In the present work, we studied thiram on silver surface by SERS. Investigations of disulfides with SERS revealed that the molecules undergo a surface reaction on silver, namely easy cleavage of the S-S bond. We believe that the two S atoms of resonance formed from the thiram may be chemisorbed strongly on Ag sol. This resonance form adheres perpendicularly to the Ag surface via the two S atoms, since the δ (CH 3 ) and ν (CN) mode perpendicular to the surface showed strong enhancement. The important roles of halide anion adsorption have been discussed and the pH effects of thiram on Ag sol in acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions were examined.

BackgroundPollen allergens are one of the main contributors to the development and/or aggravation of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma.ObjectiveAn examination of the airborne pollen in residential areas should be conducted to aid the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.MethodsAirborne pollen samples were collected from 2 sites in Incheon and 2 in Seoul from 2015 to 2016.ResultsThe highest monthly concentration of airborne pollen was observed in May and September each year. Pollen from 32 families and 50 genera was identified over the 2 years; of these, Pinus spp. showed the highest pollen concentration (41.6%), followed by Quercus spp. (25.3%), and Humulus spp. (15.3%), the latter of which had the highest concentration among weed pollen. The total pollen concentration was significantly higher in Incheon than in Seoul (p = 0.001 in 2015, p < 0.001 in 2016) and higher in 2016 than in 2015. The concentrations of pollen from weed species (Cupressaceae, Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae) and grass species (Gramineae) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those from tree species. Pollen was distributed from February to November. The first pollen identified in both regions in each year was Alnus spp. Overall, the total concentration of Quercus spp., Betula spp., Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae pollen increased significantly over the 2 years.ConclusionRegion-specific differences exist in the pollen of major allergenic plants. Continuous monitoring of pollen is thus essential for management of pollen-related allergic disorders in each region.

Objective: There have been few reliable biomarkers to evaluate allergic rhinitis (AR) severity in children. This study aimed to investigate a biomarker for assessing AR severity in children. Methods:A total of 107 children with AR (80) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR, 27) were included in this study. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured and AR severity and duration was graded in patients with AR. We assessed the association between FeNO and the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classes.Results: FeNO levels in the AR and NAR groups were 34.7 ± 22.1 and 17.0 ± 13.1 ppb, respectively (p=0.001). FeNO levels were significantly different (p<0.05) in the four ARIA classes: 14.3 ± 3.7 ppb in the mild intermittent group, 22.7 ± 4.8 ppb in the mild persistent group, 32.1 ± 16.1 ppb in the moderate-to-severe intermittent group, and 48.2 ± 25.2 ppb in the moderate-to-severe persistent group. We collapsed the 4 ARIA classes into 2 groups based on severity or duration. FeNO levels of the mild symptom group and moderate-to-severe symptom group were 18.7 ± 6.0 and 41.1 ± 23.0 ppb, respectively, which were significantly different (p=0.001). FeNO levels of the intermittent duration group (n=36) and persistent duration group (n=44) were 26.6 ± 15.9 and 41.2 ± 24.4 ppb, respectively, which were significantly different (p=0.001). Conclusion:FeNO levels were higher in children with increased severity and duration of AR. FeNO could be an indicator for classifying severity and evaluating treatment efficacy in children with AR.

Most cystic lesions of the liver are found incidentally in imaging studies because they are not symptomatic, and generally do not require treatment. Rarely, however, symptomatic hepatic cysts may develop complications and require treatment. Here, we describe a case of a 77-year-old woman who developed biliary obstruction with abdominal pain due to compression of the bile duct by a simple hepatic cyst. We confirmed the diagnosis based on symptoms and imaging studies. The patient'ssymptoms improved after simple cyst ablation by sclerotherapy.

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