• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.393-401
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• 2013

Objectives: Endotoxins in dust generated in occupational settings is known to contribute to the occurrence of respiratory illness among workers. The relationship between the level of endotoxins in total dust or respirable particulates collected from swine farms and immunological markers related with respiratory allergy was evaluated among swine husbandry workers. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from ten workers at ten swine farms at Gyeonggi province, Korea. Peripheral mononuclear cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin for 48 hours. The levels of various cytokines produced at culture supernatants were determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. The concentration of particulate matter($PM_{10}$) in the indoor air of the swine farms was evaluated using a PVC membrane filter and mini volume air sampler, and endotoxin levels in the dust were measured by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Kinetic QCL method. Results: Levels of endotoxins in the total dust were categorized into high(geometric mean: $109.35EU/m^3$) and low concentrations (geometric mean: $0.95EU/m^3$) for five swine farms. Interleukin-4 levels were higher in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group, while interferon-${\gamma}$ levels were lower in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. The ratio (interferon-${\gamma}$ to interleukin-4), indicating immunologic skewedness against allergic reactivities, was lower in the high endotoxin group($1.15{\pm}0.60$) than the low endotoxin group($3.09{\pm}2.38$). In addition, the level of interleukin-13, another cytokine contributing to the occurrence of allergic responses, was significantly higher in the at the high endotoxin group($1.12{\pm}0.37ng/m{\ell}$) than in the low endotoxin group($0.37{\pm}0.04ng/m{\ell}$). Hematologic assessment showed significantly lower cellularity in the number of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. Conclusions: Even though a sufficient number of swine workers and farms were not investigated, this study generlly suggests that the immunological function of swine farm workers exposed to high levels of endotoxin could be modulated toward allergic reactivities.

• Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.140-146
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• 2024

Purpose: In Korea, KoKo dosimetry and Aerosol Provocation System (APS) are used in the methacholine provocation test (MBPT). In this study, three protocols of the MBPT were compared. Methods: In patients showing a positive MBPT using short 2-concentration methods for APS with cumulative provocative doses of methacholine which results in a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) (PD₂₀) ≤ 962.81, the MBPT was repeated, using 14-breaths methods for APS. In them, PD₂₀ of those 2 protocols were compared to each other. Provocative concentration of methacholine which results in a 20% fall in FEV₁ (PC₂₀) in 14-breaths methods was also compared with that of 5-breaths methods in other patients showing a positive MBPT with KoKo dosimettry during the study period. Results: The positive rate in short 2-concentration methods was 18.1% (43 of 238), while that in 5-breaths methods was 14.0% (6 of 43). They were not different from each other (P=0.342). In 7 patients who underwent the MBPT twice, using short 2-concentration and subsequent 14-breaths methods. The median of PD₂₀ with a positive MBPT using short 2-concentration methods was 573.8 ㎍ with interquartile range (IQR) of 147.8-682.3 ㎍, whereas that in repeated MBPT using 14-breaths methods was 526.4 ㎍ (IQR, 95.0-907.1 ㎍). They did not differ from each other (P=0.735). The median of PC₂₀ in MBPT using 14-breaths methods was 4.76 mg/mL (IQR, 0.066-10.3 mg/mL) tended to be higher than that in other 6 patients who showed a positive MBPT using 5-breaths methods, 1.95 mg/mL (IQR, 0.42-4.85 mg/mL), but it was not significant (P=0.534). Conclusion: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was not different in 3 protocols of MBPT.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.154-162
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• 2020

Purpose: The Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS^TM), which considers crying, regurgitation, stools, skin and respiratory symptoms, was developed as an awareness tool for evaluating cow's milk-related symptoms. The scoring ranges from 0 to 33. A score ≥12 was proposed as being likely cow's milk-related and suggestive of allergy to cow's milk. This study aimed to determine the age-related CoMiSS^TM values in presumed healthy infants in Poland. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in well-child clinics in two locations. Parents of the presumed healthy infants aged ≤6 months were approached during a routine checkup/vaccination visit. The exclusion criteria were as follows: presence of acute or chronic diseases, preterm delivery, treatment with therapeutic formula, and use of any food supplements (except vitamins) or medications. Results: Data from 226 infants were obtained (median age [Q1-Q3], 4 months [3-4]). The overall median (Q1-Q3) and mean (standard deviation) CoMiSS^TM values were 4 (2-7) and 4.7 (3.5), respectively. The 95th percentile was 11. Scores on some, albeit not all, components of the CoMiSS^TM significantly differed between age groups (crying, stools) or feeding type groups (stools and skin symptoms). Eleven children (4.9%) scored ≥12. Conclusion: This study adds to earlier age-related CoMiSS^TM data by providing CoMiSS^TM values in presumed healthy infants in Poland.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.1288-1295
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• 2012

Exposure to bioaerosols causes various adverse health effects including infectious and respiratory diseases, and hypersensitivity. Controlling exposure to bioaerosols is important for disease control and prevention. In this study, we evaluated the efficacies of various functional filters coated with antimicrobial chemicals in deactivating representative microorganisms on filters or as bioaerosols. Tested functional filters were coated with different chemicals that included (i) Ginkgo and sumac, (ii) Ag-apatite and guanidine phosphate, (iii) $SiO_2$, ZnO, and $Al_2O_3$, and (iv) zeolite. To evaluate the filters, we used a model ventilation system (1) to evaluate the removal efficiency of bacteria (Escherichia coli and Legionella pneumophila), bacterial spores (Bacillus subtilis spore), and viruses (MS2 bacteriophage) on various functional filters, and (2) to characterize the removal efficiency of these bioaerosols. All experiments were performed at a constant temperature of $25^{\circ}C$ and humidity of 50%. Most bacteria (excluding B. subtilis) rapidly decreased on the functional filter. Therefore, we confirmed that functional filters have antimicrobial effects. Additionally, we evaluated the removal efficiency of various bioaerosols by these filters. We used a six-jet collision nebulizer to generate microbial aerosols and introduced it into the environmental chamber. We then measured the removal efficiency of functional filters with and without a medium-efficiency filter. Most bioaerosol concentrations did not significantly decrease by the functional filter only but decreased by a combination of functional and medium-efficiency filter. In conclusion, functional filters could facilitate biological removal of various bioaerosols, but physical removal of these by functional was minimal. Proper use of chemical-coated filter materials could reduce exposure to these agents.

• Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.26-30
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• 2024

Purpose: Eosinophils and total immunoglobulin (IgE) have served as a histologic hallmark of allergic conditions. Many investigators have used total eosinophil count (TEC) and total IgE for evaluating allergic diseases. We examined differences in TEC and total IgE in allergic diseases and whether it differs according to sensitization. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 551 patients who visited Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012 for allergic diseases. We included patients with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma (AS), or urticaria (UC). We compared the TEC and total IgE level according to sensitization patterns. Results: There were 235 cases of AD, 179 cases of AS, 112 cases of AR, and 82 cases of UC. Regarding sensitization, 106 were not sensitized to any allergens, 206 were sensitized to inhalants, 109 were sensitized to food allergens, and 49 were sensitized to both food and inhalant allergens. TEC was significantly higher in the AD and AR group than in the UC group. TEC was significantly higher in those sensitized to both inhalant and food than those not sensitized. The total IgE levels were significantly higher in those sensitized to both inhalant and food than those not sensitized or sensitized to food. Total IgE levels were significantly higher in those sensitized to inhalant than those not sensitized or sensitized to food. Conclusion: Eosinophils appear to play differential roles in the expression of different types of allergic diseases. Total IgE level may play a significant role in sensitization.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.23-34
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• 2024

Milk, which is often referred to as a healthy beverage, is the first food encountered at birth. During digestion, A1-type milk often leads to digestive disorders due to increased levels of 𝛽-casomorphin-7. It also tends to induce inflammatory responses in the gut immune system by altering the gut microbiota and triggering conditions such as diabetes and respiratory hypersensitivity. In contrast, A2-type milk is gaining attention because of fewer associated problems than A1 milk and its unique functional benefits. However, information on the efficacy of A2 milk relies primarily on limited clinical and animal trial data, and substantiating its efficacy and functional superiority remains a challenge. Therefore, various studies, including research on the distinctive efficacy and functions of A2 milk compared with conventional A1 milk and investigations into the mechanisms underlying its effects on human health following consumption, are necessary in the future.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.365-377
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• 2024

Exposure to storage mite (SM) and house dust mite (HDM) allergens is a risk factor for sensitization and asthma development; however, the related immune responses and their pathology have not been fully investigated. The HDMs Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and SM Tyrophagus putrescentiae are potent allergens that induce asthma. Most SM-related studies have focused on the allergic reactions of individuals by measuring their immunoglobulin (Ig)E expression. Considering the limited research on this topic, the present study aims to investigate the differences in the immune responses induced by HDMs and SMs and histologically analyze lung tissues in a mouse asthma model to understand the differential effects of HDM and SM. The results revealed that all mite species induced airway inflammation. Mice challenged with T. putrescentiae had the highest airway resistance and total cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The SM-sensitized groups showed more severe lesions and mucus hypersecretions than the HDM-sensitized groups. Although the degree of HDM and SM exposure was the same, the damage to the respiratory lung tissue was more severe in SM-exposed mice, which resulted in excessive mucin secretion and increased fibrosis. Furthermore, these findings suggest that SM sensitization induces a more significant hypersensitivity response in mucosal immunity than HDM sensitization in asthma models.

• Proceedings of the KSR Conference
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• 2011.10a
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• pp.2895-2901
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• 2011

SeoulMetro(line number 1 to 4) for the first half of the year. Therefore air quality in the subway is very important. It is passengers, such as sneezing and respiratory vital activities, Suspended due to skin keratin microbial action, and Microbial contaminants such as viruses. Hypersensitivity disorders, an atopic dermatitis, infectious diseases, allergic diseases, and can cause respiratory diseases. Ministry of Environment and National Institute of Environmental Research is managed so the life bacteria. It is emerging as the occupational health problems. Introduction of an appropriate ventilation system for cooling and dehumidification is needed. In line number 2, commuting and normal trains are measured in-room floating microbes. Suspended bacteria and fungi suspended in 2011 for 85 ~ 385$cfu/m^3$, 67 ~ 98$cfu/m^3$ is lower than baseline. Suspended to prevent microbial contamination and air conditioning equipment performance is a substantial improvement. Suspended micro-organisms and the impact on passenger room ventilation is increased. Electric car how to improve air quality substantially investigated.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.268-272
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• 2007

A tuberculous pleural effusion may be a sequel to a primary infection or represent the reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis. It is believed to result from a rupture of a subpleural caseous focus in the lung into the pleural space. It appears that delayed hypersensitivity plays a large role in the pathogenesis of a tuberculous pleural effusion. We encountered a 52 years old man with pleural effusion that developed several days after a CT guided percutaneous needle biopsy of a solitary pulmonary nodule. He was diagnosed with TB pleurisy. It is believed that his pleural effusion probably developed due to exposure of the parenchymal tuberculous focus into the pleural space during the percutaneous needle biopsy. This case might suggest one of the possible pathogeneses of tuberculous pleural effusion.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.1
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• pp.77-82
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• 2017

Background: Delayed hypersensitivity plays a large role in the pathogenesis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). Macrophages infected with live Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) increase the levels of adenosine deaminase2 (ADA2) in the pleural fluid of TPE patients. However, it is as yet unclear whether ADA2 can be produced by macrophages when challenged with MTB antigens alone. This study therefore evaluated the levels of ADA2 mRNA expression, using monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) stimulated with MTB antigens. Methods: Purified monocytes from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers were differentiated into macrophages using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). The MDMs were stimulated with early secretory antigenic target protein 6 (ESAT6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP10). The mRNA expression levels for the cat eye syndrome chromosome region, candidate 1 (CECR1) gene encoding ADA2 were then measured. Results: CECR1 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in MDMs stimulated with ESAT6 and CFP10, than in the unstimulated MDMs. When stimulated with ESAT6, M-CSF-treated MDMs showed more pronounced CECR1 mRNA expression than GM-CSF-treated MDMs. Interferon-${\gamma}$ decreased the ESAT6- and CFP10-induced CECR1 mRNA expression in MDMs. CECR1 mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ and interleukin 10, respectively. Conclusion: ADA2 mRNA expression increased when MDMs were stimulated with MTB antigens alone. This partly indicates that pleural fluid ADA levels could increase in patients with culture-negative TPE. Our results may be helpful in improving the understanding of TPE pathogenesis.