BACKGROUND: Weight overestimation of Korean Americans may be associated with dietary habits and preferences for foods and tastes. METHODS: The subjects were 100 Korean Americans in New York City and LA and 100 Koreans in Seoul, who were 20-29 years old. Self-reported questionnaire consisted of age, height, weight, length of residence in US, preferences for 10 foods and 5 tastes, dietary habits and perception of self body image. Korean Americans were further divided into 3 groups according to length of residence in US. RESULTS: More Korean American women underestimated (27.3% vs. 5.8%), and less overestimated their body weights, than Korean women (31.8% vs. 53.8%, P=0.008). Korean Americans who overestimated their own body weights had significantly higher preference for salty taste and significantly lower dietary habit score regarding regular meals. CONCLUSIONS: Overestimation of self body size, rather than longer residence in US may be associated with the undesirable dietary habit and taste preference of Korean Americans, highlighting the importance of correct body image.
Asian Americans ; Body Image ; Body Size ; Body Weight ; Female ; Food Habits ; Food Preferences ; Humans ; New York City ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing resilience in breast cancer patients. METHODS: The data were collected using structured questionnaires from 106 breast cancer patients who are members of a self-help group. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression in SPSS WIN version 21.0. RESULTS: Resilience was significantly negatively correlated to depression and positively correlated to hope and family support. However, resilience was not significantly correlated to anxiety. In the regression analysis, factors influencing resilience were reported as hope, religion, lymph node metastasis, surgery side, and time since surgery, which explained 34.1% of the variation. CONCLUSION: The resilience scores of women with breast cancer were higher when depression was lower, hope was higher, and greater family support. This means that reducing depression and increasing hope and family support are necessary when developing and implementing nursing interventions. The results of this study also show the importance of hope in explaining resilience in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, nurses should focus on encouraging hope when they develop programs in order to implement more effective interventions to improve breast cancer patients' resilience.
Anxiety ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Depression ; Female ; Hope ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Nursing ; Self-Help Groups

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the association among sexual double standard, dating violence recognition, and sexual assertiveness among Korean university students. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey study in January 2018, Korean university students (N = 322, years; 54.3% female) completed structured questionnaires with the double standard scale, dating violence recognition index, and sexual assertiveness index. The relationship among the variables was analyzed with Pearson's correlations and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: There were significant correlations among sexual double standard, dating violence recognition, and sexual assertiveness. Sexual double standard (β = .12, p = .043) was determined to influence dating violence recognition. In addition, gender (β = .63, p < .001) and sexual double standard (β = .11, p = .015) were determined to influence dating violence recognition; the explanatory power was 43%. CONCLUSION: These findings will serve as a basis for the development of education programs that help university students to establish appropriate sexual values and enjoy a healthy sex life.
Assertiveness ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Education ; Humans ; Intimate Partner Violence ; Korea ; Reproductive Health ; Sexual Behavior ; Young Adult

This study investigated the cumulative effects of depressive symptoms on cognitive function over time in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Data were investigated from 2,533 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from the 5th (2014) to the 8th wave (2020). The association between cumulative depressive symptoms and cognitive function was identified through multiple regression analysis. Results: When the multiple regression analysis was conducted from each wave, the current depressive symptoms scores and cognitive function scores were negatively associated, regardless of the waves (B5th = - 0.26, B6th = - 0.26, B7th = - 0.26, and B8th = - 0.27; all p < .001). Further, when all the previous depressive symptoms scores were added as explanatory variables in the 8th wave, the current one (B8th = - 0.09, p < .001) and the previous ones (B5th = - 0.11, B6th = - 0.09, and B7th = - 0.13; all p < .001) were also negatively associated with the cognitive function score. The delta R2 , which indicates the difference between the model’s R2 with and without the depressive symptoms scores, was greater in the model with all the previous and current depressive symptoms scores (6.4%) than in the model with only the current depressive symptoms score (3.6%). Conclusion: Depressive symptoms in older adults have a long-term impact. This results in an accumulated adverse effect on the cognitive function. Therefore, to prevent cognitive decline in older adults, we suggest detecting their depressive symptoms early and providing continuous intervention to reduce exposure to long-term depressive symptoms.

PURPOSE: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) is known to have a poor prognosis and a poor response to treatment. We performed a combination therapy of plasmapheresis, steroid pulse and immunoglobulin in 4 patients with relapsed steroid dependent(SD) or steroid resistant(SR) FSGS after steroid pulse therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 8 cycles of plasmapheresis were performed in 4 patients with biopsy proven FSGS who had relapsed after steroid pulse therapy from March 1988 to July 2002. Clinical findings and treatment courses were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 4 patients, there were 3 males and 1 female. After 8 cycles of plasmapheresis, clinical remissions were obtained. Two of the four patients had two relapses and received 2 more cycles of plasmapheresis which resulted in remissions. One of these patients had two further relapses and was treated with oral steroid resulting in clinical remission. Three patients have maintained normal serum creatinine level and glomerular filtration rates during the follow-up period of 10 years, and the other 1 patient for 5 months. CONCLUSION: A combination therapy of plasmapheresis, steroid pulse and immunoglobulin led to a complete remission in patients with FSGS who were SD or SR and was effective in maintaining normal renal function.
Biopsy ; Creatinine ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Male ; Plasmapheresis* ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

POEMS syndrome is a rare multisystemic syndrome characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes. We report a case of POEMS syndrome associated with unclassifiable myeloproliferative disorder presenting with polyneuropathy, hepatosplenomegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, monoclonal gammopathy, hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, ascites, peripheral edema, and pulmonary hypertension.
Ascites ; Edema ; Hyperpigmentation ; Hyperprolactinemia ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Hypertrichosis ; Hypothyroidism ; Myeloproliferative Disorders* ; Paraproteinemias ; POEMS Syndrome* ; Polyneuropathies ; Skin

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major positive effector of angiogenesis. We investigated the mechanism of tumor growth inhibition by adenoviral transfer of antisense- VEGF in glioma and the role of VEGF for in vivo growth of human glioma cells according to the stage of the tumor growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Replication-deficient adenoviral vector containing the VEGF cDNA in an antisense orientation (Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF) were constructed to increase the in vivo applicability of antisense sequence. The effect of Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF was studied in vitro and in vivo with human glioma cell line U-87 MG. Immunohistochemical staining of the subcutaneous tumor with anti-VEGF antibody and CD34 antibody were performed to compare VEGF protein expression and the microvessel count respectively. RESULTS: The growth curve of U-87 MG cells treated with Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF remained as same as that of mock-infected and Ad5(dl312)-infected U-87 MG cells in vitro, suggesting that Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF does not have direct cytotoxic effect. The growth of subcutaneous human glioma xenografts was inhibited by early intratumoral injection of Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF. Immuno histochemical staining of tumors showed that VEGF protein expression and mean microvessel counts were decreased in early Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF treatment group. CONCLUSION: The efficient down-regulation of VEGF produced by tumor cells using Ad5CMV- alphaVEGF in early stage of glioma growth has an antitumor effect in vivo through antiangiogenic mechanism.
Adenoviridae ; Cell Line ; DNA, Complementary ; Down-Regulation ; Genetic Therapy* ; Glioblastoma* ; Glioma ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Microvessels ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

This study evaluated the nutrition intake and changes in laboratory data of surgery patients with hypermetabolic severity on nutrition support. From January 2002 to September 2002, 66 hospitalized surgery patients who had received enteral nutrition (EN, n=19) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN, n=47) for more than 7 days were prospectively and retrospectively recruited. The laboratory data was examined pre-operatively, and on the post-operative 1, 3, 7 day and at the time of discharge. The characteristics of the patients were examined for the hypermetabolic severity, The hypermetabolic scores were determined by high fever (> 38 degrees C), rapid breathing (> 30 breaths/min), rapid pulse rate (> 100 beats/min), leukocytosis (WBC>12,000/microliter), leukocytopenia (WBC<3,000/microliter), status of infection, inflammatory bowel disease, surgery and trauma. The scores for the hypermetabolic status were divided into three groups (mild 0-10, moderate 11-40, severe>41). According to the results of the study, 38.3% (n=23), 45.4% (n=30) and 19.6% (n=13) were in the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively. There was a decrease in the serum albumin level and weight loss according to the hypermetabolic severity. However, the white blood cells (WBC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), c-reactive protein (CRP), total bilirubin, GOT, and GPT increased. The nutritional intake was TPN (32.5 kcal/kg, protein 1.2 g/kg, fat 0.25 g/kg), EN (28.1 kcal/kg, protein 1.0 g/kg, fat 1.01 g/kg). The serum albumin, hemoglobin and cholesterol were higher in the EN group than in the TPN group. But the FBS, total bilirubin, GOT and GPT were higher in the TPN group than the EN group. In conclusion, there was a negative correlation between the changes in the laboratory data and the hypermetabolic severity. There was an increase in the number of metabolic complications in the TPN group.
Bilirubin ; Blood Glucose ; C-Reactive Protein ; Cholesterol ; Enteral Nutrition* ; Fasting ; Fever ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Leukocytes ; Leukocytosis ; Leukopenia ; Malnutrition ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total* ; Prospective Studies ; Respiration ; Retrospective Studies ; Serum Albumin ; Weight Loss

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome. Between January 1, 2002 to September 30, 2002, we prospectively and retrospectively recruited 111 hospitalized patients who received Enteral Nutrition (ENgroup n = 52) and Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPNgroup n = 59) for more than seven days. The factors of clinical outcomes are costs, incidences of in-fection, lengths of hospital stay, and changes in weight. The characteristics of patients were investigated, which included nutritional status, disease severity (APACHE III score) and hypermetabolic severity (hypermetabolic score). Hypermeta-bolic scores were determined by high fever (>38 degrees C), rapid breathing (>30 breaths/min), rapid pulse rate (>100 beats/min), leukocytosis (WBC > 12000 mm3), leukocytopenia (WBC < 3000 mm3), status of infection, inflammatory bowel disease, surgery and trauma. There was a positive correlation between hypermetabolic score and length of hospital stay (ICU), medical cost, weight loss, antibiotics adjusted by age while APACHE III score did not show correlation to clinical outcome. Medical cost was higher by 18.2% in the TPN group than the EN group. In conclusion, there was a strong negative correlation between the clinical outcome (cost, incidence of infection, hospital stay) and hypermetabolic score. Higher metabolic stress caused more malnutrition and complications. For nutritional management of patients with malnutrition, multiple factors, including nutritional assessment, and evaluation of hypermetabolic severity are needed to provide nutritional support for critically ill patients.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; APACHE* ; Critical Illness ; Cross Infection ; Enteral Nutrition* ; Fever ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Length of Stay ; Leukocytosis ; Leukopenia ; Malnutrition ; Nutrition Assessment ; Nutritional Status* ; Nutritional Support ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total* ; Prospective Studies ; Respiration ; Retrospective Studies ; Stress, Physiological ; Weight Loss

We conducted comparative study on metabolizable energy content of extracts of angelica keiskei and its byproduct. Total six different groups consisting of five test groups treated with angelica keiskei and one control group were compared. Each of the five test groups were given 30% of one of whole plant, extracts, fermented of extracts, byproduct and extracts plus byproduct, respectively, mixed with AIN93M. After 3 days of adjustment period, all groups were subjected to 4 days of test period during which the amounts of feed intake and excretion were measured everyday. All feces were treated for the prevention of decomposition and changes before its energy content were measured using a bomb calorimeter. The amount of excretion was 4.8 +/- 0.3 g/rat/3 days in control group and 9.9-15.0 g/rat/3 days in the groups were added with extracts of angelica keiskei indicating that the angelica keiskei-treated groups produce 2-3 times more excretion. Metabolic energy of control diet was 4,133.3 kcal. This was found to be 15 to 20% higher compared with the metabolic energy content ranging from 3,117.0 kcal/kg (extracts of angelica keiskei) to 3,259.8 kcal/kg (extracts plus byproducts) angelica keiskei-treated groups. This is interpreted as the result of the decreased metabolic energy in the test diets were substituted with 30% of ngelica keiskei-treated ingredient which has low metabolic content itself. One notable finding is that the metabolic content of the group mixed with byproducts and extracts (1,763.0 kcal/kg) is 27% higher than that of extracts of angelica keiskei (1,286.8 kcal/kg) indicating that mechanical grinding increases the rate of digestion and absorption increasing, in turn, the energy content used in the body. The results of analysis of overall caloric absorption showed absorption rate in order of Whole plant < extracts < byproduct < extract plus byproduct < fermented of extract.
Absorption ; Angelica ; Bombs ; Diet ; Digestion ; Feces ; Plants