• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.517-522
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate food allergens and prevalence rates of food allergies, followed by comparison of consumer attitudes and preferences regarding food allergy labeling by diagnosis of food allergies. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 543 individuals living in Seoul and Gyeonggi area participated in the survey from October 15 to 22 in 2013. RESULTS: The results show that the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed food allergies was 17.5%, whereas 6.4% of respondents self-reported food allergies. The most common allergens of doctor-diagnosed and self-reported food allergy respondents were peaches (30.3%) and eggs (33.3%), respectively, followed by peanuts, cow's milk, and crab. Regarding consumer attitudes toward food labeling, checking food allergens as an item was only significantly different between allergic and non-allergic respondents among all five items (P < 0.001). All respondents reported that all six items (bold font, font color, box frame, warning statement, front label, and addition of potential allergens) were necessary for an improved food allergen labeling system. PLSR analysis determined that the doctor-diagnosed group and checking of food allergens were positively correlated, whereas the non-allergy group was more concerned with checking product brands. CONCLUSIONS: An effective food labeling system is very important for health protection of allergic consumers. Additionally, government agencies must develop policies regarding prevalence of food allergies in Korea. Based on this information, the food industry and government agencies should provide clear and accurate food labeling practices for consumers.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2019

Scombroid fish poisoning (SFP) is a form of histamine food poisoning caused by the ingestion of improperly stored fish. The term "scombroid" derives from the family name of the fish family first implicated, such as tuna and mackerel. On the other hand, non-scombroid fish species, such as sardine and herring, can also cause histamine poisoning. The histamine is converted from histidine by a bacterial enzyme in the causative fish. Because the symptoms of SFP can easily be confused with food allergies, it is believed to have been significantly under-reported. In 2016, an outbreak of SFP occurred among primary school students who had eaten yellowtail steak in Korea. The most common findings consisted of a rapid onset of flushing of the face and trunk, erythematous and urticarial rash, diarrhea, and headache occurring soon after consuming the spoiled fish. Usually, the course is self-limiting and antihistamines can be used successfully to relieve symptoms, but several life-threatening SFP cases have been reported. Clinical toxicologists should be familiar with SFP and have competency to make a differential diagnosis between fish allergy and histamine poisoning. SFP is a histamine-induced reaction caused by the ingestion of histamine-contaminated fish, whereas a fish allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of SFP.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.151-161
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• 2014

As concerns have been raised about the increasing number of children with food allergies, the management of food allergies through the consideration of school meals is an emerging issue. This study investigated the perception and practices regarding food allergy of elementary and middle school nutrition teachers in the Jeonnam area. A total of 236 nutritionists/nutrition teachers participated in the survey and completed questionnaires. The foods most reported to cause allergic reactions were peach, eggs, peanuts, shrimps, mackerel, and milk. Participants reported that the major tasks to be completed for management of food allergies: the estimated number of students with food allergies, the offering of allergy-free or alternative foods and informing families of foods that may cause an allergic reaction. A majority of the participants (94%) recognized that the nutrition teacher has the primary role in managing students with food allergies in school. To manage these students, nutrition teachers mostly reported informing of allergic foods/ingredients in the school menu and the estimation of students with food allergy. The percentage of participants who experienced education programs on food allergies was 16.9%, whereas 97% of participants answered that a good professional education regarding allergies for nutrition teachers is required. The knowledge level evaluated with objective questions was significantly higher than the self-estimated knowledge level. In conclusion, nutrition teachers understood the tasks regarding food allergy thoroughly and that, the tasks are relatively under-practiced. To improve the management of food allergies in school meals, professional education programs regarding food allergies should be provided for nutrition teachers.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.41-58
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• 2023

Objectives: This retrospective observational study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Cheongpebaedok-tang, a traditional Korean herbal medicine, provided via telemedicine to patients with asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 in Korea. Methods: From February to April 2020, a retrospective analysis investigated COVID-19 patients treated via Korean telemedicine. The study involved asymptomatic to mild cases receiving Cheongpebaedok-tang more than three times, along with continuous Korean medicine care in convalescence. Diagnoses and treatment adhered to the telemedicine guidelines of the Association of Korean Medicine, with varied Cheongpebaedok-tang prescriptions based on symptom severity. Symptom evaluation involved a detailed assessment using a 15-item tool at initial and final sessions. Results: The study included 27 patients, with a mean age of 48.7 ± 2.3 years (mean ± standard error). Patients began self-administering oral Cheongpebaedok-tang for an average of 19.4 ± 1.8 days after the date of COVID-19 diagnosis confirmation and continued the medication for 15.8 ± 1.2 days. The reported side effects of the Cheongpebaedok-tang included palpitations (11.1%), insomnia (7.4%), dizziness (3.7%), and diarrhea (3.7%). All side effects disappeared after adjusting the prescription according to standard treatment guidelines. The occurrence of all COVID-19-related adverse symptoms, except fatigue and myalgia, decreased. Fatigue was the most common chronic symptom persisting after 6 months (51.9%), followed by ocular symptoms (37.0%) and sore throat (22.2%). Conclusions: This study implies Cheongpebaedok-tang may offer a potentially safe, symptom-alleviating approach for managing mild COVID-19 cases via telemedicine, although further comprehensive research is warranted.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.101-108
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of the mother-medical staff partnership on mothers' condition management ability for children with chronic allergic diseases. Methods: A total of 109 Korean mothers caring for a child with a chronic allergic diseases, identified according to the allergic march, such as food allergy, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic asthma, were recruited from the pediatric department of a general hospital in Seoul through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured self-reported questionnaires from August 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017. and analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple regression using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The Mother-medical staff partnership had a statistically significant effect on mothers' condition management ability for children with chronic allergic diseases (p<.05). Among the general characteristics, satisfaction with nursing services had a statistically significant effect on mothers' condition management ability (p<.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, strategies to support children with chronic allergic diseases, as well as their caregivers, should consider the mother-medical staff partnership as part of a family-centered approach.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aims to provide information regarding the status and quality of mobile applications (MAs) using self-acupressure by performing a systematic review. Methods : We conducted comprehensive searching on five international databases and two app markets from inception to July 31, 2022 to identify MAs using self-acupressure. We analyzed the characteristics of each MA regarding the name of the MA, registered app markets, target symptoms, developers, the year and country of development, cost, target age, media function, and expertise. We assessed the quality of each MA using Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Results : We identified a total of 30 MAs using self-acupressure (25 MAs from the app market and 6 MAs from clinical studies, with 1 MA in common). 17 out of 24 MAs from the app market provided self-acupressure regimens for various symptoms and the others provided regimens for specific symptoms such as memory, anxiety, depression, asthma, allergy, low back pain, and headache. 14 developers were reported. 23 MAs were developed after 2013. The largest number of MAs were developed in the United States. The target age group of 12 MAs was above the age of 3, and that of 11 MAs was above the age of 12. 14 MAs provided multimedia functions such as videos. 13 MAs provided information of expertise. From clinical studies, only 3 out of 6 MAs were accessible through the app market. 4 MAs were developed by the researchers of the study. In terms of MARS, the score of MAs from the app market was higher than that of MAs from clinical studies in both objective and subjective evaluation areas. Conclusions : This study summarizes the characteristics of MAs using self-acupressure. More MAs using self-acupressure should be developed and further clinical research for MA on each symptom and disease is warranted for the diversification of MA fields using self-acupressure.

• 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 Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.963-975
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to call attention to the mental, physical and occupational hazards of the anticancer-drug-handling nurses by examining the possible urinary mutagenicity and measuring physical symptoms and stress level of the nurses exposed to anticancer drugs. The experimental group of the urinary mutagenicity assay was 14 nurses handling anticancer drugs at the medical wards of a hospital located in J city ; the control group was 12 psychiatric nurses of the same hospital. The test material was the nurses' 24hrs urine, which was concentrated by XAD-2 column chromatography. Tester strains were TA98(±S9 mix), TA100(±S9 mix), TA1535(±S9 mix) and TA1537(±S9 mix) ; Salmonella mammalian-microsomal test(Ames test) was employed for the urinary mutagenicity assay. The physical symptoms of which the nurses experienced were investigated through self-reports on open-questionnaires. The stress levels of the experimental group were measured by a stress measuring instrument developed by this author. Reliability of this instrument was found to be adequate (Cronbach's Alpha=0.9079). To ascertain the urinary mutagenicity of the experimental group, the mean and the standard deviation of the colonies of Tester strains appearing on the minimal plates were taken and compared differences between two groups. T-test was employed for the significance test of two groups. The physical symptoms were compared between the two groups through the analysis of the nurse' self-reports. The mean and standard deviation of the stress levels of the experimental group were also calculated and were examined through t-test. The results were summarized as follows : 1. The experimental group revealed significantly higher urinary mutagenicity both in the activation method test and the non-activation method test of the tester strains TA98, TA100 and TA1535. In the case of TA1537, two groups showed no difference in the non-activation method test, but the activation method revealed difference. 2. The physical symptoms were also much more frequently reported in the experimental group. 79.3% of the experimental group reported more than 1 kind of physical symptoms. On the other hand, 33.2% of the control group complained of 1 kind of physical symptom. The items with high symptom frequency were 'headache', 'itching sensation', 'corneal congestion', 'skin allergy' 3. The mean score of stress in the experimental group was 2.41(range 1-4). The experimental group showed the stress level above 2.0 in the 14 of 15 items in all. The highest stress level were recorded in the following items in the order quoted, 'I fear that anticancer drug may touch any part of body while handling it.', 'I feel concerned there is no protective countermeasure against anticancer drug handling.', 'I am afraid the anticancer drug handling may produce a fetal loss in the future'.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.559-568
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the prevalence of food allergies and allergenic factors in a selected sample of children living in Seoul, Korea, along with their dietary habits, environmental factors, and diseases as risk factors for food allergy. The results of this study will provide basic data for addressing food allergies. Methods: We selected 3,004 pre-school and school-age children, aged 0 ~ 12, in the 25 districts of Seoul as the study sample. Structured self-report questionnaires were administered over a two-month period in July-August 2018, and the children's parents recorded the answers on their children's behalf. The research tools in this study included the Korean version of the questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Results: The physician-diagnosed prevalence rate of food allergies was 14.2%, while 20.4% of the children experienced allergic symptoms at least once and 17.4% reported symptoms within the previous 12 months. The children's symptoms included skin problems (88.1%), gastrointestinal issues (19.2%), oral issues (16.7%), respiratory issues (12.7%), and systemic issues (1.3%). The causes of allergies included eggs, peaches, milk, peanuts, and shrimps. The factors influencing the experience of food allergies were the consumption of cereal (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.09 ~ 2.10; p = 0.013), potatoes (aOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.33 ~ 2.65; p < 0.001), and fast food (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.10 ~ 2.72; p = 0.017). Having food allergy symptoms was associated with a higher risk of experiencing asthma (aOR, 4.22 95% CI, 3.10 ~ 5.76; p < 0.001), allergic rhinitis (aOR, 2.53; 95% CI, 2.03 ~ 3.15; p < 0.001), and atopic dermatitis symptoms (aOR, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.88 ~ 4.40; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Episodes of food allergies warrant examining regular food consumption and placing dietary restrictions through early diagnosis as these episodes may imply the presence of other allergies. Our findings offer basic insights into the patterns, prevalence and symptoms of children's food allergies in Seoul, and our findings will contribute to identifying effective interventions for food allergies.