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A Comprehensive Analysis of HLA-A and HLA-DR Allele Frequencies and Haplotype Associations in a Korean Population of 790 Individuals (한국인 790명을 대상으로 한 HLA-A 및 HLA-DR 대립유전자 빈도 및 일배체형 연관성에 대한 종합적 분석)

  • Hee-Kyung HAN;Mi Hyun KIM;Seong Su JEONG;Dong Kwon KIM;Youngtaek KIM;Joon Yeon HWANG;Seong-san KANG;Seung Min YANG;Seul LEE;Sujeong BAEK;Kwangmin NA;Chai Young LEE;Yu Jin HAN;So Young PARK;Min Hee HONG;Jii Bum LEE;Sun Min LIM;Jae-Hwan KIM;Kyoung-Ho PYO;Byoung Chul CHO
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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    • v.56 no.3
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    • pp.236-247
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    • 2024
  • The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which is part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a vital role in immune responses by differentiating between itself and foreign cells and antigens. The significant diversity of alleles affects disease susceptibility and immune responses within different populations. Specifically, the HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with various immune-related diseases, and understanding the frequency and haplotype associations of these alleles is vital for genetic and immunological research. To investigate the distribution of these characteristics in Koreans, we isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from blood samples donated by volunteers at the Seoul Central Blood Bank and performed HLA typing on 790 samples. Our study found that the HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 alleles are widely distributed within the Korean population, with HLA-A*24:02 (21.7%) and HLA-DRB1*09:01 (9.9%) being the most frequent. Significant haplotype associations between specific HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 alleles were identified using the Chi-square test, suggesting that certain genetic combinations may influence disease onset. This insight could contribute to the development of predictive and preventative strategies for various diseases. The unique genetic characteristics of the Korean population highlight the importance of studying the HLA allele and the haplotype distributions in this group as key indicators for understanding disease susceptibility.

Diffuse Panbronchiolitis : Clinical Significance of High-resolution CT and Radioaerosol Scan Manifestations (미만성 범세기관지염에서 흉부 고해상도 전산화 단층촬영의 임상적의의 및 폐환기주사 소견)

  • Song, So Hyang;Kim, Hui Jung;Kim, Young Kyoon;Moon, Hwa Sik;Song, Jeong Sup;Park, Sung Hak;Kim, Hak Hee;Chung, Soo Kyo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.44 no.1
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    • pp.124-135
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    • 1997
  • Background : Diffuse panbronchiolitis(DPB) is a disease characterized clinically by chronic cough, expectoration and dyspnea; and histologically by chronic inflammation localized mainly in the region of the respiratory bronchiole. It is prevalent in Japanese, but is known to be rare in Americans and Europians. Only a few cases in Chinese, Italians, North Americans and Koreans have been reported. It is diagnosed by characteristic clinical, radiological and pathologic features. High-resolution CT(HRCT) is known to be valuable in the study of the disease process and response to therapy in DPB. To our knowledge, there has been no correlation of its appearance on HRCT with the severity of the disease process, and radioaerosol scan(RAS) of the lung has not previously been used for the diagnosis of DPB. Method : During recent two years we have found 12 cases of DPB in Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College. We analysed the clinical characteristics, compared HRCT classifications with clinical stages of DPB, and determined characteristic RAS manifestations of DPB. Results : 1. The ages ranged from 31 to 83 years old(mean 54.5 years old), and male female ratio was 4:8. 75%(9/12) of patients had paranasal sinusitis, and only one patient was a smoker. 2. The patients were assigned to one of three clinical stages of DPB on the basis of clinical findings, sputum bacterology and arterial blood gas analysis. of 12 cases, 5 were in the first stage, 4 were in the second stage, and 3 were in the third stage. In most of the patients, pulmonary function tests showed marked obstructive and slight restrictive impairments. Sputum culture yielded P.aeruginosa in 3 cases of our 12 cases, K.pneumoniae in 2 cases, H.influenzae in 2 cases, and S.aureus in 2 cases. 3. Of 12 patients, none had stage I characteristics as classified on HRCT scans, 4 had slage II findings, 5 had stage III findings, and 3 had stage IV characteristics. 4. We peformed RAS in 7 of 12 patients With DPB. In 71.4% (5/7) of the patients, RAS showed mottled aerosol deposits characteristically in the transitional and intermediary airways with peripheral airspace defects, which contrasted sharply with central aerosol deposition of COPD. 5. There were significant correlations between HRCT stages and clinical stages(r= 0.614, P < 0.05), between HRCT types and Pa02(r= -0.614, P < 0.05), and between HRCT types and ESR(r= 0.618, P < 0.01). Conclusion : The HRCT classifications correspond well to the clinical stage. Therfore in the examination of patients with DPB, HRCT is useful in the evaluation of both the location and severity of the lesions. Also, RAS apears to be a convenient, noninvasive and useful diagnostic method of DPB.

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Development of smart education-based teaching and learning plans and a smart textbook for 'healthy diet and meal plans' unit in 「Technology·Home Economics」 (중학교 「기술·가정」의 '건강한 식생활과 식사 구성' 단원에 적용한 스마트 교수·학습 과정안과 교재 개발)

  • Choi, Song Eun;Chae, Jung-Hyun
    • Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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    • v.26 no.4
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    • pp.85-114
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    • 2014
  • The main purpose of this study was to develop teaching and learning plans and a smart textbook for food and nutrition education in Home Economics focusing on 'healthy diet and meal plans' unit in "Technology home Economics" textbooks for 7th graders to evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction conducted with the smart textbook. The content of the study to achieve the purpose is as follows: First, design a smart education-based teaching and learning curriculum for food and nutrition education in Home Economics, focusing on 'healthy diet and meal plans' unit. Second, develop a smart textbook for food and nutrition education based on the teaching and learning curriculum, using a smart content authoring tool. Third, evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction after applying the curriculum in real classroom situations. The results of this study were as follows: First, teaching and learning plans and materials were developed for two units, 'issues regarding teenagers' diet' and 'implementation of a healthy and balanced diet', under 'teenagers' life'. The first unit, 'issues regarding teenagers' diet', dealt with topics such as teenagers' dietary behaviors, nutrition, and health. Learning objectives for this unit were to help students identify and evaluate their own dietary behaviors. The second unit, 'implementation of a healthy and balanced diet', encouraged students to diagnose problems with their diet and plan nutrient rich meals. The objectives for this unit were to help students implement a healthy and balanced diet by providing them with nutrition and dietary guidelines for Koreans, sample meal plans, and guidelines for developing healthy eating habits for teenagers. In order to develop a teaching and learning plans to achieve these objectives, teaching and learning materials including inquiry tasks, materials for group activities, multimedia, applications and various pop-up learning materials were developed. Second, a smart textbook using DocZoom, which was a smart content authoring tool was developed. The textbook dealt with issues regarding teenagers' diet and implementation of a healthy and balanced diet. Multimedia material used in the textbook come from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's food and nutrition education web sites and other sources. To develop student-oriented material, relevant video clips were added to the smart textbook to motivate students and enhance their interest in the course. Third, the outcome of this study indicated that the instruction using teaching and learning plans and learning materials with the smart textbook was effective for enhancing students' interest in Home Economics classes (t-value=-3.99, p<.001), creating enthusiasm for learning(t-value = -2.61, p<.05), encouraging self-directed and independent learning(t-value = -4.77, p<.001), and improving students' interest in food and nutrition courses(t-value = -3.83, p<.001). The students' evaluation of the instruction were as follows: the instruction using teaching and learning plans and learning materials with smart textbooks, instead of paper textbooks, helped them save time looking for learning materials; students evaluated that it was easier for them to see and understand video clips and charts. In addition, most students answered that instruction with smart textbooks were more fun and convenient, and they agreed that the courses enhanced their learning experience.

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A Comparative Study of Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Cerebral Infarction or without Cerebral Infarction - Focused on Nutrient Intakes and Dietary Quality - (뇌경색 당뇨병 환자와 비뇌경색 당뇨병 환자의 비교연구 - 영양소 섭취, 식사의 질 평가를 중심으로 -)

  • Lim, Hyun-Jung;Woo, Mi-Hye;Moon, Sang-Kwan;Choue, Ryo-Won
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.41 no.7
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    • pp.621-633
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    • 2008
  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established independent risk factor for cerebral infarction (CI). Additionally, the DM as well as CI are influenced significantly by health-related behaviors and diets. The aim of this study was to compare the food habits, nutrient intakes, and dietary patterns and quality in DM patients with CI (DM-CI) and without CI. This study was accomplished with 68 subjects (DM-CI group = 28, DM group = 40). Health-related behaviors, food habits, nutrient intakes and dietary quality were investigated. As a result, the mean ages and durations of diabetes in DM-CI and DM groups were $65.6{\pm}9.2$, $10.9{\pm}8.5$ and $69.2{\pm}3.0$, $9.7{\pm}8.4$ years, respectively. The health-related behaviors such as, smoking, alcohol drinking, and regular exercising in both groups were significantly different (p < 0.05) showing the number of subjects who were smoking and drinking alcohol was significantly higher in DM-CI group and the opposit result was seen for exercise. In male subjects, the intake of carbohydrate and sodium of DM-CI group were significantly higher than those of DM group (p < 0.05). In female subjects, the intake of calorie, carbohydrate, fat, sodium, and cholesterol were significantly higher in the DM-CI group (p < 0.05). Daily intake of vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, folate, vitamin C, and calcium were significantly higher in DM group (p < 0.05). In the comparison with the dietary reference intake for Koreans (KDRI), vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, folate, and calcium intakes were lower in DM-CI group whereas calcium and zinc intakes were in DM group. Moreover, index of nutritional quality (INQ) of vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin C, folate, and calcium were lower significantly in DM-CI group (p < 0.05). Dietary quality including dietary diversity score (DDS), GMVDF (grain, meat, vegetable, dairy, fruit), and dietary quality index (DQI) was significantly lower in DM-CI group (p < 0.05). According to the results, diabetic mellitus patients accompanied by cerebral infarction had poorer eating patterns and dietary quality in accordance with poorer health-related behaviors compared with the DM patients without CI.

Assessment of Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes in Pediatric Patients with Moyamoya Disease Using Probabilistic Maps on Analysis of Basal/Acetazolamide Stress Brain Perfusion SPECT (소아 모야모야병에서 뇌확률지도를 이용한 수술전후 혈역학적 변화 분석)

  • Lee, Ho-Young;Lee, Jae-Sung;Kim, Seung-Ki;Wang, Kyu-Chang;Cho, Byung-Kyu;Chung, June-Key;Lee, Myung-Chul;Lee, Dong-Soo
    • Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.192-200
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    • 2008
  • To evaluate the hemodynamic changes and the predictive factors of the clinical outcome in pediatric patients with moyamoya disease, we analyzed pre/post basal/acetazolamide stress brain perfusion SPECT with automated volume of interest (VOIs) method. Methods: Total fifty six (M:F = 33:24, age $6.7{\pm}3.2$ years) pediatric patients with moyamoya disease, who underwent basal/acetazolamide stress brain perfusion SPECT within 6 before and after revascularization surgery (encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis (EDAS) with frontal encephalo-galeo-synangiosis (EGS) and EDAS only followed on contralateral hemisphere), and followed-up more than 6 months after post-operative SPECT, were included. A mean follow-up period after post-operative SPECT was $33{\pm}21$ months. Each patient's SPECT image was spatially normalized to Korean template with the SPM2. For the regional count normalization, the count of pons was used as a reference region. The basal/acetazolamide-stressed cerebral blood flow (CBF), the cerebral vascular reserve index (CVRI), and the extent of area with significantly decreased basal/acetazolamide- stressed rCBF than age-matched normal control were evaluated on both medial frontal, frontal, parietal, occipital lobes, and whole brain in each patient's images. The post-operative clinical outcome was assigned as good, poor according to the presence of transient ischemic attacks and/or fixed neurological deficits by pediatric neurosurgeon. Results: In a paired t-test, basal/acetazolamide-stressed rCBF and the CVRI were significantly improved after revascularization (p<0.05). The significant difference in the pre-operative basal/acetazolamide-stressed rCBF and the CVRI between the hemispheres where EDAS with frontal EGS was performed and their contralateral counterparts where EDAS only was done disappeared after operation (p<0.05). In an independent student t-test, the pre-operative basal rCBF in the medial frontal gyrus, the post-operative CVRI in the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe of the hemispheres with EDAS and frontal EGS, the post-operative CVRI, and ${\Delta}CVRI$ showed a significant difference between patients with a good and poor clinical outcome (p<0.05). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the ${\Delta}CVRI$ and the post-operative CVRI of medial frontal gyrus on the hemispheres where EDAS with frontal EGS was performed were the significant predictive factors for the clinical outcome (p =0.002, p =0.015), Conclusion: With probabilistic map, we could objectively evaluate pre/post-operative hemodynamic changes of pediatric patients with moyamoya disease. Specifically the post-operative CVRI and the post-operative CVRI of medial frontal gyrus where EDAS with frontal EGS was done were the significant predictive factors for further clinical outcomes.

Perception of common Korean dishes and foods among professionals in related fields (한식 관련 분야 전문가들의 한국인 상용 음식과 식품에 대한 인식)

  • Lee, Sang Eun;Kang, Minji;Park, Young-Hee;Joung, Hyojee;Yang, Yoon-Kyoung;Paik, Hee Young
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.45 no.6
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    • pp.562-576
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    • 2012
  • Han-sik is a term in Korean that may indicate any Korean dish or food. At present, there is no general consensus on the definition of Han-sik among scholars or professionals in related fields. The aim of this study was to investigate perceptions of Han-sik by professionals in the fields of food, nutrition, and culinary arts using 512 dishes and foods commonly consumed by Koreans using the 4th Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey. A total of 117 professionals out of 185 initially contacted professionals participated in this online survey. We calculated the rate of respondents with a positive answer, that is "It is Han-sik', on each dish and food from the 512 items in 28 dish groups. Items were categorized into five groups according to their Han-sik perception rate: over 90%, 75-89%, 50-74%, 25-49%, and below 25%. Most items in the three dish groups 'Seasoned vegetables, cooked (Namul Suk-chae)', 'Kimchis', and 'Salt-fermented foods (Jeotgal)' showed high perception rates of Han-sik, with a higher than 90% positive response. Items in 'Soups', 'Stews', and 'Steamed foods' dish groups also showed high perception rates of Han-sik. However, no item showed a greater than 90% Han-sik perception rate in 'Fried foods (Twigim)', 'Meat, poultry and fishes', 'Legumes, nuts, and seeds', 'Milk and milk products', 'Sugars and confectioneries', and 'Soup'. Most items in the 'Milk and milk products', 'Sugars and confectioneries', and 'Soup' groups belonged to the lowest perception rate of below 25%. There was a significant difference in the proportion of items perceived as Han-sik by the length of living abroad to (p < 0.05). In summary, the perception rate of Han-sik seemed to be affected by the cooking method, ingredients, and length of time living abroad by the professionals. Further studies targeting subjects with different characteristics and socioeconomic status are warranted to define the concept of Han-sik.

Macromineral intake in non-alcoholic beverages for children and adolescents: Using the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV, 2007-2009) (어린이와 청소년의 비알콜성음료 섭취에 따른 다량무기질 섭취량 평가: 제 4기 국민건강영양조사 자료를 활용하여)

  • Kim, Sung Dan;Moon, Hyun-Kyung;Park, Ju Sung;Lee, Yong Chul;Shin, Gi Young;Jo, Han Bin;Kim, Bog Soon;Kim, Jung Hun;Chae, Young Zoo
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.46 no.1
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    • pp.50-60
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    • 2013
  • The aims of this study were to estimate daily intake of macrominerals from beverages, liquid teas, and liquid coffees and to evaluate their potential health risks for Korean children and adolescents (1-to 19 years old). Assessment of dietary intake was conducted using the actual level of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in non-alcoholic beverages and (207 beverages, 19 liquid teas, and 24 liquid coffees) the food consumption amount drawn from "The Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2009)". To estimate the dietary intake of non-alcoholic beverages, 6,082 children and adolescents (Scenario I) were compared with 1,704 non-alcoholic beverage consumption subjects among them (Scenario II). Calculation of the estimated daily intake of macrominerals was based on point estimates and probabilistic estimates. The values of probabilistic macromineral intake, which is a Monte-Carlo approach considering probabilistic density functions of variables, were presented using the probabilistic model. The level of safety for macrominerals was evaluated by comparison with population nutrient intake goal (Goal, 2.0 g/day) for sodium, tolerable upper intake level (UL) for calcium (2,500 mg/day) and phosphorus (3,000-3,500 mg/day) set by the Korean Nutrition Society (Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans, KDRI). For total children and adolescents (Scenario I), mean daily intake of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium estimated by probabilistic estimates using Monte Carlo simulation was, respectively, 7.93, 10.92, 6.73, 23.41, and 1.11, and 95th percentile daily intake of those was, respectively, 28.02, 44.86, 27.43, 98.14, and 3.87 mg/day. For consumers-only (Scenario II), mean daily intake of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium estimated by probabilistic estimates using Monte Carlo simulation was, respectively, 19.10, 25.77, 15.83, 56.56, and 2.86 mg/day, and 95th percentile daily intake of those was, respectively, 62.67, 101.95, 62.09, 227.92, and 8.67 mg/day. For Scenarios I II, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus did not have a mean an 95th percentile intake that met or exceeded the 5% of Goal and UL.

Vitamin $B_{12}$ Contents in Some Korean Fermented Foods and Edible Seaweeds (한국의 장류, 김치 및 식용 해조류를 중심으로 하는 일부 상용 식품의 비타민 $B_{12}$ 함량 분석 연구)

  • Kwak, Chung-Shil;Hwang, Jin-Yong;Watanabe, Fumio;Park, Sang-Chul
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.41 no.5
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    • pp.439-447
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    • 2008
  • There is a limitation to estimate vitamin $B_{12}$ intake due to lack of data on vitamin $B_{12}$ content in many Korean foods. In this study, vitamin $B_{12}$ content was determined in some soybean or vegetable-fermented foods, edible seaweeds and other frequently consumed foods in Korea by microbioassay using Lactobacillus delbruecki ATCC 7830. The traditional type of Doenjang and Chungkookjang contained 1.85 ${\mu}g/100$ g and 0.69 ${\mu}g/100$ g of vitamin $B_{12}$, respectively, while the factory-type of Doenjang and Chungkookjang contained 0.04-0.86 ${\mu}g/100$ g and 0.06-0.15 ${\mu}g/100$ g. Vitamin $B_{12}$ was not detected in steamed soybeans and Tofu which is a not-fermented soybean product, indicating that vitamin $B_{12}$ in Doenjang and Chungkookjang might be produced during the fermentation process. The Korean-style soy sauce contained 0.04 ${\mu}g$ vitamin $B_{12}$/100 mL, but vitamin $B_{12}$ was not detected in Japanese-style soy sauce and white miso. Commercial Kimchi, a representative Korean vegetable- fermented food, made of Korean cabbage, Yeolmu, or Mustard leaves contained 0.013-0.03 ${\mu}g$ vitamin $B_{12}$/100 g, while Kimchi without red pepper and fermented fish sauce (White Kimchi) did not. Vitamin $B_{12}$ content was very high in some edible seaweeds such as laver (66.76 ${\mu}g/100$ g dry weight) and sea lettuce (84.74 ${\mu}g/100$ g dry weight), and it was 17.12 ${\mu}g/100$ g of dried small anchovy, 1.07 ${\mu}g/100$ g of whole egg, and 0.02 ${\mu}g/100$ g of coffee mix. From these results, it is assumed that Koreans take substantial amount of vitamin $B_{12}$ from plant-origin foods. And, with these data, we will be able to calculate dietary vitamin $B_{12}$ content more correctly than before. In conclusion, soybean-fermented foods, Kimchi, laver and sea lettuce are recommendable as good sources of vitamin $B_{12}$ for vegetarians or Korean elderly on grain and vegetable based diet.

Comparative analysis of dietary behavior and nutrient intake of elderly in urban and rural areas for development of "Village Lunch Table" program: Based on 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (농촌 노인의 마을 밥상 개선 프로그램 개발을 위한 도시와 농촌 노인의 식생활 행태 및 영양소 섭취 상태 비교분석 : 2014년 국민건강영양조사 자료를 이용하여)

  • Lee, Youngmi;Choi, Yourim;Park, Hae Ryun;Song, Kyung Hee;Lee, Kyung Eun;Yoo, Chang;Lim, Young Suk
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.50 no.2
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    • pp.171-179
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: We conducted comparative analysis of dietary behavior and food and nutrient intakes of Korean elderly in urban and rural areas using the 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: This study was conducted on 1,239 participants (urban elderly: 867, rural elderly: 372) aged 65 years and over who participated in the health examination and nutrition survey in the 6th 2014 KNHANES. Dietary behaviors, including skipping meals, eating out frequencies, and food and nutrient intakes were analyzed using 24-hour recall data. Analysis of complex sample design data through SPSS 19.0 was used for the analysis. Results: The rate of skipping dinner was higher in urban (6.5%) than in rural elderly (3.6%) (p < 0.05), and the frequency of eating out per week of urban elderly (1.73) was higher than that of rural elderly (1.35) (p < 0.001). The rural elderly consumed a greater amount of grain compared to urban elderly, whereas consumption of water, seaweed food, and dairy products was lower in rural than in urban areas (p < 0.05). The rural elderly consumed significantly less highly unsaturated fatty acids, n-6 fatty acids, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, carotene, niacin, and vitamin C in comparison with elderly in urban areas. Comparison of the percentages of Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) between the two groups showed that intakes of vitamin A and vitamin C were significantly lower in the rural elderly than in urban elderly. Conclusion: The elderly in rural areas showed unbalanced food and nutrient intakes compared to the elderly in urban areas. Therefore, customized nutrition education according to residential areas should be developed and provided to rural elderly to improve their health and nutritional status.

Sodium and Potassium Content of School Meals for Elementary and Junior High School Students in Daegu, Masan, Gwangju, and Jeju (대구, 마산, 광주, 제주지역 학교급식의 나트륨 및 칼륨 함량 분석)

  • Lim, Hyeon-Sook;Ko, Yang Sook;Shin, Dongsoon;Heo, Young-Ran;Chung, Hae-Jung;Chae, In-Sook;Kim, Hwa Young;Kim, Mi-Hye;Leem, Dong-Gil;Lee, Yeon-Kyung
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.42 no.8
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    • pp.1303-1317
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    • 2013
  • The purpose of this study was to determine the sodium (Na) and potassium (K) content of school meals served in elementary and junior high school in Korea. In this study, 872 kinds of school meal dishes were collected from twelve elementary and twelve junior high schools located in four different cities in Korea (Daegu, Masan, Gwangju, and Jeju). The dishes were classified into three main categories; staple dish, subsidiary dish, and dessert. Each main category was further sub-classified into 4 kinds of staple dishes, 15 kinds of subsidiary dishes, and 5 kinds of dessert dishes. The Na and K content of dishes were then analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The Na content of individual dishes showed considerable differences, ranging from 9 to 2,717 mg/100 g. Among the staple dishes, cooked rice contained relatively less Na, but other staple dishes such as a la carte, noodle, and rice-gruel contained considerably high amounts of Na. Regarding the subsidiary dishes, the Na content of salad was low, but those of Jangachi, stir-fried dishes, and kimchi were considerably high. Among the dessert dishes, beverages, fruit, and milk/dairy products contained relatively low amount of Na, while rice cakes and baked goods, and snacks contained noticeably high amounts of Na. Unlike the Na content, the K content between the dishes did not show much variability. Cooked rice and rice cakes contained relatively low amounts of K, similar to other dishes, and ranged from 104 to 220 mg/100 g. The Na/K ratio was especially high in rice cakes and Jangachi, while of the ratio in beverages, milk/dairy products, salad, and fruit were pretty low. The total content of Na and K and the Na/K ratio of elementary school meals were 974 mg, 378 mg and 2.7, respectively, and those in junior high school meals was 1,466 mg, 528 mg and 3.0. The results show that most school meals provide a significant amount of Na but significantly small amounts of K, as suggested by the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans.