• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.362-369
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• 2019

Background: Chronic nonspecific symptoms attributed to indoor nonindustrial work environments are common and may cause disability, but the medical nature of this disability is unclear. The aim was to medically characterize the disability manifested by chronic, recurrent symptoms and restrictions to work participation attributed to low-level indoor pollutants at workplace and whether the condition shares features with idiopathic environmental intolerance. Methods: We investigated 12 patients with indoor aire-related work disability. The examinations included somatic, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations as well as investigations of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol measurements, lung function, and allergy tests. We evaluated well-being, health, disability, insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, and burnout via questionnaires. Results: The mean symptom history was 10.5 years; for disabling symptoms, 2.7 years. Eleven patients reported reactions triggered mainly by indoor molds, one by fragrances only. Ten reported sensitivity to odorous chemicals, and three, electric devices. Nearly all had co-occurrent somatic and psychiatric diagnoses and signs of pain, insomnia, burnout, and/or elevated sympathetic responses. Avoiding certain environments had led to restrictions in several life areas. On self-assessment scales, disability showed higher severity and anxiety showed lower severity than in physician assessments. Conclusion: No medical cause was found to explain the disability. Findings support that the condition is a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance and belongs to functional somatic syndromes. Instead of endless avoidance, rehabilitation approaches of functional somatic syndromes are applicable.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 2011

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with cutaneous hyper-reactivity to environmental triggers. In order to develop effective therapeutic herbal extracts for atopic dermatitis, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities were investigated for various herbal extracts. Among candidate extracts, we selected Aloe vera L. (AV), Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM), Punica granatum L. (PG), Dendrobium nobile L. (DN) and mixture of the above extracts (MX) for further investigations. All of them did not show cytotoxic activities to macrophage RAW264.7 cells below the concentration of 100 ppm. All showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, although to various extents. In antioxidant effects, AV showed the highest effect, followed by PG and VM, while DN did the lowest. In evaluation for anti-inflammatory activities in macrophage RAW264.7 cells, AV and DN inhibited almost completely the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, while AV, DN and VM showed strong inhibitory activities on the LPS-induced production of TNF-${\alpha}$. In anti-allergy effect in mast cell HMC-1, DN showed the highest effect, followed by AV and PG, while VM did the lowest. In the topical allergy reaction induced by compound 48/80 in Sprague-Dawley rat, DN exhibited significant anti-allergic effect, while PG, VM and AV did slight effect. These results suggest that AV, VM, PG and DN have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, and thus have the potential to reduce and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.224-229
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• 2011

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in school-age children has increased in industrialized countries. As diet is one of the main factors provoking AD, some studies have suggested that food additives in processed foods could function as pseudoallergens, which comprise the non-immunoglobulin E-mediated reaction. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is an eosinophil granule protein released during allergic reactions to food allergens in patients with AD. Thus, serum ECP levels may be a useful indicator of ongoing inflammatory processes in patients with AD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of consuming MSG in processed foods on serum ECP levels among children with AD. This study was performed with 13 patients with AD (age, 7-11 years) who had a normal range of total IgE levels (< 300 IU/ml). All participants ate normal diets during the first week. Then, six patients were allocated to a processed food-restricted group (PRDG) and seven patients were in a general diet group (GDG). During the second week, children in the PRDG and their parents were asked to avoid eating all processed foods. On the third week, children in the PRDG were allowed all foods, as were the children in the GDG throughout the 3-week period. The subjects were asked to complete a dietary record during the trial period. Children with AD who received the dietary restriction showed decreased consumption of MSG and decreased serum ECP levels and an improved SCORing score on the atopic dermatitis index (P < 0.05). No differences in serum ECP levels or MSG consumption were observed in the GDG. Serum total IgE levels were not changed in either group. In conclusion, a reduction in MSG intake by restricting processed food consumption may lead to a decrease in serum ECP levels in children with AD and improve AD symptoms.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.949-956
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• 1998

Salicylate from plant foods and histamine from animal foods have been suggested to cause various food allergic symptoms. Salicylate regarded as one of the inducing agents f3r chronic urticaria and asthma in allergic patients was studied. There is much interest about the effects of salicylate in food allergy. It it recently suggested that the intake of salicylate from foods may have contributed to chronic urticaria and asthma. The purpose of this study is to analyze the salicylate content in various foods. 153 ingredients commonly used in Korean foods were analyzed by HPLC. Among the vegetables, chard(8.22$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), soybean sprout(5.13$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), perilla lean3.03$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), Chinese cabbage(2.25$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), carrot(2.16$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), and squash(1.33$\mu\textrm{g}$/g) con-rained higher amounts of salicylate as compared to other vegetables. Among fruits, oranges(5.13$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), grapefruits(2.90$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), and plums(1.65$\mu\textrm{g}$/g) contained the most. In animal foods, almost no salicylate was found except in chocolate milk(0.32$\mu\textrm{g}$/g). It was also found in black pepper(8.2$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), coffee(can)(5.00$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), mustard(4.16$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), curry powder(3.24$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), kochujang(2.37$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), cream powder(1.19$\mu\textrm{g}$/g), brown rice(1.04$\mu\textrm{g}$/g) and sesame oil(1.00$\mu\textrm{g}$/g). All information found in this study can be used as nutritional education materials in potentially allergic people for a prudent diet plan and can also provide proper dietary guidelines for these allergic patients. (Korean J Nutrition 31(5) 949-956, 1998)

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.75 no.6
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• pp.260-263
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• 2013

Invasive aspergillosis has emerged as a major cause of life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Recently, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who have been receiving corticosteroids for a long period, and immunocompetent patients in the intensive care unit have been identified as nontraditional hosts at risk for invasive aspergillosis. Here, we report a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after influenza in an immunocompetent patient. The patient's symptoms were nonspecific, and the patient was unresponsive to treatments for pulmonary bacterial infection. Bronchoscopy revealed mucosa hyperemia, and wide, raised and cream-colored plaques throughout the trachea and both the main bronchi. Histologic examination revealed aspergillosis. The patient recovered quickly when treated systemically with voriconazole, although the reported mortality rates for aspergillosis are extremely high. This study showed that invasive aspergillosis should be considered in immunocompetent patients who are unresponsive to antibiotic treatments; further, early extensive use of all available diagnostic tools, especially bronchoscopy, is mandatory.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.601-609
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• 2019

Bifidobacterium longum KACC 91563 secretes family 5 extracellular solute-binding protein via extracellular vesicle. In our previous work, it was demonstrated that the protein effectively alleviated food allergy symptoms via mast cell specific apoptosis, and it has revealed a therapeutic potential of this protein in allergy treatment. In the present study, we cloned the gene encoding extracellular solute-binding protein of the strain into the histidine-tagged pET-28a(+) vector and transformed the resulting plasmid into the Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). The histidine-tagged extracellular solute-binding protein expressed in the transformed cells was purified using Ni-NTA affinity column. To enhance the efficiency of the protein purification, three parameters were optimized; the host bacterial strain, the culturing and induction temperature, and the purification protocol. After the process, two liters of transformed culture produced 7.15 mg of the recombinant proteins. This is the first study describing the production of extracellular solute-binding protein of probiotic bacteria. Establishment of large-scale production strategy for the protein will further contribute to the development of functional foods and potential alternative treatments for allergies.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.316-324
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• 2021

Purpose: The use of soy-based infant formula has increased widely in infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA). This study aimed to provide evidence on the growth pattern of CMA infants fed with soy-based infant formula in an Indonesian setting. Methods: A multi-site, intervention study was conducted among full-term and normal birth weight CMA infants. Within six months, the subjects were provided with a soy-based infant formula. Weight, height, and head circumference were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Adverse events were recorded by scoring atopic dermatitis and symptom-based clinical scores. Results: Based on the World Health Organization growth chart, we found that most of subjects had normal nutritional status for weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, and head-circumference-for-age. There were statistically significant differences between baseline and end-line for weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, and head circumference-for-age nutritional status. No allergic symptoms or intolerance toward soy formula were observed at the end of the intervention period. Conclusion: These results show that infants fed with soy-based infant formula have a normal pattern of growth.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.201-212
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• 2023

Purpose: The gastrointestinal system is the most commonly affected organ, followed by the lungs, in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). Hence, it is common for children with PIDs to present with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to analyze the clinical and histopathological findings of patients who were initially admitted to pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology clinics and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs to identify the clinical clues for PIDs. Methods: The demographic, laboratory, and histopathological findings, treatment modality, and outcomes of patients initially admitted to the pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology unit and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs were recorded. Results: The study included 24 patients (58.3% male; median age [range]: 29 [0.5-204] months). Common clinical presentations included chronic diarrhea (n=8), colitis (n=6), acute hepatitis (n=4), and acute liver failure (n=2). The association of autoimmune diseases, development of malignant diseases, and severe progression of viral diseases was observed in 20.8%, 8.3%, and 16.6% of the patients, respectively. Antibody deficiency was predominantly diagnosed in 29.2% of patients, combined immunodeficiency in 20.8%, immune dysregulation in 12.5%, defects in intrinsic and innate immunity in 4.2%, autoinflammatory disorders in 8.3%, and congenital defects of phagocytes in 4.2%. Five patients remained unclassified (20.8%). Conclusion: Patients with PIDs may initially experience gastrointestinal or liver problems. It is recommended that the association of autoimmune or malignant diseases or severe progression of viral diseases provide pediatric gastroenterologists some suspicion of PIDs. After screening using basic laboratory tests, genetic analysis is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of comorbid conditions in patients exposed to ionizing radiation and those who were involved in the Soviet-Afghan war. Methods: This study analyzed the frequency and spectrum of morbidity and comorbidity in patients over a long-term period (30-35 years) following exposure to ionizing radiation at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site or the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, and among participants of the Soviet-Afghan war. A cohort study, both prospective and retrospective, was conducted on 675 patients who underwent comprehensive examinations. Results: Numerical data were analyzed using the Statistica 6 program. The results are presented as the mean±standard deviation, median, and interquartile range (25-75th percentiles). The statistical significance of between-group differences was assessed using the Student t-test and Pearson chi-square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension (55.0%) and cardiac ischemia (32.9%); these rates exceeded the average for this age group in the general population. Conclusions: The cumulative impact of causal occupational, environmental, and ultra-high stress factors in the combat zone in participants of the Soviet-Afghan war, along with common conventional factors, contributed to the formation of a specific comorbidity structure. This necessitates a rational approach to identifying early predictors of cardiovascular events and central nervous system disorders, as well as pathognomonic clinical symptoms in this patient cohort. It also underscores the importance of selecting suitable methods and strategies for implementing treatment and prevention measures.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2000

Purpose: During the first year of life, cow's milk protein is the major offender causing food allergy. Cow's milk allergy (CMA) affects 2~7% of infants, of which approximately one-half show predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms. We studied the clinical types of cow's milk allergy with predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms (CMA-GI) of childhood. Methods: The retrospective study was performed on 30 (male 22, female 8) patients who had diagnosed as CMA-GI during 2 years and 3 months from March 1995 to June 1997. Results: 1) Children with CMA-GI presented in the three types of clinical manifestation on the basis of time to reaction to milk ingestion: Quick (Q) onset (5 cases), Slow (S) onset (20 cases), Quick & Slow (Q&S) (5 cases). 2) Age on admission of the three groups was significantly different (p<0.05): (Q onset: $81.4{\pm}67.1$ days, S onset: $31.9{\pm}12.7$ days, Q&S: $366.0{\pm}65.0$ days). Although the body weight at birth was 10~95 percentile in all patients, body weight on admission was different: (Q onset: 10~50 percentile, S onset: below 10 percentile, Q&S: 10~25 percentile). S onset group was significantly different compared with other groups (p<0.05) and 90% of this one was failure to thrive below 3 percentile. 3) Peripheral leukocyte counts were as followings: (Q onset: $5,700{\sim}12,300/mm^3$, S onset: $10,000{\sim}33,400/mm^3$, Q&S: $5,200{\sim}14,900/mm^3$). Slow onset group was significantly different compared with other groups (p<0.05). Serum albumin levels on admission were as followings: (Q onset: $4.2{\pm}0.4\;g/dl$, S onset: $3.0{\pm}0.3\;g/dl$, Q&S: $4.0{\pm}0.3\;g/dl$). S onset group was significantly different compared with other groups (p<0.05) and 85% of this one was below 3.5 g/dl. 4) Although morphometrical analysis on small intestinal mucosa did not show enteropathy in Q onset and Q&S groups, all cases of S onset revealed enteropathy: 45% of this one showed subtotal villous atrophy, 55 % showed partial villous atrophy. 5) Allergic reaction test to other foods was not performed in S onset group because of ethical problem and high risk in general condition. In Q onset group, allergic reaction to one or two other foods: soy formula, weaning formula and eggs. Q&S goup revealed allergic reactions to several foods or to most of all foods except protein hydrolysate formula: eggs, potatos, some kinds of sea food, apples, carrots, beef and chicken. 6) Serum IgE level, peripheral eosinophil counts, milk RAST, soy RAST, skin test were not significantly different among groups. Conclusion: CMA-GI may present in three clinical ways on the basis of time to reaction to milk ingestion, typical clinical findings and morphologic changes in the small bowel mucosal biopsy specimens. This clinical subdivision might be helpful in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in CMA-GI. Early suspicion is mandatory especially in S onset type because of high risks with malnutrition and enteropathy.