kim; Ja Young Kwon; Si Hyeon Lee; Soo-Jong Hong; Kangmo Ahn. Prenatal Exposure to Lead and Chromium is Associated with IL-13 Levels in Umbilical Cord Blood and Severity of Atopic Dermatitis: COCOA Study. Immune Network 2019, 19, e42 .
AMA StyleJihyun Kim, Seonwoo Kim, Sook-Young Woo, Jin-Yong Chung, Young-Seoub Hong, Se-Young Oh, Suk-Joo Choi, Soo-Young Oh, Kyung Won Kim, Hee Soon Shin, Hye-Sung Won, Kyung-Ju Lee, Soo Hyun Kim, Ja Young Kwon, Si Hyeon Lee, Soo-Jong Hong, Kangmo Ahn. Prenatal Exposure to Lead and Chromium is Associated with IL-13 Levels in Umbilical Cord Blood and Severity of Atopic Dermatitis: COCOA Study. Immune Network. 2019; 19 (6):e42.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJihyun Kim; Seonwoo Kim; Sook-Young Woo; Jin-Yong Chung; Young-Seoub Hong; Se-Young Oh; Suk-Joo Choi; Soo-Young Oh; Kyung Won Kim; Hee Soon Shin; Hye-Sung Won; Kyung-Ju Lee; Soo Hyun Kim; Ja Young Kwon; Si Hyeon Lee; Soo-Jong Hong; Kangmo Ahn. 2019. "Prenatal Exposure to Lead and Chromium is Associated with IL-13 Levels in Umbilical Cord Blood and Severity of Atopic Dermatitis: COCOA Study." Immune Network 19, no. 6: e42.
Methylmercury is widely known to be a toxic substance in the human, especially a nervous system. However, it is difficult to accurately measure the amount of methylmercury in blood, and the form of methylmercury is variously presented. The purpose of study was to compare the total mercury and methylmercury measurements techniques and detection levels between analytical institutions in two countries using the same elderly human blood samples. Total mercury using gold amalgamation direct mercury analysis method (both) and methylmercury using the dithizone extraction and gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) method (N Lab in Japan) and the cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrophotometer (CVAFS) method (D Lab in Korea) were measured in 47 subjects who agreed to participate in this study. Total mercury concentrations in both analytical laboratories were observed at similar levels (9.4 versus 9.5 ug/kg, p=0.898) and the distribution was highly correlated. However, the concentration of methylmercury showed some difference between two laboratories (9.1 versus 8.6 ug/kg, p
Byoung-Gwon Kim; Young-Seoub Hong; Koichi Haraguchi; Mineshi Sakomoto; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Jeong-Wook Seo; Yu-Mi Kim. Comparative Screening Analytic Methods for Elderly of Blood Methylmercury Concentration between Two Analytical Institutions. Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine 2018, 2018, 1 -5.
AMA StyleByoung-Gwon Kim, Young-Seoub Hong, Koichi Haraguchi, Mineshi Sakomoto, Hyoun-Ju Lim, Jeong-Wook Seo, Yu-Mi Kim. Comparative Screening Analytic Methods for Elderly of Blood Methylmercury Concentration between Two Analytical Institutions. Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine. 2018; 2018 ():1-5.
Chicago/Turabian StyleByoung-Gwon Kim; Young-Seoub Hong; Koichi Haraguchi; Mineshi Sakomoto; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Jeong-Wook Seo; Yu-Mi Kim. 2018. "Comparative Screening Analytic Methods for Elderly of Blood Methylmercury Concentration between Two Analytical Institutions." Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine 2018, no. : 1-5.
This study was aimed to examine the association the blood/urinary concentration of toxic metal (Hg, Pb, and Cd) with children’s dietary patterns. This cross-sectional study included 1026 school children aged 8–17 years. Dietary patterns were defined using factor loading scores for 108 foods from a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. A high blood Hg level was found in boys with a high score in the ‘fish’ pattern (p = 0.02), and in girls with a high score in ‘fruit’ pattern (p = 0.04). The concentration of Pb was related to the ‘imprudent’ pattern in high school boys (p = 0.02). The effect of the ‘vegetable’ pattern on high excretion of urinary Cd was observed in low grade elementary (p = 0.04) and middle school students (p < 0.0001), and the effect of the ‘fruit’ pattern on the urinary Cd was observed in high grade elementary school students (p = 0.02). This study suggests that the concentration of selected toxic metals in blood/urine could be affected by children’s dietary pattern.
Byoung-Wook Yoo; Bom Kim; Pankaj Joshi; Sung-Ok Kwon; Yeonjin Kim; Jung-Sook Oh; Jeongseon Kim; Se-Young Oh; Ji-Ae Lim; Byung-Sun Choi; Yu-Mi Kim; Sang-Yong Eom; Young-Seob Hong; Seok-Joon Sohn; Kyung-Su Park; Heesoo Pyo; Ho Kim; Mina Ha; Jung-Duck Park; Ho-Jang Kwon; Sang-Ah Lee. Effect of dietary patterns on the blood/urine concentration of the selected toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) in Korean children. Food Science and Biotechnology 2018, 27, 1227 -1237.
AMA StyleByoung-Wook Yoo, Bom Kim, Pankaj Joshi, Sung-Ok Kwon, Yeonjin Kim, Jung-Sook Oh, Jeongseon Kim, Se-Young Oh, Ji-Ae Lim, Byung-Sun Choi, Yu-Mi Kim, Sang-Yong Eom, Young-Seob Hong, Seok-Joon Sohn, Kyung-Su Park, Heesoo Pyo, Ho Kim, Mina Ha, Jung-Duck Park, Ho-Jang Kwon, Sang-Ah Lee. Effect of dietary patterns on the blood/urine concentration of the selected toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) in Korean children. Food Science and Biotechnology. 2018; 27 (4):1227-1237.
Chicago/Turabian StyleByoung-Wook Yoo; Bom Kim; Pankaj Joshi; Sung-Ok Kwon; Yeonjin Kim; Jung-Sook Oh; Jeongseon Kim; Se-Young Oh; Ji-Ae Lim; Byung-Sun Choi; Yu-Mi Kim; Sang-Yong Eom; Young-Seob Hong; Seok-Joon Sohn; Kyung-Su Park; Heesoo Pyo; Ho Kim; Mina Ha; Jung-Duck Park; Ho-Jang Kwon; Sang-Ah Lee. 2018. "Effect of dietary patterns on the blood/urine concentration of the selected toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) in Korean children." Food Science and Biotechnology 27, no. 4: 1227-1237.
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are well-known environmental pollutants. They are unnecessary in the biological processes of humans. This study was performed to estimate the representative background exposure levels to the metals by measuring concentrations in whole blood of the Korean general population. This population-based cross-sectional study included 4,000 subjects (1,886 males and 2,114 females) 0–83 years of age in 2010 and 2011. Adult subjects (≥ 19 years of age) were collected by sex- and age-stratified probability method, and preschool- and school-aged subjects were recruited by a cluster sampling method. Written consent was provided prior to blood sampling. Pb and Cd blood concentrations were determined by a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and blood Hg was analyzed by a direct Hg analyzer. The geometric mean, median and 95th percentile of blood Pb was 1.82 µg/dL, 1.83 µg/dL, and 3.78 µg/dL, respectively. The respective values were 2.92 µg/L, 2.87 µg/L, 9.12 µg/L for Hg, and 0.56 µg/L, 0.59 µg/L, 2.20 µg/L for Cd. Blood Pb and Hg were higher in males than in females, but no sex difference was observed, respectively, in subjects 0–4 years of age for Pb and in subjects less than 20 years for Hg. However, blood Cd was higher in females than in males and no sex difference was observed in subjects < 30 years of age. This study provides representative data of human exposure to Pb, Hg, and Cd covering whole age groups of the general population in Korea.
Sang-Yong Eom; Young-Sub Lee; Seul-Gi Lee; Mi-Na Seo; Byung-Sun Choi; Yong-Dae Kim; Ji-Ae Lim; Myung-Sil Hwang; Ho-Jang Kwon; Yu-Mi Kim; Young-Seoub Hong; Seok-Joon Sohn; Kyung Su Park; Hee-Soo Pyo; Ho Kim; Heon Kim; Jung-Duck Park. Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium Exposure in the Korean General Population. Journal of Korean Medical Science 2018, 33, 1 .
AMA StyleSang-Yong Eom, Young-Sub Lee, Seul-Gi Lee, Mi-Na Seo, Byung-Sun Choi, Yong-Dae Kim, Ji-Ae Lim, Myung-Sil Hwang, Ho-Jang Kwon, Yu-Mi Kim, Young-Seoub Hong, Seok-Joon Sohn, Kyung Su Park, Hee-Soo Pyo, Ho Kim, Heon Kim, Jung-Duck Park. Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium Exposure in the Korean General Population. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2018; 33 (2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSang-Yong Eom; Young-Sub Lee; Seul-Gi Lee; Mi-Na Seo; Byung-Sun Choi; Yong-Dae Kim; Ji-Ae Lim; Myung-Sil Hwang; Ho-Jang Kwon; Yu-Mi Kim; Young-Seoub Hong; Seok-Joon Sohn; Kyung Su Park; Hee-Soo Pyo; Ho Kim; Heon Kim; Jung-Duck Park. 2018. "Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium Exposure in the Korean General Population." Journal of Korean Medical Science 33, no. 2: 1.
Recent epidemiological studies have reported adverse health effects, including skin cancer, due to low concentrations of arsenic via drinking water. We conducted a study to assess whether low arsenic contaminated ground water affected health of the residents who consumed it. For precise biomonitoring results, the inorganic (trivalent arsenite (As III) and pentavalent arsenate (As V)) and organic forms (monomethylarsonate (MMA) and dimethylarsinate (DMA)) of arsenic were separately quantified by combining high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy from urine samples. In conclusion, urinary As III, As V, MMA, and hair arsenic concentrations were significantly higher in residents who consumed arsenic contaminated ground water than control participants who consumed tap water. But, most health screening results did not show a statistically significant difference between exposed and control subjects. We presume that the elevated arsenic concentrations may not be sufficient to cause detectable health effects. Consumption of arsenic contaminated ground water could result in elevated urinary organic and inorganic arsenic concentrations. We recommend immediate discontinuation of ground water supply in this area for the safety of the residents.
Young-Seoub Hong; Byeong-Jin Ye; Yu-Mi Kim; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Gyeong-Hui Kang; Jeong-Jin Kim; Ki-Hoon Song; Young-Hun Kim; Jeong-Wook Seo. Investigation of Health Effects According to the Exposure of Low Concentration Arsenic Contaminated Ground Water. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 1461 .
AMA StyleYoung-Seoub Hong, Byeong-Jin Ye, Yu-Mi Kim, Byoung-Gwon Kim, Gyeong-Hui Kang, Jeong-Jin Kim, Ki-Hoon Song, Young-Hun Kim, Jeong-Wook Seo. Investigation of Health Effects According to the Exposure of Low Concentration Arsenic Contaminated Ground Water. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (12):1461.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYoung-Seoub Hong; Byeong-Jin Ye; Yu-Mi Kim; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Gyeong-Hui Kang; Jeong-Jin Kim; Ki-Hoon Song; Young-Hun Kim; Jeong-Wook Seo. 2017. "Investigation of Health Effects According to the Exposure of Low Concentration Arsenic Contaminated Ground Water." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 12: 1461.
Inferring causality is necessary to achieve the goal of epidemiology, which is to elucidate the cause of disease. Causal inference is conducted in three steps: evaluation of validity of the study, inference of general causality, and inference of individual causality. To evaluate validity of the study, we propose a checklist that focuses on biases and generalizability. For general causal inference, we recommend utilizing Hill's 9 viewpoints. Lastly, individual causality can be inferred based on the general causality and evidence of exposure. Additional considerations may be needed for social or legal purposes; however, these additional considerations should be based on the scientific truth elucidated by the causal inference described in the present article.
Sanghyuk Bae; Hwan-Cheol Kim; Byeongjin Ye; Won-Jun Choi; Young-Seoub Hong; Mina Ha. Causal inference in environmental epidemiology. Environmental Health and Toxicology 2017, 32, e2017015 .
AMA StyleSanghyuk Bae, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Byeongjin Ye, Won-Jun Choi, Young-Seoub Hong, Mina Ha. Causal inference in environmental epidemiology. Environmental Health and Toxicology. 2017; 32 ():e2017015.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSanghyuk Bae; Hwan-Cheol Kim; Byeongjin Ye; Won-Jun Choi; Young-Seoub Hong; Mina Ha. 2017. "Causal inference in environmental epidemiology." Environmental Health and Toxicology 32, no. : e2017015.
Ahra Kim; Young-Seoub Hong; Jin-Hee Bang; Inbo Oh; Jin-Young Chung; Chang Sun Sim; Hyun Jin Lee; Yangho Kim; Jiho Lee. The Relationship between the Prevalence of Allergic Diseases and Urinary Cadmium Concentrations among School-age Children in Two Regions in Ulsan Metropolitan City. Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences 2016, 42, 396 -408.
AMA StyleAhra Kim, Young-Seoub Hong, Jin-Hee Bang, Inbo Oh, Jin-Young Chung, Chang Sun Sim, Hyun Jin Lee, Yangho Kim, Jiho Lee. The Relationship between the Prevalence of Allergic Diseases and Urinary Cadmium Concentrations among School-age Children in Two Regions in Ulsan Metropolitan City. Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences. 2016; 42 (6):396-408.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAhra Kim; Young-Seoub Hong; Jin-Hee Bang; Inbo Oh; Jin-Young Chung; Chang Sun Sim; Hyun Jin Lee; Yangho Kim; Jiho Lee. 2016. "The Relationship between the Prevalence of Allergic Diseases and Urinary Cadmium Concentrations among School-age Children in Two Regions in Ulsan Metropolitan City." Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences 42, no. 6: 396-408.
Arsenic is a carcinogenic heavy metal that has a species-dependent health effects and abandoned metal mines are a source of significant arsenic exposure. Therefore, the aims of this study were to analyze urinary arsenic species and their concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines and to monitor the environmental health effects of abandoned metal mines in Korea. This study was performed in 2014 to assess urinary arsenic excretion patterns of residents living near abandoned metal mines in South Korea. Demographic data such as gender, age, mine working history, period of residency, dietary patterns, smoking and alcohol use, and type of potable water consumed were obtaining using a questionnaire. Informed consent was also obtained from all study subjects (n = 119). Urinary arsenic species were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). The geometric mean of urinary arsenic (sum of dimethylarsinic acid, monomethylarsonic acid, As3+, and As5+) concentration was determined to be 131.98 μg/L (geometric mean; 95% CI, 116.72–149.23) while urinary inorganic arsenic (As3+ and As5+) concentration was 0.81 μg/L (95% CI, 0.53–1.23). 66.3% (n = 79) and 21.8% (n = 26) of these samples exceeded ATSDR reference values for urinary arsenic (>100 μg/L) and inorganic arsenic (>10 μg/L), respectively. Mean urinary arsenic concentrations (geometric mean, GM) were higher in women then in men, and increased with age. Of the five regions evaluated, while four regions had inorganic arsenic concentrations less than 0.40 μg/L, one region showed a significantly higher concentration (GM 15.48 μg/L; 95% CI, 7.51–31.91) which investigates further studies to identify etiological factors. We propose that the observed elevation in urinary arsenic concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines may be due to environmental contamination from the abandoned metal mine. Not Applicable (We do not have health care intervention on human participants).
Jin-Yong Chung; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Byung-Kook Lee; Jai-Dong Moon; Joon Sakong; Man Joong Jeon; Jung-Duck Park; Byung-Sun Choi; Nam-Soo Kim; Seung-Do Yu; Jung-Wook Seo; Byeong-Jin Ye; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Young-Seoub Hong. Urinary arsenic species concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines in South Korea. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2016, 28, 67 .
AMA StyleJin-Yong Chung, Byoung-Gwon Kim, Byung-Kook Lee, Jai-Dong Moon, Joon Sakong, Man Joong Jeon, Jung-Duck Park, Byung-Sun Choi, Nam-Soo Kim, Seung-Do Yu, Jung-Wook Seo, Byeong-Jin Ye, Hyoun-Ju Lim, Young-Seoub Hong. Urinary arsenic species concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines in South Korea. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2016; 28 (1):67.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJin-Yong Chung; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Byung-Kook Lee; Jai-Dong Moon; Joon Sakong; Man Joong Jeon; Jung-Duck Park; Byung-Sun Choi; Nam-Soo Kim; Seung-Do Yu; Jung-Wook Seo; Byeong-Jin Ye; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Young-Seoub Hong. 2016. "Urinary arsenic species concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines in South Korea." Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 28, no. 1: 67.
Because the developing brain of a child is vulnerable to environmental toxins, even very low concentration of neurotoxin can affect children's neurodevelopment. Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal which has the harmful effect on the striatal-frontal circuit of brain. This area of the brain is known to be closely related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathophysiology. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate whether elevated blood lead concentration is a risk factor for ADHD. The secondary objective was to examine the association between blood lead concentration and symptom severity. We conducted a frequency-matched, hospital-based case-control study with 114 medically diagnosed ADHD cases and 114 controls. The participants were matched for age and sex. The diagnoses of ADHD were assessed with semi-structured diagnostic interviews. The participants completed the continuous performance test (CPT), and their parents completed the ADHD-rating scale (ADHD-RS). Blood lead concentrations were measured by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry featuring Zeeman background correction. Children with ADHD exhibited blood lead concentrations that were significantly higher than those of the controls ( 1.90 ± 086 μg/dℓ vs. 1.59 ± 0.68 μg/dℓ, p = 0.003). The log transformed total blood lead concentration was associated with a higher risk of ADHD (OR: 1.60, 95 % CI: 1.04-2.45, p < 0.05). The analysis also revealed that the children with blood lead concentrations above 2.30 μg/dℓ were at a 2.5-fold (95 % CI: 1.09-5.87, p < 0.05) greater risk of having ADHD. After adjusting for covariates, our multivariate regression models indicated that blood lead concentrations were not significantly associated with ADHD-RS or CPT profiles among the ADHD cases. Even low blood lead concentrations are a risk factor for ADHD in children. This study warrants primary prevention policies to reduce the environmental lead burden. Future studies may be required to ascertain the effects of lead on symptom severity in ADHD.
Jae Hong Park; Ju-Hee Seo; Young-Seoub Hong; Yu-Mi Kim; Je-Wook Kang; Jae-Ho Yoo; Hee Won Chueh; Jung Hyun Lee; Min Jung Kwak; Jeongseon Kim; Hae Dong Woo; Dong Woo Kim; Young Rong Bang; Byeong Moo Choe. Blood lead concentrations and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Korean children: a hospital-based case control study. BMC Pediatrics 2016, 16, 156 .
AMA StyleJae Hong Park, Ju-Hee Seo, Young-Seoub Hong, Yu-Mi Kim, Je-Wook Kang, Jae-Ho Yoo, Hee Won Chueh, Jung Hyun Lee, Min Jung Kwak, Jeongseon Kim, Hae Dong Woo, Dong Woo Kim, Young Rong Bang, Byeong Moo Choe. Blood lead concentrations and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Korean children: a hospital-based case control study. BMC Pediatrics. 2016; 16 (1):156.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJae Hong Park; Ju-Hee Seo; Young-Seoub Hong; Yu-Mi Kim; Je-Wook Kang; Jae-Ho Yoo; Hee Won Chueh; Jung Hyun Lee; Min Jung Kwak; Jeongseon Kim; Hae Dong Woo; Dong Woo Kim; Young Rong Bang; Byeong Moo Choe. 2016. "Blood lead concentrations and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Korean children: a hospital-based case control study." BMC Pediatrics 16, no. 1: 156.
Jeong-Wook Seo; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Yu-Mi Kim; Jin-Yong Chung; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Byeong-Jin Ye; Young-Seoub Hong. Blood Aluminum Concentrations among Residents of the South-east Costal Area of Korea. Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences 2016, 42, 196 -204.
AMA StyleJeong-Wook Seo, Byoung-Gwon Kim, Yu-Mi Kim, Jin-Yong Chung, Hyoun-Ju Lim, Byeong-Jin Ye, Young-Seoub Hong. Blood Aluminum Concentrations among Residents of the South-east Costal Area of Korea. Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences. 2016; 42 (3):196-204.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJeong-Wook Seo; Byoung-Gwon Kim; Yu-Mi Kim; Jin-Yong Chung; Hyoun-Ju Lim; Byeong-Jin Ye; Young-Seoub Hong. 2016. "Blood Aluminum Concentrations among Residents of the South-east Costal Area of Korea." Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences 42, no. 3: 196-204.