• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.9
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• pp.1431-1438
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• 2014

This study assessed the risk and prevalence of anorexia as well as associated factors among home-dwelling elderly adults. The subjects were 419 elderly men (116) and women (303) aged 65 years and older ($76{\pm}5.6yr$) living in Korea. Data were collected by personal interviews using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. The prevalence of anorexia was 35.1% among participants. Male elders (74.1%) had higher proportions of anorexia than female elders (20.1%) (P<0.001). Significant differences in the appetite were observed according to type of disease, depression, and activities of daily living (ADL) index. In the poor appetite group, central nervous system diseases were the primary illness in male elders (P<0.01), whereas endocrine diseases were the primary illness in female elders (P<0.01). Elders with good appetites had less symptoms of depression (P<0.001) and greater independence in ADL (P<0.001). These results explored the high prevalence of anorexia in geriatric populations in Korea and its impact on elderly nutritional status and health. Further research should be performed to identify the causes of anorexia and establish an intervention protocol allowing the early diagnosis of anorexia.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.1179-1191
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• 1999

This study was conducted to identify appetite and nutritional status of 48 cancer patients who have been irradiated over 150$\textrm{cm}^2$ on chest or pelvic area over the three-month period. The data were gathered 3 phases, Each from initiation to completion of radiotherapy through the questionnaires of anorexia, the anthropometric and biochemical measures were used such as weight, TSF, MAC, MAMC, serum albumin and hemoglobin, TLC. Using SAS program, data were analyzed by percentage, Mean$\pm$SD, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The results were summarized as follows : 1. Eighty five percent(85%) of the subjects were aged from fifties to sixties. Cancers in the chest area occurred in 100% of men, 56% of the all subjects. The other 44% were pelvic cancer and 71% of the pelvic cancer occurred in women. 2. There were no significant differences in the appetite scores by all groups(characteristics). Changes of the appetite score over time were statistically significant by age, sex, cancer areas staging, treatment modality, and radiation dosage (F=4.0, p=.022; t=6.09, p=.003; t=4.90, p=.009; F=3.28, p=.042; t=5.04, p=.0084; t=4.76, p=.011). The appetite score on the 2nd phase (4 weeks after initiating radiotherapy) decreased from the 1st phase (initiating irradiation), and then increased on the 3rd phase (completing irradiation). 3. There were no significant differences in the body weight and MAMC by all characteristics, and no changes in the body weight and MAMC over time. However there were significant differences of TSF, MAC, level of hemoglobin, level of albumin, and TLC by all characteristics during the three phases. TSF of the men and the chest cancer were lower than those of the women and the pelvic cancer (t=73.20, p=.0001; t=22.91, p=.0001). And there was significant difference by cancer staging(F=3.19, p=.050). But there was no change in TSF over time. MAC of the men and the chest cancer were lower than those of the women and the pelvic cancer each(t=9.23, p=.004; t=17.85, p=.0001). But no change in MAC over time. Levels of hemoglobin had significant differences by age, sex and cancer areas; levels of hemoglobin of older than the fifties, men, and chest area were higher than those on the others(F=3.82, p=.029; t=21.75, p=.0001; t=8.71, p=.005). Levels of albumin were significant differences by sex and cancer areas; levels of albumin on women, and pelvic area were higher than those on the others(t=6.34, p=.015; t=15.23, p=.0003). While the levels of hemoglobin were changed over time, levels of albumin were not changed and within normal limit. TLC of the men was higher than women(t=5.05, p=.029). Changes in the level of hemoglobin over time were statistically significant according to sex, cancer areas, and radiation dosage(t=3.49, p=.035; t=3.36, p=.039; t=4.04, p=.021).

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.18-26
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• 2014

Purpose: Anorexia is a common symptom in terminal cancer patients. Some data have suggested a role of visfatin in regulating feeding behavior. We studied the relationship of a serum visfatin level and anorexia in cancer patients provided with hospice care. Methods: After informed consent was obtained, 69 cancer patients over 20 years old at a hospice center were enrolled in the study from July 2009 to July 2010. We characterized patients by age, sex, body mass index, primary cancer site, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, etc. Also, blood tests were performed to measure the level of hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol, albumin, lymphocyte count, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interukin-6, leptin and visfatin. Results: The mean age of subjects was 65.5 years old, According to univariate analysis, pulse, ECOG performance scale, opioid use and visfatin level were different between the anorexia and non-anorexic group (P<0.05). The median visfatin level was higher in the anorexia group than the good appetite group (P=0.0323). Serum visfatin concentrations were not related with either body mass index or serum leptin or total cholesterol levels, but it was negatively correlated with serum albumin levels (P=0.0198) and lymphocyte counts (P=0.0013). Conclusion: This study did not identify a novel link between visfatin levels and anorexia in cancer patients at a hospice.

• 건강소식
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.44-45
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• 2012

많은 연구자들에 의하면, 과체중인 사람이 체중을 감소시켰을 때 체내 대사 속도가 느려지고, 식욕 증가에 관여하는 호르몬의 변화가 일어난다고 한다. 그런데 사실 그들의 몸은 굶고 있다고 인식하여 괴식을 유도하므로 감소된 체중의 대부분이 원래 상태로 되돌아오게 된다. 하지만 연구자들은 체중 감량 후 과식하는 경향이 지속되는 것에 대해서는 간과해 왔다.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.38-47
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of nutritional education program (NEP) on nausea and vomiting, anorexia, food intake, and nutritional status among GI cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A nonequivalent, non-synchronized posttest design was used. Study subjects were conveniently selected 30 patients (15 subjects for each group) who were undergoing chemotherapy. The subjects of the experimental group received NEP which consisted of 2 educations and 1 counselling while they were hospitalized, and telephone counselling with nutritional supports after discharge for four times. Results: The score of anorexia was lower and the amount of food intake was higher in the experimental group than those of the control group. However, there were no significant differences in levels of nausea and vomiting, weight, hemoglobin, albumin, and total protein level between the experimental and the control group. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the NEP was effective in alleviating anorexia and improving subjective food intake of GI cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These findings suggest that NEP can be a useful nursing intervention for preventing nutritional disorders for patients with GI cancer after chemotherapy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.45-55
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• 2003

To investigate the relationship between dietary attitude and healthy status of office workers in Seoul was to be researched for 389 subjects (male: 224 and female: 165). As a result showed 69.4% of them moderately healthy state and 55.0% had a great interest in health. About 41.6% of the respondents was nonsmoker and 74.8% of them drunk alcohol once or twice a week. Only 28.0% of them responded to have breakfast three to four times a week. About 71.0% responded to skip breakfast'. The main reasons for it were 'the lack of time'(46.5%) and 'habitually'(22.6%). The usually preferred taste of food was showed to be 'hot' for 40.3%, the highest percentage. An attempt of supplemental food was 66.0%. The reason for it was shown to be 'for relaxation'(51.7%), followed by 'for prevention and treatment of diseases (23.1%). On dietary habit showed the groups of married and professional people won the hish scores on it. And the groups of those doing exercise once or twice a week, those having a sufficient sleep and those kept in a good food habit showed the high scores on it. The older age group showed the good dietary attitude regardless of occupation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to analyze the dietary habits and food intake status according to the prevalence of depression in adults. Methods: A total of 496 subjects, 224 men and 272 women aged 50 to 100 years were recruited from more than 13 cities in Korea. The questionnaires consisted of general characteristics, dietary life status, food intakes, the mean mini dietary assessment and satisfaction with food-related life questionnaire of the subjects to ask according to the degree of depression. Depression status was evaluated according to the Korean form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (K-GDS). Results: All subjects were divided into depression or normal groups; the prevalence of depression was 13.8% (male) and 23.9% (female). People aged 65 or older were more likely to have higher prevalence of depression and to be bereaved. People in the depression group had poor appetite, almost never dined-out, and ate alone. The food intake of miscellaneous cereals, beans, tofu, chicken/duck meat, cabbage, carrot/amber, fungi, apple, pear, strawberry, grapes, and banana was significantly higher in the normal group compared with the depression group. In particular, significantly higher intake of vegetables and fruits was observed in the normal group. In addition, subjects in the depression group ate more fatty meat and were more dissatisfied with food-related life than those in the normal group. Conclusion: The results of this study imply that the prevalence of depression may affect the dietary habits, food intake, and dietary behaviors in the older adult population.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.204-210
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• 1999

Purpose: We assessed the nutritional status and the alterations of oral diets during anti-cancer chemotherapy in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: Twenty children with malignancy were evaluated from day 0 until day 21 of post-chemotherapy. Nutritional status was assessed by body weight and biochemical parameters. The amount and calories of oral diets were assessed and food preference before and during chemotherapy were analysed by questionnelle. Results: 1) The underlying diseases of 20 patients were 11 acute lymphoblastic lekemia, 2 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2 Langerhans cell histiocytosis, 2 Wilm's tumor, 2 brain tumor, 1 rhabdomyosarcoma. 2) There were weight loss during chemotherapy in 8 patients (40.0%), weigt gain in 5 patients (25.0%), and no significant changes in 7 patients (35.0%). 3) Biochemical parameters showed no significant interval changes during chemotherapy except elevation of serum ALT level. 4) The daily caloric intakes of oral diets during chemotherapy were 310~600 Kcal which was much lower than average of daily recommended calory for Korean children. 5) The most favorate food was altered by chemotherapy, from meats to carbonated beverages and unfavorate food was not altered as vegetables. Conclusion: The periodic assessment of nutritional status and dietary supplements according to preferred foods of patients will be required for the optimal nutrition care in cancer patients.

• Food Industry And Nutrition
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.10-18
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• 2005

제2형 당뇨병은 인슐린 저항성과 인슐린 분비능의 장애에 의해서 복합적으로 나타나는 대사성 증후군 중 하나이다. 인슐린 저항성은 용어에서도 알 수 있듯이 인슐린 신호전달의 저하로 인한 인슐린 작용 감소가 나타나고 이는 인슐린 분비가 증가하더라도 포도당 이용은 감소된 상태이다. 인슐린 분비능은 직접적으로 인슐린 작용과는 무관한 것처럼 보이지만 자세히 살펴보면 인슐린 분비능의 중요한 역할을 하는 췌장 베타세포의 성장과 생존은 인슐린/IGF-1 신호 전달과 밀접한 관계가 있으므로 인슐린 분비능도 인슐린/IGF-1 신호전달과 관련이 있다. 그러므로 인슐린/IGF기 신호전달의 장애는 제2형 당뇨병의 병인에 매우 중요한 요인이다. 그러므로 제2형 당뇨병을 효과적으로 예방 또는 치료하기 위해서는 근육, 지방세포와 간등에서 인슐린 신호전달을 향상시켜 포도당 이용을 증가시키고, 시상하부에서 인슐린 신호전달을 향상시켜 식욕을 적절하게 조절할 수 있도록 하여 과체중이나 비만의 발생을 방지하고 췌장의 베타세포에서 인슐린/IGF-1 신호전달을 향상시켜 베타세포의 성장과 생존을 향상시켜 포도당에 대한 인슐린 분비 능을 촉진시키는 것이다. 최근에 FDA에서 승인받은 Exenatide는 glucagons like peptide-1 receptor agonist로 시상하부에 작용하여 식욕조절도 하고 췌장의 베타세포에서 IRS2의 발현을 증가시켜 인슐린/IGF-1 신호전달을 향상시켜 insulinotropic 작용을 가지는 것으로 알려졌다. 이 Exenatide는 도마뱀의 독침에서 분리한 peptide로 천연물로부터 유래된 약물이므로 천연물로부터 제2형 당뇨병을 치료할 수 있는 약물을 발견할 가능성은 매우 높으므로 이에 대한 연구는 체계적으로 이루어져야 하겠다.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.183-189
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• 2005

Purpose: Despite the advance of medical science, the number of cancer patient have increased and the mortality rate is also on the rise. Therefore, a perfect cure for cancer is crucial, but the value and meaning of the remaining life for the patient are also becoming more and more important. The principal aim of this study is to examine the differences in the quality of life, physical and psychosocial symptoms according to the performance status of terminal cancer patients. Methods: We evaluated the performance status, demographical data, blood analysis and quality of life of cancer patients who visited the Department of family Medicine at Myoung-ji Hospital in Korea between September 1, 2003 and August 31, 2005. Their performance status (ECOG) was divided into two groups ($ECOG\;0{\sim}1/ECOG\;2{\sim}4$) and analyzed by ANOVA to see if there was a difference in their blood analysis and quality of life. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: A total of 104 patients were evaluated, among which 71 patients (23 male and 48 female) scored $0{\sim}1$, and 33 patients (8 males and 25 females) scored $2{\sim}4$ in the ECOG. The blood analysis showed that patients whose performance status was $2{\sim}4$ had lower levels of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, protein, albumin and sodium. The evaluation on their quality of life showed that the overall health status of patients with $2{\sim}3$ functional ability were poor (P=0.02). Also, from a functional perspective, these patients had poor physical (P=0.05) and role (P=0.01) scores, and in terms of symptoms, they showed a significant loss of appetite. Conclusion: If a patient's performance status was poor, levels related to certain nutritions were also found to fall in blood tests, thereby leading to an overall weakened state of health. However, there was no difference in symptoms except for a loss of appetite. In conclusion, it is most important to increase the appetite in patients with poor performance status.