Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.

Objectives: ：The aim of this study was to investigate the lifetime prevalence of psychotic experiences (PEs) and the association of PEs with a range of psychiatric disorders in the Korean general population. Methods: ：Multi-stage cluster sampling was adopted in this study. Interviews were conducted face-to-face with 18-year-old and older people living in the community from June to November 2016. Korean version of Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI) was applied to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Psychotic experiences were assessed with 21 items (15 items for hallucinations and 6 items for delusions) in the CIDI psychosis module. Results: ：Mean lifetime prevalence (standard error) of ever having a PEs was 3.3% (0.3) with 2.2% (0.2) of hallucinatory experiences and 1.7% (0.2) of delusional experiences. The lifetime prevalence of PEs was higher in young people and in persons with unemployment or part-time-job. PEs were associated with an increase in the lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders [Adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=6.3 ; p<0.001], mood disorders (AOR=4.9 ; p<0.001), alcohol use disorders (AOR=2.4 ; p<0.001), and nicotine use disorders (AOR=2.4 ; p<0.001) after controlling for sociodemographic variables. Conclusion ：PEs are related to various non-psychotic disorders as well as psychotic disorders. Clinicians should pay more attention to the mental health of individuals with PEs.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease. Despite alveolar epithelial cells is crucial role in lung, its contribution and the associated biomarker remain unknown in the pathogenesis of IPF. Recently, environmental factors including stone dust, silica and cigarette smoking were found as risk factors involved in IPF. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a member of the immunoglobulin super family of cell surface receptors. It has been shown that interaction between RAGE and its ligands on immune cells mediates cellular migration and regulation of pro-inflammation. RAGE is highly expressed in the lung, in particular, alveolar epithelial cells. Therefore, we determined whether RAGE expression is associated with fibrosis-associated genes in patients with IPF and mice. Results: When bleomycin (BLM) was intratracheally administered to C57BL/6 mice for 1, 2 weeks, macrophage and neutrophils were significantly increased. The fibrotic nodule formed and accumulation of collagen was determined after BLM injection in H&E- and Masson’s trichrome staining. Levels of elastin, Col1a1 and fibronectin were increased in quantitative real-time PCR and protein levels of α-SMA was increased in western blot analysis. In the lung tissues of 1 mg/kg BLM-induced mice, RAGE expression was gradually decreased in 1- and 2 weeks in immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis, and 3 mg/kg of BLM-induced mice exhibited decreased RAGE levels while α-SMA expression was increased. We next determined RAGE expression in the lungs of IPF patients using immunohistochemistry.As a result, RAGE expression was decreased, while α-SMA expression was increased compared with non-IPF subjects. Conclusions Our findings suggest that reduced RAGE was associated with increased fibrotic genes in BLM-induced mice and patients with IPF. Therefore, RAGE could be applied with a biomarker for prognosis and diagnosis in the pathogenesis of IPF.

Radiography, ultrasonography with hydrogram, and contrast studies using radiopaque markers were applied to evaluate alimentary lymphoma in two cats. The hydrogram facilitated the differentiation of pseudo-thickening from true wall thickening, and enabled an evaluation of wall layering and lymph nodes. In case 1, mechanical obstruction of the duodenum was confirmed with barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres (BIPS), a radiopaque marker; however, results obtained in case 2 were not as definitive. We expect that hydrograms and BIPS can be used as valuable alternative methods to evaluate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract although further studies in cases involving GI tumors are needed.
Animals ; Cats ; Duodenum ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphoma ; Polyethylene

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This case-control study evaluated the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients 90 years of age and older. METHODS: From January 2005 to August 2011, 5,070 cases of ERCP were performed at our institution. Of these, 43 cases involved patients 90 years of age and older (mean age, 91.7+/-1.9 years). A control group of 129 cases (mean age, 65.7+/-14.8 years) was matched by the patient sex, sphincterotomy, and presence of choledocholithiasis using a propensity score. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed for comorbidity, periampullary diverticulum, urgent procedure, conscious sedation, technical success, procedure duration, ERCP-related complication, and death. RESULTS: Between the case and control groups, there was no significant difference with regard to comorbidity, periampullary diverticulum, and urgent procedure. Conscious sedation was performed significantly less in the patient group versus the control group (28 [65%] vs 119 [92%], respectively; p=0.000). There was no significant difference in the technical success, procedure duration, or ERCP-related complications. In both groups, there was no major bleeding or perforation related to ERCP. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred significantly less in the patient group compared to the control group (0 vs 13 [10%], respectively; p=0.004). One death occurred from respiratory arrest in the case group. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP can be performed safely and successfully in patients aged 90 years and older without any significant increase in complications.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde/*contraindications/mortality ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis/complications ; Patient Safety ; Retrospective Studies

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) possess immunoregulatory properties and their regulatory functions represent a potential therapy for acute lung injury (ALI). However, uncertainties remain with respect to defining MSCs-derived immunomodulatory pathways.Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of human recombinant bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) primed ES-MSCs (MSC BMP2 ) in promoting Tregs in ALI mice. MSC were preconditioned with 100 ng/ml rhBMP-2 for 24 h, and then administrated to mice by intravenous injection after intratracheal injection of 1 mg/kg LPS. Treating MSCs with rhBMP-2 significantly increased cellular proliferation and migration, and cytokines array reveled that cytokines release by MSC BMP2 were associated with migration and growth. MSC BMP2 ameliorated LPS induced lung injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and permeability in mice exposed to LPS. Levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were decreased while levels of total glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity were further increased via inhibition of phosphorylated STAT1 in ALI mice treated with MSC BMP2 . MSC BMP2 treatment increased the protein level of IDO1, indicating an increase in Treg cells, and Foxp3 + CD25 + Treg of CD4 + cells were further increased in ALI mice treated with MSC BMP2 . In co-culture assays with MSCs and RAW264.7 cells, the protein level of IDO1 was further induced in MSC BMP2 . Additionally, cytokine release of IL-10 was enhanced while both IL-6 and TNF-α were further inhibited. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MSC BMP2 has therapeutic potential to reduce massive inflammation of respiratory diseases by promoting Treg cells.