The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of occasional mid-morning snacks (MMS) on dietary behaviors and school life among elementary students. The students, mothers, and teachers from two elementary schools in Seoul were selected. The schools have been provided a steamed sweet-potato or potato, or a piece of ricecake or cake with a pack of milk as MMS 3-4 times a month for more than 3 years. Most students were satisfied with the MMS. Mothers and teachers reported that their children or students were happier, more active, and more energetic in school with MMS. Furthermore, the students answered that they could drink milk better on the day when the school provided MMS. Many students felt that it was relevant to serve a simple menu at lunch time if they were served MMS. Also, students became more interested in school meals or foods with MMS. In addition, mothers who had jobs wanted more frequent MMS. The degree of satisfaction about MMS of the teachers was higher than that of students or mothers. Many teachers thought that their students drank milk better with MMS and further, that it made students to drink more milk on other days. In conclusion, MMS had positive effects on the dietary behavior and school life of elementary students. Therefore, it can be a good option for eliminating skipping breakfast because it provides more nutrition, makes students drink more milk, and allows students to enjoy school activities more.
Breakfast ; Child ; Humans ; Lunch ; Meals ; Milk ; Mothers ; Snacks ; Solanum tuberosum ; Steam

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in the villous explants from normal and preeclamptic (PE) placentae under hypoxic condition. METHODS: Villous explants from normal (n=5) and PE (n=4) placentae were obtained. To obtain hypoxic culture condition, villous explants were cultured in hypoxic chamber or treated with deferoxamine (DFO). ET-1 mRNA expressions in villous explants were evaluated by RT-PCR following 0, 24, and 48 h of culture in hypoxic chamber, and 0, 2, 4, 6 h following DFO treatment. ET-1 protein levels in media were measured by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: After 24 and 48 hours of incubation of villous explants from normal and PE placentae in hypoxic chamber, ET-1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in both groups, however, ET-1 production seemed to be more exaggerated in the villous explants from PE placentae. During 6 h of DFO exposure, ET-1 mRNA level was increased in the villous explants from PE placenta comparing to those from normal placentae (p<0.05). Interestingly, the increase of ET-1 mRNA expression in the villous explants from PE placentae was more exaggerated than those from normal placentae. Concordantly, increments of protein level between 0 to 2 h and 2 to 4 h were significantly higher in villous explants from PE placentae (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: ET-1 mRNA and protein were increased in villous explants from PE placentae compared to those from normal placentae under hypoxic condition. Furthermore, villous explants from PE placentae showed upregulated ET-1 expression upon hypoxic stimulation. This enhanced sensitivity to hypoxia may contribute to ET-1 overexpression in PE placenta in vivo and it needs further investigation for clarification.
Anoxia ; Deferoxamine ; Endothelin-1* ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Placenta ; Pre-Eclampsia ; Pregnancy* ; RNA, Messenger

Prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing significantly worldwide due to energy imbalance perhaps stemming from undesirable dietary behavior and physical activity level. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of physical activity level on nutritional status in elementary school students. The subjects were comprised of 287 elementary school students between 4th and 6th grades in Seoul, Korea. The level of physical activity was scored with a modified Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire and was categorized as active, moderately active, and sedentary. Dietary intakes were obtained using a 24-hour food recall method. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to test for global significant differences of nutrient intakes by physical activity level. Boys were more active than girls. Daily intakes of energy in moderately active boys were significantly higher than in the sedentary group, but intakes of calcium and iron in moderately active boys were lower than active boys. For girls, physical activity level did not affect nutrient density at all. Intakes of calcium, vitamin C, and folate for both boys and girls were below 50% of recommended intake. Physical activity did not affect nutrient density and our participants were exposed to nutritional imbalance. Therefore, the results suggest that nutrition education regarding balanced diet and optimum physical activity is required for children's health and growth.
Ascorbic Acid ; Calcium ; Diet ; Folic Acid ; Humans ; Iron ; Korea ; Motor Activity ; Nutritional Status ; Obesity ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 1~3% of the general population. Ustekinumab is a recently developed human monoclonal antibody for psoriasis that binds to the p40 subunit shared by the interleukins IL-12 and IL-23. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combination treatment with ustekinumab and topical agents in 30 Korean patients with psoriasis regarding different clinical parameters. METHODS: We retrospectively searched to identify patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis who had initiated treatment with ustekinumab between January 2012 and January 2016. Among them, our study was conducted in 30 patients with psoriasis who were treated with ustekinumab and topical agents for at least 16 weeks by analyzing their clinical charts and photographs. RESULTS: Overall, 16.7%, 93.3%, and 96.2% patients achieved PASI 75 response rates at weeks 4, 16, and 40, respectively. Furthermore, fifteen patients achieved 90% improvement in their PASI score at 100 weeks and five patients maintained their PASI score at 160 weeks. The efficacy of treatment with ustekinumab was different in sub-group analysis. Non-smokers enjoyed a higher therapeutic effect than did smokers. In addition, the therapeutic effect of ustekinumab was lower in the groups with psoriatic arthritis and nail psoriasis. However, it was not statistically significant. None of the patients experienced serious adverse events requiring the interruption of treatment. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with ustekinumab and topical agents provides effective treatment results for Korean patients with psoriasis.
Arthritis, Psoriatic ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Interleukin-12 ; Interleukin-23 ; Interleukins ; Psoriasis* ; Retrospective Studies* ; Skin ; Ustekinumab*

No abstract available.
Melanoma* ; Paget Disease, Extramammary*

No abstract available.
Acneiform Eruptions* ; Dasatinib* ; Drug Eruptions ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive* ; Pleural Effusion*

No abstract available.
Humans ; Myositis*

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the potential of convenience stores as platforms for healthy food consumption, including low-sodium options, in response to the increasing trend of meal behaviors at convenience stores and the growing demand for healthy eating. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In the study, 627 Korean participants aged 10 to 39 were involved. A self-reported questionnaire survey was used and questions were regarding purchase patterns, consumption behaviors, perceptions and selection attributes of convenience store foods, and consumer perception factors for low-sodium options. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 (SPSS, Version 26.0 for Windows, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The study uncovered significant disparities in the consumption behavior and perception of convenience store foods, as well as variations in the importance and satisfaction levels with convenience store food attributes, including consumer perception factors for low-sodium options, based on sex and age. Furthermore, it was observed that awareness of the need for low-sodium options significantly influenced purchase intentions. CONCLUSION This study analyzed consumer attitude toward low-sodium convenience store foods to assess the potentiality for promoting healthy eating in convenience stores. These findings indicate the important role that convenience stores can play as platforms for healthy food sales.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the potential of convenience stores as platforms for healthy food consumption, including low-sodium options, in response to the increasing trend of meal behaviors at convenience stores and the growing demand for healthy eating. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In the study, 627 Korean participants aged 10 to 39 were involved. A self-reported questionnaire survey was used and questions were regarding purchase patterns, consumption behaviors, perceptions and selection attributes of convenience store foods, and consumer perception factors for low-sodium options. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 (SPSS, Version 26.0 for Windows, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The study uncovered significant disparities in the consumption behavior and perception of convenience store foods, as well as variations in the importance and satisfaction levels with convenience store food attributes, including consumer perception factors for low-sodium options, based on sex and age. Furthermore, it was observed that awareness of the need for low-sodium options significantly influenced purchase intentions. CONCLUSION This study analyzed consumer attitude toward low-sodium convenience store foods to assess the potentiality for promoting healthy eating in convenience stores. These findings indicate the important role that convenience stores can play as platforms for healthy food sales.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the potential of convenience stores as platforms for healthy food consumption, including low-sodium options, in response to the increasing trend of meal behaviors at convenience stores and the growing demand for healthy eating. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In the study, 627 Korean participants aged 10 to 39 were involved. A self-reported questionnaire survey was used and questions were regarding purchase patterns, consumption behaviors, perceptions and selection attributes of convenience store foods, and consumer perception factors for low-sodium options. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 (SPSS, Version 26.0 for Windows, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The study uncovered significant disparities in the consumption behavior and perception of convenience store foods, as well as variations in the importance and satisfaction levels with convenience store food attributes, including consumer perception factors for low-sodium options, based on sex and age. Furthermore, it was observed that awareness of the need for low-sodium options significantly influenced purchase intentions. CONCLUSION This study analyzed consumer attitude toward low-sodium convenience store foods to assess the potentiality for promoting healthy eating in convenience stores. These findings indicate the important role that convenience stores can play as platforms for healthy food sales.