OBJECTIVES: Understanding changes in food sufficiency within various demographic groups during emergency situations, such as the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is crucial in formulating public health policies for future preparedness. This study investigated potential differences between urban and rural residents in food sufficiency trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined how these changes varied according to socio-demographic factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 19,724 adults aged 20 years and older, utilizing information from the 7th-8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018-2021). RESULTS: In urban areas, across all subpopulations, food sufficiency improved significantly during the COVID-19 period relative to pre-pandemic levels (p<0.001). However, in rural regions, a significant increase in food sufficiency during the COVID-19 era was observed only among female, with an odds ratio of 1.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.89). Nevertheless, no significant interaction terms were found between region and various socio-demographic factors regarding changes in food sufficiency during the COVID-19 period. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, food sufficiency among urban residents improved compared to the pre-pandemic era, whereas their rural counterparts saw no such improvement. Additionally, no significant interaction was detected between urban versus rural areas and changes in food sufficiency during the COVID-19 period. These findings indicate the need for targeted food policies to prepare for potential future pandemics, particularly in rural areas, where food sufficiency did not improve.

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare classic autoimmune disease where immunosuppressant therapies have been successful to reduce MG attributable mortality fairly well. However, patients with refractory MG (rMG) among the actively treated MG (aMG) are nonresponsive to conventional therapy and display high disease severity, which calls for further research. We aimed to determine survival, prognosis, and clinical feature of patients with rMG compared to non-rMG. Methods: Retrospective nationwide cohort study using Korea's healthcare database between 2002 and 2017 was conducted. Patients with rMG (n = 47) and non-rMG (n = 4,251) who were aged > 18 years, followed-up for ≥ 1 year, and prescribed immunosuppressants within 2 years after incident MG diagnosis were included. Patients with rMG were defined as administered plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin at least 3 times per year after receiving ≥ 2 immunosuppressants. All-cause mortality, myasthenic crisis, hospitalization, pneumonia/ sepsis, and emergency department (ED) visits were measured using Cox proportional hazard models and pharmacotherapy patterns for rMG were assessed. Results: The rMG cohort included a preponderance of younger patients and women. The adjusted hazard ratio was 2.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.26–4.94) for mortality, 3.14 (2.25–4.38) for myasthenic crisis, 1.54 (1.15–2.06) for hospitalization, 2.69 (1.74–4.15) for pneumonia/sepsis, and 1.81 (1.28–2.56) for ED visits for rMG versus non-rMG. The immunosuppressant prescriptions were more prevalent in patients with rMG, while the difference was more remarkable before rMG onset rather than after rMG onset. Conclusion Despite the severe prognosis of rMG, the strategies for pharmacotherapeutic regimens were similar in those two groups, suggesting that intensive monitoring and introduction of timely treatment options in the early phase of MG are required.

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare classic autoimmune disease where immunosuppressant therapies have been successful to reduce MG attributable mortality fairly well. However, patients with refractory MG (rMG) among the actively treated MG (aMG) are nonresponsive to conventional therapy and display high disease severity, which calls for further research. We aimed to determine survival, prognosis, and clinical feature of patients with rMG compared to non-rMG. Methods: Retrospective nationwide cohort study using Korea's healthcare database between 2002 and 2017 was conducted. Patients with rMG (n = 47) and non-rMG (n = 4,251) who were aged > 18 years, followed-up for ≥ 1 year, and prescribed immunosuppressants within 2 years after incident MG diagnosis were included. Patients with rMG were defined as administered plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin at least 3 times per year after receiving ≥ 2 immunosuppressants. All-cause mortality, myasthenic crisis, hospitalization, pneumonia/ sepsis, and emergency department (ED) visits were measured using Cox proportional hazard models and pharmacotherapy patterns for rMG were assessed. Results: The rMG cohort included a preponderance of younger patients and women. The adjusted hazard ratio was 2.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.26–4.94) for mortality, 3.14 (2.25–4.38) for myasthenic crisis, 1.54 (1.15–2.06) for hospitalization, 2.69 (1.74–4.15) for pneumonia/sepsis, and 1.81 (1.28–2.56) for ED visits for rMG versus non-rMG. The immunosuppressant prescriptions were more prevalent in patients with rMG, while the difference was more remarkable before rMG onset rather than after rMG onset. Conclusion Despite the severe prognosis of rMG, the strategies for pharmacotherapeutic regimens were similar in those two groups, suggesting that intensive monitoring and introduction of timely treatment options in the early phase of MG are required.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a campus-based intervention program to enhance food literacy (FL) among university students. Methods: In the initial phase, we conducted a literature review of FL intervention studies and held in-depth interviews with university students to identify facilitators and barriers to improving and practicing FL. Expert counseling sessions were conducted with nutrition education, marketing, and service design professionals. The results of this phase led to the creation of an initial curriculum draft. In the second phase, a follow-up survey was conducted with young adults to assess the acceptability of the developed curriculum. After the follow-up survey, additional meetings were conducted with the aforementioned experts, and the curriculum was further refined based on their input. Results: An 11-week FL intervention program was devised using constructs from the Social Cognitive Theory. The weekly curriculum consisted of 90-min theory-based and 90-min hands-on experience sessions. Three primary aspects of FL were covered: nutrition and food safety, cultural and relational dimensions, and socio-ecological aspects. Program highlights included cooking sessions for crafting traditional Korean desserts, lectures on animal welfare, insights into zero-waste practices, and communal eating experiences. Based on the study team’s previous research, the program also addressed mindful eating, helping participants understand the relationship with their eating habits, and providing strategies to manage negative emotions without resorting to food. Yoga sessions and local farm visits were incorporated into the curriculum to promote holistic well-being. Conclusions This study elucidated the comprehensive process of creating a campus-based curriculum to enhance FL among university students, a group particularly susceptible to problematic eating behaviors and low FL levels. The developed program can serve as a blueprint for adaptation to other campuses seeking to bolster students’ FL.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different remineralization agents on the shear bond strength (SBS) on enamel and to confirm remineralization capacity through quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). Sixty non-carious human third molars were divided into eight groups based on remineralization agents agents (control, Tooth Mousse plusTM, Apapro, BGS-7 bioglass) and application time (24 h, 2 weeks). Enamel surfaces were prepared and treated with agents, followed by demineralization and remineralization. Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) assessed fluorescence loss and recovery. After adhesive application and composite restoration, shear bond strength (SBS) was measured. Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, paired t-tests, Wilcoxon rank tests, and multiple comparison tests. SBS values did not show a significant difference between the groups according to the type and application time of the remineralization agents. QLF measurement, in the 24 h groups, showed no significant difference in the recovery amount between the groups. In the 2 week groups, a statistically significant difference was observed and the value was significantly higher in the BG group than that in the control group. There were no significant differences in the values based on the application time. Within the limitations of this study, bioactive glass showed higher remineralization ability than all the other experimental agents. The SBS was not affected by the remineralizing agent.

OBJECTIVES: Chrono-nutrition emphasizes meal timing in preventing obesity and metabolic disorders. This study explores the impact of temporal dietary patterns (TDPs) on obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults aged 20 years to 65 years. METHODS: We utilized dynamic time warping method and Kernel k-means clustering to investigate diet quality and the odds ratios (ORs) of obesity and MetS with different TDPs using data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. RESULTS: Participants were divided into three groups based on relative energy intake over 24 hours. After adjusting for age and gender, Cluster 3 (with the highest proportion of energy intake in the evening) had the lowest Healthy Eating Index scores compared to other clusters. Following adjustment for key covariates, Cluster 3 showed the highest values for body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Compared to Cluster 1 (with a lower proportion of energy intake in the evening), Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 had ORs for obesity of 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 1.30) and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.37), respectively. For MetS, the ORs were 1.26 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.48) and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.61) when comparing Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 to Cluster 1. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that individuals with higher energy intake in the evening have increased odds of obesity and MetS, even after adjusting for major covariates, including age and total energy intake.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mukbang, a trend originating in South Korea and gaining global popularity, could influence children’s food choices and eating habits. This study analyzed the correlation between Mukbang viewing time in children and adolescents, their meal consumption frequency, nutrition quotient (NQ), and frequency of food intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: From July to August 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated upper elementary students (ages 9–11 yrs) and adolescents (aged 12–18 yrs) using an online survey. The survey items included key demographic factors, Mukbang viewing frequency and duration, frequency of main meal consumption, commonly consumed foods, and the validated NQ, which was used to assess food intake quality. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the link between Mukbang viewing and nutritional habits. RESULTS: Weekly Mukbang viewing time was significantly correlated with eating habits after adjusting for gender, age, physical activity frequency past week, household income, and primary caregiver’s level of education. Increased Mukbang viewing time correlated with reduced frequency of breakfast (P for trend < 0.001) and dinner (P for trend = 0.012), while the frequency of eating out (P for trend < 0.001) and late-night snacking (P for trend = 0.008) increased. Higher Mukbang viewing time notably decreased scores in the moderation domain (P for trend < 0.001), in the practice domain (P for trend = 0.031), and overall NQ (P for trend < 0.001). It also significantly elevated intake of sweets (P for trend = 0.001), Koreanstyle street food, Western-style fast food, instant noodles, sweetened beverages, caffeinated beverages, and fruit and vegetable juices (P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study identifies a negative correlation between Mukbang viewing and eating habits among Korean children and adolescents. The results indicate the importance of incorporating children and adolescents’ media usage and environmental factors on dietary education and the development of policy programs.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mukbang, a trend originating in South Korea and gaining global popularity, could influence children’s food choices and eating habits. This study analyzed the correlation between Mukbang viewing time in children and adolescents, their meal consumption frequency, nutrition quotient (NQ), and frequency of food intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: From July to August 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated upper elementary students (ages 9–11 yrs) and adolescents (aged 12–18 yrs) using an online survey. The survey items included key demographic factors, Mukbang viewing frequency and duration, frequency of main meal consumption, commonly consumed foods, and the validated NQ, which was used to assess food intake quality. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the link between Mukbang viewing and nutritional habits. RESULTS: Weekly Mukbang viewing time was significantly correlated with eating habits after adjusting for gender, age, physical activity frequency past week, household income, and primary caregiver’s level of education. Increased Mukbang viewing time correlated with reduced frequency of breakfast (P for trend < 0.001) and dinner (P for trend = 0.012), while the frequency of eating out (P for trend < 0.001) and late-night snacking (P for trend = 0.008) increased. Higher Mukbang viewing time notably decreased scores in the moderation domain (P for trend < 0.001), in the practice domain (P for trend = 0.031), and overall NQ (P for trend < 0.001). It also significantly elevated intake of sweets (P for trend = 0.001), Koreanstyle street food, Western-style fast food, instant noodles, sweetened beverages, caffeinated beverages, and fruit and vegetable juices (P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study identifies a negative correlation between Mukbang viewing and eating habits among Korean children and adolescents. The results indicate the importance of incorporating children and adolescents’ media usage and environmental factors on dietary education and the development of policy programs.