OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to define the factors influencing turnover intention of customized home health care nurses. METHODS: Research participants were 237 nurses who worked in the customized home health care of 33 public health centers in Daegu city and Gyeong-Buk Province. The data were collected by self report questionnaires from July, 1 to August, 30, 2011. The data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, correlation coefficient, multiple stepwise regression using the SPSS program. RESULTS: The average score for turnover intention was 3.12 (5 score) and job satisfaction was 2.41 (4 score). The scores for sub-categories of job satisfaction were operational factors, 1.99, personnel factors, 2.03, work factors, 2.64 and relationship factors, 3.04. Marital status, religion, visiting nurses career, employment status, work area were the significant factors related to turnover intention in these subjects. There was a significant negative correlation between job satisfaction and turnover intention (r=-0.354, p<0.001). Significant factors were job satisfaction, marital status, employment status (Cum R2=0.198, F=17.179, p<0.001) that explained 19.8% of turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS: Customized home health care nurses management policy which includes job satisfaction and general characteristics of visiting nurses should be established to enhance of quality of customized home health care service.
Daegu ; Delivery of Health Care* ; Employment ; Intention* ; Job Satisfaction ; Marital Status ; Nurses, Community Health ; Personnel Turnover ; Public Health ; Self Report ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Background: We previously developed the Korean Calcium Assessment Tool (KCAT) for assessing the intake of calcium and vitamin D in Korean women. However, based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VI and VII (2013–2018), major food sources for calcium and vitamin D have changed, and the National Standard Food Composition database was updated. Therefore, the present study aimed to update the KCAT and validate the Updated KCAT. Methods: A total of 285 women aged >19 years were asked to complete questionnaires of the KCAT and the Updated KCAT. Results: Calcium intake did not differ significantly between the KCAT (566±245 mg/day) and the Updated KCAT (569±248 mg/day; P=0.343). A correlation coefficient of 0.99 indicated a positive correlation on calcium intake between the KCAT and the Updated KCAT, with an almost perfect agreement by Cohen’s κ coefficients (0.95). Vitamin D intake assessed by the Updated KCAT was significantly higher than that assessed by the KCAT, which was positively correlated with a moderate agreement measured by Cohen’s κ coefficients (0.41). Conclusions The present study demonstrated that the Updated KCAT was a valid tool for the rapid evaluation of calcium and vitamin D intake for Korean women.

Purpose: Ovalbumin, a major protein derived from egg white, has significant functional properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, ovalbumin has potential use in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of ovalbumin water extract (OAW) and ethanol extract (OAE) on splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages in Balb/c mice, focusing on their potential to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance and enhance immune functions. Methods: The effects of OAW and OAE on T and B-cell proliferation, cytokines, immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production were examined using mitogen (ConA or LPS)-treated mouse splenocytes and macrophages from Balb/c mice.OAW and OAE were applied at concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 μg/mL. T and B-cell proliferation, cytokine production, including Th1 (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) profiles, and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) production were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.NO production and phagocytic activity were evaluated using a Griess assay and substratebased assays, respectively. Results: OAW and OAE modulated T and B-cell proliferation and inhibited the production of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) cytokines, restoring the Th1/ Th2 balance. Moreover, at 500 μg/mL, the OAW extracts exhibited comparable effects to the zymosan-stimulated controls. The production of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) and NO levels were reduced, while the macrophage phagocytic activity was enhanced in a dosedependent manner. Conclusion Ovalbumin extracts can modulate the systemic immune system by influencing immunoglobulin production and regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.

Purpose: Ovalbumin, a major protein derived from egg white, has significant functional properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, ovalbumin has potential use in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of ovalbumin water extract (OAW) and ethanol extract (OAE) on splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages in Balb/c mice, focusing on their potential to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance and enhance immune functions. Methods: The effects of OAW and OAE on T and B-cell proliferation, cytokines, immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production were examined using mitogen (ConA or LPS)-treated mouse splenocytes and macrophages from Balb/c mice.OAW and OAE were applied at concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 μg/mL. T and B-cell proliferation, cytokine production, including Th1 (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) profiles, and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) production were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.NO production and phagocytic activity were evaluated using a Griess assay and substratebased assays, respectively. Results: OAW and OAE modulated T and B-cell proliferation and inhibited the production of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) cytokines, restoring the Th1/ Th2 balance. Moreover, at 500 μg/mL, the OAW extracts exhibited comparable effects to the zymosan-stimulated controls. The production of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) and NO levels were reduced, while the macrophage phagocytic activity was enhanced in a dosedependent manner. Conclusion Ovalbumin extracts can modulate the systemic immune system by influencing immunoglobulin production and regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.

Purpose: Ovalbumin, a major protein derived from egg white, has significant functional properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, ovalbumin has potential use in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of ovalbumin water extract (OAW) and ethanol extract (OAE) on splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages in Balb/c mice, focusing on their potential to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance and enhance immune functions. Methods: The effects of OAW and OAE on T and B-cell proliferation, cytokines, immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production were examined using mitogen (ConA or LPS)-treated mouse splenocytes and macrophages from Balb/c mice.OAW and OAE were applied at concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 μg/mL. T and B-cell proliferation, cytokine production, including Th1 (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) profiles, and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) production were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.NO production and phagocytic activity were evaluated using a Griess assay and substratebased assays, respectively. Results: OAW and OAE modulated T and B-cell proliferation and inhibited the production of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) cytokines, restoring the Th1/ Th2 balance. Moreover, at 500 μg/mL, the OAW extracts exhibited comparable effects to the zymosan-stimulated controls. The production of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgE) and NO levels were reduced, while the macrophage phagocytic activity was enhanced in a dosedependent manner. Conclusion Ovalbumin extracts can modulate the systemic immune system by influencing immunoglobulin production and regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.

PURPOSE: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Pine needles (Pinus densiflora seib et Zucc) are a traditional medicine used to treat dyslipidemia in clinical settings. This study examined the potential effects of sulgidduk, a Korean traditional rice cake containing pine needle juice to protect against dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat/sugidduk diet in a rat model. METHODS: Twenty one male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups: normal control (NC), Sulgidduk diet (SD), Sulgidduk diet containing pine needle juice (PSD). The blood lipid levels, production of lipid peroxide in the plasma and liver, total cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver and feces, antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and erythrocytes were measured to assess the effects of PSD on dyslipidemia. RESULTS: A high-fat/Sulgidduk diet induced dyslipidemia, which was characterized by significantly altered lipid profiles in the plasma and liver. The food intake was similar in the three groups, but weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER) were reduced significantly in the PSD group compared to those in the SD group. The level of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TBARS in the plasma showed tendencies to decrease in the PSD group compared to those in the SD group. The levels of high-fat/Sulgidduk diet-induced sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) gene expression were reduced significantly in the PSD group. The supplementation of PSD reduced the hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels significantly, and enhanced the fecal excretion of triglyceride and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the SD group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the addition of 0.4% pine needle juice to Sulgidduk may be an alternative snack to control dyslipidemia.
Animals ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Diet ; Dyslipidemias ; Eating ; Erythrocytes ; Feces ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism ; Liver ; Male ; Medicine, Traditional ; Models, Animal ; Needles ; Plasma ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Risk Factors ; Snacks ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Triglycerides ; Weight Gain

Choline, an essential nutrient for humans, is required for the structural integrity of the cell membranes, methyl-group metabolism, synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, synthesis of the membrane phospholipid components of the cell membranes, and the transport of lipids and cholesterol. Choline can be synthesized in the body, but it is insufficient to meet the daily requirements and hence it must be obtained through the diet. In the United States/Canada, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, China, and Taiwan, the adequate intake (AI) and tolerable upper intake level (UL) of choline have been established, while the establishment of the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRI) for choline was postponed due to the lack of a choline database for Korean foods and studies on the choline intake of Koreans. However, as part of the preparation work for the 2020 DRI revision and finalization, choline intake and the possibility of disease occurrence were verified through analysis of published data. The groundwork for the subsequent establishment of a choline DRI was laid through a literature search, evaluation, and review of the literature reported from 1949 up to 2019. This can be regarded as the culmination of this project. According to the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional observational studies in humans, approximately 400-500 mg/day of choline intake was effective in preventing liver function damage (fatty liver), neural tube damage, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and cognitive function improvement. The same amount of choline intake, however, also correlated with the risk of prostate and colorectal cancer. At present, there is limited information available on choline intake and health outcomes, particularly for the Korean population. More human studies, including clinical trials on the requirements and the physiological benefits associated with dietary intake, are needed to establish the KDRI for choline.

PURPOSE: This study was done to assess the bone mineral density (BMD), biochemical bone turnover markers (BTMs), and factors associated with bone health in young Korean women. METHODS: Participants were 1,298 women, ages 18-29, recruited in Korea. Measurements were BMD by calcaneus quantitative ultrasound, BTMs for Calcium, Phosphorus, Osteocalcin, and C-telopeptide cross-links (CTX), body composition by physical measurements, nutrients by food frequency questionnaire and psychosocial factors associated with bone health by self-report. RESULTS: The mean BMD (Z-score) was -0.94. 8.7% women had lower BMD (Z-score< or =-2) and 14.3% women had higher BMD (Z-score< or = 0) than women of same age. BTMs were not significantly different between high-BMD (Z-score> or =0) and low-BMD (Z-score<0) women. However, Osteocalcin and CTX were higher in women preferring caffeine intake, sedentary lifestyle and alcoholic drinks. Body composition and Calcium intake were significantly higher in high-BMD. Low-BMD women reported significantly higher susceptibility and barriers to exercise in health beliefs, lower bone health self-efficacy and promoting behaviors. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that bone health of young Korean women is not good. Development of diverse strategies to intervene in factors such as exercise, nutrients, self-efficacy, health beliefs and behaviors, shown to be important, are needed to improve bone health.
Adolescent ; Alcohol Drinking ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Biological Markers/*metabolism ; Body Composition ; Bone Density ; Bone and Bones/*metabolism/radiography/ultrasonography ; Calcium/metabolism ; Collagen Type I/metabolism ; Female ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Knowledge ; Life Style ; Osteocalcin/metabolism ; Peptides/metabolism ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Republic of Korea ; Self Efficacy ; Women/*psychology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Prothrombin time (PT) measurement is an important test for screening blood coagulation disorders and monitoring anticoagulant therapy. In this study, we evaluated the analytical performance of HemosIL ReadiPlasTin (Instrumentation Laboratory, USA), a liquid reagent for PT measurement. METHODS: The precision of HemosIL ReadiPlasTin was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP5-A3 guidelines. Further, comparison with HemosIL RecombiPlasTin 2G (Instrumentation Laboratory, USA) was made according to the CLSI EP9-A3 guidelines. The reference intervals were established according to the CLSI C28-A3 guidelines. RESULTS: The coefficient of variation values for repeatability and total imprecision at two levels of control materials were lower than 1.1% and 3.4%, respectively. The performance of HemosIL ReadiPlasTin was comparable to that of HemosIL RecombiPlasTin 2G, with a high correlation (r=0.996). The reference interval for normal subjects was 10.4–13.3 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: HemosIL ReadiPlasTin showed an acceptable degree of imprecision and its performance showed high correlation with that of a conventional reagent. Therefore, it is expected to be useful for PT measurement in clinical laboratories.
Blood Coagulation Disorders ; Blood Coagulation Tests ; Mass Screening ; Prothrombin Time ; Prothrombin ; Thromboplastin

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by two or more tumors of the parathyroid gland, duodenum-pancreas, and anterior pituitary. Membranous nephropathy is the most common manifestation of paraneoplastic glomerulopathy. However, minimal change disease in patients with MEN 1 has yet to be reported. Here, we report a case of minimal change disease in a 59-year-old man with MEN 1, along with a review of the relevant literature.