• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.249-258
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• 2015

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the correlations between the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and cytokines among elementary school children in an industrial city, Ulsan, South Korea, and to identify major environmental risk factors associated with AR prevalence. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in June 2009 and February 2010 in order to evaluate the relationship between AR and related cytokines. Data on physician-treated prevalence over the past 12 months and potential risk factors for AR were compiled through a questionnaire from a survey of 339 schoolchildren living in different urban environments. Logistic regression analysis was carried out with propensity score matched data (n=180) to assess the influences of cytokines (IL-13, IL-33, IL-4 and IL-5) on AR prevalence and to determine which environmental factors affected AR. Results: In univariate analysis, the AR prevalence was influenced by family history of AR (mother and siblings), environmental factors (odor condition and irritated symptoms of air pollution), and indoor allergens (D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus). The t-test demonstrated that eosinophils, Immunoglobulin E (IgE), and interleukins (IL-13 and IL-5) were statistically significantly different according to treatment of allergic rhinitis over the preceeding 12 months. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a statistically significant association between several factors (such as irritated symptoms of air pollution (OR 4.075, CI 1.735-9.568), IL-13 (OR 0.825, CI 0.734-0.928), odor condition (OR 2.409, CI 0.908-6.389), and AR history of siblings (OR 2.217, CI 0.999-4.921)) and the prevalence of AR was found after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: These results suggest that AR prevalence is significantly associated with cytokine level, genetic background, and outdoor environmental factors. Although living in a polluted area and genetic background can contribute to an increased risk of childhood AR, cytokine level should be considered as an important factor in the treatment of AR in the last 12 months.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.111-115
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• 2009

In this study we analysed for peanuts in processed foods using an enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay (ELFA), and compared the results with labeled ingredients. Crude peanut protein (CPP) was immunized into rabbits to produce specific antibodies(Ab). A sandwich ELFA was established using anti-CPP Ab and Ab-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate. The cross-reactivities of the Ab toward CPP, peanuts, almonds, soybeans, and walnuts were 100, 9.8, $1.1{\times}10^{-2},\;4.4{\times}10^{-3}$, and 0%, respectively. The samples included 19 items consisting of biscuits, snacks, chocolates, and so on. The results from the sandwich ELFA showed that peanuts were contained in 7 of the processed food items, among which, 5 items were labeled as having peanuts present but 2 items were not. One of the 2 items that was peanut-detected but unlabeled was a biscuit labeled to contain almonds and assayed to contain $2.1{\times}10^{-3}%$ peanuts, which might have been due to the weak cross-reactivity of the Ab toward almonds. The other item was a snack labeled to contain soybeans and assayed to contain 0.098% peanuts, which might have been due to peanut cross-contamination during processing, since the crossreactivity of the Ab toward soybeans was very weak. These results suggest that ELFA is a good tool to detect peanuts in processed foods, and allergens in certain processed foods should be labeled correctly.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.6
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• pp.426-433
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• 2010

Background: Persistent cough has recently been found to be associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. We aimed to investigate the infection rate of C. pneumonia in adult patients with chronic cough. Methods: We recruited 68 patients with persistent cough lasting in excess of 3 weeks, who visited Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital from January 2005 to August 2005. On the first visit, chest and paranasal sinuses radiography, skin prick test of common allergens, and induced sputum samples for C. pneumoniae were performed in all of patients. Further evaluation for diagnosis included a methacholine provocation test and eosinophil counts in induced sputum. Results: The most common cause of chronic cough was upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) (26.5%), followed by eosinophilic bronchitis (20.6%) and cough variant asthma (16.2%). Idiopathic chronic cough was the cause in 33.8% of patients. The mean duration of cough was 11.7 months. C. pneumoniae was isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from one patient who had upper respiratory air way syndrome. Conclusion: Chlamydia pneumoniae appears to have a minor role as a cause of chronic cough in patients.

• 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.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.52-70
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• 2018

Objectives : Atopic dermatitis(AD) and environmental factors are closely related, but there is lack of oriental medical examination. So we compared the relationship between AD and various environmental factors in Oriental medicine and Western medicine. Methods : We described the relationship between AD and environmental factors through the latest papers and a review of the oriental medicine literature. Results : The regional diversity of AD incidence implies a close relationship between climate factors and AD, and high altitude and low pH springs also have an effect on AD. Air pollutants from industrialization and urbanization aggravate AD. The increase in indoor residence time and the increase in room temperature and humidity have also increased the sensitization to allergens such as house dust mite. In oriental medicine, wind(風) is one of the environmental factors and is an inflammatory state due to external irritation. Wind-Humidity(風濕) refers to erythematous wetting dermatitis with itching and exudation, Wind-Fever(風熱) refers to acute inflammatory reaction with erythematous papules and plague, and Blood-Weakness(血虛) refers to aggravation and chronicization of inflammation due to persistence of skin barrier impairment. Conclusions : We examined the relationship between AD and various environmental factors. We also described the oriental medical viewpoints of the environmental factors in the occurrence of AD and skin barrier impairment.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.482-489
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• 2021

Background: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). Methods: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. Results: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways. Conclusion: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.184-202
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigates the necessary educational materials from the perspective of caregivers managing food allergies of preschoolers. Methods: An online survey enrolled 400 caregivers of preschoolers with food allergies. The study was conducted in July 2022, and data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Results: The caregivers of preschoolers with food allergies showed low food allergy knowledge. The highest percentage of incorrect answers were for items related to the cause (74.2%) and response (65.2%) to food allergies. Moreover, categorizing the levels of knowledge as high, medium, and low, we found that caregivers with younger children exhibited a better understanding of food allergies. Approximately 56.9% of subjects in the high class were caregivers with preschoolers under three years, whereas caregivers with preschoolers over four years comprised 43.2% of the high-class subjects. Regarding food allergy treatment, four questions measured how well the caregivers tended to the children. With higher levels of knowledge, caregivers were more likely to read nutrient information and check for food allergens. The caregivers of preschoolers who were clinically diagnosed with food allergies demonstrated a higher percentage of using separate ingredients and cooking utensils. Conclusion: This study shows how the caregivers' knowledge levels are critical in managing and treating food allergies among preschoolers. With caregivers' lower knowledge of food allergies and preschoolers younger than four years, self-diagnosis of food allergies and existing food allergies were not managed efficiently. Hence, customized education for caregivers is essential to improve their knowledge level regarding limiting foods that may cause allergies, reading food labels, and using ingredients and cooking utensils separately.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.31-40
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• 2023

In 2022, the Korean Ministry of Environment designated Parthenium hysterophorus as an ecosystem-disturbing plant. The purpose of this study was to present a management plan for P. hysterophorus considering its distribution, morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics, and to introduce various control techniques. P. hysterophorus is native to Central America and occurs in about 45 countries worldwide. However, in Korea, it only grows in some areas of Tongyeong and Changwon, Gyeongsangnam Province. P. hysterophorus is an annual plant and spreads by seeds, moves between countries in the process of importing and/or exporting agricultural seeds, and spreads by agricultural machinery and vehicles after introduction. P. hysterophorus releases parthenin, an allelochemical that suppresses the occurrence of the surrounding vegetation, from its stems and roots. In addition, P. hysterophorus causes damage to humans and livestock through various allergens. P. hysterophorus can be controlled by physical methods, such as cutting its stems or pulling roots, and by treatment with non-selective herbicides, such as glyphosate. Many biological control research studies have been conducted and, unfortunately, there is no a practical solution so far.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 1992

Background:Sulfiting agents are widely used as preservatives and antioxidants in foods, beverages and drugs including bronchodilators. There have been reports of sulfite-related reactions such as anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, abdominal discomfortness as well as bronchospasm. Several investigators reported that sulfite-sensitive asthmatic patients comprised from 3.9% to 8.2% of all asthmatic patients and its prevalence was higher in steroid-dependent group than in steroid-independent group. Subjects and Method:We performed oral provocation test with sodium bisulfite and aspirin in 17 asthmatic patients who have experienced aggravation of their symptoms after administration of drugs or foods. All of them were steroid dependent asthmatics. We observed clinical symptoms and steroid requirements from 1 to 18 months. Result:Ten of them showed severe bronchoconstriction after the ingestion of sodium bisulfite (50 to 200 mg) within 30 minutes. Concurrent aspirin intolerance was noted by oral provocation test in four cases (40%). Three of them showed positive responses on skin prick test with sulfite (10 or 100 mg/ml). Mean total eosinophil counts was $844/mm^3$ at asthmatic attack. And there was no significant responses on skin prick test and IgE-RAST to common inhalant allergens. After complete avoidance from sulfite containing foods and drugs as well as antiasthmatic medication for 1 to 18 months, nine of them (90%) could stop or reduce the steroid requirements. ConcIusion:It was suggested that severe steroid dependent and intrinsic type of asthmatic patients should be evaluated for sulfite-sensitivity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.643-647
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• 2006

Purpose : Recently, incidences of chronic cough with allergic disease have been increased. The identification of specific allergens for chronically coughing children is significant for diagnosis, proper treatment and prevention. The aim of this study was to identify significant contributors for sensitization in chronically coughing children. Methods : A total of 106 children, aged 1-6 years, visiting for chronic cough(>3 weeks), were tested for inhalant multiple allergosorbent assay(MAST), eosinophil count and total IgE. Parents completed a questionnaire on past history of atopy(infantile eczema) and bronchiolitis, family history of allergy, breastfeeding, smoking, pets and floor coverings at home. Results : Significant contributors for sensitization were : age(4-6 years), infantile eczema, positive family history of allergy and smoking by family. Conclusion : We were able to identify significant contributors for sensitization in chronically coughing children.