• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.133-150
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• 2021

Purpose: The epidemiologic understanding of allergic diseases, including prevalence and risk factors, is needed for allergy management. This study identified the prevalence of and coping patterns for various types of allergies, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), food allergy (FA), and drug allergy (DA), in Nam-gu, Ulsan, one of the most industrialized districts in Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-report multiple choice questionnaire. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) and other measures were reviewed to develop the questionnaire. Data was collected from May 9th to November 30th of 2018. Descriptive and frequency analyses were performed to apprehend the prevalence of symptoms, diagnostic rates, diagnosis dates, treatment history, and others. Results: By randomized sampling, 9,102 children from 25 nurseries, 25 kindergartens, and 15 elementary schools participated in the study. The prevalence of asthma, AR, AD, AC, FA, and DA were 11.1%, 48.7%, 15.5%, 17.6%, 15.1%, and 2.0%, respectively. The respective rate of ever being diagnosed with asthma, AR, AD, AC, FA, and DA were 4.2%, 38.4%, 25.5%, 23.3%, 9.7%, and 1.1%, respectively. Last year's allergy related school absenteeism rates were 10.8%, 4.1%, and 1.3% for asthma, AR, and AD, respectively. Lastly, 59.2% of the participants considered air pollution as the most challenging factor in allergy management. Conclusion: This study comprehensively investigated the current state of various allergic diseases in Nam-gu, Ulsan. The study's findings are expected to be applied to strategies for decreasing the socioeconomic burden of allergic diseases.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.282-289
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• 2022

Background: Airborne fungi are ubiquitous in the air and exposure to an airborne fungus can be a significant risk factor. The composition of fungi has been potentially important for human health, especially for respiratory diseases like asthma and atopic dermatitis. Therefore, we attempted to ascertain what kind of airborne fungi affect human health at a nationwide level. Objectives: This study was carried out to provide information on indoor fungi distribution at multi-use facilities throughout South Korea. Methods: We classified our data by region and public facility after collection, cultivation, and identification via the sequencing of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region. We investigated whether or not the proliferation of HaCaT cells was affected by the identified airborne fungi. Results: In our data, the most isolated airborne fungi by region were Penicillium spp (Seoul, Daegu), Periconia sp (Gyeonggi-do), Iprex sp (Gangwon-do), Phanerochaete sp (Busan), Bjerkandera sp (Gwangju), and Aspergillus sp (Jeju-do). In the public facilities, the most detected fungi were Cladosporium sp (public transport), Penicillium sp (apartment house, retail market, financial institution, karaoke room), Bjerokandera sp (underground parking lot, public toilet, medical institution), Periconia sp (retail store), and Fusarium sp (general restaurant). Next, we selected twenty airborne fungi to examine their cytotoxicity and proliferation of human skin cells. In this experiment, the proliferation of the cells was influenced by most of the identified fungi. In case of the cytotoxicity test, most genera except for Rhodotorula sp and Moesziomyces sp showed cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. Conclusions: The distribution of mold in the indoor air in multi-use facilities in South Korea differs from region to region, and this is an indicator that should be considered in future health impact studies. In addition, as a result of culturing about 20 types of bacteria dominant in indoor air, it was found that most (90%) inhibit the growth of skin cells, which can be harmful to health. An in-depth study of the health effects of floating fungi is needed.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.849-854
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• 2022

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of supercritical carbon dioxide selective extracts, which extract decursin and decursinol angelate, the vital active ingredients of Angelica gigas Nakai, in high yield, was measured compared to that of ethanol extracts. To measure the anti-inflammatory effect, the production of nitric oxide(NO), an inflammatory mediator, and interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-8, inflammatory cytokines, was measured. NO production was measured by Griess assay on Raw 264.7 cells induced inflammatory response by lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and IL-6 and IL-8 production was measured by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay(ELISA) on human keratinocyte cell line(HaCaT) cells induced inflammatory response by tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α. The amount of NO production was suppressed outstandingly by the supercritical carbon dioxide extracts compared to the ethanol extracts. The amount of IL-6 and IL-8 production was increased by the ethanol extracts, whereas statistically significantly inhibited by supercritical carbon dioxide extracts at the concentration of 6.25 ㎍/mL(P<0.01). Through these results, we confirmed that the supercritical carbon dioxide selective extracts of Angelica gigas Nakai could be used as an anti-inflammatory cosmeceutical material to alleviate atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.339-346
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• 2022

This study investigates the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Acer tegmentosum Maxim (EATM) against Staphylococcus aureus. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging effect, and reducing power of the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method were measured to verify the antioxidant activity of the EATM. The antibacterial activity against S. aureus using the EATM was verified by the paper disc method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were 266.66 ㎍ GAE/mg and 6.46 ㎍ QE/mg, respectively. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity showed a concentration-dependent scavenging activity. The RC₅₀ values of the EATM were 21.49 and 12.81 ㎍/mL, respectively. A FRAP analysis was conducted for evaluating the reducing power of the EATM and an efficacy of 0.73 ± 0.19 mM FeSO₄ E/mg was observed. The antibacterial activity of EATM against S. aureus, determined using the paper disc method, showed an inhibitory ring of 3 mm at 2 mg. The MIC was confirmed at a concentration of ≥ 16 mg/mL, while the MBC was confirmed at 32 mg/mL. As the EATM shows antioxidant and antibacterial activities against S. aureus, it can be used as an effective antidote against atopic dermatitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Objectives : The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of outpatients and the frequently diagnosed diseases in dermatology of Korean medicine through periodic research and comparison with previous studies. Methods : We analyzed medical records of new outpatients who visited department of dermatology at Kyung Hee university Korean medicine hospital between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022. We analyzed the patient demographic characteristics and the frequency of diagnosed diseases. Then we compared these results with previous studies in 2000, 2007 and 2016. Results : 1. Average number of patients and proportion of male patients have increased from 1996 to 2022. 2. From 1996 to 2022, there was a decrease in the proportion of patients aged 0-39 and an increase in the proportion of patients aged over 40. 3. The distribution proportions of eczema, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea during 2018-2022 have increased compared to those during 2011-2015. 4. The distribution of diseases according to age appears to vary based on the epidemiological characteristics of the diseases. 5. The distribution of diseases according to gender also appears to vary based on the epidemiological characteristics of the diseases, as well as cosmetic issues related to the affected areas. Conclusions : Considering the sustained trend of a high proportion of non-infectious inflammatory diseases since 1996, it is important to enhance treatment capacity through continuous research.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.277-283
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• 2023

Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (F. rhynchophylla) is a traditional medicinal plant that has been widely used in East Asia and has been used for chronic bronchitis, bacterial dysentery and improved eyesight. F. rhynchophylla contains various type of coumarins such as esculin, esculetin, fraxin and fraxetin. Esculetin possesses versatile activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer properties and improvement of atopic dermatitis. However, there is no research on the process of increasing active components in F. rhynchophylla. The objectives of the present study were to apply biotransformation technology to F. rhynchophylla for increasing the content of esculetin, and enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. F. rhynchophylla extract (FRE) treated with viscozyme L (FRE-VL) showed 3.1 times higher content of esculetin than FRE, and exhibited effects such as increased anti-inflammatory activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Based on the these results, it is concluded that biotransformed FRE-VL could be potentially applicable as a new active ingredient in the cosmetic field.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.11
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• pp.1611-1618
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• 2010

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Eriobotrya japonica and Saurus chinensis extracts and their fermented extracts on immune parameters in BALB/c mice treated with 1% 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The groups were Eriobotrya japonica extract (BI), Saurus chinensis extract (SA), mixture with E. japonica extract and S. chinensis extract (FB) and fermented mixture with E. japonica extract and S. chinensis extract (FA) and distilled water treated control. The level of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E was decreased in FA compared to control group, but significant difference was not observed (p<0.05). The histamine and contents in FA and control group were $1.47{\pm}0.20$ ng/mL and $1.90{\pm}0.04$ ng/mL, respectively (p<0.05). Ceramide contents were significantly increased in FA compared to BI, SA, FB and control group (p<0.05). These results suggest that FA supplementation in the DNCB treated BALB/c mice affect anti-allergic activities positively, and may be used as functional material for suppression of atopy dermatitis in food industry.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.367-382
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• 1997

The author analyzed 46 cases of allergic rhinitis patients, who were treated in the Kwang-ju Oriental Medical Hospital of Wonkwang University from January 1997 to April 1996. I've examined the 46 cases in the view of age and sex distribution, seasonal distribution, distribution of the job, duration of the disease, past history, family history, distribution of complicated signs, the degree of recovery about the total patient, the relationship of the ages and the remedial value, the relationship of the duration of disease and the remedial value. The following results are obtained. 1. The ratio of under teenagers was $32.61\%$(15 cases), teenagers was $30.43\%$(11 cases), 2th decade was $17.39\%$(8 cases), 3th decade was $17.39\%$(8 cases), 4th decade was $4.35\%$(2 cases), 5th decade was $2.17\%$(1 case), over sixty was $2.17\%$(1 case). 2. The ratio of the male was $58.70\%$(27 cases) and femal was $41.30\%$(19 cases). 3. The ratio of spring was $21.74\%$(10 cases), summer was $8.70\%$(4 cases), fall was $43.48\%$(20 cases), winter was $43.48\%$(20 cases) and unknown was $10.87\%$(5 cases). 4. The ratio of the students was $45.65\%$(21 cases), house-wives was $15.22\%$(7 cases), office men was $10.87\%$(5 cases), farmers was $4.35\%$(2 cases), driver was $2.17\%$(1 case) and unemployed was $21.74\%$(10 cases). 5. The ratio of the under six months was $8.70\%$(4 cases), under 1 year was $17.39\%$(8 cases), under 3 years was $32.60\%$(15 cases), over 3 years was $41.31\%$(19 cases). 6. The ratio of atopic dermatitis was $32.61\%$(15 cases), allergic dermatitis was $21,74\%$(10 cases), the asthma was $17.39\%$(8 cases), digestion disorder was $6.52\%$(3 cases) and etc. 7. The ratio of paternal line was $21.74\%$(10 cases), maternal line was $13.04\%$(6 cases), paternal and maternal lines was $4.35\%$(2 cases), brother or sisters was $13.04\%$(6 cases) and non-significant was $47.83\%$(22 cases). 8. The ratio of sneezing was $100\%$(46 cases) , nasal discharge was $100\%$(46 cases), nasal obstruction was $86.96\%$(40 cases), pruritus was $45.65\%$(21 cases), headache was $13.04\%$(6 cases), asthma was $10.87\%$(5 cases), digestion disorder was $6.52\%$(3 cases), light phovia was $6.52\%$(3 cases), tears was $4.35\%$(2 cases), nosebreeding was $2.17\%$(1 case). 9. The total remedial value of the 46 patients was revealed $52.17\%$. 10. The remedial value of under teenagers, teenagers were higher than the total remedial value($52.17\%$). 11. The remedial value of under 6 months, under 1 year were higher than the total remedial value($52.17\%$). These results demonstrated that in the point of remedial view, the patients who were younger and shorter of the duration of disease, would be well recovered.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.383-392
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• 2009

Xanthii fructus which is well known as "Chang-ihjah" in Korea is the dried fruit of Xanthium strumarium L. (or Xanthium sibiricum PATR. Ex WIDD., Asteraceae. XS). Water extract of this fruit has been used for treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as tympanitis, allergic rhinitis, or ozena as alternative therapy material usually by oral administration in far Eastern countries including Korea. In this study, the effect of XS extract (XS-E) or XS-30% acetone fraction layer (XS-30% AFL) on the differentiation of $CD4^+$ T cells isolated from NC/Nga mouse and the production of IL-17 was investigated. The experimental results showed that $100\;{\mu}g$/mL of XS-E could decrease the production of IL-17 by $CD4^+$ Th17 cells by 2 fold and only $20\;{\mu}g$/mL of XS-30% AFL could inhibit 3.5 fold. The amount of IL-17A and IL-22 mRNA determined by real-time PCR was decreased remarkably when XS-E or XS-30% AFL was treated on $CD4^+$ Th17 cells(p<0.01, p<0.001). The amount of IL-17A protein determined by ELISA was also decreased remarkably(p<0.05, p<0.001). To study the effect of XS-E or XS-30% AFL on the proliferation of Th17 cells, $CD4^+$ T cells of a NC/Nga mouse was firstly differentiated by rIL-6/TGF-$\beta$ and then stimulated by rIL-23. The control group of Th17 cells were doubled every each day, while those of XS-E or XS-30% AFL treated group were shown to be delayed remarkably by these extracts. In conclusion, XS can inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells of NC/Nga mouse and the production of IL-17 successfully, which may be a beneficial result for the treatment of atopic skin dermatitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.169-182
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• 2002

Background: Allergic rhinitis(AR) is a heterogeneous disorder that despite its high prevalence is often undiagnosed. It is characterized by one or more symptoms including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea. And it is frequently accompanied by symptoms involving the eyes, ears, and throat, including postnasal drainage. There are many different causes of rhinitis in children and adults. Approximately 50$\%$ of all cases of rhinitis are caused by allergy. In the case of rhinitis caused by allergens, symptoms arise as a result of inflammation induced by a gamma globulin E-mediated immune response to specific allergens such as pollens, molds, animal dander, and dust mites. The immune response involves the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation and recruitment of cells to the nasal mucosa. AR is similar to 鼻？, hypersensitive rhinitis in Oriental Medicine. I think hypersensitive rhinitis is including of AR, vasomotor rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis related with eosinophil increased and so on. Purpose: To perform a clinical analysis of hypersensitive rhinitis including allergic rhinitis and estimate the efficacy of Oriental Medical treatment. Objective: We studied 96 patients who had visited our hospital with complaints of nasal symptoms from March 2000 to February 2002; they had the signs more than 2 - nasal obstruction, watery discharge, sneezing and eye or nasal itching. Parameters Observed & Methods: We treated them with acupuncture & herb-medication. Sometime they used aroma oil or external medicine. 1) the distribution of sex & age groups 2) the clinical type based on duration & the severity of symptom 3) the breakdown of complication & pasl history of Otolaryngologic or allergic disease 4) the clinical assessment and classification of rhinitis(sneezers and runners & blockers) 5) the associated symptoms and signs 6) the classification of Byeonjeung 7) the classification of prescriptions and 8) the efficacy of treatment. Result: 1. In the clinical type of based on duration, the intermittent type was 42.7$\%$ and the persistent was 57.3$\%$. 2. We observed the severity of symptoms based on the quality of life. The mild type was 24.0$\%$ and the moderate-severe was 76.0$\%$. 3. In the clinical assessment and classification of rhinitis, the sneezers and runners type was 69.8$\%$ and the blockers was 30.2$\%$. 4. The most common family history with otolaryngologic or allergic disease were allergic rhinitis(17.7$\%$), urticaria, paranasal sinusitis and T.B.(3.1$\%$). 5. The most common past history with otolaryngologic or allergic disease were paranasal sinusitis(14.6$\%$), atopic dermatitis and asthma(8.3$\%$). It was 31.3$\%$ they had a family history and 44.8$\%$, past history. 6. The most common complication was paranasal sinusitis(15.6$\%$). In decreasing order the others were otitis media with effusion(9.4$\%$), GERD and headache(6.3$\%$), asthma, bronchitis, nasal bleeding and allergic dermatitis(5.2$\%$). 7. Classification through Byeonjeung : ⅰ) 39 cases(34.9$\%$) were classified as showing Deficiency syndrome. The insuffficiency of Qi was 17.7$\%$, deficiency of Kidney-Yang, 12.5$\%$ and Lung-Cold, 10.4$\%$. ⅱ) 57 cases(59.4$\%$) were classified as showing Excess syndrome. The Fever of YangMing-meridian was 35.4$\%$, Lung-Fever, 24.0$\%$. 8. The efficacy of treatments showed: an improvement in 22cases(22.9$\%$); an improvement partly in 24 cases(25.0$\%$); no real improvement or changes in 16 cases(16.7$\%$); and couldn't check the results 18cases(18.6$\%$). Conclusion: We suggest that this study could be utilized as a standard of clinical Oriental Medical treatment when we treat hypersensitive rhinitis including allergic rhinitis.