• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.165-173
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study addressed the question whether the composition of supposedly 'healthy' or 'unhealthy' dietary regimes has a calorie-independent short-term effect on biomarkers of metabolic stress and vascular risk in healthy individuals. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Healthy male volunteers (age $29.5{\pm}5.9years$, n = 39) were given a standardized baseline diet for two weeks before randomization into three groups of different dietary regimes: fast food, Mediterranean and German cooking style. Importantly, the amount of calories consumed per day was identical in all three groups. Blood samples were analyzed for biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and metabolic stress after two weeks of the baseline diet and after two weeks of the assigned dietary regime. RESULTS: No dietary intervention affected the metabolic or cardiovascular risk profile when compared in-between groups or compared to baseline. Subjects applied to the Mediterranean diet showed a statistically significant increase of uric acid compared to baseline and compared to the German diet group. Plasma concentrations of urea were significantly higher in both the fast food group and the Mediterranean group, when compared to baseline and compared to the German diet group. No significant differences were detected for the levels of vitamins, trace elements or metabolic stress markers (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde and methylglyoxal, a potent glycating agent). Established parameters of vascular risk (e.g. LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine) were not significantly changed in-between groups or compared to baseline during the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: The calorie-controlled dietary intervention caused neither protective nor harmful short-term effects regarding established biomarkers of vascular or metabolic risk. When avoiding the noxious effects of overfeeding, healthy individuals can possess the metabolic capacity to compensate for a potentially disadvantageous composition of a certain diet.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.349-361
• /
• 2018

Purpose: This ethnography was performed to explore patterns and meanings of healthy life among aged women using senior centers. Methods: The informants were 21 individuals aged 65 years and older at 2 community-based senior centers. Data were collected from iterative fieldwork through in-depth interviews and participant observations and analyzed using text analysis and taxonomic methods developed by Spradley. Field notes were used with follow-up interviews and dialogue between authors to enhance interpretation. Results: Patterns of healthy life among aged women using senior centers were categorized by age groups within the context of the four cultural elements of taking care of the body, relationality, temporality, and spatiality: active and passive control, maintenance of interdependence and individuality, expansion and maintenance of the daily routine, unity of peer relations and sustenance of family relations, spending time productively and tediously, and complementary and alternative space of the family relations. Conclusion: The informants in this study demonstrated healthy life by maintaining and strengthening continuous relationships developed in the senior centers without being isolated from the family and society. Patterns of their healthy life differed across age groups within the socio-cultural context. Therefore, interventions should be tailored to address age groups and community needs.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.241-245
• /
• 2017

Purpose: This study examined the hip and lumbopelvic movement while the hip was rotating laterally in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Sixty healthy subjects and sixty subjects with CLBP were enrolled in this study. Myomotion (Myomotion research pro, Noraxon Inc., German) was used to measure the hip lateral rotation and the lumbopelvic movement. An independent t-test was used to compare the hip lateral rotation and lumbopelvic rotation between the groups. Results: Between healthy males and females, healthy females showed a smaller hip lateral rotation angle (HLRA) than healthy males in the hip lateral rotation test (HLRT). Between the healthy females and females with CLBP, the females with CLBP showed a smaller HLRA and greater lumbopelvic motion than the healthy females in the HLRT, and their lumbopelvic motions occurred earlier during lateral rotation of the hip. Finally, between the males and females with CLBP, the females with CLBP showed a smaller HLRA and greater lumbopelvic motion in the HLRT, and their lumbopelvic motions occurred earlier during lateral rotation of the hip. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the CLBP affected the hip lateral rotation, and the lumbopelvic movement depended on gender. In particular, compared to the other groups, the females with CLBP showed a larger lumbopelvic rotation angle and smaller hip lateral rotation angle and lumbopelvic motion occurred early during lateral rotation of the hip.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.7.1-7.9
• /
• 2011

Bioelectric impedance measurements have been reported to show significant variation between individuals. Different physiological conditions like thickened skin, obesity, and fluid retention can affect the impedance measurement. Therefore, it is important to learn what other factors can affect the measurements of impedance even in healthy individuals. Such information is a prerequisite for understanding the changes in impedance associated with acupuncture treatment. This study investigated the bio-impedance properties of tissue segments in the arms of a number of healthy subjects, so as to define the factors that might influence the variation of the bio-impedance data in acupuncture meridians studies. 51 healthy subjects were recruited through Liverpool Hospital, Sydney. Demographic data was collected from each subject including the age, sex, BMI, and time since most recent meal. Electrodes were applied to the forearms of each test subject. Measurements were done by a purpose-built Bio-Impedance Research Device (BIRD-I) which allowed the determination of core resistance (Rc) and core reactance (Xc) of each of the three meridian tissue segments on the anterior surface of the forearm. No significant difference was found in the core resistance attributable to age group, gender, BMI or meal intake. However, a statistically significant trend in increasing resistance from the radial to ulnar aspect of the forearm (p < 0.001) was found. No significant difference was found in the core resistance of test tissue segments among the 51 healthy subjects measured in this study. However, the trend of increasing core resistance from the radial to ulnar aspects of the arm deserves further investigation.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.50 no.5
• /
• pp.313-326
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This study was conducted to analyze specific RNA expression profiles in gingival tissue and saliva samples in periodontitis patients and healthy individuals, and to determine their correlations in light of the potential use of microarray-based analyses of saliva samples as a periodontal monitoring tool. Methods: Gingival tissue biopsies and saliva samples from 22 patients (12 with severe periodontitis and 10 with a healthy periodontium) were analyzed using transcriptomic microarray analysis. Differential gene expression was assessed, and pathway and clustering analyses were conducted for the samples. The correlations between the results for the gingival tissue and saliva samples were analyzed at both the gene and pathway levels. Results: There were 621 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 320 upregulated and 301 downregulated) in the gingival tissue samples of the periodontitis group, and 154 DEGs (44 upregulated and 110 downregulated) in the saliva samples. Nine of these genes overlapped between the sample types. The periodontitis patients formed a distinct cluster group based on gene expression profiles for both the tissue and saliva samples. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery analysis revealed 159 enriched pathways from the tissue samples of the periodontitis patients, as well as 110 enriched pathways In the saliva samples. Thirty-four pathways overlapped between the sample types. Conclusions: The present results indicate the possibility of using the salivary transcriptome to distinguish periodontitis patients from healthy individuals. Further work is required to enhance the extraction of available RNA from saliva samples.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.26 no.12
• /
• pp.2141-2147
• /
• 2016

As one of the most complex human-associated microbial habitats, the oral cavity harbors hundreds of bacteria. Halitosis is a prevalent oral condition that is typically caused by bacteria. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbial communities and predict functional profiles in supragingival plaque from healthy individuals and those with halitosis. Ten preschool children were enrolled in this study; five with halitosis and five without. Supragingival plaque was isolated from each participant and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing was used to identify the microbes present. Samples were primarily composed of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Candidate phylum TM7. The ${\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$ diversity indices did not differ between healthy and halitosis subjects. Fifteen operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified with significantly different relative abundances between healthy and halitosis plaques, and included the phylotypes of Prevotella sp., Leptotrichia sp., Actinomyces sp., Porphyromonas sp., Selenomonas sp., Selenomonas noxia, and Capnocytophaga ochracea. We suggest that these OTUs are candidate halitosis-associated pathogens. Functional profiles were predicted using PICRUSt, and nine level-3 KEGG Orthology groups were significantly different. Hub modules of co-occurrence networks implied that microbes in halitosis dental plaque were more highly conserved than microbes of healthy individuals' plaque. Collectively, our data provide a background for the oral microbiota associated with halitosis from supragingival plaque, and help explain the etiology of halitosis.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.27-32
• /
• 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the radial bone strength, sitting balance ability and global self-esteem of wheelchair martial arts practitioners and healthy control participants. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Nine wheelchair martial art practitioners with physical disabilities and 28 able-bodied healthy individuals participated in the study. The bone strength of the distal radius was assessed using the Sunlight Mini-Omni Ultrasound Bone Sonometer; sitting balance was quantified using the modified functional reach test (with reference to a scale marked on the wall); and the self-administered Rosenberg self-esteem (RSE) scale was used to measure the global self-esteem of the participants. The velocity of the ultrasound wave (speed of sound, m/s) traveling through the outer surface of the radial bone was measured and was then converted into a T-score and a Z-score. These ultrasound T-score and Z-score that represent bone strength; the maximum forward reaching distance in sitting (cm) that represents sitting balance; and the RSE total self-esteem score that indicates global self-esteem were used for analysis. Results: The results revealed that there were no statistically significant between-group differences for radial bone-strength, maximum forward reaching distance, or self-esteem outcomes. Conclusions: The wheelchair martial arts practitioners had similar radial bone strength, sitting balance performance and self-esteem to able-bodied healthy persons. Our results imply that wheelchair martial arts might improve bone strength, postural control and self-esteem in adult wheelchair users. This new sport-wheelchair martial arts-might be an exercise option for people with physical disabilities.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.33-41
• /
• 2019

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of diminished plantar sensation in Y-balance test between chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients versus Healthy individuals. Method: A total of 90 subjects and CAI group (N=45) (age: $24.49{\pm}2.52yrs$, height: $173.53{\pm}8.20cm$, weight: $69.62{\pm}12.92kg$) and healthy group (N=45) (age: $24.85{\pm}2.70yrs$, height: $170.27{\pm}7.70cm$, weight: $66.04{\pm}11.60kg$) participated in this study. Participants were tested on the anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) reach directions of the Y-Balance Test before and after a 10-minute of plantar cutaneous sensation application using ice ($2^{\circ}C$). Normalized reach distances were measured 3 times each direction. Results: We observed a decrease in reach-distance scores for the reach directions after diminished plantar cutaneous sensation in all reach directions (p<.01). Also, we observed a decrease in reach-distance scores for the PL, and PM reach directions between groups (p<.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated that dynamic postural control was adversely affected immediately after diminished plantar cutaneous sensation between CAI group and healthy group. Future research may suggest that determine the studies involving more realistic dynamic movement, such as walking or running, landing.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.4.1-4.9
• /
• 2024

Objectives: This study aims to correlate caries-causing microorganism load, lactic acid estimation, and blood groups to high caries risk in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals and low caries risk in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This study includes 30 participants divided into 3 groups: Group A, High-risk caries diabetic individuals; Group B, High-risk caries non-diabetic individuals; and Group C, Low-risk caries individuals. The medical condition, oral hygiene, and caries risk assessment (American Dental Association classification and International Caries Detection and Assessment System scoring) were documented. Each individual's 3 mL of saliva was analyzed for microbial load and lactic acid as follows: Part I: 2 mL for microbial quantity estimation using nutrient agar and blood agar medium, biochemical investigation, and carbohydrate fermentation tests; Part II: 0.5 mL for lactic acid estimation using spectrophotometric analysis. Among the selected individuals, blood group correlation was assessed. The χ² test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc analysis were done using Dunn's test (p < 0.05). Results: Group A had the highest microbial load and lactic acid concentration, followed by Groups B and C. The predominant bacteria were Lactobacilli (63.00 ± 15.49) and Streptococcus mutans (76.00 ± 13.90) in saliva. Blood Group B is prevalent in diabetic and non-diabetic high-risk caries patients but statistically insignificant. Conclusions: Diabetic individuals are more susceptible to dental caries due to high microbial loads and increased lactic acid production. These factors also lower the executing tendency of neutrophils, which accelerates microbial accumulation and increases the risk of caries in diabetic individuals.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.171-181
• /
• 2012

The effect of nutritional information on healthier menu choices have been reflected in previous research and nutrition policy efforts. This study further examines the relationship between healthy menu choices and three consumer characteristics - Future Orientation, Regulatory Focus, and Need for Cognition. A $3{\times}3$ experimental design was used with varying food types (burger sandwiches, sub sandwiches, and salad dressing) and the degree of nutritional information (no information, total calories only, and full nutrition information). It was found that having more nutritional information, and individuals with Future Orientation and Promotion Focus were associated with the choice of healthier menus. More specifically, those with high Consideration of Future Consequences and with Promotion Orientation switched their choices to the healthier ones with the provision of nutritional information.