ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cinnamomum verum (C. verum) from 32 different essential oils against cariogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus). Methods: The antibacterial activities of each essential oil were individually investigated against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. The essential oil of C. verum was selected for further evaluation against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry was used to determine the major constituents of C. verum essential oil. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of the most effective constituent was investigated. Results: The essential oil from C. verum exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the major components of C. verum essential oil were cinnamaldehyde (56.3%), cinnamyl acetate (7.1%) and β-phellandrene (6.3%). The MIC of cinnamaldehyde was measured using broth dilution assays. The MIC of cinnamaldehyde was 0.02% (v/v) against both bacterial strains tested. The minimum bactericidal concentration of cinnamaldehyde against S. mutans and S. sobrinus were 0.2% and 0.1% (v/v), respectively. Conclusions: The essential oil of C. verum and its major component cinnamaldehyde possessed considerable in vitro antibacterial activities against cariogenic bacteria, S. mutans and S. sobrinus strains. These results showed that the essential oil of C. verum and its bioactive component, cinnamaldehyde, have potential for application as natural agents for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the food behavior and nutritional status of elementary school students in the Jeju area using Nutrition Quotient (NQ). METHODS: The subjects were 440 students (235 boys and 205 girls) in the fifth and sixth grade at four elementary schools located in Jeju. Demographic, lifestyle, and environmental information was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The food behavior checklist for children's Nutrition Quotient (NQ), consisting of 19 items, and nutrition education related information were also obtained. RESULTS: The mean score of the children's NQ was poor, reaching 60.3 points. The percentage distribution of NQ grade was 19.8% (lowest), 18.6% (low), 45.0% (medium), 10.7% (high), and 5.9% (highest) and the factor scores for balance, diversity, abstinence, regularity, and practice were 56.6, 68.4, 71.3, 57.4, and 54.8 points, respectively. Compared with the NQ cut-off points for defining malnutrition (balance; 57, diversity; 87, abstinence; 66, regularity; 69, and practice; 67 point), average score of abstinence factor was only above the cut-off point and scores of the other factors were below the cut-off point. Subjects with higher NQ scores tended to have higher levels of exercise activity (p < 0.001), frequency of family meals (p < 0.01), and father's educational levels (p < 0.01) compared to those with lower NQ score. NQ score showed positive association with nutrition education experience and practice (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: NQ score of elementary school students residing in Jeju was lower than the national average. More opportunities should be provided for participation in nutrition education, which incorporates a range of program strategies, as well as communication and education activities.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Checklist , Education , Life Style , Malnutrition , Meals , Nutritional StatusABSTRACT
Gitelman's syndrome is a heritable renal disorder characterized by hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia and hypocalciuria. Interestingly, we have experienced one patient who had chronic hypotension, normal serum magnesium level, normal plasma ionized magnesium level, hypokalemia and hypocalciuria. Immunohistochemistry showed the absence of NCCT staining in renal tissues of the patient. We report the case of atypical Gitelman's syndrome with a brief review of related literature.