• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.961-977
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• 2016

Objectives: This study was designed to analyze the treatment effects of Eunhwayeongyo-tang through retrospective chart reviews. We also checked the correlation between each pair of variables of the symptoms and curative rates of patients with cough. Methods: Thirty-three patients with cough who had satisfied the selection criteria were retrospectively reviewed through their basic medical records, nasal endoscopy, and questionnaires about cough on their first and second visits. The questionnaires used were "The questionnaire on clinical symptoms of cough & sputum", Leicester Cough Questionnaire Korean Version (LCQ-K), Total Nasal Symptom Scores (TNSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and "Cold-heat patterns". The improvement rate, calculated by "The questionnaire on clinical symptoms of cough & sputum" was considered to be clinically effective if reduction of symptoms scored more than 30%. The state of nasopharyngeal mucosa was assessed to categorize the cold-heat patterns of the upper respiratory tract and for diagnosis. Results: According to this study, cough and sputum improved by $57.22{\pm}37.76%$. Most patients (76%) improved significantly after $12.18{\pm}6.59days$ of taking Eunhwayeongyo-tang. The cure rates of 26 patients among the 33 patients were judged as effective. All the mean scores of the questionnaires and the anterior nasal cavity states were significantly improved on the patients' second visits. After $18.39{\pm}15.68days$, 30 patients were completely cured and ended treatment. The nasopharyngeal mucosa states of all patients were categorized as heat patterns. Conclusions: The conditions of the patients with nasopharyngitis significantly improved after taking Eunhwayeongyo-tang. All of the patients had pharyngitis or rhinitis. The cold-heat pattern of nasopharyngeal mucosa was a significant indicator of upper respiratory inflammation diagnosis.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.317-322
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• 2006

Soybeans are well-known as allergenic foods. Koreans consume large amounts of soybean foods, such as kochujang, which have gone through the fermentation process. To lower the allergenicity of these foods, we prepared hypo allergenic kochujang with aloe extract (AK). A sensory evaluation was conducted along with a clinical evaluation that used a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) test These tests were designed to evaluate the acceptability of the fermented foods. In comparison to normal kochujang (NK), AK elicited a higher sensory test score, and the rate of positive reactions in atopic dermatitis patients during the DBPCFC test was reduced. Methods of protein extraction, protein quantitation with sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and protein identification using two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis were performed for both NK and AK to compare the functional factors. We found a reduction in the levels of high molecular proteins even though the bands of the proteins had not entirely disappeared, indicating that the boiling and fermentation process changed the soybean protein patterns. The rate of the reduction of high molecular proteins was more effective in the AK. In conclusion, AK can be recognized as a food with hypoallergenic effect.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.311-314
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• 2003

As a research on the practical approaches of gamma irradiation for the reduction of egg allergy, cakes including gamma-irradiated egg white were manufactured, and rheological characteristics and sensory qualities of the cakes were evaluated. Egg white was separated from whole egg and then gamma-irradiated with the absorbed dose of 10 or 20 kGy White layer cake, pound cake and sponge cake were made with irradiated egg white and used to the subsequent experiments. Firmness of all samples containing irradiated egg white was higher than that of control. Retrogradation of pound and sponge cakes containing irradiated egg white was delayed, and the result showed that the usage of irradiated egg white was better at the point of rheological storage ability. Effects of irradiated egg white on the sensory quality were different depending onto the properties of each product. Radiation off-odor was observed in the a11 samples containing irradiated egg white. To maintain the sensory Qualify, adequate methods such as masking effects should be developed during manufacture.

• 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 the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.1776-1782
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• 2010

This research was done to verify the effect of Ecklonia cava water extracts (ECWE) on inhibition of allergic reactions using ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized food allergy mouse model. For in vitro test, $10\sim100{\mu}g$/mL of ECWE and OVA were added to splenocytes obtained from OVA-immunized mice. The significant reduction of IgE antibody level in culture supernatants of splenocytes was shown in ECWE adding group at all tested concentrations. In addition, ECWE decreased IL-4 and IFN-$\gamma$ levels in supernatants of splenocytes. To confirm the effect of ECWE in in vivo test, ECWE was injected to peritoneal cavity of OVA-immunized mice. Subsequently, IgE level was measured in serum and cultured supernatants of splenocytes. As a result, the injection of ECWE (5 and 10 mg/kg BW) significantly attenuated the secretion of IgE antibody in both serum and splenocytes. In conclusion, the present study indicates that ECWE could suppress in a food allergy mouse model through the inhibition of IgE secretion.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.113-120
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between efficacy and various factors of the acne patients. Method : We reviewed 30 acne patients who visited Allergy/Derma-cosmetic Clinic at Kyung Hee Neo Medical Center from June, 2006 to December, 2007 and were treated with herbal medicine and acupuncture for 4 weeks. We investigated premenstrual aggravation of acne, facial burning sensation, constipation, Heart Rate Variability(HRV) results and regional distribution of acne. And we evaluated inflammatory acnes according to the Korean Acne Grading System(KAGS). Results & Conclusions : 1. The average age of total patients was 23.0 years old. The most frequent age group was 21-25 years old. Patients evaluated as KAGS Grade 2 were most common. 2. In total patients, inflammatory acne were reduced significantly after 4 weeks of treatment. 3. The result of analysis on premenstrual aggravation of acne, facial burning sensation and constipation, there weren't any difference of treatment results on statistical meaning. 4. The results show that there were significant correlations between the Low Frequency at HRV and the rate of acne reduction. (Pearson correlation = -0.565) 5. If the distribution of acne did not involve the T-zone of the face, chest, or back of the body, inflammatory acne were significantly decreased after 4 weeks of treatment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.4
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• pp.276-282
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• 2020

Background: Flexible bronchoscopy is one of the essential procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of hypoxia in adults undergoing flexible bronchoscopy under sedation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2,520 patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy under sedation at our tertiary care university hospital in South Korea January 1, 2013-December 31, 2014. Hypoxia was defined as more than 5%-point reduction in the baseline percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂) or SpO₂ <90% for >1 minute during the procedure. Results: The mean age was 64.7±13.5, and 565 patients developed hypoxia during the procedure. The mean sedation duration and midazolam dose for sedation were 31.1 minutes and 3.9 mg, respectively. The bivariate analysis showed that older age, a low forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), use of endobronchial ultrasound, the duration of sedation, and the midazolam dose were associated with the occurrence of hypoxia during the procedure, while the multivariate analysis found that age >60 (odds ratio [OR], 1.32), a low FEV₁ (OR, 0.99), and a longer duration of sedation (>40 minutes; OR, 1.33) were significant risk factors. Conclusion: The findings suggest that patients older than age 60 and those with a low FEV₁ tend to develop hypoxia during the bronchoscopy under sedation. Also, longer duration of sedation (>40 minutes) was a significant risk factor for hypoxia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5263-5272
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• 2012

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in China. Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is a routine auxiliary treatment for GC recommended by the guidelines issued in 2011 by the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China, but the relevant credible consequences in China have been insufficient because of China's late start and ethical concerns. Methods: A series of databases, including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Chinese database of the National Knowledge Infrastructure and the VIP database, were searched by 2 reviewers independently for studies investigating AC for GC through March 2012. The retrieved literature was screened according to the eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 35 randomized control trials (RCTs) were subjected to the final analysis, including 4,043 patients in treatment group and 3,884 in the control group, as well as 4 clinical-control trials (CCTs), which accessed the final analysis with 238 and 252 patients, respectively. AC reduced the risk of death as a protective treatment with statistical significance (HR=0.91, 95%CI: [0.85, 0.97], P=0.002), and it seemed more effective for Asian than non-Asian patients. The effects of AC were not influenced by the starting time (P>0.05). D2 lymphadenectomy-based chemotherapy was effective (HR=0.89, 95%CI: [0.80, 0.99], P=0.04). Oral S-1 40 mg/m2 after D2 lymphadenectomy might be a better choice for Asians with advanced GC and might result in a greater reduction of adverse events than in non-Asian patients. GRADE quality assessment determined that the strength of the evidence from foreign studies from Europe, the United States and Asian countries other than China was high, while it was moderate for Chinese studies. Conclusion: AC was effective or even curative in Chinese patients in general, although it is still necessary to optimize a targeted AC scheme for Chinese patients with GC.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1071-1077
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• 2017

A rise in the occurrence of allergic diseases is attributed to the dysregulated balance of type 1/type 2 immunity, where type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells predominate over type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells, leading to an abnormally increased production of IgE in response to unharmful antigens. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is a rich source of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we investigated the ability of Enterococcus faecium FC-K derived from kimchi to induce type I immunity in the presence of Th2 polarizing conditions in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with E. faecium FC-K induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Under the in vitro Th2 conditions in which splenic T cells were activated in the presence of IL-4, E. faecium FC-K enhanced the ability of T cells to produce interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$. Using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model, male BALB/c mice receiving E. faecium FC-K reduced the serum level of total IgE, but not that of OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, the population of activated splenic B cells during OVA immunization was decreased in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice, accounting for a reduction of total IgE in the serum. Restimulating splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice with OVA ex vivo resulted in an increased production of $IFN-{\gamma}$, with no effect on IL-4, in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice. These observations provide the evidence that E. faecium FC-K can be a beneficial probiotic strain that can modulate the Th2-mediated pathologic response.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.518-527
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• 2014

Objectives: The adverse health effects attributed to exposure to radon have been well known over the world. However, the efforts for prevention and mitigation of radon have not been taken in Korea so far. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation methods applied for various types of houses and public buildings with high level of radon. Methods: Based on the results of "National Radon Survey" performed by the National Institute of Environmental Research(NIER) in 2010-2012, we selected 30 candidate buildings consisting of 20 houses and 10 public buildings with greater than $148Bq/m^3$ of radon level. We measured the concentration of radon in 30 buildings, using E-PERMs and RAD-7 during January to March of 2013. More than five E-PERMs and one RAD-7 per house were installed for seven days. Ten houses and five public buildings were finally chosen to be mitigated after mainly considering the level of radon and the location of buildings nationwide. Three mitigation methods such as Sealing, two types of Active Ventilation(window-shaped and wall-typed ventilations), and Active Soil Depressurization(ASD) were applied, and the concentrations of radon were measured before and after mitigation, respectively. To evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation methods, reduction rates of radon were calculated and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was performed. Results: The mean concentration of 15 buildings just before radon mitigation was $297.8Bq/m^3$, and most of the buildings were located in Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Daegu areas(73.3%), and built in 1959-1998. The level of radon decreased from 48% to 90% and kept the below recommendation limit of $148Bq/m^3$ after installation of radon mitigation. Among mitigation methods applied, the reduction rate(58.7-90.4%) of radon attributed to ASD was the greatest than that of other methods, followed by Active Ventilation(48.4-78.4%) and Sealing(<22%). The effectiveness of radon reduction by window-shaped Active Ventilation(63.2-75.2%) was relatively better than that of wall-typed Active Ventilation(48.4-54.3%). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that ASD could be more effective for radon mitigation. Moreover, our findings would be background information in future for making the strategy for radon mitigation nationwide, as well as for developing Korean-version of mitigation techniques according to types of dwellings in Korea.