Objectives: . We aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative auditory rehabilitation using hearing aids in patients with prolonged hearing deprivation. Methods: . We retrospectively enrolled 204 patients who underwent cochlear implantation surgery at age >60 years using a single university hospital database. In total, 135 patients with a duration of deafness (DoD) >10 years were divided into three groups according to perioperative hearing aid use: unaided (n=22, 16.3%), aided (n=92, 68.1%; comprising 22 ipsilateral hearing aid users and 70 bilateral hearing aid users), and contralateral-only aided (n=21, 15.5%). We identified the highest postoperative sentence recognition score (Max_S) and compared this measure across groups. Results: . Max_S was significantly higher in the DoD <10 years group than in the DoD ≥10 years group (72.38±25.74 vs. 64.09±32.29, P=0.048). Among patients with DoD ≥10 years, the aided group had significantly better Max_S than the unaided group (69.84±28.72 vs. 47.86±37.14, P=0.015). After one-to-two propensity score matching, Max_S remained significantly better in the aided group than in the unaided group (73.64±29.10 vs. 47.86±37.14, P=0.007). Conclusion . Our study demonstrated the need for hearing rehabilitation during the period of hearing deprivation, including on the ear to be implanted, regardless of whether it produced immediate improvement in hearing levels.

Purpose: This structural model study was constructed and verified a hypothetical model to examine the effects of parenting stress, social resources, family resources, and positive coping on resilience among mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Methods: Data were collected using self‐report structured questionnaires, from October 19 to October 30, 2018, with 214 mothers caring for chil-dren with developmental disabilities under the age of 20 years. Results: In the fitness test results of the hypothesis model, with the fit index χ 2 (p) = 69.27 (< .001), and the normed fit indices (χ 2 = 1.87, GFI = .94, CFI = .97, NFI = .93, and TLI = .95, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .06), this study satisfies the good fitness in standards. There are seven statistically significant paths among the 10 paths set in the hypotheti-cal model. The explanatory power of parenting stress and social resources, which affects the family resources was 41.4%, the explanato-ry power of parenting stress, social resources, and family resources affecting the positive coping was 58.9%, and the explanatory power of parenting stress, social resources, family resources, and positive coping affecting resilience was 55.5%. Conclusion Positive coping, family resources, and social resources of mothers of children with developmental disabilities directly affect their resilience, and parenting stress indirectly affects it. Therefore, to improve the resilience of mothers of children with developmental disabilities, it is necessary to develop a systematic nursing intervention that considers parenting stress, social resources, family resources, and positive coping.

Neuroinflammation—a common pathological feature of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease—is mediated by microglial activation. Thus, inhibiting microglial activation is vital for treating various neurological disorders. 7,3’,4’-Trihydroxyisoflavone (THIF)—a secondary metabolite of the soybean compound daidzein—possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties. However, the effects of 7,3’,4’-THIF on microglial activation have not been explored. In this study, antineuroinflammatory effects of 7,3’,4’-THIF in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells were examined. 7,3’,4’-THIF significantly suppressed the production of the proinflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, 7,3’,4’-THIF markedly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Western blotting revealed that 7,3’,4’-THIF diminished LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Overall, 7,3’,4’-THIF exerts antineuroinflammatory effects against LPSinduced microglial activation by suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB signaling, ultimately reducing proinflammatory responses. Therefore, these antineuroinflammatory effects of 7,3’,4’-THIF suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders.

The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of carvacrol (CV) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) strains in milk. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of CV against S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 were determined. In addition, bactericidal kinetics and antimicrobial activity of CV against the aforementioned pathogens in milk over a period of 2 weeks were investigated. CV exhibited antibacterial activity against both foodborne pathogens tested. The MIC and MBC of CV against S. aureus were 15.0 and 20 mg/mL, respectively, whereas those against E. coli O157:H7 were 16.0 and 32 mg/mL, respectively. In time-kill assays, CV at MBC reduced the number of S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 in milk to undetectable levels within 24 hr. The antibacterial effects of CV persisted for 14 days without any loss of activity. Results of this study suggest that CV has a potential antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens such as S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 in milk.
Escherichia coli* ; Foodborne Diseases ; Kinetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Milk ; Staphylococcus aureus*

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its receptors have been suggested to play key roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of genetic variations in the TGF-beta receptor type III (TGFBR3) on asthma and on its related phenotypes in the general population. A cohort of 2,118 subjects aged from 10 to 18 years responded to a questionnaire concerning asthma symptoms and risk factors. Methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), skin test responses to common aeroallergens, and serum total IgE levels were evaluated in the cohort. A total of 19 SNPs for TGFBR3 were found using direct re-sequencing in 24 healthy adults. Of these, informative SNPs [+44T>C (S15F) and +2753G>A at 3'UTR] were selected and scored using the high throughput single base extension method. Atopy was identified in subjects with 44T>C allele [P = 0.04, OR (95% CI) = 0.79 (0.62-0.99)] and in subjects with Ht1 (CG) more frequently than in subjects with other haplotypes [P = 0.04, OR (95% CI) = 1.27 (1.01-1.59)]. The A allele in 2753G>A was more common in subjects with non-atopic asthma [OR (95% CI) = 1.76 (1.01-3.05)]. A significant association was found between non-atopic asthma and 44T_2753A [OR (95% CI) = 2.16 (1.22-3.82)]. Genetic variations in TGFBR3 appear to be associated with a genetic predisposition to development of asthma and to phenotypes of asthma. Also, the minor allele 2753G and the haplotype TA in the TGFBR3 gene were associated with a pathogenesis of non-atopic asthma.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics ; Asthma/ethnology/*genetics/immunology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; *Genetic Variation/physiology ; Genetics, Population ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Genotype ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E/immunology ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; Male ; Proteoglycans/*genetics ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/*genetics

Korean allergology has made great progress in keeping pace with global scientific advances in spite of a short history. Outstanding academic and scientific researches have been performed in a variety of allergy fields in Korea. Epidemiologic studies revealed increasing prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases and considerable morbidity and mortality in Korea. Novel inhalant allergens such as citrus red mite and two-spotted spider mite as causes of asthma and allergic rhinitis have been discovered and reported in Korea. Bidirectional translational researches have been performed and are underway to elucidate the pathogenesis of asthma and allergy, mechanisms of airway inflammation and remodeling, and new therapeutic modalities for asthma and allergic diseases. Experimental asthma models of different phenotypes according to exposed levels of lipopolysaccharide or double-stranded RNA suggested the crucial role of the innate immunity in the development of allergic airway inflammation and a new insight for asthma pathogenesis, in which both Th1 and Th2 inflammation are involved. In the field of genetic researches, numerous genetic associations with asthma and asthma-related phenotypes, such as atopy, IgE production, and airway hyperresponsiveness, have been demonstrated in Korean population. The Easy Asthma Management (EAM) program, a computer-assisted asthma management program, is anticipated to facilitate the achievement of more successful clinical outcomes by filling the gaps between guidelines and actual practices. The Integration of these multi-disciplinary allergy research resources and translation of scientific achievements to the bedside and society will lead to better allergy and asthma control in Korea.
Achievement ; Allergens ; Asthma ; Citrus ; Genetic Research ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunity, Innate ; Immunoglobulin E ; Inflammation ; Korea ; Mites ; Phenotype ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; RNA, Double-Stranded ; Tetranychidae ; Translational Medical Research

A number of case reports on occupational asthma caused by herbal medicines have been issued, for example, on Sanyak, Chunkung, Banha, and Brazilian ginseng. Recently, cases of occupational asthma induced by Sanyak and Korean ginseng have been reported, but the pathogenic mechanisms involved are unknown. This study was carried out to evaluate the immunologic mechanism underlying Korean ginseng-induced occupational asthma. A patient engaged in Korean ginseng wholesale was referred for recurrent dyspnea, wheezing, and nasal symptoms, which were aggravated at work. Allergen bronchial provocation testing to Korean ginseng extract showed a typical immediate response, and skin prick testing to Korean ginseng extract also showed a strong positive response. Moreover, serum-specific IgE levels to Korean ginseng extract were significantly higher than in controls. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition tests showed a dose-dependent inhibition by Korean ginseng, but not by Dermatophagoides farinae, wheat flour, or Chinese balloon flower. Sodium dodecylsulfate-poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting revealed four specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding components at 26, 30, 47, and 60 kDa, which were not bound by control sera. These results strongly suggest that occupation asthma induced by Korean ginseng is induced via an IgE-mediated mechanism.
Animals ; Asthma/diagnosis/*etiology/*immunology ; Bronchi/metabolism ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods ; Flour ; Flowers ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity/*diagnosis ; Immunoglobulin E/analysis/*chemistry ; Korea ; Occupational Diseases/diagnosis/*etiology/*immunology ; Panax/*adverse effects ; Pyroglyphidae/metabolism ; *Skin Tests

High-altitude illness is used to describe various symptoms that can develop in unacclimatized persons on ascent to high altitude. Symptoms usually include headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and sleep disturbance. In fact, high-altitude illness comprises of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and its life-threatening complications, high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Since there are many travelers who visit high-altitude locations these days, high-altitude illness has become a public health problem. Therefore, physicians need to be familiar with the condition and be able to advise those who are going to reach high altitude how to prevent or minimize the illness and treat patients who suffer from it.
Altitude Sickness* ; Altitude* ; Anorexia ; Brain Edema ; Dizziness ; Fatigue ; Headache ; Humans ; Nausea ; Public Health ; Pulmonary Edema ; Vomiting

It has been demonstrated that spider mites such as the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) are important allergens for fruit farmers. A total of 2,467 adults (795 metropolitan urban, 788 non-metropolitan urban, and 884 rural subjects) were enrolled. They responded to the questionnaire, and underwent methacholine bronchial provocation tests as well as skin prick tests to locally common aeroallergens including the two-spotted spider mite. The prevalences of asthma and rhinitis as reported on the questionnaire were 7.8% and 16.4% of adults aged 20-35, 9.4% and 24.7% of those 36-50, and 17.7% and 21.7% of those older than 50, respectively. Among the older group, the two-spotted spider mite was the most common sensitizing allergen, although it was second of that of house dust mites among the other two age groups. Sensitization to the two-spotted spider mite was significantly associated with the prevalence of asthma and rhinitis among the younger age group, and associated with the prevalence of rhinitis among the older age group. The twospotted spider mite might be a common sensitizing allergen in the general population of adults, and sensitization to this mite may play a role in the manifestation of asthma and rhinitis symptoms during adulthood.
Tetranychidae/*immunology ; Risk Factors ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/*etiology/immunology ; Questionnaires ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Asthma/*etiology/immunology ; Animals ; Allergens ; Aged ; Age Factors ; Adult

BACKGROUND: Asthma management guidelines provide recommendations for the optimal control and goals of management. This survey was performed as a part of Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific Region (AIRIAP) study to assess the current levels of asthma control reported by patients, which partly reflect the extent to which guideline recommendations are implemented. METHODS: From September to December 2000, current asthma patients were identified by random door-to-door visits by screening 13,988 households in Seoul, Korea. Designated responders were interviewed on asthma control, symptom severity, activity limitations and healthcare utilization. RESULTS: Current asthmatics were identified in 1,024 households, and 401 patients completed the survey. Daytime asthma symptoms were reported by 52%, and 26% reported sleep disturbance caused by asthma at least once a week in the past 4 weeks. In the past 12 months, 14% had been hospitalized, 6% attended emergency departments, and 30% made unscheduled emergency visits. Patient's perception of asthma control was different from their actual asthma control. Current use of an inhaled corticosteroid was reported by only 0.2% of responders. Absence from school and work in the past year was reported by 14% of adults and 7% of children. CONCLUSIONS: The current level of asthma control in Korea falls markedly short of the goals specified in international guidelines for asthma management. Management according to the guideline and patient education is important for the optimal control of asthma. Development of practically easy asthma management guideline for primary physician may be also important for its implementation.
Adult ; Asthma* ; Child ; Delivery of Health Care ; Emergencies ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Korea* ; Mass Screening ; Patient Education as Topic ; Seoul