Background and Objectives: The medications preferred by patients for allergic rhinitis and their usage remain unclear. This study investigated treatment-seeking behaviors in patients with allergic rhinitis, including medical treatments, environmental controls, and surgical treatments. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by internal medicine, pediatric, or otorhinolaryngology physicians at university hospitals from January 2022 to April 2022. A questionnaire was administered to patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis to collect information regarding medical treatments (prescription and over-the-counter medication use patterns, comorbid asthma, and allergen-specific immunotherapy), environmental controls (usage of air purifiers and pet avoidance), and experiences with surgical treatments. Results: We included 51 patients with allergic rhinitis with a mean age of 31.6±16.0 years. Among them, 47 (92.2%) and 6 (11.8%) patients had pollen allergies and asthma, respectively. Furthermore, 41 (80.4%) patients took prescribed medicines, while 39 (76.5%) patients only used the medication when experiencing symptoms. Thirty patients (58.8%) reported concurrent use of intranasal sprays and oral medications. Thirty-three patients (64.7%) reported awareness of immunotherapy, and there were no preferential differences between subcutaneous (52%) and sublingual immunotherapy (48%). Of the 36 patients (70.6%) who reported using an air purifier, 38.9% considered it helpful in preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms. Fourteen patients (27.5%) currently or previously had a companion animal, with half experiencing worsening of symptoms. Twelve patients had received surgical treatment and reported high satisfaction levels (41.6%, very satisfied; 41.6%, satisfied). Conclusion Patients with allergic rhinitis showed similar preferences for oral and spray medications. They also showed satisfaction with surgical treatments and an interest in the environmental management of allergic rhinitis.

Background and Objectives: The medications preferred by patients for allergic rhinitis and their usage remain unclear. This study investigated treatment-seeking behaviors in patients with allergic rhinitis, including medical treatments, environmental controls, and surgical treatments. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by internal medicine, pediatric, or otorhinolaryngology physicians at university hospitals from January 2022 to April 2022. A questionnaire was administered to patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis to collect information regarding medical treatments (prescription and over-the-counter medication use patterns, comorbid asthma, and allergen-specific immunotherapy), environmental controls (usage of air purifiers and pet avoidance), and experiences with surgical treatments. Results: We included 51 patients with allergic rhinitis with a mean age of 31.6±16.0 years. Among them, 47 (92.2%) and 6 (11.8%) patients had pollen allergies and asthma, respectively. Furthermore, 41 (80.4%) patients took prescribed medicines, while 39 (76.5%) patients only used the medication when experiencing symptoms. Thirty patients (58.8%) reported concurrent use of intranasal sprays and oral medications. Thirty-three patients (64.7%) reported awareness of immunotherapy, and there were no preferential differences between subcutaneous (52%) and sublingual immunotherapy (48%). Of the 36 patients (70.6%) who reported using an air purifier, 38.9% considered it helpful in preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms. Fourteen patients (27.5%) currently or previously had a companion animal, with half experiencing worsening of symptoms. Twelve patients had received surgical treatment and reported high satisfaction levels (41.6%, very satisfied; 41.6%, satisfied). Conclusion Patients with allergic rhinitis showed similar preferences for oral and spray medications. They also showed satisfaction with surgical treatments and an interest in the environmental management of allergic rhinitis.

Background and Objectives: The medications preferred by patients for allergic rhinitis and their usage remain unclear. This study investigated treatment-seeking behaviors in patients with allergic rhinitis, including medical treatments, environmental controls, and surgical treatments. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by internal medicine, pediatric, or otorhinolaryngology physicians at university hospitals from January 2022 to April 2022. A questionnaire was administered to patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis to collect information regarding medical treatments (prescription and over-the-counter medication use patterns, comorbid asthma, and allergen-specific immunotherapy), environmental controls (usage of air purifiers and pet avoidance), and experiences with surgical treatments. Results: We included 51 patients with allergic rhinitis with a mean age of 31.6±16.0 years. Among them, 47 (92.2%) and 6 (11.8%) patients had pollen allergies and asthma, respectively. Furthermore, 41 (80.4%) patients took prescribed medicines, while 39 (76.5%) patients only used the medication when experiencing symptoms. Thirty patients (58.8%) reported concurrent use of intranasal sprays and oral medications. Thirty-three patients (64.7%) reported awareness of immunotherapy, and there were no preferential differences between subcutaneous (52%) and sublingual immunotherapy (48%). Of the 36 patients (70.6%) who reported using an air purifier, 38.9% considered it helpful in preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms. Fourteen patients (27.5%) currently or previously had a companion animal, with half experiencing worsening of symptoms. Twelve patients had received surgical treatment and reported high satisfaction levels (41.6%, very satisfied; 41.6%, satisfied). Conclusion Patients with allergic rhinitis showed similar preferences for oral and spray medications. They also showed satisfaction with surgical treatments and an interest in the environmental management of allergic rhinitis.

Background: In this study, we prepared and evaluated an injectable poloxamer (P407) hydrogel formulation for intratympanic (IT) delivery of dexamethasone (DEX). Methods: DEX-loaded P407 hydrogels were characterized in terms of thermogelation, drug loading capacities, particle size, and drug release. The in vivo toxicity and drug absorption of the DEX-loaded P407 formulation after IT injection were evaluated using an animal model by performing histopathological analysis and drug concentration measurements. Results: The P407 hydrogel effectively solubilized hydrophobic DEX and demonstrated a sustained release compared to the hydrophilic DEX formulation. The in vivo study showed that the hydrogel formulation delivered considerable drug concentrations to the inner ear and displayed a favorable safety profile without apparent cytotoxicity or inflammation. Conclusion P407 hydrogel can be useful as an injectable inner ear delivery formulation for hydrophobic drugs due to their biocompatibility, drug-solubilizing capacity, thermogelation, and controlled release.

Background: Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels are non-selective cationic channels with perme‑ ability to ­Ca2+ and ­Na+ . Despite their importance, there are currently few studies on TRPC in the periodontal ligament (PDL) and bone cells in the dental field. To provide biological information regarding TRPC in PDL cells and periodontal tissue, we evaluated TRPC channels expression in the osteoblast differentiation of PDL cells and periodontitis-induced tissue. Human PDL cells were cultured in osteogenic differentiation media for 28 days, and the expression of Runx2, osteocalcin (OCN), and TRPC1, 3, 4, and 6 was evaluated by real-time PCR. In ligature-induced periodontitis mice, the alveolar bone and osteoid areas, the osteoclast number, and the expression of Runx2, OCN, TRPC3, and TRPC6 was evaluated by H&E staining, TRAP staining, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: In the PDL cell differentiation group, TRPC6 expression peaked on day 7 and TRPC3 expression generally increased during differentiation. During the 28 days of periodontitis progression, alveolar bone loss and osteoclast numbers increased compared to the control group during the experimental period and the osteoid area increased from day 14. TRPC6 expression in the periodontitis group increased in the PDL area and in the osteoblasts compared to the control group, whereas TRPC3 expression increased only in the PDL area on days 7 and 28. Conclusions These results indicate changes of TRPC3 and TRPC6 expression in PDL cells that were differentiating into osteoblasts and in periodontitis-induced tissue, suggesting the need for research on the role of TRPC in osteo‑ blast differentiation or periodontitis progression.

Background: The purpose of this study was to prepare data for the prevention and management of iron deficiency by analyzing the effects of taking iron supplements provided by blood centers for repeat blood donors. Methods: The high-risk groups with a potential iron deficiency were defined as three or more whole blood donations within the previous year and were provided with iron supplements for three months. Their hemoglobin and ferritin levels were checked up once a month for six months. The effectiveness of the iron supplements was evaluated by analyzing the changes in the initial and monthly hemoglobin and ferritin results. Results: At the time of recruitments, an average 50.4% (40.8% of men and 65.3% of women, respectively) of participants had ferritin levels of less than 15 ng/mL, the World Health Organization iron deficiency standard, but after three months iron supplementation, the results decreased to 10.9% (9.0% of men and 13.8% of women). The ferritin levels increased significantly after taking iron supplements for three months and showed significant increases in both men and women, particularly after two months (P＜0.05). Conclusion The dietary iron supplements containing low-dose iron were effective in preventing iron deficiency in repeat blood donors by increasing the ferritin levels.

Background: The purpose of this study was to prepare data for the prevention and management of iron deficiency by analyzing the effects of taking iron supplements provided by blood centers for repeat blood donors. Methods: The high-risk groups with a potential iron deficiency were defined as three or more whole blood donations within the previous year and were provided with iron supplements for three months. Their hemoglobin and ferritin levels were checked up once a month for six months. The effectiveness of the iron supplements was evaluated by analyzing the changes in the initial and monthly hemoglobin and ferritin results. Results: At the time of recruitments, an average 50.4% (40.8% of men and 65.3% of women, respectively) of participants had ferritin levels of less than 15 ng/mL, the World Health Organization iron deficiency standard, but after three months iron supplementation, the results decreased to 10.9% (9.0% of men and 13.8% of women). The ferritin levels increased significantly after taking iron supplements for three months and showed significant increases in both men and women, particularly after two months (P＜0.05). Conclusion The dietary iron supplements containing low-dose iron were effective in preventing iron deficiency in repeat blood donors by increasing the ferritin levels.

Purpose: As dementia progresses, cognitive function decreasing leads to memory loss, speech degradation, time and space degradation and judgment degradation, which causes difficulties in carrying out tasks related to daily life. It was said that community-based non-drug intervention therapy for early dementia patients was important to participate in entertainment treatment, including activities such as awareness and exercise therapy, exercise rehabilitation, aerobic exercise, and art. Methods: This study conducted 15 experimental and 15 control groups(experimental group : Fumanet exercise, control group : general occupational therapy) for eight weeks at the Daycare Center in Gyeonggi-do to find out the impact of the Fumanet exercise program on cognitive and depression functions of the elderly. The pre-post evaluation used KGDS, MMSE. Results There were significant differences between the two groups in the function of menopause, memory recall, attention concentration and calculation, and depression, and no significant results were obtatined in memory registration, language function, understanding and fracture. The Fumanet movement was judged to be effective in improving cognitive function and reducing depression for the elderly with dementia.Conclisions: The Fumanet movement was judged to be effective in improving cognitive function and reducing depression for the elderly with dementia.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of Prism Adaptation (PA) plus functional electrical stimulation (FES) on stroke patients with unilateral neglect, and suggest a new intervention method for acute-phase stroke patients. METHODS: There were 30 patients included in this study from April to October 2016 that had unilateral neglect whilst hospitalized following a stroke (diagnosed by a professional). The participants, who were patients receiving occupational therapy, understood the purpose of the study and agreed to participate. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: PA plus FES group (Group A), PA group (Group B), and FES group (Group C). Treatments lasted for 50 minutes per day, 5 times per week, for 3 weeks in total. Reevaluation was conducted after 3 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: All 3 groups showed unilateral neglect reduction after the intervention, but PA plus FES (complex intervention method) was more effective than PA or FES alone [effect size: Motor-free Visual Perception Test (0.80), Albert test (0.98), CBS (0.92)]. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support further studies to examine complex intervention for the treatment of unilateral neglect.
Electric Stimulation ; Humans ; Methods ; Occupational Therapy ; Stroke ; Visual Perception

PURPOSE: Many studies have reported that pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) can cause anaphylaxis. No comprehensive investigations into anaphylaxis in PFAS have been conducted, however. In this study, we investigated the clinical manifestations and risk factors for anaphylaxis in PFAS in Korean patients with pollinosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from a nationwide cross-sectional study that previously reported on PFAS in Korean patients with pollinosis. Data from 273 patients with PFAS were collected, including demographics, list of culprit fruits and vegetables, and clinical manifestations of food allergy. We analyzed 27 anaphylaxis patients and compared them with patients with PFAS with oropharyngeal symptoms only (n=130). RESULTS: The most common cause of anaphylaxis in PFAS was peanut (33.3%), apple (22.2%), walnut (22.2%), pine nut (18.5%), peach (14.8%), and ginseng (14.8%). Anaphylaxis was significantly associated with the strength of sensitization to alder, hazel, willow, poplar, timothy, and ragweed (p<0.05, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of atopic dermatitis [odds ratio (OR), 3.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–10.23; p=0.017]; sensitization to hazel (OR, 5.27; 95% CI, 1.79–15.53; p=0.003), timothy (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 2.70–51.64; p=0.001), or ragweed (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.03–9.87; p=0.045); and the number of culprit foods (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15–1.37; p<0.001) were related to the development of anaphylaxis in PFAS. CONCLUSION: The most common culprit foods causing anaphylaxis in PFAS were peanut and apple. The presence of atopic dermatitis; sensitization to hazel, timothy, or ragweed; and a greater number of culprit foods were risk factors for anaphylaxis in PFAS.
Alnus ; Ambrosia ; Anaphylaxis ; Arachis ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Demography ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Fruit ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Juglans ; Nuts ; Panax ; Pollen ; Prunus persica ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; Risk Factors ; Salix ; Vegetables