• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.47-52
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• 2021

Background: Short stature is defined as a height below the 3rd percentile or more than two standard deviations below the mean for a given age, sex, and population. There have been inconsistent results regarding craniofacial morphology in short-statured children. This study aimed to analyze the differences between short-statured children with growth hormone deficiency, idiopathic short-statured children, and normal children. Methods: Thirty-one short-statured children with growth hormone deficiency, 32 idiopathic short-statured children, and 32 healthy children were enrolled in this study. The measurements of their craniofacial structures from lateral cephalograms were evaluated. Results: There were statistically significant differences among the three groups seven variables (anterior cranial base length, posterior cranial base length, total cranial base length, upper posterior facial height, posterior total facial height, mandibular ramus length, and overall mandibular length) in the linear measurement and five variables (saddle angle, gonial angle, mandibular plane angle, position of mandible, and maxilla versus mandible) in the angular measurement. Conclusion: Compared to the control group, many linear and angular measurements of the craniofacial structures were significantly different in the two short-statured groups (p <0.05). Treatment plans by orthodontists should include these craniofacial structure characteristics.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제63권2호
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• pp.52-55
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• 2020

Background: Immunomodulatory properties of interferon (IFN) have been documented. It may induce autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis with hypo- or hyperthyroidism. In addition, it may impair thyroid hormone synthesis through affecting iodide organification in thyroid gland. Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe thyroid function tests disturbances in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) receiving pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG IFN-α) plus ribavirin. Methods: Fifty children with CHC virus infection who received combined pegylated interferon-alpha with ribavirin were selected. Other 50 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex (considered as control group) were selected. All children (100) were subject to liver function tests, virological studies, and follow-up of thyroid function test during and after the treatment course. Results: Our study showed that 28% of children received combined PEG IFN-α plus ribavirin showed subclinical hypothyroidism. After 24 weeks treatment with combined therapy of IFN plus ribavirin, the mean level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 3.23±88 mU/mL, while TSH was 1.16±0.77 mU/mL before starting treatment. On the other hand, mean TSH was 1.09±0.92 mU/mL in normal control group. Conclusion: This study revealed an association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavirin in children. Further studies on larger number of patients and longer follow-up duration are recommended for further confirmation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.465-472
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• 2019

Several reports describe antimicrobial-resistance transfer among children and the community in outbreak situations, but transfer between a child and a caregiver has not been examined in child care facilities under normal circumstances. We investigated the transfer of antimicrobial-resistance genes, resistant bacteria, or both among healthy children and teachers. From 2007 to 2009, 104 Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from four teachers and 38 children in a child care center. Twenty-six cephem-resistant isolates were obtained from children in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, cephem-resistant isolates were detected in children as well as a teacher. Nalidixic acid-resistant isolates from the same teacher for 3 years showed low similarity (<50%) to each other. However, an isolate from a teacher in 2007 and another from a child in 2008 showed high similarity (87%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed 100% similarity for four isolates in 2007 and one isolate in 2008, and also similarity among seven isolates carrying the virulence gene (CNF1). This study yielded the following findings: (1) a gene for extended-spectrum ${\beta}$-lactamase was transferred from a child to other children and a teacher; (2) a nalidixic acid-resistant isolate was transferred from a teacher to a child; and (3) a virulent bacterium was transferred between children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제56권6호
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• pp.242-246
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• 2013

Purpose: The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is an important clinical tool for evaluating exercise capacity and is frequently used to evaluate chronic conditions including congenital heart disease. However, data on the normal CPET values for Korean children and adolescents are lacking. The aim of this study was to provide reference data for CPET variables in children and adolescents. Methods: From August 2006 to April 2009, 76 healthy children and adolescents underwent the CPET performed using the modified Bruce protocol. Here, we performed a medical record review to obtain data regarding patient' demographics, medical history, and clinical status. Results: The peak oxygen uptake ($VO_{2Peak}$) and metabolic equivalent ($MET_{Max}$) were higher in boys than girls. The respiratory minute volume $(V_E)/CO_2$ production ($VCO_2$) slope did not significantly differ between boys and girls. The cardiopulmonary exercise test data did not significantly differ between the boys and girls in younger age group (age, 10 to 14 years). However, in older age group (age, 15 to 19 years), the boys had higher $VO_{2Peak}$ and $MET_{Max}$ values and lower $V_E/VCO_2$ values than the girls. Conclusion: This study provides reference data for CPET variables in case of children and adolescents and will make it easier to use the CPET for clinical decision-making.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제52권12호
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• pp.1321-1326
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• 2009

Prevalence of obesity in Korean children and adolescents has dramatically increased since the last 10-20 years. It is important to initiate prevention efforts early in childhood because prevalence of obesity in adolescence is the strongest predictor of its prevalence in adulthood. Intrauterine life, infancy, and preschool years may comprise the critical periods that are essential for the long-term regulation of energy balance therefore, obesity-prevention strategies should be initiated in utero and continued throughout childhood and adolescence. Families with high-risk children should be provided early education about maintaining normal weight. Encouraging physical activity and, especially, avoiding inactivity, are key challenges in the prevention of future obesity. Schools should be primarily involved in educating parents to discourage their children from excessively watching TV or playing computer games and eating unhealthy snacks and food. The involvement of medical practitioners is also important, especially, in the case of obese parents, obesity prevention strategies should be promoted from the first visit of pregnant women to the physicians. Health professionals can also be involved in obesity prevention because they are ideally equipped to identify young children at risk of obesity. Community and nation-wide efforts to increase awareness and promote environments that encourage physical activity and healthy nutrition are required.

• 한국보건간호학회지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.289-300
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to identify gender differences associated with weight related teasing by parents, and development of anti-fat attitudes among Korean children aged 5 to 7 years. Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. Questionnaire interviews were conducted by enrolling 222 healthy children having normal development and living with their parents in South Korea. Results: Results showed gender and parental weight-related teasing was significantly associated with anti-fat attitudes among children. Significance of the association between parental weight-related teasing and anti-fat attitudes among kindergarten children differed according to the child's gender. Among girls, the higher level of parental weight-related teasing was associated with greater anti-fat attitude. However, parental weight-related teasing was not associated with increased anti-fat attitude among boys. Conclusion: Considering our study results, we recommend developing programs aimed towards decreasing teasing in the family environment, such as changing the gender-specific weight norms to prevent anti-fat attitudes in Korean girls.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.511-521
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• 2012

The purposes of this study were to assess the physical activity level (PAL) and the total daily energy expenditure (TEE) as well as to evaluate the validity of prediction equation for the estimated energy requirement (EER) in normal weight and overweight or obese children and adolescents. The subjects comprised of 100 healthy Korean students aged between 7-18. The anthropometric data was collected. PAL was calculated from the physical activity diary by the 24-hour recall method, and the resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by an open-circuit indirect calorimetry using a ventilated hood system. Daily energy expenditure was PAL multiplied by RMR. EER was calculated by using the prediction equation published in KDRIs. There was no significant difference in the means of age and height between the 46 obese subjects and 54 nonobese subjects. The weight and BMI of the obese group (60.2 kg, $25.3kg/m^2$) were significantly higher than those of the nonobese group (42.4 kg, $18.4kg/m^2$). However, PAL was not significantly different between the two groups (nonobese 1.45, obese 1.46). TEE of the obese group (2,212 kcal/day) was significantly higher than that of the nonobese group (1,774 kcal/day). EER (individual PA) and EER (light PA) were significantly higher than TEE (p < 0,001); however, EER (sedentary PA) was not significantly different with TEE in the two groups. These results showed that the levels of physical activity were the same as the sedentary activity both in the nonobese and obese Korean students; moreover, the predictive equation for EER published in KDRI overestimated the TEE of Korean children and adolescents. Therefore, in further research, a new predictive equation for EER should be developed for Korean children and adolescents through the doubly labeled water method.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.690-705
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• 1995

Pulmonary function tests were conducted on 815 healthy primary school children (390 males and 425 female) in rural area using Collins Survey Spirometer (Warren E. Collins, Inc., U.S.A.) with X-Y Recorder. Respiratory symptoms(cough, sputum, sore throat, chest pain, chest tightness, dyspnea, coryza) were surveyed by the interviews. Multiple regression analysis and regression diagnostics were done for prediction equations of FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEFR\;and\;FEF_{25-75%}$. FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEFR\;and\;FEF_{25-75%}$ values in 3 groups of children classified by the number of symptom were compared each other through standard variable value. FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEFR\;and\;FEF_{25-75%}$ showed highly significant correlation with age, height and weight. Prediction equations for FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEER,\;FEF_{25-75%}$ are functions of height only in both male and female children aged between 6 and 12 years old. PEFR showed a significant difference related with the number of symptom in female. These results suggest that the PEFR is sensitive PFT parameter in this study.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.388-396
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• 2020

Purpose: Impaired intestinal mucosal integrity may affect the gastrointestinal function, especially in relation to nutrition, absorption, and barrier function. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in presumed healthy children aged 1-3 years and assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation in them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 children aged 1-3 years in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Indonesia. A randomized double-blind parallel group method clinical trial was then performed to assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation. Results: Elevated calprotectin was found in 91/200 subjects (45.5%) at the onset of the study. After 10 months, 144 subjects completed the study: 72 subjects received the trial formula, whereas the other 72 received the standard formula. A transitory decrease in fecal calprotectin (FC) was observed after 6 months in the subgroup with normal FC levels, who were fed the test formula (p=0.012). Conclusion: The prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in this group of Indonesian children aged 1-3 years was high. Supplementation with zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotics during 6 months reduced FC only in those who had low levels at baseline but not in those with impaired integrity.

• 동아시아식생활학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.29-40
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to provide basic information for developing nutrition education programs for preschool children and their families. The subjects were 291 parents whose children went to daycare centers in Uiwang. The questionnaire contained 15 items for children's dietary habits and six items for parents' nutritional attitudes. The results of frequency analysis of children's dietary habits were as follows: 63.9% of children ate meals regularly, however breakfast (46.4%) was usually skipped; 44.0% of children ate a snack more than twice per day; 56.7% did not have late night meals; 49.5% ate out once to twice per week; 89.7% had dinner with family more than three times per week; and 43.6% had picky eating habits. The percentage of children who did not eat vegetables and seaweed was the highest among other food groups. Intake frequencies were low in fatty foods, instant foods, and fast foods. Some correlations were observed between picky eating habits and other dietary habits by cross-tabulation analysis. Intake frequency of non-picky eating children was lower for late night eating and fatty foods but higher for vegetables and seaweed compared to picky eating children. Parents answered that their nutritional knowledge level was normal (72.2%), and nutritional information was collected using the Internet (36.0%). Nutritional value was the most considered point in meal preparation of parents (43.3%), and the most difficult factor in child's diet management was lack of time due to working (36.1%). Parents cited method of creating a menu (27.0%) and table manners (25.3%) as topics of nutrition education by professionals. Therefore, various nutrition education programs need to be developed to improve healthy dietary habits for children and their families.