Hypouricemic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Aster glehni Leaves in Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemic Rats

The prevalence of gout is increasing worldwide, and control of serum uric acid level has been regarded as one of the therapeutic methods for gout. Inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity which can oxidize hypoxanthine to uric acid has been commonly proposed to decrease serum uric acid level. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the hypouricemic effect of ethanol extract of Aster glehni leaves (EAG) by in vitro and in vivo study in potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic rats. EAG possessed 132.5 ± 6.8 mg QE/g of total flavonoid and showed antioxidant activity. EAG showed in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against XO and significantly decreased serum uric acid level in PO-induced hyperuricemic rats without liver toxicity. These results show that EAG significantly attenuates hyperuricemia by inhibiting XO activity, which resulted in the decrease of serum uric acid level. Therefore, EAG might possess a potential therapeutic ability for improving gout.

Molecular and genomic features of Mycobacterium bovis strain 1595 isolated from Korean cattle

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics and to conduct a comparative genomic analysis of Mycobacterium (M.) bovis strain 1595 isolated from a native Korean cow. Molecular typing showed that M. bovis 1595 has spoligotype SB0140 with mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats typing of 4-2-5-3-2-7-5-5-4-3-4-3-4-3, representing the most common type of M. bovis in Korea. The complete genome sequence of strain 1595 was determined by single-molecule real-time technology, which showed a genome of 4351712 bp in size with a 65.64% G + C content and 4358 protein-coding genes. Comparative genomic analysis with the genomes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains revealed that all genomes are similar in size and G + C content. Phylogenetic analysis revealed all strains were within a 0.1% average nucleotide identity value, and MUMmer analysis illustrated that all genomes showed positive collinearity with strain 1595. A sequence comparison based on BLASTP analysis showed that M. bovis AF2122/97 was the strain with the greatest number of completely matched proteins to M. bovis 1595. This genome sequence analysis will serve as a valuable reference for improving understanding of the virulence and epidemiologic traits among M. bovis isolates in Korea.

A Survey of Intestinal Protozoan Infections among Gastroenteritis Patients during a 3-Year Period (2004-2006) in Gyeonggi-do (Province), South Korea

The incidence and etiology of parasite-associated gastroenteritis during 2004-2006 in Gyeonggi-do (province), South Korea was determined by means of antigen detection ELISA on 6,071 stool specimens collected from 6 general hospitals. At least 1 parasitic agent was detected in 3.4% (208/6,071) of the stool samples. Among these, Giardia lamblia was the most numerous (152 cases; 2.5%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica (25 cases; 0.4%), Cryptosporidium parvum (23 cases; 0.4%), and mixed infections (8 cases; 0.1%). Patients aged 1-5 years had the largest proportion (69.2%; 144/208) of parasite-positive stool specimens. Parasite-mediated gastroenteritis was most common from June to September. The detection rate gradually increased from 2004 to 2006. This study shows that parasite-mediated gastroenteritis may be significant among children in Korea and that parasite infection surveillance should be constantly performed.

The Characteristics of Eosinophilc Lung Diseases Cause by Toxocara Canis Larval Infestation / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis is a common cause of eosinophilia and eosinophilic lung disease in Korea. We analyzed the characteristics of eosinophilic lung disease in toxocariasis. METHOD: One hundred and forty one patients with eosinophilia caused by a toxocara larval infection were evaluated from September 1, 2001 through March 30, 2006. The plain chest x-ray, chest CT(computed tomography), and bronchoalveolar larvage(BAL) were examined. A diagnosis of toxocariasis was made by ELISA using that secretory-excretory antigen from the T. canis larvae. RESULTS: Toxocarial eosinophilic lung diseases was diagnosed in 32 out of 141 patients. Ground glass attenuation was the main feature on the CT scans in 23 out of 141 patients (71.9%). Thirteen patients (40.6%) had a random in zonal distribution on CT. Pleural effusion was observed in 9 patients (28.1%). Twenty eight patients (87.5%) complained of respiratory symptoms. Eleven patients (34.4%) had gastrointestinal symptoms and 12 patients (37.5%) had liver infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The most common findings of the chest CT in patients with toxocariasis was a randomly distributed ground grass attenuation. A toxocara infection should be considered in a differential diagnosis of patients who exhibit pulmonary infiltration with eosinophilia in Korea.

Clinical Course of Probable Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: According to the 2002 consensus report of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was classified as biopsy proven or probable IPF. Probable IPF is defined as those with distinctive features that allow for a confident diagnosis of IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) within an appropriate clinical setting. The determination of the clinical course of probable IPF, as diagnosed by the ATS/ERS criteria, was studied. METHODS: Between March 1995 and August 2002, 36 patients with probable IPF, from two tertiary referral hospitals, were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and treatment efficacy of these patients were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 65 +/- 6 years. The one and 3 year survival rates were 82.4 and 50.3%, respectively, and a median survival period of 42.0 months. The total cell count of bronchoalveolar lavage was higher in the death than the survival group (p<0.05). No survival benefits were found in the cytoxan and steroid treatment groups compared with other treatment groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the clinical course of probable IPF may be similar to that of biopsy-proven UIP. However, atypical patients must undergo an open lung biopsy for confirmation of the diagnosis.

A Study on the Sanitary Management of School Foodservice Operations in Daejeon and Chungnam / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to the evaluate sanitary management status of school foodservice in Deajeon and Chungnam and to suggest basic data for sanitary improvement. A questionnaire was used in this study as a survey method. The subjects consist of 529 dietitians that are employed in the school (primary.middle.high school) foodservice. These results may be summarized as follows : 71.0% of surveyed school foodservices managed separately place for contamination and uncontamination. 91.5% didn't maintain adequate temperature at kitchen. A holding rate of hygiene utensils is lower in Chungnam than Daejeon. The dietitian group aged 30 - 34 showed significantly higher scores than other groups in personal hygiene of employees. The dietitian group graduated from a college showed significantly lower scores than other groups in purchasing & receiving, preparation, storage, food remains & waste, kitchen utensils and equipments and personal hygiene. It was significant to serving, personal hygiene and facilities & structure by Daejeon and Chungnam. In serving, Daejeon showed significantly lower scores than Chungnam. In personal hygiene, facilities and structure, Chungnam showed significantly lower scores than Daejeon. The foodservice group (started or = 1990) in preparation.

Experience with Clinical Performance Examination using Standardized Patients at Gachon Medical School / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: This study aims to abstract the differences of scores between the clinical instructors and standardized patients (SPs) in a clinical performance examination (CPX) using SPs and to correlate the concordance between the evaluation scores and the school records. METHODS: The CPX was administered in 2003 to a total of thirty-six fifth year medical students at Gachon Medical School. The examination consisted of four cases, and four stations were duplicated, each requiring a total of 7.5 minutes per station. Evaluation of the student' s performances was conducted by both clinical instructors and SPs using a formatted checklist. Results were analysed by t-test, agreement rates, and Pearson correlation. RESULT: The mean scores given out by the clinical instructors and the SPs for the newly developed case were significantly different, while those scores for pre-existing cases were not in the old cases. The correlation coefficients between these two evaluation groups were relatively high. And agreements between the two evaluation groups were 0.37~0.72. The mean scores among clinical instructors were not significantly different, but the correlation coefficients and agreement rates were relatively high. The correlation between the evaluation scores and school records did not correlate significantly. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the CPX is a useful tool to measure the students' essential competences in areas of knowledge, skills and attitude during the subinternship stage. In conducting a successful CPX, it is crucial to reconsider the recycling of cases and the selection and training of SPs aside from the development of an objective checklist.

Detection of Pathogenic Viruses in the Atmosphere during Asian Dust Events in Incheon City / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually less than 10micrometer in size, and known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general population. There is little evidence linking Asian dust to adverse effects on the airways. In 2002, the authors found that particulate matter during Asian dust events had an effect on the symptoms and pulmonary function of patients with bronchial asthma. An aggravating factor might be that of a viral infection, but this remains unclear. Conversely, it has been speculated that African dust may carry the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease. Asian dust events are also likely to be responsible for transporting viruses, some of which are pathogenic, and common in many environments. Therefore, in this study, air samples were screened for the presence of viruses. METHODS: Air samples were collected 20 times each during Asian dust events and under non-dust conditions, for at least 6 hours per sample, using a high volume air sampler (Sibata Model HV500F), with an airflow rate of 500L/min, between April and August 2003, and between April and August 2004. The samples were then screened for the presence of targeted viruses (Influenza A, B, Hog cholera virus, and Aphthovirus) using a polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: One Asian dust event occurred between April and August 2003, and 3 between April and August 2004, with a 24 hour average PM10 level of 148.0microgram/m(3). The 24 hour average PM10 level was 57microgram/m(3). There was a significant difference in?the PM10 concentration between dusty and clear days. No viruses (Influenza virus, Aphthovirus, and Hog cholera virus) were identified in the air samples obtained during the dusty days. CONCLUSIONS: Although no virus was detected in this study, further studies will be needed to identify suspected viruses carried during Asian dust events, employing more appropriate virus detection conditions.

A Phase II Study of Weekly Paclitaxel, Cisplatin and Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Locally-Advanced Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Early Closure due to Lack of Efficacy / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: In this phase II study, the efficacy and safety of weekly paclitaxel concomitant with cisplatin and thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) was evaluated in patients with locally-advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with stage III NSCLC (without pleural effusion or cervical lymphadenopathy) received TRT (63 Gy in 35 fractions over 7 weeks) with concurrent weekly cisplatin 20 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 40 mg/m2/week infused over 3 hours. In patients without evidence of disease progression, the administration of a further 2 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy, consisting of paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2, were planned after completion of the TRT. RESULTS: Between Feb 2000 and Dec 2002, 20 patients were entered into the study; 13 completed all 7 weeks of treatment (median 7.6 weeks; range 3.3 to 9.4). Seven out of 16 (43.8%) objective responses were observed, with 15 (75%) patients experiencing at least one episode of grade 3/4 toxicity. The main toxicities were moderate to severe neutropenia and gastrointestinal toxicity. CONCLUSION: The unsatisfactory response rate and the high incidence of grade 3/4 hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities, including 7 early discontinuations of treatment and exceeding the study stopping rules, prompted the early closure of the study. In view of the activity observed, the protocol was amended to protracted continuous infusion paclitaxel, cisplatin and concurrent TRT.

Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter(PM10) on Peak Expiratory Flow and Respiratory Symptoms in Subjects with Bronchial Asthma During Yellow Sand Period / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually sized less than 10 micrometer, known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general populations. But, there has been no considerable evidence linking these particles to the adverse effects on airways. The objectives of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of Asian dust events on respiratory function and symptoms in subjects with bronchial asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From march to June 2002, Asthmatic patients who were diagnosed with bronchial challenge test or bronchodilator response were enrolled. We divided them into three groups; mild, moderate, and severe, according to the severity. Subjects with other organ insufficiency such as heart, kidney, liver, and malignancy were excluded. All patients completed twice daily diaries and recorded peak flow rate, respiratory symptom, and daily activity. Daily and hourly mean pollutant levels of particulate matter 20% (p<0.05), night time symptom(p<0.05), and a decrease in mean PEF (p<0.05), which were calculated by the longitudinal data analysis. Otherwise, there was no association between PM10 level and bronchodialtor inhaler, and daytime respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows evidence that ambient air pollution, especially PM10, during Asian dust events, could be one of the many aggravating factors at least in patients with airway diseases. This data can be used as a primary source to set up a new policy on air environmental control and to evaluate the safety of air pollution index. We also expect that this research will help identify precise components of dust, which are more linked to the adverse effects.

Lymphocyte Proportion and Cytokines from the Bone Marrow of Patients with Far-Advanced Pulmonary Tuberculosis with Peripheral Lymphocytopenia / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The poor prognostic factors of far-advanced pulmonary tuberculosis(FAPTB) are lymphocytopenia in the peripheral blood(PB)( or =65years), cachexia or a low body weight, shock, hematologic diseases, or BM involvement of tuberculosis. The distributions of cells in PB and BM were analyzed and compared to the control group. The interleukin(IL)-2, IL-7, IL-10, TNF-alpha, Interferon-gamma, and TGF-beta levels in the BM were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Thirteen patients(male : female=9:4) were included and the mean age was 42+/-12years. The proportion and count of the lymphocytes in the PB were significantly lower in the FAPTB group (7.4+/- 3.0%, 694+/-255/mm3 vs. 17.5+/-5.8%, 1,377+/-436/mm3, each p=0.0001 and 0.002). The proportion of immature lymphocyte in the BM showed a decreasing trend in the FAPTB group(9+/-4% vs. 12+/-3%, p=0.138). The IL-2(26.0+/-29.1 vs. 112.2+/-42.4pg/mL, p=0.001) and IL-10(3.4+/-4.7 vs. 12.0+/-8.0pg/mL, p=0.031) levels in the BM were significantly lower in the FAPTB group than those in control. The levels of the other cytokines in FAPTB group and control were similar. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the cause of lymphocytopenia in PB is associated with a abnormality IL-2 and IL-10 production in the BM. More study will be needed to define the mechanism of a decreased reservoir in BM.

The Therapeutic Effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / 결핵

BACKGROUND: There have been several studies showing that the angiotensin II and angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) contributes to the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and the activation of fibroblasts during the process of pulmonary fibrosis. These results suggest that the pulmonary fibrosis can be inhibited by the angiotensin II receptor antagonist(AGIIRA). This study was performed to identify the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). METHOD: Thirteen patients with IPF, who were diagnosed with an open lung biopsy(6 patients) and furfilling the ATS criteria(7 patients) between March 1999 and October 2001 at the Gachon medical center, were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, eight patients were treated with a regimen including AGIIRA(AT group), and five were treated without AGIIRA(NT group). The pulmonary function tests and dyspnea(ATS scale) were measured at diagnosis and 1 year after treatment. All the data was collected to analyze the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA on the patients with IPF. RESULTS: The AT group contained 8 patients(M:F=4:4) and the NT group contained 5 patients (M:F=3:2). There was no significant difference in the serum angiotensin II level between the two groups(202.5+/-58.5 vs 163.7+/-47.3pg/ml, p>0.05). The AT group showed an upward trend in TLC(+3%), FVC(+4%), FEV1(+3%) and DLco(+2%) compared to the NT group(TLC(-14%), FVC(-3%), FEV1(-4%) except for DLco(+5%)). The dyspnea score in the AT group improved significantly but not in the NT group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the angiotensin II receptor antagonist may have an effect on stabilizing IPF.

Toxocariasis: An Unusual Cause of Cerebral Infarction

Human toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati larvae. Human infection is usually an outcome of accidental ingestion of the embryonated eggs, and the involvement of central nervous system is rare. We report a case of cerebral infarction which was caused by toxocariasis in adult, who had headache, abdominal pain and right side weakness. He had only a history of ingestion of raw liver of deer.

Immunohistochemical study of metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -2 in the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: In the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), it has been known that imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is important factor for abnormal remodeling of lung parenchyme. This study was performed to compare the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in the normal subjects and patients with IIP. METHODS: Seventeen patients were diagnosed as IIP by open lung biopsy (male: female 7:10) and four patients as normal control were diagnosed as lung cancer and treated by lobectomy or pneumonectomy from March, 1999 to August 2001 at Gil medical center. IIP group divided into UIP (n=10) and NSIP (n=7). MMP-1 and TIMP-2 of their lung tissue were stained by immunohistochemical method and were graded 4 levels (grage 0-3) following stained status. RESULTS: MMP-1 was stained more strongly in the IIP than normal. But it had no differences between UIP and NSIP. TIMP-1 and-2 were stained more strongly in the UIP than NSIP but not stained in the normal. In the UIP, TIMP-2 was stained strongly in fibroblast foci. CONCLUSION: These results suggst that imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs may be important factor of pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis in the IIP. It is thought that major site of TIMP-2 is myofibroblast in the fibroblast foci.

The Functional and Genetic Defects of IFN-gamma Receptor in the Patients with Tuberculosis / 결핵

BACKGROUND: IFN-gamma plays an important role in the host response to a mycobacterial infection. A complete IFN-gamma receptor 1 deficiency is a life-threatening condition because it renders patients highly susceptible t o a mycobacterial infection. Several mutations in the IFN-gamma receptor and STAT1 gene have been identified in the rare mycobacterial infections. These mutations have partial function of the IFN-gamma receptor and similar pathologic features to clinical tuberculosis. METHODS: The function of the IFN-gamma receptor was evluated in the patients with clinical tuerculosis. In addition, the DNA coding sequence of the IFNgR1 and STAT1 gene was also analyzed in disseminated tuberculosis patients who might have a defective IFN-gamma receptor. RESULTS: The cell surface expression levels of HLA-DR and CD64 in the PMBC after being stimulation with IFN-gamma (100Imicro/ml, 1000Imicro/ml) were increased in both controls and patients. However, the rate of increase in both groups was similar. The production of TNF-alpha in the response to stimulation with LPS was higher in the both groups (850.7+/-687.8 vs. 836.7+/-564.3 pg/ml). Pretreatment with IFN-gamma prior to LPS stimulation resulted infurther increase in TNF-alpha production in the both groups was similar. The known mutations in the IFNgR1 and STAT1 coding sequences were not found in the genomic DNA of patients wit disseminated tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: The functional and genetic defects of the IFN-gamma receptor were not identified in clinical tuberculosis. This suggests the defective IFN-gamma receptor that predispoe patiens to a BCG or NTM infection can not alone account for the cases of clinical tuberculosis.

The Relationship of Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II and Clinical Markers in the Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia / 결핵

BACKGROUND: There have been several studies showing that angiotensin II and the angiotensin convertingenzyme (ACE) contribute to the activation of fibroblast including the pulmonary fibrosis, and apoptosis of the al veolar epithelium in idiopathic intersititial pneumonia. This study was performed to identify the relationship between the serum angiotensin II. ACE and the pulmonary function test (PFT), the dyspnea score, and the cell fraction of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). METHODS: Twenty three patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia from March, 1999 to October, 2001 at Gachon medical school were enrolled in this study. They were divided into IPF(UIP) (16) and NSIP (7) group. Twelve of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients (UIP : 5, NSIP: 7) were diagnosed by an open lung biopsy, 11 of IPF patients were diagnosed by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) diagnostic criteria. The PFT values, dyspnea score, serum ACE and angiotensin II were measured, and a bronchoscopy was performed to obtain the BALF. RESULTS: Of all the patients, 7 were in the normal range and 14 showed an increase in the serum level of angiotensin II. In terms of the serum ACE level, 14 patients had an increased level. The DLCO% of the angiotensin II. increased group was significantly lower than the not-increased group (p=0.021). Other factors did not correlate with the serum ACE or the angiotensin II increased group and not-increased group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that an increased angiotensinII serum level may be associated with in crease in the of alveolar capillary block in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

A Study of Clinical Investigations of Pulmonary Tuberculoma / 결핵

BACKGROUND: A pulmonary tuberculoma is one of the most common causes of a solitary pulmonary lesion. Treating a tuberculoma is still controversial and there are few reports on antituberculosis chemotherapy. In this study, the clinical findings and changes in the size of tuberculomas on a radiograph after completing antiuberculosis chemotherapy was investigated. METHODS: The medical records, an chest radiographs of 18 pulmonary tuberculoma patients who were admitted to the Gachon medical school, Ghil medical center between April 1998 and August 2001, were reviewed. The symptomatic changes were recorded and the size of the tuberculomasl following treatment were compared. To compare the size, the long distance of each tuberculoma on the chest radiographs were measured and the additional radiological findings of calcification, satellite nodules and cavities were investigated. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were men and 3 were women. The median age was 46(24-74). Among these 18 patients, 14 patients had clinical symptoms. The other 4 patients were diagnosed incidentally as during a routine chest radiograph. The mean size of the tuberculomas on the initial plain chest film was 4.3+/-2.3cm(range : 1.7-10cm)and after 6 months treatment, it had decreased to 1.68+/-2.00cm(range : 1.5-6.5cm)(P<0.05). At least 6 months of antituberculosis chemotherapy resulted in the findings of a tuberculoma with a disappearance in 9, a decreased size in 4, and no change in 5 on the chest radiograph. Calcifications were found in 3 patients on the initial chest film and the chest CT and all calcified tuberculomas had disappeared after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A lthough a pulmonary tuberculoma can remain as an inactive lesion for a long time, if it is confirmed by pathological or bacteriological methods, antituberculosis chemotherapy will be beneficial despite the presence of calcification.

The prevalence of baker s asthma due to wheat sensitization in baking factory workers / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: Baker's asthma is a common occupational respiratory disease and its prevalence rate varies from 15% to 30% of the workers in foreign countries. It has been reported mainly in bakers and millers due to sensitization to wheat, rye, storage mites, and several enzymes etc. But, the main allergen of baker's asthma is wheat. As there is an increase of consumption of food made of wheat due to westernized life style, it is expected that the prevalence of baker's asthma is increasing or already increased. But, there has been no study to investigate the prevalence of baker's asthma in this country. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of baker's asthma due to wheat sensitization in baking factory workers. METHOD: A total of 147 bakers (age 32.6+/-8.2 years, male 63%) were enrolled in this study. They responded to a modified ISSAC questionnaire and underwent methacholine bronchial challenge test, and skin prick test with common inhalant allergens and work-related allergens including commercial wheat antigen, bread flour, and cake flour antigen prepared in our laboratory. And specific bronchial challenge test with wheat extract was performed to volunteers. RESULTS: The atopic prevalence based on skin prick test was 43% (63/147), and wheat sensitization rate (including commercial wheat, bread flour and cake flour antigen) was 15% (22/147). The risk factors for wheat sensitization were atopy, long duration occupied in baking process, and current or past work history in mixing and/or measuring part where wheat flour exposure was relatively high (p<0.05). Wheat sensitization was highly associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, work related symptoms such as asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis (p<0.05) respectively. The prevalence of current asthma based on questionnaire and methacholine bronchial challenge test was 8% (11/147 bakers). Of these, 8 bakers were sensitized to wheat antigen, and all of them except one baker complained of work-related symptoms. These seven bakers were highly suspected of baker's asthma due to wheat sensitization. Two of these seven bakers showed early asthmatic response on specific broncho-provocation test. CONCLUSION: Wheat sensitization rate was 15%, The prevalence of baker's asthma due to wheat sensitization was 5% in baking factory workers and it's risk factors were atopy, long duration occupied in baking process, and current or past work history in mixing and/or measuring part of baking process.

A Survey of the Consumption of Convenience Foods / 대한지역사회영양학회지

No abstract available.

Comparison of perioperative complications in asthmatics pretreated with or without aminophylline / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: Patients with bronchial asthma are thought to be at higher risk for pulmonary complications during the perioperative period, and these complications may lead to serious morbidity. But the world-wide guideline for the adequate perioperative management of asthmatics has not yet been established. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of perioperative amino- phylline coadministration in asthmatics pretreated with systemic glucocorticoid before and after surgery. METHODS: Forty-one patients with bronchial asthma admitted for surgical procedures under general anesthesia were included. They were divided into two groups: group I (21 patients, perioperative management with steroid alone) and group II (17 patients, perioperative mana- gement with steroid and aminophylline). Selection of the patients was made from an allocation list based on the patient's admission number to the program. Spirometry was performed before, 24 hr and 48 hr after operation. EKG, pulse oxymetry and/or arterial blood gas analysis, and serum electrolytes were checked before and 24 hr after operation. Chest x-ray was obtained before and 48 hr after operation. RESULTS: FEV1 was decreased after operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Oxygen saturation in pulse oxymetry and/or arterial oxygen were not signifi- cantly decreased during the perioperative period. In group I, two patients had intraoperative bron- chospasm and one patient had postoperative asthmatic attack. In group II, two patients had intraoperative bronchospasm, one patient had multifocal ventricular arrhythmia. Pneumothorax, pneumonia, and other complications were not noted. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that most persons with asthma can safely undergo generalanesthesia with perioperative steroid administration. Presuming adequate preoperative assessment and preparation, additional aminophylline preparations before surgery may not be preferable.