• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.258-268
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate dietary vitamin A intake and examine major food sources of vitamin A in Korean adults. Methods: Using data from the 2007~2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a total of 33,069 subjects over 19-years-old were included in this study. We estimated individual daily intakes of retinol, carotenoids such as ${\alpha}$-carotene, ${\beta}$-carotene, ${\beta}$-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene, and vitamin A by linking food consumption data with the vitamin A database of commonly consumed foods. We compared individual vitamin A intakes with the reference value of Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Results: Average dietary vitamin A intakes of study subjects were $864.3{\mu}g$ retinol equivalent/day ($495.7{\mu}g$ retinol activity equivalent/day) in men and $715.0{\mu}g$ retinol equivalent/day ($403.6{\mu}g$ retinol activity equivalent/day) in women. Exactly 42.9% and 70.6% of total subjects consumed less vitamin A than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) based on retinol equivalent and retinol activity equivalent, respectively. The major food sources of vitamin A were Korean radish leaves, carrot, red pepper, and laver, and the top 20 foods provided about 80% of total vitamin A intake. Conclusion: This study provides basic data for estimation of vitamin A intake in Korean adults. Further research will be needed to analyze the association of insufficient or excess intakes of vitamin A and health problems in the Korean population.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.151-156
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• 2007

Purpose : Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major etiologic agent for pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, and sepsis among young children. Multi-drug resistant strains have raised great concern worldwide, thus the importance of prevention with vaccines has been emphasized. However, vaccines may force the appearance of pneumococcal infections by nonvaccine serotypes. Thus, distribution of pneumococcal serotypes should be monitored to estimate vaccine efficacy. We used a new and efficient multibead assay in determining pnemococcal serotypes. Methods : From January to February 2005, 643 children were recruited from ten day care centers to isolate pneumococci from their oropharynx. Pneumococcal serotyping was performed on 62 pneumococcal isolates from 60 children by multibead assay. This immunoassay required two sets of latex particles coated with pneumococcal polysaccharides and serotype-specific antibodies. Twenty four newly developed monoclonal antibodies specific for common serotypes and a pool of polyclonal rabbit sera for some of the less common serotypes were used. Results : The most prevalent pneumococcal serotypes were serotype 6A, 19A, 19F, 23F, and 11A/D/F which accounted more than 50 precent of all the 62 pneumococcal isolates. We found that multibead assay can be performed very rapidly and objectively. Conclusion : This multibead immunoassay was very useful in serotyping clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae because it was simple, reliable and fast.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.382-394
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a nutrition education program as part of health promoting projects in an elementary school. A total of 168 students in the 4th grade were enrolled in the program for 6 months. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to assess nutrition knowledge and dietary habit. Nutrient intakes and body shape perceptions were measured using 24-hour recall method and self-ratings of body shape figures, respectively. The education program was conducted in various ways, focused on healthy dietary behavior, nutrients' roles and sources, and proper body shape perceptions, etc. After the education program, nutrition knowledge and dietary habit were significantly improved. Dietary habit scores were significantly and positively related to nutrition knowledge levels. Body shape perceptions were significantly and properly changed after the program. Dissatisfaction with perceived current body shape and discrepancy between shapes desired and considered healthy were significantly decreased. But girls still indicated a desire to be leaner than shapes which were perceived current and considered healthy. Nutrient intakes were partly improved by the program, but some nutrients, such as calcium, folate, zinc, sodium and niacin, were still remained deficient or excessive. These findings indicate that enhancement of nutrition knowledge is extended to the improvement of dietary habit. In addition, establishment of proper body shape perception is closely related to healthy dietary habits and is required to good nutrition and health.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.313-324
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between intake of antioxidant vitamins and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean adults. Methods: A total of 614 subjects aged 30~60 years were recruited from those who received a medical checkup at a general hospital in South Korea between 2009 and 2012. Presence of MetS was determined based on criteria issued by the NCEP ATP III. Intakes of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, retinol, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E) were estimated by combining 3-day diet records with an antioxidant vitamin database for common Korean foods. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the association between dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins and MetS. Results: Men in the highest tertile for retinol (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.23~0.71, P for trend = 0.0009), carotenoids (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.32~1.00, P for trend = 0.0470), and vitamin E (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30~0.92, P for trend = 0.0190) intakes had a lower likelihood of having Mets than those in the lowest tertile. The OR of high fasting blood glucose among men in the highest tertile for vitamin A (${\mu}g$ RE: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.32~0.97, P for trend = 0.0417, ${\mu}g$ RAE: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29~0.92, P for trend = 0.0211), carotenoids (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23~0.73, P for trend = 0.0036), and vitamin E (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26~0.82, P for trend = 0.0080) intakes was lower than those in the lowest tertile. In women, subjects in the highest tertile of retinol intakes had a lower prevalence of MetS than those in the lowest tertile group (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.30~0.98). The OR for abdominal obesity was lower among women with the highest vitamin A (${\mu}g$ RE) intakes compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28~0.93, P for trend = 0.0293). Conclusion: These results suggest that dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins might be associated with reduced risk of having MetS among Korean adults.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.5-13
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• 2012

I-cell disease (mucolipidosis type II; MIM 252500) and pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy (mucolipidosis type III; MIM 252600) are disorders caused by abnormal lysosomal transport in cells. The presence of numerous inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts, a lack of mucopolysacchariduria, increased lysosomal enzyme activity in serum, and decreased GlcNAc-phosphotransferase activity are hallmark. Here, we attempted to investigate phenotypical and biochemical characteristics of the knockoutmouse of GlcNAc-phosphotransferase ${\alpha}/{\beta}$ subunits; in addition, we also attempted to determine whether the lysosome enriched fraction derived from placenta can be beneficial to phenotype and biochemistry of the knockout mouse.We found that the knockout mouse failed to thrive and had low bone density, as is the case in human. In addition, skin fibroblasts from the animal had the same biochemical characteristics, including increased lysosomal enzyme activity in the culture media, in contrast to the relatively low enzyme activity within the cells. Intravenous injection of the lysosome rich fraction derived from placenta into the tail vein of the animal resulted in a gain of weight, while saline injected animals didn't.In conclusion, our study demonstrated the phenotypical and biochemical similarities of the knockout mouse to a mucolipidosis type II patient and showed the therapeutic potential of the lysosome enriched fraction. We admit that a larger scale animal study will be needed; however, the disease model and the therapeutic potential of the lysosome enriched fraction will highlight the hope for a novel treatment approach to mucopolipidosis type II, for which no therapeutic modality is available.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.25-37
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• 2005

Objective : To estimate the magnitude of psychosocial distress and examine eligible factors associated with the development of psychosocial distress in Korean employees, using a nationwide sample. Methods : A total of 6,977 workers were recruited from 245 companies. A structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographics, health-related behaviors, job characteristics, social support at work, personality traits (locus of control, type A behavior pattern), self-esteem, and psychosocial distress. Results : The results showed that 23 % of workers were categorized as high stress, 73% as moderate, and 5% as normal. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that psychosocial distress was more common in younger workers, both male and female. Regular exercise was negatively associated with increase of psychosocial distress. In job characteristics, as expected, low decision latitude, high job insecurity, and low social support at work were related to high psychosocial distress. Personality traits such as locus of control and type A behavior pattern, and self-esteem were more powerful predictors of psychosocial distress than general characteristics, health-related behavior, and job characteristics. There were some gender differences. While men who are less educated and single (unmarried, divorced, and separated) experienced higher levels of psychosocial distress than those who are educated and married, women who feel high job demand experienced higher levels of psychosocial distress than those who feel low job demand. Conclusions : The proportion of the high stress group was higher than expected, and psychosocial factors like social support and personality characteristics (e. g. locus of control, type A behavior pattern and self-esteem) were more significant factors for psychosocial distress than other variables. This finding suggests that some psychosocial factors, especially inadequate social support, low self-esteem and lack of internal locus of control for the development of psychosocial distress, will also operate as an intervention strategy in the worksite stress reduction program. It is strongly required that worksite stress reduction programs should be established in at both occupational and level as well as in individual levels.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.290-297
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was developed for the determination of tridemorph in agricultural commodities samples. Tridemorph residues in samples were extracted with acetonitrile, partitioned with saline water, and then purified using and aminopropyl ($NH_2$) SPE catridge. The purified samples were quantified and confirmed via liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Matrix-matched calibration curves were linear over the calibration ranges (0.005~2.5 ng) into a blank extract with $r^2$ > 0.999. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.001 and 0.005 mg/kg, respectively. The average recovery ranged between 75.9% and 103.7% at different concentration levels (LOQ, 10 LOQ, 50 LOQ, n = 5) with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 9.0%. An interlaboratory study was conducted to validate the method by Korea Advanced Food Research Institute. The average recovery ranged between 87.0% and 109.2% at different concentration levels (LOQ, $10{\times}LOQ$, $50{\times}LOQ$, n = 5) with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 8.0%. All values were consistent with the criteria ranges requested in the Codex guidelines (CAC/GL40, 2003) and Food Safety Evaluation Department guidelines (2016). The results prove that the developed analytical methods is accurate, effective and sensitive for tridemorph determination.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.169-180
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was to identify the death recognition, meaning in life, and death attitude of participants in the death education program. Methods: A survey was conducted, and 205 data were collected. Descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$-test, ANOVA, and Duncan test were used. Results: 1) The followings were the characteristics of death recognition shown by the participants. Over half of the participants said that they had given some thoughts on their deaths, that they had agreeable view on death acceptance, and that diseases and volunteer works made them think about their deaths. Moreover, suffering, parting with family and concerns for them, etc. were the most common reasons for the difficulty of accepting death. As for 'the person whom I discuss my death with', spouse, friend, and son/daughter were the most chosen in this order. Lastly, the funeral type that most of the participants desired was cremation. 2) The means of meaning in life and death attitude were $2.92{\pm}0.29$ and $2.47{\pm}0.25$, respectively. There were significant differences between health status, meaning in life and death attitude. 3) A significant positive corelationship was found between meaning in life and death attitude (r=0.190, P=0.001). Conclusion: For an effective death education program that would fit each individual's situation, an educational content that can make a person understand the meaning of his or her life and death, includes knowledge to lessen the fear and anxiety of death, and helps a person heal from the loss of a family member is absolutely necessary.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.148-153
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• 2005

Malaria is a re-emerging infectious disease that is spreading to areas where it had been eradicated, such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia. To avoid the mortality from malaria, early detection of the parasite is a very important issue. The peripheral blood smear has been the gold standard method for the diagnosis of malaria infection. Recently, several other methods have been introduced for quantitative detection of malaria parasites. Real time PCR that employs fluorescent labels to enable the continuous monitoring of PCR product formation throughout the reaction has recently been used to detect several human malaria parasites. 18S rRNA sequences from malaria parasites have been amplified using Taqman real time PCR assay. Here, a SYBR Green-based real time quantitative PCR assay for the detection of malaria parasite-especially, Plasmodium vivax - was applied for the evaluation of 26 blood samples from Korean malaria patients. Even though SYBR Green-based real time PCR is easier and cheaper than Taqman-based assay, SYBR Green-based assay cannot be used because 18S rRNA cannot be specifically amplified using 1 primer set. Therefore, we used DBP gene sequences from Plasmodium vivax, which is specific for the SYBR Green based assays. We amplified the DBP gene from the 26 blood samples of malaria patients using SYBR Green based assay and obtained the copy numbers of DBP genes for each sample. Also, we selected optimal reference gene between ACTB and B2M using real time assay to get the stable genes regardless of Malaria titer. Using selected ACTB reference genes, we successfully converted the copy numbers from samples into titer, ${\sharp}$ of parasites per microliter. Using the resultant titer from DBP based SYBER Green assay with ACTB reference gene, we compared the results from our study with the titer from Taqman-based assay. We found that our results showed identical tendency with the results of 18S rRNA Taqman assay, especially in lower titer range. Thus, our DBP gene-utilized real time assay can detect Plasmodium vivax in Korean patient group semi-quantitatively and easily.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.156-164
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to bone mineral contents (BMC) at os calcis of adolescents. The subjects were 604 students (327 boys and 277 girls) between 7th and 9th grade in Seoul, Korea. The mean age was 14.2 ${\pm}$ 0.9 years. General characteristics were collected by a questionnaire, bone mineral contents (BMC) were measured in os calcis by Duel Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (PIXI, General Electronics, USA) and height and weight were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis method (Inbody 4.0, Biospace Co. Ltd, Seoul, Korea). Mean BMC of os calsis were 2.241 g. Height (p <.0001), weight (p <.0001I), BMC (p <.0001I) ofboys were higher than those of girls. Percent body fat of girls, however, was higher than that of boys (p <.0001). Anthropometric measurement, pocket money, sibling, experience of fracture, pubertal stage, intake of supplements, physical or outdoors activity, and eating habit had significant influence on BMC of boys. Anthropometric measurement, physical or outdoors activity, and eating habit had significant influence on BMC of girls. Multivariate regression with adjustment for sex and age showed that BMC was associated positively with height, BMI, frequency of regular activity, and intake of spinach or radish leaves (all p <0.05), and negatively with percent body fat (p <.0000 and Korean traditional diet pattern (p = 0.01). On the basis of these results, it is recommended to develop nutrition education and physical activity program for adolescents to improve BMC and prevent osteoporosis.