The Effect of Fibronectin-Immobilized Microgrooved Titanium Substrata on Cell Proliferation and Expression of Genes and Proteins in Human Gingival Fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the effect of fibronectin (FN)-immobilized microgrooved titanium (Ti) on human gingival fibroblast proliferation, gene expression and protein expression. METHODS: Photolithography was used to fabricate the microgrooved Ti, and amine funtionalization (silanization) was used for FN immobilization on titanium surfaces. Cell proliferation, gene expression and protein expression were analyzed, followed by multiple regression analysis for determining the influential factors on cell proliferation. RESULTS: FN-immobilized microgrooved Ti significantly enhanced the fibroblast proliferation in various timelines of culture, among which a burst of fivefold increase is induced at 96 h of culture compared to that on the control smooth Ti. We suggest a presence of the synergistic promotion effect of microgrooves and FN immobilization on fibroblast proliferation. Through a series of analyses on the expression of various genes and proteins involved in cell adhesion and proliferation, cyclin-dependent kinase 6, cyclin D1, integrin α5, oncogene c-Src, osteonectin, paxillin and talin-2 were determined as influential factors on promoting fibroblast proliferation induced by FN-immobilized microgrooved Ti. CONCLUSION: FN-immobilized microgrooved Ti can act as an effective surface for enhancing fibroblast proliferation, and can be used for promoting soft tissue response on the connective tissue attachment zone of biomaterial surfaces.

Effect of titanium surface microgrooves and thermal oxidation on in vitro osteoblast responses / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effect of combined various microgrooves and thermal oxidation on the titanium (Ti) and to evaluate various in vitro responses of human periodontal ligament cells (PLCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Grade II titanium disks were fabricated. Microgrooves were applied on titanium discs to have 0/0 microm, 15/3.5 microm, 30/10 microm, and 60/10 microm of respective width/depth by photolithography. Thermal oxidation was performed on the microgrooves of Ti substrata for 3 h at 700degrees C in air. The experiments were divided into 3 groups: control group (ST), thermal oxidation group (ST/TO), and combined microgrooves and thermal oxidation group (Gr15-TO, Gr30-TO, Gr60-TO). Surface characterization was performed by field-emission scanning microscopy. Cell adhesion, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization were analyzed using the bromodeoxyurdine (BrdU), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and extracellular calcium deposition assays, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the oneway analysis of variance and Pearson's bivariate correlation analysis (SPSS Version 17.0). RESULTS: In general, the combined microgrooves and thermal oxidation group (Gr15-TO, Gr30-TO, Gr60-TO) showed significantly higher levels compared with the control (ST) or thermal oxidation (ST-TO) groups in the BrdU expression, ALP activity, and extracellular calcium deposition. Gr60-TO group induced highest levels of cell adhesion and osteoblastic differentiation. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, we conclude that the Ti surface treatment using combined microgrooves and thermal oxidation is highly effective in inducing the cell adhesion andosteoblastic differentiation. The propose surface is also expected to be effective in inducing rapid and strong osseointegration of Ti oral implants.

De novo glomerulitis associated with graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) and proteinuria are uncommon, often unrecognized manifestations of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Only a few isolated case reports and case series involving smaller number of patients who developed NS after HSCT have been published. METHODS: We reviewed the renal histopathological examination findings and clinical records of 15 patients who developed proteinuria after HSCT at Seoul and Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital (Seoul, Korea). We also measured the anti-PLA2 Rantibodies (M-type phospholipase A2 receptor) in the serum samples from the seven patients at the time of renal biopsy. RESULTS: All patients had GVHD. The most common indication for biopsy was proteinuria ( > 1 g/day), with nine patients having nephrotic range proteinuria. The most common histopathological finding was membranous nephropathy (MN; n = 12).Other findings were membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, C1q nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. Eleven patients were treated with immunosuppressive agents, and three patients were treated only with angiotensin II receptor blocker. The overall response rate, including complete remission (urinary protein level < 0.3 g/day) and partial remission (urinary protein level = 0.31-3.4 g/day), was 73%. The mean follow-up period was 26 months, and none of the patients developed end-stage renal disease. All of the seven patients with MN had negative findings for anti-PLA2R antibodies, measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. CONCLUSION: In this study the findings of 15 renal biopsies were analyzed and to our knowledge this is the largest clinicopathological study of GVHD-related biopsy-proven nephropathy. Approximately 80% of the patients were MN and 73% responded either partially or completely to immunosuppressive treatment. Currently, there is an increase in the incidence of GVHD-mediated renal disease, and therefore, renal biopsy is essential for diagnosing the nephropathy and preventing the progression of renal disease.

The effect of resin cements and primer on retentive force of zirconia copings bonded to zirconia abutments with insufficient retention

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resin cements and primer on the retentive force of zirconia copings bonded to zirconia abutments with insufficient retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zirconia blocks (Lava, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) were obtained and forty sets of zirconia abutments and copings were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. They were grouped into 4 categories as follows, depending on the types of resin cements used, and whether the primer is applied or not:Panavia F2.0 (P), Panavia F2.0 using Primer (PRIME Plus, Bisco Inc, Schaumburg, IL, USA) (PZ), Superbond C&B (S), and Superbond C&B using Primer (SZ). For each of the groups, the cementation was conducted. The specimens were kept in sterilized water (37degrees C) for 24 hours. Retentive forces were tested and measured, and a statistical analysis was carried out. The nature of failure was recorded. RESULTS: The means and standard deviations of retentive force in Newton for each group were 265.15 +/- 35.04 N (P), 318.21 +/- 22.24 N (PZ), 445.13 +/- 78.54 N (S) and 508.21 +/- 79.48 N (SZ). Superbond C&B groups (S & SZ) showed significantly higher retentive force than Panavia F2.0 groups (P & PZ). In Panavia F2.0 groups, the use of primer was found to contribute to the increase of retentive force. On the other hand, in Superbond C&B groups, the use of primer did not influence the retention forces. Adhesive failure was observed in all groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that cementation of the zirconia abutments and zirconia copings with Superbond C&B have a higher retentive force than Panavia F2.0. When using Panavia F2.0, the use of primer increases the retentive force.

Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Acute Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in a Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 대한내과학회지

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is a unique response of the pulmonary circulation to hypoxia. It constitutes part of the self-regulatory mechanism by which pulmonary capillary blood flow is adjusted to alveolar ventilation for maintaining the optimal balance of ventilation and perfusion. In pathological conditions, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction may occur as an acute episode or as a sustained response with pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling. We report a case of reversible pulmonary hypertension induced by acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in an 18-year-old man with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia, complicated with severe anemia and pneumonia.

A Case of Hyperamylasemia Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma / 대한내과학회지

Hyperamylasemia in patients with lung cancer is relatively rare, occurring in 1-3% of all cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of hyperamylasemia in solid cancers is not clear. In Korea, no cases of hyperamylasemia have been reported in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Instead, the lung cancers in patients with hyperamylasemia have in most cases been adenocarcinomas. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman with hyperamylasemia that was suspected to have been induced by mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung. The patient's amylase isoenzyme pattern was of the salivary type. Systemic chemotherapy normalized her serum amylase levels and produced a partial response in her lung cancer.

A Case of Hyperamylasemia Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma / 대한내과학회지

Hyperamylasemia in patients with lung cancer is relatively rare, occurring in 1-3% of all cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of hyperamylasemia in solid cancers is not clear. In Korea, no cases of hyperamylasemia have been reported in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Instead, the lung cancers in patients with hyperamylasemia have in most cases been adenocarcinomas. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman with hyperamylasemia that was suspected to have been induced by mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung. The patient's amylase isoenzyme pattern was of the salivary type. Systemic chemotherapy normalized her serum amylase levels and produced a partial response in her lung cancer.

Nurses' Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performance during the First 5 minutes in In-Situ Simulated Cardiac Arrest

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills and teamwork of nurses in simulated cardiac arrests in the hospital. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted with 35 teams of 3 to 4 registered nurses each in a university hospital located in Seoul. A mannequin simulator was used to enact simulated cardiac arrest. Assessment included critical actions, time elapsed to initiation of critical actions, quality of cardiac compression, and teamwork which comprised leadership behavior and communication among team members. RESULTS: Among the 35 teams, 54% recognized apnea, 43% determined pulselessness. Eighty percent of the teams compressed at an average elapsed time of 108+/-75 seconds with 35%, 36%, and 67% mean rates of correct compression depth, rate, and placement, respectively. Thirty-seven percent of the teams defibrillated at 224+/-67 seconds. Leadership behavior and communication among team members were absent in 63% and 69% of the teams, respectively. CONCLUSION: The skills of the nurses in this study cannot be considered adequate in terms of appropriate and timely actions required for resuscitation. Future resuscitation education should focus on improving the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation including team performance targeting the first responders of cardiac arrest.

Analysis of the Time-Dependent Changes of Chest Compression Quality and Related Rescuer Factors in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation by Lay-Persons

PURPOSE: The study evaluated changes in the quality of chest compressions over 2 min in 30:2 cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by lay-persons and analyzed rescuer factors affecting the quality of chest compressions over time. METHODS: CPR training courses attended by 538 adult hospital and university workers (lay-person) were conducted at a university hospital. After 4-hour CPR training, tests were performed using a manikin with Skill-ReporterTM. Data of 459 subjects were analyzed concerning the quality of chest compressions over time and rescuer factors such as age, gender, body mass index, prior CPR training and CPR experience were also analyzed to determine their effect on the change in the quality of chest compressions. RESULTS: Compression depth (p=0.002) showed significant change over 2 min, but the rate (p=0.133), chest recoil (p=0.442) and hand placement (p=0.991) were insignificant. Ineffective compression depth (mean proportions of correct depth<70%) was not observed during the 2 min CPR. Female gender (p<0.001; OR, 5.882, 95% CI, 3.098-11.167) and no CPR training (p=0.004; OR, 2.163, 95% CI, 1.277-3.663) were associated with decline of compression depth. Time-dependent analysis revealed significant ineffective compression depth (<70%) in females and underweight patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Switching compressors at an interval of 2 min is reasonable for 30:2 CPR by lay-persons. But, significant decline of correct compression depth over time in female and underweight rescuers was evident.

A Case of Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma with Hyperplastic Polyp in the Remnant Stomach after Subtotal Gastrectomy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Hyperplastic polyps are usually found in the stomach and they account for 50 to 90% of all gastric epithelial polyps. In contrast to the adenomatous polyps, it has been reported that most hyperplastic polyps are benign. However, in rare cases hyperplastic polyps have revealed carcinoma, and the incidence of malignant changes is generally recognized to be about 1 to 3%. Most of the reported cases of a hyperplastic gastric polyp with a transformation to adenocarcinoma were well differentiated histopathologically. Herein we report on an extremely rare case that involved the association of a hyperplastic polyp and focal signet ring cell carcinoma in the remnant stomach after subtotoal gastrectomy.

The Identification of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Established by Endoscopic Ultrasound in a Patient with Severe Gastroptosis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is caused by compression of the transverse part of the duodenum between the SMA and the aorta, where the distance between these vessels decreases with loss of mesenteric fat. It occurs most frequently in patients with rapid weight loss. Conventionally, the diagnosis is established by digital fluoroscopy and contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT). A 17-year old woman was admitted via the emergency department with postprandial fullness, nausea, and bile stained vomiting. The initial radiological examination revealed severe gastroptosis. Fluoroscopic evaluation after barium swallowing failed due to a markedly distended stomach. The diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) using a mini-probe. EUS findings were in good agreement with the CT angiogram. A conservative trial was attempted, but symptoms remained refractory. Surgery was an alternative option and we treated the patient successfully with laparoscopic duodeno-jejunostomy.

Comparison of microleakage after load cycling for nanofilled composite resin fillings with or without flowable resin lining / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: when using resin for class II restoration, micoleakage by instrumentation can be regarded as the primary negative characteristic. A review of the available literature suggests that using flowable resin as liner to decreased microleakage. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the nanofilled flowable resin lining on marginal microleakage after load cycling in class II composite restoration fillings using nanofiller resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 extracted premolars were prepared with class II cavity. F group was restored the nanofilled resin with the nanofilled flowable resin as liner. NF group was restored the nanofilled resin only. After restoration, an experiment was performed on 2 groups using a 300N load at 104, 105 and 106 cycles. Prior to and before each load cycling, it was gauged length on total marginal microleakage, axial marginal microleakage and buccal, gingival, lingual marginal microleakage. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test & Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between 2 groups and between individual groups. (P < .05) The result showed less microleakage in teeth restored by the nanofilled resin, which was lined by the nanofilled flowable resin. CONCLUSION: There was significant reduction in microleakage when the nanofilled flowable resin lining was placed underneath the nanofilled resin in class II composite restoration fillings.

The optimal design of connectors in all ceramic fixed partial dentures manufactured from alumina tape / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENTS OF PROBLEM: All ceramic fixed partial denture cores can be made by the slip casting method and the advanced alumina tape method. The fracture resistance of these core connector areas is relatively low. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to standardize the appropriate volumetric figure and location of the connectors in the alumina core fabricated in alumina tape to be used in fixed partial dentures by way of topology optimization. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A maxillary anterior three-unit bridge alumina core with teeth form and surrounding periodontal apparatus model was used to ultimately design the most structurally rigid form of the connector. Loadings from a 0 degree, 45 degrees and 60 degrees to the axis of each tooth were applied and analyzed with the 3-D finite element analysis method. Using the results from these experiments, the topology optimization was applied and the optimal reinforcement layout of connector was obtained and the detail shape in the fixed partial denture core was designed. RESULTS: The modified prosthesis with the form of a bulk in the lower lingual surface of the connector in the event, reduced the stress concentration up to 20% in the 3-D FEA. CONCLUSION: The formation of a bulk in the lower lingual connector area of an alumina core for a fixed partial denture decreases the stress to a clinically favorable measure but does not harm the esthetic point of view. This result illustrates the possibility of clinical application of the modified form designed by the topology optimization method.

Skin reactivity and specific IgE sensitization to Tetranychus urticae and identification of IgE binding components / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tetranychus urticae(TU) is a widely distributed parasitic mite found on fruit trees and green house flowers. A recent investigation demonstrated that TU inhalation causes allergic asthma even in non-farmers. We tried to evaluate skin reactivity and specific IgE sensitization to TU, identify IgE binding components, and evaluate allergenic rela- tionship with house dust mite(HDM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out skin prick test with TU in 1806 respiratory allergy patients over 1 year living in urban and rural areas. ELISA was performed for detection of specific IgE antibody. To evaluate the cross allergenicity between TU and HDM, ELISA inhibition test was carried out with two kinds of pooled sera ; serum pool A included patients' sera sensitized to both TU and HDM, and serum pool B included sera sensitized only to TU. To identify IgE binding components, SDS-PAGE followed by IgE-immunoblot were applied. RESULTS: 358 patients(19.8%) showed positive response(A/H > or = 2+) on skin prick test. Twelve patients showed isolated positive response to TU. Specific IgE was detected in sixty patients(54.5%) out of 110 sensitized patients. ELISA inhibition test using two sera pools (A and B) showed significant inhibitions by TU with minimal inhibitions by HDM. SDS-PAGE and IgE-immunoblot with patients' individual sera sensitized to both TU and HDM showed 10 IgE binding components (67kD, 29kD, 27kD, 10kD, 14kD, 39kD, 46kD, 35kD, 72kD, 77kD) and two(67kD and 29kD) were bound to IgE in more than 50% of sera tested. In patients' sera sensitized only to TU, nine IgE binding components(67kD, 10kD, 14kD, 29kD, 39kD, 46kD, 72kD, 77kD, 9kD) were found and two(67kD and 10kD) were bound to IgE in more than 50%. CONCLUSION: Of allergy patients visiting the Allergy Clinic, 19.8% were sensitized to TU and specific IgE was detected in 54.5% of them. No cross allergenicity was noted between TU and HDM. Eleven IgE binding components and three (67kD, 10kD and 29kD) major allergens were identified.

Prevalence of asthma and atopy in children living in rural areas of Cheju island for an interval of three years / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma has been increasing due to changes in lifestyles. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and atopy for an interval of three years in children living in rural areas of Cheju island. METHODS: A total of 1,055 and 755 subjects aged 7-15 years in South Cheju County were enrolled for an interval of three years, respectively. They responded to the modified ISAAC questionnaire, and underwent allergy skin prick test with locally common aeroallergens and methacholine bronchial provocation test. Children who had asthma symptom as reported on the questionnaire and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine were diagnosed as current asthma. Atopy was defined as the positive skin responses to one or more aeroallergens. RESULTS: The prevalence of current asthma had increased from 4.4% to 7.0% during the three years, especially among children aged 13 to 15 years (3.9% vs. 7.6%), although the asthma prevalence was similar between the two intervals among children aged 7 to 12 years (5.2% vs. 6.8%). The atopy rate had significantly increased from 37.7% to 45.9% during the three years. As for common sensitizing aeroallergens, sensitization rate to citrus red mite had significantly increased among both the young and the old age groups. The sensitization rates to house dust mites, such as D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, had increased among the old age groups, but not among the young age groups, although the sensitization rates to cockroach and Japanese cedar pollen were similar among both the young and old age groups at the two intervals. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of current asthma and atopy had increased among children living in rural areas of Cheju island during the three year interval. The sensitization to house dust mite and citrus red mite had increased during the three years, and may play an important role in the increased prevalence of current asthma.

Distinct effect of sensitization of house dust mite and citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) in the development of allergic diseases in 16-18 year old adolescents living in rural areas of Jeju island / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: A recent investigation has demonstrated that citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) is the most important allergen in citrus-cultivating farmers with asthma or rhinitis. METHODS: A total of 2,005 adolescents (aged 16 to 18 years) living in rural areas were enrolled in this study. Each subject was evaluated by a questionnaire developed by the International Study of Allergy and Asthma in Childhood(ISSAC), and a skin prick test with 11 common inhalant allergens including citrus red mite. RESULTS: Prevalence of recent wheezing, recent rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and eczema was 13.0%, 13.6% and 9.9%, respectively. On skin prick test, the most common sensitizing allergen was citrus red mite (20.6%), followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (18.5%), Dermato-phagoides farinae (14.6%) and cockroach (9.8). The prevalence of eczema was higher in those with sensitization to CRM than in those without sensitization to any allergens(p 0.05). On the contrary, the sensitization to house dust mites were significantly associated with the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSION: Citrus red mite was the most common sensitizing allergen in 16-18 year-old adolescents living in rural areas with citrus farms and sensitization to CRM was significantly associated with the prevalence of atopic dermatitis.

Marginal fit related to margin types of glass infiltrated alumina core fabricated from aqueous-based alumina tape / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMETN OF PROBLEM: In-Ceram system is one of the all-ceramic crowns that can be used in anterior 3 unit fixed partial dentures and posterior single crowns. The alumina core used in In-Ceram system is manufactured using slip-casting technique. The slip-casting technique is difficult and technique sensitive. To improve this problem, tape-casting method was introduced into dentistry. There were no studies to examine the effect of margin design on the margin fit-ness of all-ceramic crowns fabricated from alumina tape. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal fitness of glass infiltrated alu-mina core fabricated from aqueous-based alumina tape according to different margin types (90 .,110 ., 135 .shoulder margin). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three upper central resin incisors were prepared with 90 ., 110 .and 135 .shoulder margins for all-ceramic crowns, respectively. The resin teeth were duplicated and master die and special plaster die were made as usual. After alumina cores were fabri-cated from aqueous-based alumina tape, cores were cemented to each 15 epoxy dies replicated from three resin teeth with resin cement. These cemented cores were embedded in epoxy resin. Specimens were cut mesiodistally and buccolingually. Marginal gap and discrepancy were measured under microscope. RESULTS: The marginal gap and discrepancy of 90.marginal angle was 75.1 mu m, 86.6 mu m, 110 .marginal angle was 41.5 mu m, 50.7 mu m and 135 .marginal angle was 51.7 mu m, 54.2 mu m, respectively. The smallest value was seen in 110 (angle, which was statistically significant com-pared to that of 90 .angle (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Marginal fitness of alumina cores made of alumina tape with 110 .shoulder mar-gin was best and others were clinically acceptable.

Age-related Results of Skin Prick Test in Children with Allergic Asthma

PURPOSE: Skin reactivity to different allergens may vary with age, since the degree and type of sensitization may be related not only to genetic factors but also to the intensity and duration of exposure to the allergens. The aim of this study was to evaluate profile of sensitization to airborne allergens according to age in children with allergic asthma. METHODS: We performed skin prick tests with 12 common airborne allergens in children with clinically diagnosed asthma, and analyzed the results of 313 patients with at least one positive response. Patients were arbitrarily divided into four groups, according to their age: group I(3 to 7 yrs; n=80), group II(7 to 10 yrs; n=93), group III(10 to 13 yrs; n=85), and group IV(13 to 17 yrs; n=55). The allergens tested were grouped into 5 classes : house dust mites, cockroach, animal danders, molds, and pollens. Atopy index and class index were calculated as the number of allergens and classes to which responses had been positive, respectively. RESULTS: In all groups, the most common positive allergic reaction was to house dust mites. Positive reactions to cat fur, mugwort, and ragweed among the allergens, and animal danders and pollens among the classes, tended to increase from group I to group IV(P<0.05). Atopy index increased with age(P<0.05). Class index also increased with age(P<0.05). Sensitization to more than one class of allergens occurred in 62.3% of the patients, and the percentage of these polysensitized patients tended to increase from group I to group IV(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In children with allergic asthma, the positive number of allergens and their classes by skin prick test increased with the age of the patients. This phenomenon was associated with age- related increase in the frequency of polysensitized patients.

Prevalence of atopic rhinitis and causative allergens in children living in rural areas of Cheju island / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: Atopic diseases have been increasing according to changes in life style and indoor environments. Atopic rhinitis is a prevalent atopic disease in children, but the prevalence has been reported differently according to geographic areas. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of childhood atopic rhinitis and to identify the distribution of causative allergens in total children living in rural areas of Cheju island. METHOD: A total of 7,145 subjects aged 7-15 years in South Cheju County was recruited in this study. They responded to an ISAAC questionnaire and underwent allergy skin prick test with common aeroallergens. Chronic rhinitis was positive in this respect if subjects experienced two or more rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and nasal blockage, which were not related to the common cold. Atopy was regarded as positive when the wheal caused by one or more of the common allergens was the same or larger than that caused by histamine. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic rhinitis was 10.5%. The prevalence of chronic rhinitis was the same between girls and boys, but higher as the ages of the subjects were older (7-9 years: 7.7%; 10-12: 10.6%; 13-15: 12.3%, p< 0.001). The atopy rate was 59.7%, meaning that the prevalence of atopic rhinitis was 6.2% and non-atopic rhinitis 4.2%. The common sensitizing allergens in decreasing order were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (40.4%), D. farinae (36.3%), citrus red mite (16.4%), cockroach (14.4%), outdoor Fungi (9.8%), Hop Japanese (5.6%) and Japanese cedar (4.5%) pollens. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of atopic rhinitis was 6.2% and the causative allergens such as citrus red mite and Japanese cedar pollen were different from the Korean mainland area.

A Prospective Study of Asthma Prevalence and Atopy Rate in Children Living in Rural Area of Cheju Island for 3 Years / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Asthma has been increasing due to changes in life style and indoor environments. Manifestations of asthma and atopy varies according to age. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the changing prevalence of asthma and atopy in children living in rural area of Cheju island via three year prospective study. METHODS: A total of 314 subjects aged from 7 to 12 years was followed up for three years. They responded a ISAAC questionnare, underwent allergy skin prick test with common aeroallergens and methacholine bronchial provocation test. Children with asthma symptoms on a questionnaire and positive methacholine bronchial provocation test were diagnosed as bronchial asthma. Skin prick test was regarded as positive when the size of wheal caused by allergens was same or larger than that caused by histamine. RESULTS: The prevalence of bronchial asthma has a tendency to increase from 4.1 % to 7.3% three years later(P=0.08). The atopy rate has significantly increased from 34.1% to 49.2% in both girls and boys(P<0.001), from 35.0% to 46.9% in girls(P< 0.05), and from 33.3% to 51.3% in boys(P<0.05). The positive skin responses to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae(P=0.36), Japanese cedar and cockroach were not changed between the three years. However, the postive skin reponse to citrus red mite was significantly increased three years later(from 10.7% to 31.1%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The asthma prevalence has a tendency to increase in children living in rural area with citrus farms. The atopy rate has been also increasing in the rural children. These phenomena may be explained by the fact that sensitization to citrus red mite has been increasing when they are getting older.