• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.14
• /
• pp.5741-5747
• /
• 2015

Purpose: To understand the epidemiology of different upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract related abnormalities through endoscopic data analysis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of three years from January 2009 to December 2011 was conducted with data from endoscopic surveillance of upper GI tract problems, collected from the Gastroenterology Unit, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad. MS excel and Medcalc software (comparison of proportions) were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 10,029 (6,468 in males and 3,561 in females) endoscopies were performed during this three-year period. The male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Overall, ~30% of endoscopies evaluated showed patients with acid peptic disorders, 13.6% with vascular-related abnormalities, 10.6% showed structural abnormalities, followed by 6.3% with malignancies. Burden of malignancies was mostly observed in the older age group (60-69 years). Esophageal cancer cases decreased (p=0.0001) whereas stomach cancers increased over this period (p=0.0345). We also observed an increased incidence of acid peptic disease (APD) (p=0.0036) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (p=0.0002) cases during this period. Conclusions: Endoscopic diagnosis is useful for early detection of UGI anomalies and helpful for physicians to manage and treat varied kinds of UGI disorders. Analysis of data revealed changing trends in the incidence of various pathologies of the UGI tract. Functional dyspepsia and GERD definitely reduce the quality of life of the individual. The role of our diverse dietary habits and lifestyle associated with these problems have not yet been established, though there have been reports on the effect of coffee, spicy food, wheat-based diet, screening of UGI pathologies along with collection of complete personal and medical history details, can h elp in correlating the patients' condition with various aspects of lifestyle and diet.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.556-562
• /
• 2014

The occurrence of human norovirus (NoV) genogroup I (GI) and genogroup II (GII) strains was investigated in Korea. Between 2007 and 2010, 265 samples were collected from 89 Korean water source locations. NoV GI was detected in 4.5% and NoV GII in 1.5%. Samples collected in winter had the highest occurrence; 9.4% for NoV GI and 6.3% for NoV GII. NoV GI detection was highest in groundwater, with the next highest in river water and the lowest in lake water (5.9%, 5.4%, and 1.6%, respectively), and NoV GII was found only in river water. When three representative Korean basin systems (Han (H)-, Geum/Seom (G/S)-, and Nakdong (N)-river basins) were compared, both NoV genogroups were high in the G/S-, but absent in the H- river basin. The most prevalent genotypes within the GI and GII groups were GI.5 and GII.4, respectively. The NoVs found in surface water were identical to those found in patients and those found in groundwater. The NoVs appeared to be transmitted from the patient to the surface water, and then to the groundwater, suggesting a fecal-oral route of transmission. This is the first nationwide surveillance of NoV in major Korean water sources.

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.104-111
• /
• 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito borne pathogen, belongs to Flaviviridae family having a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome, currently known for causing large epidemics in Brazil. Its infection can cause microcephaly, a serious birth defect during pregnancy. The recent outbreak of ZIKV in February 2016 in Brazil realized it as a major health risk, demands an enhanced surveillance and a need to develop novel drugs against ZIKV. Amodiaquine, prochlorperazine, quinacrine, and berberine are few promising drugs approved by Food and Drug Administration against dengue virus which also belong to Flaviviridae family. In this study, we performed molecular docking analysis of these drugs against nonstructural 3 (NS3) protein of ZIKV. The protease activity of NS3 is necessary for viral replication and its prohibition could be considered as a strategy for treatment of ZIKV infection. Amongst these four drugs, berberine has shown highest binding affinity of -5.8 kcal/mol and it is binding around the active site region of the receptor. Based on the properties of berberine, more similar compounds were retrieved from ZINC database and a structure-based virtual screening was carried out by AutoDock Vina in PyRx 0.8. Best 10 novel drug-like compounds were identified and amongst them ZINC53047591 (2-(benzylsulfanyl)-3-cyclohexyl-3H-spiro[benzo[h]quinazoline-5,1'-cyclopentan]-4(6H)-one) was found to interact with NS3 protein with binding energy of -7.1 kcal/mol and formed H-bonds with Ser135 and Asn152 amino acid residues. Observations made in this study may extend an assuring platform for developing anti-viral competitive inhibitors against ZIKV infection.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.103-127
• /
• 2010

The FAO reports that IUU fishing activities have widespread economic, social, and management consequences, including depriving legitimate fishers of harvest opportunities. It affects all fisheries from small scale to industrial. It also affects the ability of governments to support sustainable livelihoods for fishers and, more broadly, to achieve food security. The complexity of IUU requires various measures to combat IUU fishing such as adoption of IUU vessel lists; stronger port State controls; improved monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS); implementation of market-related measures to help ensure compliance; and capacity-building assistance. Trade and market measures reduce opportunities for IUU fishing activities by precluding or impeding access to markets for IUU product in a manner consistent with international law. ICCAT, CCAMLR, and IATTC, have put in place trade tracking programs or catch documentation schemes, and WCPFC is considering such a program. Vessel lists assist enforcement authorities in determining which vessels are or are not authorized to be fishing or conducting fishing support activities in specified areas. A number of RFMOs maintain records of IUU vessels: CCAMLR, IATTC, ICCAT, NAFO, NASCO, NPAFC, WCPFC. Section 608 of the US MSRA calling on the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, and in cooperation with relevant regional fishery management councils and any relevant advisory committees, to take actions to improve the effectiveness of international fishery management organizations in conserving and managing stocks under their jurisdiction. EU IUU Regulation entered into force on 1 January 2010, was intended to regulate the highly complex multi-channel fisheries supply system of the European Community (EC) in an effort to improve global fisheries sustainability.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.37 no.4_spc
• /
• pp.786-793
• /
• 2024

Latin America is a culturally, geographically, politically, and economically diverse region. Agriculture in Latin America is marked by a remarkable diversity of production systems, reflecting various agroecological zones, farm sizes, and technological levels. In the last decade, the swine industry increased by 30.6%, emerging as a great contributor to food security and economic development in Latin America. Brazil and Mexico dominate the pig production landscape, together accounting for 70% of sow inventory in the region. The swine industry in Latin America is predominantly comprised of small and medium-sized farms, however, in the past 30 years, the number of pig producers in Brazil dropped by 78%, whereas pork production increased by 326%. Similar to the global pork industry, the growing demand for pork, driven by population growth and changing dietary habits, presents an opportunity for the industry with an expected growth of 16% over the next decade. The export prospects are promising, however subject to potential disruptions from global market conditions and shifts in trade policies. Among the challenges faced by the swine industry, disease outbreaks, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF), present significant threats, necessitating enhanced biosecurity and surveillance systems. In 2023, ASF was reported to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Mexico, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Venezuela, and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Ecuador. Additionally, feed costs, supply chain disruptions, and energy expenses have affected mainly the smaller and less efficient producers. The swine industry is also transitioning towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, including efficient feed usage, and precision farming. Ensuring long-term success in the swine industry in Latin America requires a holistic approach that prioritizes sustainability, animal welfare, and consumer preferences, ultimately positioning the industry to thrive in the evolving global market.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.177-185
• /
• 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the nutritional status of Chinese female college students in Korea, and to investigate changes in their dietary behavior after residing in Korea. The subjects included 114 Chinese female college students currently studying in Korea. General characteristics and dietary behaviors before and after residing in Korea were investigated. Daily nutrients and food intake were assessed using a one-day 24-hour recall. Consumption of most nutrients, namely calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin C, and folate was estimated to fall below the EAR for the Korean population. The proportions of subjects whose intake were estimated below the EAR for folate, calcium, vitamin $B_2$, iron, zinc, and vitamin C were 93.0%, 71.9%, 66.7%, 65.8%, 65.8%, and 63.2%, respectively. In the current study, the dietary behavior scores fell significantly after Chinese students immigrated to Korea (p < 0.001); increased frequency of meal skipping, less consumption of fruits and vegetables, irregular meal pattern, and imbalanced diet were some of the significant changes among Chinese students before and after residing in Korea. In addition, consumption of most nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B group, vitamin C, and folate in the Worsened Group was significantly lower, compared with the No Change Group (p < 0.05). According to the changes in dietary behaviors, consumption of most nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B group, vitamin C, and folate in the Worsened Group was significantly lower than in the No Change Group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that Chinese students practiced more unhealthy dietary behaviors after residing in Korea and Chinese students residing in Korea showed poor nutrient-based diet quality. Conduct of a follow-up study using blood profile tests is needed in order to assess the nutritional status of Chinese students. These results would be used in planning of a nutritional surveillance program for Chinese students.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.161-177
• /
• 1996

This study attempts to propose a priority of national nutrition targets and strategies for health promotion by the year 2000 in Korea, as a part of the task set for national health promotion objectives and strategies. Among all of the important health issues raised, ten were chosen, nutrition was one priority area. In the first part, the current status of the nutrition-related health problems and risk factors are reviewed, in conjunction with the newly arisen health phenomena, such as changes in prevalence of lifestyle disease and causes of death, changes of food consumption patterns in our country. In the second section this study suggests six feasible national nutrition targets, eight implementing strategies and current major tasks on the basis of the assessment of present status and in consideration of the other health promotion goals and strategies, with reference to that of other developed countries. The main targets and strategies are suggested as follows ; Firstly, the national nutrition monitoring and surveillance system should be established for identifying the nutritional problems for our people, and current National Nutrition Survey is a strong need for improvement to a more comprehensive and reliable one. Secondly, effective administrative mechanism should be operation at national level for the development of nutrition policy. Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) as well as local health department must be remarkably renewed and strengthened the nutrition section. And it is recommended that MOHW organize and operate “The Council of Nutrition”, in which all government authorities related with foodstuffs and nutrition would incorporated. The Council of Nutrition would act as an adjustor as well as a coordinator in nutrition related policy-making. Thirdly, healthy eating pattern will be supported by activities of introducing a nutrition labeling for providing consumers with the necessary information and skills for food selection. Fourthly, nutrition education, and nutrition intervention programs will be carried out in various settings such as health centers, schools, and clinical fields and workplace. Fifthly, the current dietary guidelines shall be continuously improved in detail, and publicly circulated to particular levels of people by age group and by health condition. And finally, researches and epidemiological studies particularly in regard to diet for development of chronic diseases are needed for more investigation and up-to-date national health and nutrition data should be collected with the support and cooperation from the various medical professional teams . (Korean J Community Nutrition 1(2) : 161-177, 1996)

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.235-242
• /
• 2006

Objectives: We wanted to determine the distribution of the clustering of the metabolic risk factors and we wanted to evaluate the related factors in young schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study of metabolic syndrome was conducted in an elementary school in Seoul, Korea. We evaluated fasting glucose, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, blood pressures and the body mass index, and we used parent-reported questionnaires to assess the potential risk factors in 261 children (136 boys, 125 girls). We defined the metabolic risk factors as obesity or at risk for obesity ($\geqq$ 85th percentile for age and gender), a systolic or diastolic blood pressure at $\geqq90th$ percentile for age and gender, fasting glucose at $\geqq110mg/dl$, triglyceride at $\geqq110mg/dl$ and HDL cholesterol at $\leqq40mg/dl$. Results: There were 15.7% of the subjects who showed clustering of two or more metabolic risk factors, 2.3% of the subjects who showed clustering for three or more risk factors, and 0.8% of the subjects who showed clustering for four or more risk factors. A multivariate analysis revealed that a father smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day, a mother with a body mass index of = $25kg/m^2$, and the child eating precooked or frozen food more than once per day were associated with clustering of two or more components, with the odds ratios of 3.61 (95% CI=1.24-10.48), 5.50 (95% CI=1.39-21.73) and 8.04 (95% CI=1.67-38.81), respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that clustering of the metabolic risk factors is present in young schoolchildren in Korea, with the clustering being associated with parental smoking and obesity as well as the child's eating behavior. These results suggest that evaluation of metabolic risk factors and intervention for lifestyle factors may be needed in both young Korean children and their parents.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.45-51
• /
• 2007

The Collected 70 samples from 5 sandwich shops were analysed for the pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. As a result of Listeria monocytogenes and Saphylococcus aureus were detected in 1 sample, 11 samples, respectively. However, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. were not detected in anywhere. The antibiotics test of isolated bacteria was pelformed by the disk diffusion method from NCCLS. The resistance rate of Listeria monocytogenes isolates was confirmed 38.5% to 10 species such as Am, B, P, and Va for antibiotics of 26 species. MRSA was determinated 4 strains in S. aureus isolates. The resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were confirmed 36.4% to P Am OX B K E CXM, 18.2% to P Am B K E CXM B, 9.1% to P Am B K, 27.3% to P Am B, and 9.1% to Te B Nb. Therefore, continuous surveillance and monitoring for antibiotic resistance strains are demanded for prevention of increases in multiple antibiotic resistance strains.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.66-75
• /
• 2001

A survey was conducted to investigate consumers'attitudes toward the foods developed by gene recombination techniques from December, 1999 to April, 2000. The questionnaires were mailed to 1,500 people, and the 1,101 people responded. The consumers were asked about knowledge, acceptance, intention of purchasing, and labeling information. Although the portion of the consumers (88.8%) knowing the genetically modified floods (GMF) was lower than that of the flood expert group (98.7%), many consumers had some knowledge on the GMF, which may be influenced by news released from mass media. Seventy-nine percent of the consumers responded that gene recombination technology is necessary in food production, which is similar to the findings on the survey of the expert group. The portion of the consumers responding that these foods are potentially hazard was 88.1%, which is a little higher than the data (80.9%) from the expert group. The consumers having greater knowledge less worried about a potential hazard of the gene recombinant foods (p<0.01). Although 62.9% of the consumers responded to be willing to purchase those foods, only 16.2% of them responded to purchase the foods with no conditions, which is lower to that from the expert group (23.5%). There was no statistically significant relationship between the knowledge and the intention of purchasing. The ninety point three percent of the consumers wanted the information on gene recombination to be labeled on the foods. The data from this survey suggest that knowledge of the consumers on the GMF are not accurate, so proper strategy for consumer education may need to be developed. In addition, it is necessary to improve safety assessment system and analytical techniques for genetically modified foods (GMF) and to build pre- and post-market surveillance system fur efficient implementation of the GMF labeling.