• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.334-348
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• 2017

Objectives: We investigated the impacts of indoor plants on indoor air quality and occupational health, focusing on allergic rhinconjunctivitis and stress among employees in new office buildings. Methods: A total of 34 employees working at new public office buildings were enrolled as subjects (n=17, with indoor plants) and as a control (n=17) group. Before and after introducing indoor plants for three months, indoor air quality measurements including VOCs and aldehydes and questionnaires on sick building syndrome, AR symptoms (ARIA based), stress (DASS 42, KOSS, and SACL), and indoor characteristics were performed and statistically analysed. Results: Among the 34 enrolled subjects, 19 were included in the probable AR subject group (subjects with indoor plants, n=8, control n=11) and completed all questionnaires. Statistical analyses were done for total, AR subject groups, and controls. As a result, it was confirmed that major indoor air pollutants decreased after the introduction of indoor plants (p<0.5). Among major symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, watery rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness, and nasal itching indexes decreased (p<0.5, respectively). A decrease was noted in some areas of work-related stress indexes (mainly KOSS) among the subject group (total and AR) and a decrease of indoor environmental attractiveness among the control group (total and AR) (p<0.5, for all). Conclusions: Indoor plants may help reduce indoor air pollutants and decrease AR symptoms and work-related stress of employees in newly built office buildings. Various further follow-up studies on the mechanism of environmental, physical, and emotional influences and utilization of indoor plants in association with allergic diseases will be needed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.149-154
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• 2016

Although an association of Kawasaki disease (KD) with infectious agents has been suggested, none have been proven to cause KD. In this case study, we present a case of KD with concurrent onset of influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections. A 27-month-old boy presented with prolonged fever, cough, and rhinorrhea. During the initial testing, influenza A infection was identified, and he was treated with oseltamivir. Despite the antiviral therapy, the fever persisted, and he had cervical lymph node enlargement, bilateral conjunctival injection, fissured red lips, strawberry tongue, and erythematous skin lesions on the Bacillus Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$ vaccination site. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with KD and was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The result of the initial antimycoplasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody testing and was positive, and an increased IgM titer from baseline was found in a repeat test. We reviewed the hypotheses on pathogens known to be associated with KD and the etiology of KD. Based on our findings, we suspect that symptoms of KD and coronary artery lesions can occur from various infections besides those caused by Mycoplasma species and influenza viruses.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the etiology of acute pharygotonsillitis in pediatric patients. Methods: Pharyngeal swabs from patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis were evaluated for viruses and bacterial organisms from March 2010 through March 2011. Results: Of 615 patients, potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated in 40 (6.5%), viruses were isolated in 310 (50.4%), and no pathogens were isolated in 267 patients (43.4%). Both viral and bacterial pathogens were found in 2 (0.3%). Of 40 patients with bacterial pathogens, group A streptococci were found in 31 (77.5%). Among 310 patients with virus infection, adenovirus was the most frequently recovered (203 patients; 65.5%), followed by rhinovirus (65 patients; 21.0%), enterovirus (43 patients; 13.9%) and coronavirus (18 patients; 5.8%). There were 25 patients who had been coinfected with 2 viruses. In viral pharyngotonsillitis, cough, rhinorrhea, conjunctivitis and diarrhea were prominent. On the other hand, pharyngeal injection and pharyngeal petechiae were prominent in bacterial pharyngotonsillitis. Conclusions: Virus infection was a big part of acute pharyngotonsillitis and there were differences in clinical manifestations among viral and bacterial infections. Therefore, we need to distinguish between virus infection and bacterial infection using clinical signs for preventing the abuse of antibiotics.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.637-642
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• 2016

Objective : Although many treatment modalities have been introduced for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), the long-term clinical results remain unsatisfactory. It has been particularly challenging to determine an appropriate treatment strategy for patients who have responded poorly to initial therapies. We analyzed the surgical outcomes in TN patients who failed prior treatments. Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of 37 patients with recurrent or persistent TN symptoms who underwent surgery at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. Patients with follow-up data of at least one year were included. The prior treatment modalities of the 37 patients included microvascular decompression (MVD), gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS), and percutaneous procedures such as radiofrequency rhizotomy (RFR), balloon compression, and glycerol rhizotomy (GR). The mean follow-up period was 69.9 months (range : 16-173). The mean interval between the prior treatment and second surgery was 26 months (range : 7-123). We evaluated the surgical outcomes using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity scale. Results : Among the 37 recurrent or persistent TN patients, 22 underwent MVD with partial sensory rhizotomy (PSR), 8 received MVD alone, and 7 had PSR alone. Monitoring of the surgical treatment outcomes via the BNI pain intensity scale revealed 8 (21.6%) patients with a score of I, 13 (35.1%) scoring II, 13 (35.1%) scoring III, and 3 (8.2%) scoring IV at the end of the follow-up period. Overall, 91.8% of patients had good surgical outcomes. With regard to postoperative complications, 1 patient had transient cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (2.7%), another had a subdural hematoma (2.7%), and facial sensory changes were noted in 8 (21.1%) patients after surgery. Conclusion : Surgical interventions, such as MVD and PSR, are safe and very effective treatment modalities in TN patients who failed initial or prior treatments. We presume that the combination of MVD with PSR enabled us to obtain good short- and long-term surgical outcomes. Therefore, aggressive surgical treatment should be considered in patients with recurrent TN despite failure of various treatment modalities.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.87-94
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• 2003

Purpose : Respiratory viruses are one of the most infectious agent in human. Acute lower respiratory tract infection(ALRTIs) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children. This study is performed to investigate the etiologic organism, age and sex distribution, clinical manifestations and seasonal occurrence of ALRTIs in children. Methods : Viral agent was evaluated with nasopharyngeal aspirates, rhinorrhea and saliva collected from 568 patients. We confirmed viral agents in 54 patients who were younger than 15 year old. They had visited Maryknoll Hospital, Busan in Korea from January, 2002 to December, 2002 for ALRTIs. Results : The viral pathogens identified were Influenza A virus(59.3%), Enterovirus(33.3%), Adenovirus(5.6%), and Influenza B virus(1.9%). Parainfluenza virus and Respiratory syncytial virus were not detected. The occurrence of acute lower respiratory infections was high between 3 & 6 years old. The clinical patterns include pneumonia(51.9%), bronchitis(31.5%), croup(9.3%), bronchiolitis(7.4%). The respiratory viral agents had their characteristic seasonal patterns. Conclusion : Influenza A virus was the most common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in Busan area during the 2002. ALRTIs had high occurrence between 3 to 6 years old. And the most common clinical patterns were pneumonia and bronchitis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.89-97
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• 2013

Purpose: This retrospective study was performed to identify the clinical characteristics of influenza B infection and compare to influenza A infection. Methods: Medical records of patients diagnosed with influenza using a multiplex PCR test, admitted to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, during the 2011-2012 influenza season were analyzed. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of influenza B patients were investigated and compared with those of influenza A patients. Results: A total of 145 influenza patients were enrolled during this study period. Among these, 66 and 78 patients were diagnosed with influenza A and B, respectively, and 1 patient was diagnosed with co-existing influenza A and B. Cough (88.2%), rhinorrhea (77.1%) and sputum (60.4%) were the most common symptoms among these influenza patients, and most were diagnosed with upper respiratory infection (31.9%) or lower respiratory infection (49.3%). In comparison to influenza A patients, influenza B patients were older ($4.7{\pm}4.1$ years vs. $3.3{\pm}2.5$ years, P=0.016), and the number of fever days before hospitalization were longer (3.0 days vs. 2.5 days, P=0.043). While sore throat (10.3% vs. 1.5%, P=0.039) and vomiting (20.5% vs. 6.1%, P=0.012) were more common in influenza B patients than in influenza A patients, other clinical and laboratory characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: No significant differences in clinical and laboratory perspectives were manifested in influenza A and B infections. Preventive measures should be emphasized over treatment in influenza B due to prolonged fever duration before admission.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.340-350
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• 2011

1. Objectives: This clinical study was conducted to understand the differences between Sasang constitutional types and to identify the physical symptoms presentation specific to each Sasang constitutional type. 2. Methods: In this descriptive study, 2,629 subjects (1,061 Taeeum-type, 683 Soeum-type, 885 Soyang-type) were surveyed between Nov 1, 2007 and Jul 31, 2010. The subjective symptoms experienced by the subjects were collected using a Physical Symptoms questionnaire, and the subjects were interviewed by Sasang specialists who determined the subjects' constitutional type. The data (in crude number and percentage) was analyzed on the general characteristics, Sasang constitutional type, and physical symptoms using the SPSS 17.0 software. The symptomatic presentation in men and women were analyzed on Sasang constitutional distribution using the chi-square test. 3. Results: 1) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type were as follows: 'frequent aphthous lesions in the oral cavity', 'lingering fatigue after sleep', 'headache', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', and 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; 'physical deterioration presenting as problems in perspiration' and 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type; and 'excessive forgetfulness' in the Soyang type. 2) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type in men were as follows: 'Unilateral or bilateral headaches, 'frequent aphthous lesions in the oral cavity', 'common cold symptoms presenting as rhinorrhea or nasal congestion', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', and 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; and 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type. 3) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type in women were as follows: 'common cold symptoms presenting as headaches', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; and 'pain in knees', 'redness of eyes', 'dryness of mouth', 'common cold symptoms presenting as coughing', 'physical deterioration presenting as problems in perspiration', 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type. 4. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that physical symptoms present in constitutional type-specific patterns. Understanding of the personal Sasang constitutional type and systematic, personalized healthcare based on constitutional typology is anticipated to contribute to improved health management strategy.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.211-226
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to establish literatural evidence about traditional Korean medical physiotherapy through literatural review. Methods : Applicable paragraphs which were related to the traditional Korean medical physiotherapy were phrased from in "Hwang-je-nae-gyung(黃帝內經)", "Yumun-sa-chin(儒門事親)", "Geum-guei-yo-ryack(金匱要略)", "Eui-hack-ip-mun(醫學入門)", "Gyung-ack-jeon-seo(景岳全書)", "Eui-hack-gang-mock(醫學綱目)", "Dong-eui-bo-gam(東醫寶鑑)" where were archiving of Oriental or Korean medicine literatures. Searched paragraphs were analysed for establishing historical and theoretical bases of Korean medical physiotherapy. Results : 1. Theromtherapy is originated from yu(熨), hot hand, warm, water bath, warm earth, fumigation, lamp, torchlight and brazier. Matching indications are various musculoskeletal pain and diseases, skin diseases such as chronic inflammation, frostbite, gynecological and urogenital diseases such as uterine myoma, lower abdominal pain, metrorrhagia, breast diseases, digestive tract diseases such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache and also it treats cardiovascular disease. Other matching indications are sunstroke, rhinorrhea, psycosis and anal pain. And it used helping acupuncture therapy. 2. Cryotherapy is originated from lengfu(冷敷), lengtie(冷貼), cold stone and cold water. Matching indications are various fever disease, skin diseases such as acute inflammation, wound, fever skin disease, otorhinolaryngological diseases such as acute sore throat, otitis, stomatitis, nasal bleeding and contusions, abrasions, burn and dysuria. In addition, it treats extremity coldness, chillness, stomachache caused to accumulate fever. 3. Physiotherapy by circulating meridian system is originated from manipulation such as pushing, massage and beating to therapy point. Matching indications are musculoskeletal diseases such as various muscular pain, heavy sensation, convulsion, urogenital diseases such as dysuria, lower abdomen pain, digestive tract diseases such as stomachache, and paralysis due to blocked meridian system. And other matching indications are psycosis, leprosy, hypoesthesia, acute stroke. In addition it helps other therapy methods. In addition, the power of manipulation classify to strengthen and reduce. 4. Physiotherapy by balancing meridian system is originated from sunshine, magnet, horn, bamboo and tube. Sunshine helps improving self's care and cure inflammatory skin disease. Magnet's matching indications are paralysis, various injuries, abscess, fever and eye disease. Cupping therapy treats to skin diseases and internal diseases such as tuberculosis. Conclusions : Traditional Korean medical physiotherapy was widely used in traditional Korean medicine since ancient time based on the traditional Korean medical principle and anatomical knowledge. With modern physiotherapy and traditional Korean medicine together, effects of treatment are enhanced. And traditional Korean medical physiotherapy is appropriated to world physiotherapy's expectation.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.148-157
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis between urban areas in the adjacent areas to a steel industrial complex and rural areas and the impact of pollutants in the industrialized city on allergic rhinitis. Methods: From July 28 to August 9 of 2008, 1,043 residents of urban and rural areas in a local community had enrolled in health screening and questionnaire survey. One thousand thirty-three patients also underwent a skin prick test. Prevalence rates of allergic rhinitis were calculated according to residential areas, and the used statistical analysis were Fisher's exact test and chi-square test. Results: In a survey, the fraction of adults, who complained of sneezing, nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, during a recent 1 year period, showed the significant difference between urban (30.5%) and rural areas (22.4%). The fractions of positive skin prick tests were not different between two areas in each age group. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 8.4% in urban areas and 6.9% in rural areas. Considering the age groups, the adults group only showed the significantly higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis in urban areas (8.2% vs. 3.7%). Conclusions: Unlike the children and adolescents groups, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adults group was higher in the industrialized urban areas.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.26-36
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• 2005

Objectives: Maier symptoms of allergic rhinitis are nasal obstructions, sneezing and watery rhinorrhea. When exposed to certain allergens, the IgE covered mast cells degranulate and release inflammatory mediators and cytokines which result in a local inflammatory reaction. In many recent studies, molecular biological methods have been used to investigate the role of cytokines in pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets of allergic rhinitis. This experimental study was done to reveal the effects of the Bojungikgi-tang on the allergic rhinitis. We have studied effect of mice on OVA-induced production of IL-4, IL-5, $INF-{\gamma}$ by murine splenocytes and effect of OVA-induced Total IgE and OVA-specific IgE Meterial and Metheds: 21 BALB/c rats were divided into three groups: normal group, control group, experimental group. To induce the allergic rhinitis in control group and experimental group, rats were sentitized intraperitioneally with 0.1% ovalbumin solution 3 times at intervals of 2 weeks. Then intranasal sensitization was performed by diffusing 0.1% ovalbumin solution 3 times at intervals of 2 days for a week. After that time, rats in experimental group were oral administration treated by the Bojuogikgi-tang fer 28 days. We observed changes of IL-4, IL-5, $INF-{\gamma}$, Total IgE and OVA-specific IgE. We used independent-test statistically. Results: 1. In IL-4 study, Bojungikgi-tang treated group didn't show significant differences. 2. In IL-5 study, Bojungikgi-tang treated group shows significant differences. 3. In $INF-{\gamma}$ study, Bojungikgi-tang treated group shows significant differences. 4. In Total IgE, Bojungikgi-tang treated group shows significant differences. 5. In OVA-specific IgE, Bojungikgi-tang treated group didn't show significant differences. According to this result, Bojungikgi-tang was concluded to be effective on lowering the total IgE. Through this. Bojungikgi tang seems to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. More studies are required to know exact mechanism of Bojungikgi tang to show the anti allergenic effect.