Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that generate vapor by heating e-cigarettes liquid. E-cigarette damages the respiratory immune system and renders the respiratory tract vulnerable to inflammations. However, there are no studies on how the inflammatory reactions in respiratory epithelial cells caused by e-cigarette occur, and the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and saponin on inflammation induced by e-cigarette are unknown. This study aimed to compare the inflammatory reactions caused by e-cigarette and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to investigate the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokine and mucin expression induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.Subjects and Method In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue of mice, the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and mucin 5AC/5B (MUC5AC/5B) expression induced by e-cigarette were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Inflammatory cells, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B messenger RNA expression and protein production were increased by e-cigarette, similar to LPS. KRG and saponin decreased the expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B induced by e-cigarette. KRG and saponin showed effects similar to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion E-cigarette causes inflammation similar to that caused by LPS. KRG and saponin regulate the expression of cytokine and MUC5AC/5B increased by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells. KRG and saponin may be an effective therapeutic option for inflammatory responses induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.

Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that generate vapor by heating e-cigarettes liquid. E-cigarette damages the respiratory immune system and renders the respiratory tract vulnerable to inflammations. However, there are no studies on how the inflammatory reactions in respiratory epithelial cells caused by e-cigarette occur, and the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and saponin on inflammation induced by e-cigarette are unknown. This study aimed to compare the inflammatory reactions caused by e-cigarette and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to investigate the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokine and mucin expression induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.Subjects and Method In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue of mice, the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and mucin 5AC/5B (MUC5AC/5B) expression induced by e-cigarette were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Inflammatory cells, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B messenger RNA expression and protein production were increased by e-cigarette, similar to LPS. KRG and saponin decreased the expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B induced by e-cigarette. KRG and saponin showed effects similar to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion E-cigarette causes inflammation similar to that caused by LPS. KRG and saponin regulate the expression of cytokine and MUC5AC/5B increased by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells. KRG and saponin may be an effective therapeutic option for inflammatory responses induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.

Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that generate vapor by heating e-cigarettes liquid. E-cigarette damages the respiratory immune system and renders the respiratory tract vulnerable to inflammations. However, there are no studies on how the inflammatory reactions in respiratory epithelial cells caused by e-cigarette occur, and the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and saponin on inflammation induced by e-cigarette are unknown. This study aimed to compare the inflammatory reactions caused by e-cigarette and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to investigate the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokine and mucin expression induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.Subjects and Method In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue of mice, the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and mucin 5AC/5B (MUC5AC/5B) expression induced by e-cigarette were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Inflammatory cells, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B messenger RNA expression and protein production were increased by e-cigarette, similar to LPS. KRG and saponin decreased the expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B induced by e-cigarette. KRG and saponin showed effects similar to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion E-cigarette causes inflammation similar to that caused by LPS. KRG and saponin regulate the expression of cytokine and MUC5AC/5B increased by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells. KRG and saponin may be an effective therapeutic option for inflammatory responses induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.

Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that generate vapor by heating e-cigarettes liquid. E-cigarette damages the respiratory immune system and renders the respiratory tract vulnerable to inflammations. However, there are no studies on how the inflammatory reactions in respiratory epithelial cells caused by e-cigarette occur, and the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and saponin on inflammation induced by e-cigarette are unknown. This study aimed to compare the inflammatory reactions caused by e-cigarette and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to investigate the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokine and mucin expression induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.Subjects and Method In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue of mice, the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and mucin 5AC/5B (MUC5AC/5B) expression induced by e-cigarette were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Inflammatory cells, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B messenger RNA expression and protein production were increased by e-cigarette, similar to LPS. KRG and saponin decreased the expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B induced by e-cigarette. KRG and saponin showed effects similar to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion E-cigarette causes inflammation similar to that caused by LPS. KRG and saponin regulate the expression of cytokine and MUC5AC/5B increased by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells. KRG and saponin may be an effective therapeutic option for inflammatory responses induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.

Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that generate vapor by heating e-cigarettes liquid. E-cigarette damages the respiratory immune system and renders the respiratory tract vulnerable to inflammations. However, there are no studies on how the inflammatory reactions in respiratory epithelial cells caused by e-cigarette occur, and the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and saponin on inflammation induced by e-cigarette are unknown. This study aimed to compare the inflammatory reactions caused by e-cigarette and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to investigate the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokine and mucin expression induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.Subjects and Method In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue of mice, the effects of KRG and saponin on cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and mucin 5AC/5B (MUC5AC/5B) expression induced by e-cigarette were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Inflammatory cells, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B messenger RNA expression and protein production were increased by e-cigarette, similar to LPS. KRG and saponin decreased the expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and MUC5AC/5B induced by e-cigarette. KRG and saponin showed effects similar to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion E-cigarette causes inflammation similar to that caused by LPS. KRG and saponin regulate the expression of cytokine and MUC5AC/5B increased by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells. KRG and saponin may be an effective therapeutic option for inflammatory responses induced by e-cigarette in respiratory epithelial cells.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are pervasive in the atmosphere, originating from sources like vehicle emissions and incomplete combustion. Exposure to PAHs occurs through diet, tobacco smoke, and air pollutants, and they are recognized as carcinogens. This study, conducted from July to October 2021 in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Ulsan regions, focused on taxi drivers, a group with elevated PAH exposure due to prolonged vehicle use. The study involved 19 male taxi drivers and 46 control participants (18 male, 28 female). LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to quantify urinary levels of 18 hydroxy-PAHs, oxidative damage markers (MDA, 8-OHdG), and cotinine. The detection rates of OH-PAHs were 1-naphthol (96.9 %), 2-naphthol (90.8 %), 2-hydroxyfluorene (86.2 %), and 1-hydroxypyrene (80.0 %). Compared to the male controls, taxi drivers showed higher median concentrations of 2-OH-Na (1.698 ng/mL), 1-OH-Na (0.666 ng/mL), 2-OH-Flu (0.067 ng/mL), and 1-OHP (0.045 ng/mL). Similarly, significant differences were observed between taxi drivers and female controls for 1-OH-Na, 2-OH-Na, 2-OH-Flu, 3-OH-Phe, and 1-OHP. MDA and 8-OHdG were detected in over 90% of all groups, with significant differences between taxi drivers. Strong positive correlations were revealed between urinary OH-PAHs, MDA, and 8-OHdG (r ranging from 0.589 to 0.770, p<0.01). The findings suggest that taxi drivers, due to prolonged exposure to traffic-related air pollutants, have elevated levels of PAH metabolites and oxidative stress, especially among smokers. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these results and explore the long-term health implications of occupational PAH exposure in urban transportation workers..

OBJECTIVES: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are communal environments for patients with chronic diseases or older adults, making them particularly susceptible to significant harm during infectious disease outbreaks. Nonetheless, LTCFs have historically been subject to less stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) mandates. This study aimed to assess the current state of LTCFs and to develop an IPC system tailored for these facilities following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 11,366 LTCFs in Korea from December 30, 2022 to January 20, 2023, to evaluate the components of IPC in LTCFs. The infectious diseases targeted for IPC included COVID-19, influenza, and scabies. Additionally, we compared institution-based and home-based long-term care insurance facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 3,537 (31.1%) LTCFs responded to the survey, comprising 1,819 (51.4%) institution-based and 1,718 (48.6%) home-based facilities. A majority (87.4%, 2,376/2,720) of these facilities experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. However, only 42.2% of home-based facilities, in contrast to 90.6% of institution-based facilities, were equipped to manage concurrent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, while 92.1% of institution-based facilities were capable of managing influenza, only 50.5% of home-based facilities could do the same. The incidence of scabies was significantly higher in institution-based facilities than in home-based ones (26.1 vs. 4.3%). Additionally, 88.7% of institution-based facilities managed scabies cases effectively, compared to only 42.1% of home-based facilities. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the LTCFs had a basic capacity to respond to infectious diseases. However, there were differences in response capabilities between institution-based facilities and home-based facilities.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are pervasive in the atmosphere, originating from sources like vehicle emissions and incomplete combustion. Exposure to PAHs occurs through diet, tobacco smoke, and air pollutants, and they are recognized as carcinogens. This study, conducted from July to October 2021 in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Ulsan regions, focused on taxi drivers, a group with elevated PAH exposure due to prolonged vehicle use. The study involved 19 male taxi drivers and 46 control participants (18 male, 28 female). LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to quantify urinary levels of 18 hydroxy-PAHs, oxidative damage markers (MDA, 8-OHdG), and cotinine. The detection rates of OH-PAHs were 1-naphthol (96.9 %), 2-naphthol (90.8 %), 2-hydroxyfluorene (86.2 %), and 1-hydroxypyrene (80.0 %). Compared to the male controls, taxi drivers showed higher median concentrations of 2-OH-Na (1.698 ng/mL), 1-OH-Na (0.666 ng/mL), 2-OH-Flu (0.067 ng/mL), and 1-OHP (0.045 ng/mL). Similarly, significant differences were observed between taxi drivers and female controls for 1-OH-Na, 2-OH-Na, 2-OH-Flu, 3-OH-Phe, and 1-OHP. MDA and 8-OHdG were detected in over 90% of all groups, with significant differences between taxi drivers. Strong positive correlations were revealed between urinary OH-PAHs, MDA, and 8-OHdG (r ranging from 0.589 to 0.770, p<0.01). The findings suggest that taxi drivers, due to prolonged exposure to traffic-related air pollutants, have elevated levels of PAH metabolites and oxidative stress, especially among smokers. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these results and explore the long-term health implications of occupational PAH exposure in urban transportation workers..

OBJECTIVES: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are communal environments for patients with chronic diseases or older adults, making them particularly susceptible to significant harm during infectious disease outbreaks. Nonetheless, LTCFs have historically been subject to less stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) mandates. This study aimed to assess the current state of LTCFs and to develop an IPC system tailored for these facilities following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 11,366 LTCFs in Korea from December 30, 2022 to January 20, 2023, to evaluate the components of IPC in LTCFs. The infectious diseases targeted for IPC included COVID-19, influenza, and scabies. Additionally, we compared institution-based and home-based long-term care insurance facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 3,537 (31.1%) LTCFs responded to the survey, comprising 1,819 (51.4%) institution-based and 1,718 (48.6%) home-based facilities. A majority (87.4%, 2,376/2,720) of these facilities experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. However, only 42.2% of home-based facilities, in contrast to 90.6% of institution-based facilities, were equipped to manage concurrent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, while 92.1% of institution-based facilities were capable of managing influenza, only 50.5% of home-based facilities could do the same. The incidence of scabies was significantly higher in institution-based facilities than in home-based ones (26.1 vs. 4.3%). Additionally, 88.7% of institution-based facilities managed scabies cases effectively, compared to only 42.1% of home-based facilities. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the LTCFs had a basic capacity to respond to infectious diseases. However, there were differences in response capabilities between institution-based facilities and home-based facilities.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are pervasive in the atmosphere, originating from sources like vehicle emissions and incomplete combustion. Exposure to PAHs occurs through diet, tobacco smoke, and air pollutants, and they are recognized as carcinogens. This study, conducted from July to October 2021 in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Ulsan regions, focused on taxi drivers, a group with elevated PAH exposure due to prolonged vehicle use. The study involved 19 male taxi drivers and 46 control participants (18 male, 28 female). LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to quantify urinary levels of 18 hydroxy-PAHs, oxidative damage markers (MDA, 8-OHdG), and cotinine. The detection rates of OH-PAHs were 1-naphthol (96.9 %), 2-naphthol (90.8 %), 2-hydroxyfluorene (86.2 %), and 1-hydroxypyrene (80.0 %). Compared to the male controls, taxi drivers showed higher median concentrations of 2-OH-Na (1.698 ng/mL), 1-OH-Na (0.666 ng/mL), 2-OH-Flu (0.067 ng/mL), and 1-OHP (0.045 ng/mL). Similarly, significant differences were observed between taxi drivers and female controls for 1-OH-Na, 2-OH-Na, 2-OH-Flu, 3-OH-Phe, and 1-OHP. MDA and 8-OHdG were detected in over 90% of all groups, with significant differences between taxi drivers. Strong positive correlations were revealed between urinary OH-PAHs, MDA, and 8-OHdG (r ranging from 0.589 to 0.770, p<0.01). The findings suggest that taxi drivers, due to prolonged exposure to traffic-related air pollutants, have elevated levels of PAH metabolites and oxidative stress, especially among smokers. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these results and explore the long-term health implications of occupational PAH exposure in urban transportation workers..