Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether chewing gum affects mask contamination. Methodology and results: Two groups of participants were requested to wear a mask for 15 min with (experimental group) or without (control group) chewing gum. Then, masks were collected and CFU calculation and 16S rDNA sequencing was performed. We found that temperature, humidity and bacterial CFU inside of the mask significantly increased when wearing a mask while chewing gum. Staphylococcus epidermidis was found in both groups. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus parasanguinis and Bacillus wiedmannii were found in only the experimental group. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Chewing gum significantly increased the temperature, humidity and bacterial CFU inside the mask. Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, S. haemolyticus, S. oralis, S. parasanguinis and B. wiedmannii were detected inside the mask after chewing gum.
Chewing Gum ; Food Contamination

Adult ; Candy ; Dust ; Health Surveys ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/etiology* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Noise, Occupational/adverse effects* ; Occupational Diseases ; Occupational Exposure

Xylitol is well-known to have an anti-caries effect by inhibiting the replication of cariogenic bacteria. In addition, xylitol enhances saliva secretion. However, the precise molecular mechanism of xylitol on saliva secretion is yet to be elucidated. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the stimulatory effect of xylitol on saliva secretion and to further evaluate the involvement of xylitol in muscarinic type 3 receptor (M3R) signaling. For determining these effects, we measured the saliva flow rate following xylitol treatment in healthy individuals and patients with dry mouth. We further tested the effects of xylitol on M3R signaling in human salivary gland (HSG) cells using real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunostaining. Xylitol candy significantly increased the salivary flow rate and intracellular calcium release in HSG cells via the M3R signaling pathway. In addition, the expressions of M3R and aquaporin 5 were induced by xylitol treatment. Lastly, we investigated the distribution of M3R and aquaporin 5 in HSG cells. Xylitol was found to activate M3R, thereby inducing increases in Ca²⁺ concentration. Stimulation of the muscarinic receptor induced by xylitol activated the internalization of M3R and subsequent trafficking of aquaporin 5. Taken together, these findings suggest a molecular mechanism for secretory effects of xylitol on salivary epithelial cells.
Aquaporin 5 ; Bacteria ; Calcium ; Calcium Signaling ; Candy ; Epithelial Cells ; Humans ; Immunoblotting ; Mouth ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptors, Muscarinic ; Saliva ; Salivary Glands ; Xylitol

Functional soft candy of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) can be used to supplement vitamins,enhance immunity,assist in lowering blood sugar,assist in lowering blood lipid,assist in lowering blood pressure,relax the bowel,reduce weight and fight againstoxidation.It has attracted much attention due to its effective improvement in the bad taste and incompatibility of traditional medicines.TCM functional soft candy and health food made by gel,sweetener and Chinese herbal medicines( which can be used both as food and medicine) approved by the State Food and Drug Administration were selected as the research objects in this paper.We combed and analyzed the research situation of health food dosage forms and effects,the functional factors of TCM functional soft candy,gelatin,sweetener,production process,and quality evaluation,etc.,and then,we discussed their existing problems and development prospects.After reviewing the relevant literature on TCM functional soft candy and health food researches published in recent years,we analyzed and summarized their dosage forms,health effects,gels,sweeteners,production process,quality evaluation and safety.The following problems in the research of TCM functional soft candy were pointed out: for examples,differences in the sensory evaluation of soft candy;whether the combination of several similar gels and sweeteners had an effect on human health; the lack of laws and regulations in health foods and the lack of uniform standards for quality evaluation.In summary,TCM functional soft candy is a new type of health food,which changes the dosage form of health food based on capsules and tablets.This move conforms to the physiological and psychological needs of consumers.Therefore,it is in line with the requirement of " Health China 2030" Planning Outline.
Candy ; China ; Dosage Forms ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Food ; Gels ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Reference Standards

BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia is an important complication in the treatment of patients with diabetes. We surveyed the insight by patients with diabetes into hypoglycemia, their hypoglycemia avoidance behavior, and their level of worry regarding hypoglycemia. METHODS: A survey of patients with diabetes, who had visited seven tertiary referral centers in Daegu or Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, between June 2014 and June 2015, was conducted. The survey contained questions about personal history, symptoms, educational experience, self-management, and attitudes about hypoglycemia. RESULTS: Of 758 participants, 471 (62.1%) had experienced hypoglycemia, and 250 (32.9%) had experienced hypoglycemia at least once in the month immediately preceding the study. Two hundred and forty-two (31.8%) of the participants had received hypoglycemia education at least once, but only 148 (19.4%) knew the exact definition of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemic symptoms identified by the participants were dizziness (55.0%), sweating (53.8%), and tremor (40.8%). They mostly chose candy (62.1%), chocolate (37.7%), or juice (36.8%) as food for recovering hypoglycemia. Participants who had experienced hypoglycemia had longer duration of diabetes and a higher proportion of insulin usage. The mean scores for hypoglycemia avoidance behavior and worry about hypoglycemia were 21.2±10.71 and 23.38±13.19, respectively. These scores tended to be higher for participants with higher than 8% of glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin use, and experience of emergency room visits. CONCLUSION: Many patients had experienced hypoglycemia and worried about it. We recommend identifying patients that are anxious about hypoglycemia and educating them about what to do when they develop hypoglycemic symptoms, especially those who have a high risk of hypoglycemia.
Avoidance Learning ; Cacao ; Candy ; Daegu ; Dizziness ; Education ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; Insulin ; Korea ; Self Care ; Sweat ; Sweating ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Tremor

PURPOSE: This study aim to determine the effect of chewing gum on the reduction of postoperative ileus and recovery after surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial among 82 patients who underwent spine surgery between May 2015 and October 2015. Patients in experimental group chewed sugarless gum 3 times daily for 30 minutes each time until POD 5. Abdominal discomfort, the first defecation, and CAS score (Constipation Assessment Scale) were monitored. RESULTS: After the experiment, abdominal discomfort was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to that of the control group (F=2.46, p=.044). However, the first defecation occurred on postoperative hour 69.6 in the chewing gum group and on hour 60.2 in the control group (t=−1.63, p=.107). CAS was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to that of the control group (F=3.51, p=.012). CONCLUSION: Chewing gum is expected to help patient recover after surgery as safe nurse intervention which can reduce abdominal discomfort and constipation during early postoperative days after spine surgery.
Chewing Gum ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Gingiva ; Humans ; Ileus ; Mastication ; Spine

The primary objective of this study was to develop an optimal composite recipe for ginger extract candy with Salicornia herbacea L., for consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy. The secondary objective was to examine quality characteristics of the candy. The physical and mechanical properties and sensory properties for pregnant women in were measured, and these values were applied to mathematical models. Time of stirring water solution, saltiness, pH, and redness of the candy increased as concentrations of ginger juice did, but variations in pH were not significant. The hardness values of the candy ranged from 3,063.90 to 5,681.65 dyne/cm³. The average values of sweetness and time stirring the water solution were 5.36% and 14.1 minutes, respectively. However, hardness and sweetness stirring water solution were not significant. The range of sensory values of color (P < 0.01), flavor (P < 0.05), sweetness, saltiness, spiciness, and overall quality (P < 0.05) ranged from were 3.73~5.32, 4.05~5.05, 3.67~5.14, 3.59~5.09, 3.55~5.15, and 3.32~5.45, respectively. Results suggest that ginger extract candy with Salicornia herbacea L. should be comprised of 7.37 g of ginger juice and 1.77 g of salt. Consequently, it could be a functional candy for pregnant women.
Candy ; Chenopodiaceae ; Female ; Ginger ; Hardness ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Models, Theoretical ; Morning Sickness ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Pregnant Women ; Water

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of sugar reduction, nutrition education, and frequency of snacking in children according to the self-perceived dietary preferences for sweet taste by mothers in Busan. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 277 mothers were surveyed, and their perceptions of sugar reduction and the frequency of snacking in children were assessed using a questionnaire. The subjects were classified into either a sweet (n = 91) or an unsweet (n = 186) group according to their self-perceived preferences for a sweet taste. RESULTS: In the sweet group, the results for sweet products were sweetened ice (86.8%), confectionery (74.7%), processed milk (73.6%), carbonated beverages (71.4%), and fermented milk (53.9%). In the unsweet group, the results were sweetened ice (88.7%), carbonated beverages (78.5%), processed milk (75.8%), confectionery (69.4%), and fermented milk (50.5%). The necessity of sugar intake reduction was high in both groups (sweet = 89.0%, unsweet = 82.8%). Beverage purchases after identifying the nutrition labeling was significantly lower in the sweet group than in the unsweet group (P < 0.05). The reasons for the beverage purchases instead of water were "habitually" (50.5%) and "like sweet taste" (25.3%) in the sweet group (P < 0.01). Snacking in children was significantly higher in the sweet group based on the increased frequencies of carbonated drinks (P < 0.01), fast food (P < 0.001), candy and chocolate (P < 0.05), crackers (P < 0.01), ramen (P < 0.01), and fish paste/hotdogs (P < 0.01). The frequency of purchase education after identifying the nutrition labeling was significantly lower in the sweet group than in the unsweet group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a perception of sugar reduction and practical nutrition education aimed at reducing the sugar intake are necessary to improve dietary habits.
Beverages ; Busan* ; Cacao ; Candy ; Carbonated Beverages ; Child* ; Education* ; Fast Foods ; Food Habits* ; Food Labeling ; Humans ; Ice ; Milk ; Mothers* ; Snacks* ; Water

This study investigated anthropometric and biochemical characteristics, food and nutrient intakes, and changes in body mass index (BMI) of Korean middle age men (40~49 yrs). Data on BMI, anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure), and biochemical (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, hemoglobin, GOT, GPT) characteristics, food and nutrients intakes, nutrient density, and index of nutrient quality were obtained from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2001, 2005, 2011). Subjects were divided into three groups by year. Weight, BMI, and hemoglobin increased significantly by year. All anthropometric factors except height showed a positive relation with BMI by year. Consumption of barley, chinese noodle, confections, soybean milk, egg, ice cream, pizza, fried foods, banana, coffee, and raw rice wine increased significantly by year. Intake ratios of nutrients except water and fiber were over 100% of KDRI generally. INQ according to intakes of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin per 1,000 kcal increased significantly by year. Distribution of BMI status of subjects showed a significant difference by exercise. The findings of the present study show that BMI of subjects increased by year, and intakes of all nutrients except calcium and riboflavin showed aspects of overnutrition by year. Intakes of fruits decreased while intakes of raw rice wine and coffee increased by year. Therefore, practical and systematic nutrition programs are required to maintain optimum BMI and appropriate intakes of nutrients to maintain a desirable lifestyle and improve dietary life.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Body Mass Index* ; Calcium ; Candy ; Cholesterol ; Coffee ; Eating ; Fruit ; Hordeum ; Humans ; Ice Cream ; Iron ; Korea* ; Life Style ; Male* ; Middle Aged ; Milk ; Musa ; Niacin ; Nutrition Surveys* ; Overnutrition ; Ovum ; Phosphorus ; Riboflavin ; Soybeans ; Thiamine ; Triglycerides ; Vitamin A ; Waist Circumference ; Water ; Wine

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This research analyzes the effects of the food choices of industrial workers according to their sugar intake pattern on their job satisfaction through the construction of a model on the relationship between sugar intake pattern and job satisfaction. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Surveys were collected from May to July 2015. A statistical analysis of the 775 surveys from Kyungsangnam-do was conducted using SPSS13.0 for Windows and SEM was performed using the AMOS 5.0 statistics package. RESULTS: The reliability of the data was confirmed by an exploratory factor analysis through a Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the measurement model was proven to be appropriate by a confirmatory factor analysis in conjunction with AMOS. The results of factor analysis on food choice, sugar intake pattern and job satisfaction were categorized into five categories. The reliability of these findings was supported by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.6 and higher for all factors except confection (0.516) and dairy products (0.570). The multicollinearity results did not indicate a problem between the variables since the highest correlation coefficient was 0.494 (P < 0.01). In an attempt to study the sugar intake pattern in accordance with the food choices and job satisfaction of industrial workers, a structural equation model was constructed and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: All tests confirmed that the model satisfied the recommended levels for the goodness of fit index, and thus, the overall research model was proven to be appropriate.
Candy ; Dairy Products ; Job Satisfaction*