Cytogenetic and molecular characterization of an SRY-negative 46, XX ovotesticular DSD: a case report / Caracterização citogenética e molecular de um DDS ovotesticular 46, XX SRY-negativo: relato de caso

Introduction: Ovotesticular disorder of sex development is a rare condition characterized by the concomitant presence of testicular and ovarian tissue, and usually presents genital ambiguity. They are chromosomally heterogeneous, and cytogenetic analyses is relevant. Objective: to report a patient from Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, with ovotesticular disorder of sex differentiation 46,XX and SRY-negative. Case report: patient aged 19 years, first child of non-consanguineous parents, diagnosed at birth with genital ambiguity and, without correct diagnosis, was registered a male sex. The patient underwent surgery to correct bilateral cryptorchidism, orchiopexy and colpectomy. During puberty, he developed female and male sexual characteristics. Investigation at this time revealed: laboratory (normal total testosterone and estradiol as high follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, histopathological (right gonad, ovarian follicles and left gonad, atrophic testicles), karyotype (46, XX) and molecular (SRY-negative). Diagnosis of ovotesticular disorder of sex development was established. The patient chose to remain male and underwent bilateral mastectomy, vaginal colpectomy and bilateral gonadectomy. Currently, the patient receives hormonal replacement therapy, followup with a multi-professional approach and awaits masculinizing genitoplasty. Discussion: For OT-DSD individuals with 46, XX, the female sex is suggested as the best sex of rearing option. Unlike the reported cases, the patient chose the male sex, since the sex at registration of birth was important in his choice. Conclusion: Cytogenetic and molecular analyses allowed us to assist in the etiological diagnosis of the patient with OT-DSD. However, molecular analyses are necessary to elucidate the genes involved in the sexual determination of this patient.

Introdução: distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular é uma condição rara com presença concomitante de tecido testicular e ovariano, geralmente com ambiguidade genital. Os pacientes são cromossomicamente heterogêneos e a análise citogenética é fundamental. Objetivo: relatar o caso de um paciente do município de Manaus, Amazonas, portador de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular 46, XX e SRY-negativo. Caso clínico: paciente de 19 anos, primeiro filho de pais não consanguíneos, que ao nascimento foi diagnosticado com ambiguidade genital, contudo, sem diagnóstico correto, foi registrado como sendo do sexo masculino. Foi submetido a cirurgias para correção da criptoquirdia bilateral, orquidopexia e colpectomia vaginal. Na puberdade, desenvolveu características sexuais feminina e masculina. Investigação diagnóstica mostrou: exames hormonais (testosterona total e estradiol normais enquanto hormônio folículo-estimulante e hormônio luteinizante elevados), histopatológicos (gônada direita, folículos ovarianos e gônadas esquerda, testículos atróficos), cariótipo (46, XX) e molecular (SRY-negativo). O diagnóstico de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular foi estabelecido. O paciente optou por permanecer no sexo masculino e submeteuse à mastectomia bilateral, colpectomia vaginal e gonadectomia bilateral. Atualmente faz reposição hormonal, acompanhamento com abordagem multiprofissional e aguarda pela genitoplastia masculinizante. Discussão: aos indivíduos DDS-OT com 46, XX é sugerido como a melhor opção de sexo, o feminino. Diferentemente dos casos relatados, o paciente optou por permanecer no sexo masculino, visto que o registro de nascimento foi importante para a sua escolha. Conclusão: análises citogenéticas e moleculares permitiu auxiliar no diagnóstico etiológico do paciente com DDS-OT, contudo, análises moleculares são necessárias para elucidação de genes envolvidos na determinação sexual desse paciente.

Design of Intravascular Ultrasound-enhanced Thrombolysis Excitation System Based on FPGA / 中国医疗器械杂志

An intravascular ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis excitation system with adjustable frequency, amplitude and duty cycle was designed based on FPGA (ZYNQ-7Z020). Firstly, the FPGA generated waveform amplitude binary data based on direct digital frequency synthesis (DDS) technology, and then the data was converted into burst signal through an external daughter card, which included D/A conversion circuit, active low-pass filter, power amplifier circuit and impedance matching circuit. The test results demonstrated that the output waveform reached the target with advantages of simple implementation and flexible control, the peak negative pressure generated from ultrasound transducer was doubled by means of an electrical impedance matching network. In vitro thrombus models were applied to verify the excitation system, it turned out that ultrasound cavitation effect generated could accelerate the penetration of urokinase and increase the thrombolysis rate by about 20%.

Risk Assessment of Specific Strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis for regulation of the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 based on previous risk assessments and also publications retrieved from literature search. The risk of the Lactobacillus strains listed above was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of probiotics published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups with mature gastro-intestinal tract. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. acidophilus W37, L. acidophilus DDS-1, L. acidophilus La-5 and L. acidophilus La-14 in food supplements and other foods independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. acidophilus W37, L. acidophilus DDS-1, L. acidophilus La-5 and L. acidophilus La-14 would cause adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Emerging transporter-targeted nanoparticulate drug delivery systems

Transporter-targeted nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (nano-DDS) have emerged as promising nanoplatforms for efficient drug delivery. Recently, great progress in transporter-targeted strategies has been made, especially with the rapid developments in nanotherapeutics. In this review, we outline the recent advances in transporter-targeted nano-DDS. First, the emerging transporter-targeted nano-DDS developed to facilitate oral drug delivery are reviewed. These include improvements in the oral absorption of protein and peptide drugs, facilitating the intravenous-to-oral switch in cancer chemotherapy. Secondly, the recent advances in transporter-assisted brain-targeting nano-DDS are discussed, focusing on the specific transporter-based targeting strategies. Recent developments in transporter-mediated tumor-targeting drug delivery are also discussed. Finally, the possible transport mechanisms involved in transporter-mediated endocytosis are highlighted, with special attention to the latest findings of the interactions between membrane transporters and nano-DDS.

Bio-mimetic drug delivery systems designed to help the senior population reconstruct melatonin plasma profiles similar to those of the healthy younger population

The secretion of melatonin (MT) is obviously different in the younger and the senior sectors of the population, and the maximum plasma concentration of seniors is only half of that in the younger population group. If exogenous MT can be supplied to senior citizens based on the secretion rate and amount of endogenous MT in the younger population by a bio-mimetic drug delivery system (DDS), an improved therapeutic effect and reduced side effects can be expected. Based upon this hypothesis, the pharmacokinetic parameters of MT, namely, the absorption rate constant (k a), the elimination rate constant (k e), and the ratio of absorption rate (F) to the apparent volume of distribution (V) were obtained by a residual method depending on the plasma concentration curve of immediate release preparations in the healthy younger population. The dose-division method was applied to calculate the cumulative release profiles of MT achieved by oral administration of a controlled release drug delivery system (DDS) to generate plasma MT profiles similar to the physiological level-time profiles. The in vivo release of MT deduced from the healthy younger population physiological MT profiles as the pharmacokinetic output of the bio-mimetic DDS showed a two-phase profile with two different zero order release rates, namely, 4.919 μg/h during 0-4 h (r=0.9992), and 11.097 μg/h during 4-12 h (r=0.9886), respectively. Since the osmotic pump type of DDS generally exhibits a good correlation between in vivo and in vitro release behaviors, an osmotic pump controlled delivery system was designed in combination with dry coating technology targeting on the cumulative release characteristics to mimic the physiological MT profiles in the healthy younger population. The high similarity between the experimental drug release profiles and the theoretical profiles (similarity factor f 2>50) and the high correlation between the predicted plasma concentration profiles and the theoretical plasma concentration profiles (r=0.9366, 0.9163, 0.9264) indicated that a prototype bio-mimetic drug delivery system of MT was established. The similarity factors between the experimental drug release profiles and the theoretical release profile were all larger than 50 both in periods of 0-4 h and 4-12 h, namely, 68.8 and 57.3 for the first batch (Batch No. 20131031), 76.7 and 50.2 for the second batch (Batch No. 20131101), and 73.7 and 51.1 for the third batch (Batch No. 20131126), respectively. The correlation coefficients between the predicted plasma concentration profiles based on the release profiles of the bio-mimetic DDS and physiological profiles were 0.9366 (Batch No. 20131031), 0.9163 (Batch No. 20131101), 0.9264 (Batch No. 20131126), respectively. Since the pharmacokinetic profile of MT in any kind of animal differs markedly from that of human beings, it is impossible to test the bio-mimetic DDS in animals directly. Therefore, the predicted pharmacokinetic profile based upon the in vitro release kinetics is an acceptable surrogate for the conventional animal test. In this research, a bio-mimetic DDS for replacement of MT was designed with in silico evaluation.

Adaptación cultural de instrumentos de medida sobre estigma y enfermedad mental en la Ciudad de México / Cultural adaptation of instruments to measure stigma and mental illness in Mexico City

This article forms part of a collaborative study in which research teams from Canada and Mexico participated. The general objective is to describe the cultural adaptation and semantic validation of three instruments for measuring stigma and mental illness in Mexico City. The criteria of understanding, acceptance, relevance and semantic integrity were used to adapt the following instruments: The Internalized Stigma Inventory (ISMI), the Opinions on Mental Illness Survey (OMI) and the Devaluation and Discrimination Scale (DDS). Four Individual interviews and four group interviews were carried out with 37 informants from different groups (health personnel, persons with diagnostic of mental disorders, relatives and the general population). Lastly, an analysis was carried out on the contents of the information obtained. The instruments proved to be culturally appropriate for the population in Mexico in the various groups studied. The adapted versions would be useful for establishing comparative analyses with other countries. The scope and limitations of the process of semantic equivalence were analyzed in the transcultural research.

Este trabajo forma parte de un estudio colaborativo en el que participan equipos de investigación en Canadá y México. El objetivo general consiste en describir el proceso de adaptación cultural y validación semántica de tres instrumentos de medición sobre el estigma y la enfermedad mental en la Ciudad de México. A partir de los criterios de comprensión, aceptación, relevancia e integridad semántica se adaptaron los siguientes instrumentos: el Inventario de Estigma Internalizado (ISMI), el Cuestionario de Opiniones hacia la Enfermedad Mental (OMI) y la Escala de Percepción de la Devaluación y Discriminación hacia la Enfermedad Mental (DDS). Para ello se llevaron a cabo cuatro entrevistas individuales y cuatro grupales con 37 informantes de diversos sectores (personal de salud, personas con diagnóstico de trastorno mental grave, familiares y población general). Finalmente se efectuó un análisis de contenido de la información obtenida. Los instrumentos adaptados fueron culturalmente apropiados para la población de los diferentes grupos estudiados en México. Las versiones adaptadas serán de utilidad para establecer análisis comparativos con otras regiones. Se analizan los alcances y limitaciones del proceso de equivalencia semántica en la investigación transcultural.

Análise do gene MAMLD1(CXorf6) em pacientes com distúrbios do desenvolvimento sexual 46, XY de origem indeterminada / Analysis of the MAMLD1 (CXorf6) gene in patients with undetermined 46, XY disorders of sexual development

Introdução: O gene MAMLD1 tem sido relacionado à etiologia da hipospádia penoescrotal por ser fundamental para produção adequada de testosterona durante o período crítico do desenvolvimento sexual masculino. Até o momento, 3 mutações nonssense com perda de função foram identificadas em pacientes japoneses com hipospadia. Objetivo: Pesquisar a presença de mutações no gene MAMLD1, em uma grande casuística de pacientes brasileiros portadores de DDS 46,XY de origem indeterminada e realizar estudo funcional de possíveis alterações encontradas. Pacientes e Métodos: Avaliamos 50 pacientes com DDS 46.XY de causa indeterminada nos quais havia se excluído, previamente, os defeitos de síntese da testosterona, deficiência da 5 alfa-redutase 2 e insensibilidade parcial a andrógenos, por critérios laboratoriais e sequenciamento gênico. Toda região codificadora do MAMLD1 e os sítios de splice que flanqueiam essas regiões foram amplificados e sequenciados a partir do DNA genômico. Seis marcadores de microssatélites que flanqueiam o gene foram utilizados para analisar o efeito fundador da nova variante alélica identificada. A função de transativação do MAMLD1 foi analisada através de ensaio de luciferase. Células COS-1 foram distribuídas em placas de 12 poços e transitoriamente transfectadas com o vetor repórter de luciferase (p-Hes1, p-Hes3 e p-Hes5), vetor de expressão para MAMLD1 (selvagem e contendo a variante alélica) e o vetor PRL-CMV como um controle interno. Resultados: Identificamos uma variante alélica, a p.H347Q, no exon 3 em 4 pacientes brasileiros não relacionados (3 casos esporádicos e 1 caso familiar). Dois pacientes foram submetidos à gonadectomia na infância e foram criados no sexo social feminino. A ultrassonografia pélvica demonstrou a presença de útero em uma delas. Os outros dois pacientes do sexo masculino apresentavam micropênis, criptorquidia e hipospádia perineal. Esta variante alélica foi encontrada em apenas 1 de 250 controles brasileiros...

Introduction: MAMLD1 has been shown to be implicated in the etiology of penoscrotal hypospadias. To date, 3 loss-of-function nonsense mutations have been identified in Japanese patients with hypospadias. Objective: To screen MAMLD1 for mutations in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with undetermined 46,XY DSD. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 50 patients in which defects of testosterone synthesis, 5 alfa-reductase 2 deficiency and partial androgen insensitivity were previously excluded. The entire coding region and the flanking splicing sites of MAMLD1 were amplified and sequenced from genomic DNA. Six microsatellite markers flanking the gene were used to analyze founder effect of new allelic variant. Transactivation function of MAMLD1 was analyzed by a luciferase assays. COS-1 cells seeded in 12-well dishes were transiently transfected with luciferase reporter vector (p-Hes1, p-Hes3 and p-Hes5), expression vector for MAMLD1 (WT and allelic variant) and pRL-CMV vector as an internal control. All experiments were performed in triplicates and repeated 3 times. Results: We identified an allelic variant, the p.H347Q on exon 3 in 4 unrelated patients (3 sporadic and 1 familial cases). Two patients underwent gonadectomy in infancy and were raised as girls. Pelvic ultrasound showed a uterus in one of them. The other two male patients had micropenis, cryptorchidism and perineal hypospadias. This allelic variant was found in 1 out of 250 Brazilian controls frequency 0,4%. The transactivation activities of the variant protein were 2.0 folds higher than the WT with p-Hes3. No founder effect was demonstrated in these families. Discussion: The allelic variant is located in a highly conserved region of MAMDL1 which is essential for male genitalia development. HES is a family of transcriptional repressors of Notch signaling. Hes gene expression pattern is tissue and cell specific and control the timing of biological events. In gonads, their expression pattern...

Nutritional Status of the Oldest-elderly Population in Sunchang County / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was investigated nutrient intakes and dietary evaluation index of the healthy subjects over 85 of Sunchang County to explore the improved dietary pattern for healthy aging of the elderly. The survey was conducted by personal interview to 161 elderly subjects (59 males and 102 females over 85) in 2006, and their daily dietary intake was assessed by 24-hr recalls and weighing one meal. The daily energy intakes of males were 1,335 +/-67 kcal, and those of females were 1,095 +/-38 kcal comprised of 66.8% and 68.4% of the EER for the age group of 75. The proportions of energy from carbohydrate : protein : lipid were 70.7 : 14.6 : 14.6 for males and 68.6 : 14.0 : 17.4 for females. The average protein intakes were 95.4% for males and 85.0% for females of RI, and the average calcium intakes were 54.3% for males and 43.6% for females of RI. The daily vitamin intakes were below 70% except vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. The proportion of the relative risk groups of protein, phosphate, iron and vitamin A ranged 40-49% of RI over 75 year groups. The other nutrient intakes showed that there were over 50% risk groups. Especially for nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, folate and niacin over 70% of the subjects were under risk. The median value of all nutrient intakes did not reach AI. The INQ of nutrients were over 0.8 except for folate and vitamin C. Calcium intakes were relatively low and needed attention. However, the ratio of calcium and phosphate showed 1 : 1.6, which appeared to be superior to the other districts. The DVS were higher as the dietary balance scores, KDDS were higher, and the groups with high KDDS had high intakes of nutrients compared to the groups with low KDDS. The high risk groups as judged by simple nutrition screening test had lower nutrient intakes than the groups of middle risk or low risk groups. The subjects in Sunchang area had relatively low intakes of several nutrients. However, judging from the desirable patterns of the energy proportion from three major nutrients, ratio of calcium and phosphate and INQ of nutrients there is a possibility that extended healthy aging might be related to the quality of nutrients and relative ratio between nutrients. To improve nutrient status of the elderly of the surveyed area further application involving KDDS and DVS appeared to be required.

Combined 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase deficiency due to a homozygous 25 BP duplication (NT 4157-4181) at exon 5 in the CYP17 resulting in a premature stop codon predicted by molecular modeling / Deficiência combinada de 17 alfa-hidroxilase/17, 20 liase devido a duplicação de 25 PB (NT 4157-4181) no éxon 5 do CYP17 resultando em parada prematura de leitura predita por modelagem molecular

Combined 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia characterized by the coexistence of hypertension, caused by the hyperproduction of mineralocorticoid precursors and DSD in males and sexual infantilism in females, due to impaired production of sex hormones. Several CYP17 mutations resulting in 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency have been reported previously. In the present study, we described a novel CYP17 mutation in two Brazilian sisters with primary amenorrhea, 46,XY karyotype, high basal levels of progesterone (3.4-4.9 ng/mL) and hypokalemic hypertension born to consanguineous parents. After PCR and automatic sequencing of CYP17 coding region, 25 bp duplication at exon 5 was found in the patients. This duplication started at codon 318 resulting in a premature stop codon at position 320 resulting in an ineffective and truncated protein and in accordance with the molecular modeling of P450c17. Therefore we expanded the repertoire of CYP17 mutations describing the largest duplication found in this gene in both sisters, with a clinical phenotype of combined 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency and emphasizes the importance of the P450c 17 molecular modeling to predict the functional effect of these mutations.

A deficiência combinada de 17 alfa-hidroxilase/17,20 liase é uma doença rara, de herança autossômica recessiva, causa de hiperplasia adrenal congênita caracterizada pela presença de hipertensão resultante do acúmulo de precursores mineralocorticóides, distúrbio da diferenciação sexual em homens e infantilismo sexual em mulheres devido à falha na produção de esteróides sexuais. Várias mutações no gene CYP17 resultando em deficiência de 17 alfa-hidroxilase/17,20-liase têm sido descritas. No presente estudo, descrevemos uma nova mutação no CYP17 em duas irmãs, nascidas de pais consangüíneos, com quadro de amenorréia primária, cariótipo 46,XY, dosagens basais elevadas de progesterona (3,4-4,9 ng/mL) e hipertensão hipocalêmica. Após PCR e seqüenciamento automático da região codificadora do CYP17, uma duplicação de 25 pb no exon 5 foi identificada nas pacientes. Esta duplicação inicia-se no códon 318 resultando em parada prematura de leitura no códon 320 gerando uma proteína truncada e inativa conforme predito pela modelagem molecular do P450c17. Com este achado, ampliamos o repertório de mutações do CYP17 descrevendo a maior duplicação descrita até então neste gene em duas irmãs com fenótipo de deficiência combinada de 17 alfa-hidroxilase/17,20-liase e enfatizamos a importância da modelagem molecular do P450c 17 em predizer o efeito funcional destas mutações.

Association of Household Food Security with Dietary Intake: Based on the Third (2005) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III)

Although food insecurity might be associated with poor dietary intake, this relationship has not been researched in Korea. This study examined the association of food security with dietary intake from the third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Food security was measured by a self-reported hunger measure on the dietary situation of subjects' households in the previous year and approximately 2/3 of the subjects lived in food-insecure households. Dietary intake was based on a 24-hour dietary recall. Food insecurity was significantly associated with low nutrients intake and nutrients intake compared to dietary reference intakes (DRI) was also lower among subjects in food-insecure households. Overall diet quality based on dietary diversity score (DDS) was worse in food-insecure subjects. Food security should be considered an important issue to public health because dietary change due to food insecurity may affect health status.

Dietary Quality Evaluation by Menu Analysis of Korea Antarctic Expedition

The purpose of this study is to evaluate dietary quality of Korea Antarctic expedition by menu analysis. Basic menu pat-tern, intake of dish and dish group, DDS (dietary diversity score ), daily nutrients supply, and NAR (nutrient adequacy ratio )& MAR (mean adequacy ratio )were analyzed using 1 year menu list for the 10th Korea Antarctic expedition. Most frequently served basic menu patterns were [Rice +Soup +2 Side dish +Kimchi (53.5%)]and [Rice +Stew +2 Side dish +Kimchi (13.4%)]. In the analysis of dish group, excluding Rice and Kimchi,[Grilled foods ]and [Pan-fried foods ]were served more than 25% per month. Most frequently served dishes were "pan-fried rolled egg", "grilled sea-weed", "kimchi soup", "fruits cocktail, canned" and "salt-fermented squid". The kinds of served dishes were very res-trictive. The average score of DDS showed 2.88 for summer and 2.97 for winter. Dairy group was almost not served. Fruit & Vegetable groups were also served a little as canned product. The energy ratio of Carbohydrate : Fat : Protein was 56.5 : 23.9 : 19.2, and 56.9 : 24.5 : 18.3, for summer and winter, respectively. Both seasons had higher ratio of carbohydrate and lower ratio of fat compared to the recommended ratio (44 : 40 : 16 )in polar area. Ca : P ratio was very poor, 0.40 in both seasons. NAR scores of Ca, vitamin A, vitamin B 2 and vitamin C were also very low, ranged from 0.6 to 0.7. Consequently, a well-planned menu supplying adequate amount of dairy, fruit and vegetable is necessarily required including Ca, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B 2 and vitamin C intake, and some nutritionally well-educated members are urgently needed to join in the expedition.

Evaluation of the Dietary Diversity and Nutrient Intakes in Obese Adults / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to assess the diet diversity, food habit and nutrient intake of obese adults who were visiting the health promotion center. This study was accomplished with the 138 obese adults (men = 103, women = 35) aged over 20 years old whose BMI were above 25 kg/m2. Nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), the number of foods (Dietary Variety Score, DVS), and food group consumed (Dietary Diversity Score, DDS) by using the data from the three days record were analyzed and the food habit and lifestyle were assessed by self reporting questionnaire. The average energy intake of men was 2150.2 kcal which was significantly higher than that of women (p < 0.05). The intake ratio of carbohydrate, protein and fat over total energy was 54.8% : 19.3% : 25.8% in men, 59.5% : 17.8% : 22.6% in women, respectively. Frequency of the breakfast in a week above 4, 2~3 time and under one time was 75.7%, 10.7% and 9.7% in men, 77.1%, 5.7% and 14.3% in women respectively. Frequency of eating between meals in a day under one time was 73.8% in men, 57.1% in women (p < 0.05). The average DDS and DVS was 3.63 +/-0.07 and 14.10 +/-3.45, respectively which was significantly correlated with MAR (r = 0.40 in DDS, r = 0.64 in DVS, p < 0.01). The most frequent style of food pattern was DMGFV = 01101 in 35% of men, and DMGFV = 01111 in 37.1% of women. Our results show that dietary diversity and variety are useful parameters for evaluating nutrient intakes in obese adults. These findings suggest that nutritional education based on obese persons' eating behavior and eating diversity may be required to increase educational efficiency of weight control programs.

Effect of the Flavonoid Luteolin for Dextran Sodium Sulfate-induced Colitis in NF-kappa BEGFP Transgenic Mice / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Luteolin, a flavone found in various Chinese herbal medicines is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties through its ability to inhibit various proinflammatory signaling pathways including NF-kappa B and p38 MAPK. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of luteolin on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. MATERILAS AND METHODS: We used a transgenic mouse model expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the transcriptional control of NF-kappa B cis-elements. C57BL/6 NF-kappa BEGFP mice received 2.5% DSS in their drinking water for six days in combination with daily luteolin administration (1mg/kg body weight, 0.1ml vol, intragastric) or vehicle. NF-kappa B activity was assessed macroscopically with a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) camera and microscopically by confocal analysis. RESULTS: A significant increase in the Disease Activity Index (DAI), histological score (p<0.05), IL-12 p40 secretion in colonic stripe culture (p<0.05) and EGFP expression was observed in luteolin and/or DSS-treated mice compared to water-treated mice. Interestingly, a trend toward a worse colitis (DAI, IL-12p40) was observed in luteolin-treated mice compared to non-treated DSS-exposed mice. In addition, EGFP expression (NF-kappa B activity) strongly increased in the luteolin-treated mice compared to control mice. Confocal microscopy showed that EGFP positive cells were primarily lamina propria immune cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that luteolin is not a therapeutic alternative for intestinal inflammatory disorders derived for primary defects in barrier function. Thus, therapeutic intervention targeting these signaling pathways should be viewed with caution.

Evaluation of Diet Quality according to Food Consumption between Highly Educated, Married, Unemployed and Employed Women

The differences in food consumption between highly educated, married, unemployed and employed women were analyzed by food group and common food item intake, DDS (dietary diversity score), and DVS (dietary variety score) and DVSS (dietary variety score including condiment). In food group intake, the total amount of food intake of the unemployed women (1,554.0 g) were significantly higher than those of the employed (1,477.9 g), while the amount of food from fungi and mushrooms (4.2 g), seaweeds (2.4 g), and fish and shellfish (60.5 g) of the unemployed women was significantly lower than those of the employed. And the amount of meat, poultry and their products (102.8 g), eggs (29.9 g), and animal oil and fats (4.0 g) was significantly higher than those of the employed. Moreover, the common food items of the unemployed women were ranked as eggs (29.7 g), pork (28.9 g), chicken (27.2 g), and beef (26.7 g) at 7, 8, 9, and 10, respectively. When counting the major food groups consumed, DDS = 4 has the highest proportion in both groups (unemployed 47.4%, employed 49.1%). In case of the subjects who had not consumed one particular food group in DDS = 4, dairy group was the first (83%), followed by fruit, meat, and vegetables. This order is same in other DDS levels. In dietary variety score (DVS and DVSS), the average number of foods consumed per day of employed women was higher than those of the unemployed. The level of DVSS in the employed women (31.9), especially, is significantly higher than in the unemployed women (30.6). Consequently, highly educated women should pay more attention to increasing dairy intake, and they have need of various foods, over thirty foods without condiments in their diet every day. In addition, encouraging unemployed women to have a nutritionally balanced diet, and offering nutrition education and guidance, such as appropriate choices about animal foods, are needed.

Study on the Associations of Dietary Variety and Nutrition Intake Level by the Number of Survey Days

Due to the common dietary practice of preparing foods in various ways using the same food item, in addition to rather a large number of food items that average Koreans consume, it is difficult to accurately assess the nutritional adequacy. In an effort to identify a reliable means of assessing the nutritional adequacy of Korean adults, we analyzed the association between the scores of dietary diversity (DDS) and dietary variety (DVS), and the quality of nutrient intake as assessed by Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) and Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR). A three day-dietary record was obtained from each of 324 inhabitants, aged 40 to 69 years (mean +/- SD, 52.4 +/- 8.7), of a rural area (Ansung) and a mid-sized city(Ansan) of Korea. These individuals were randomly selected among the participants of the Korean Health and Genome Study. The number of consumed foods and food groups were assesses by DDS (scored 1 to 5) and DVS (ranked 30 < or = , 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, and 60 <) over three-day period, respectively. As DDS/DVS increased, mean daily food intakes tended to increase, and NAR/MAR was improved. Thus, DDS and DVS were significantly correlated with the quality of nutrient intake. Over 95% of the subjects scored less than 2 in DDS for the first one-day period, whilst over 62% recorded 4 during the full three-day period (p < .0001). The mean number of consumed food items increased from 24.9 to 44.4 as a function of days of the record period (p < .0001). We also analyzed the association of DDS and DVS with MAR, using regression analysis, controlling age and sex as covariates. For DDS, the adjusted coefficient determination (adj R2) values were 8.7%, 15.8%, 23.3% of MAR, also increasing as a function of the record duration, whereas they were 27.3%, 33.3%, 37.6% for DVS, respectively, demonstrating that NAR/MAR has a better correlation with DVS than DDS. Our data show that DDS, and DVS in particular, are useful parameters for evaluating nutrient intake in the Korean population. Our data also support that one day-dietary records are by no means adequate for accurately describing a wide variety of food choices offered for average Koreans, and that dietary assessment at least for 3 days or longer should be obtained for a reliable evaluation of dietary quality using DDS or DVS.

Electrical Impedance Tomography System for lung function monitoring / 医疗卫生装备

A complete Electrical Impedance Tomography system that can monitor lung function is introduced in this paper. The master PC is responsible for visual control and image reconstruction, while DSP carries out tasks such as electrode selection, data acquisition and data communication with the master. Based on the DDS technique, the exciting signal source has high accuracy, and the data can be acquired by phase-sensibility demodulation. The vivo experiment proves that gravity exerts an effect on the distribution of intrapulmonary ventilation, and shows that the Electrical Impedance Tomography is able to monitor lung circulation and check pathological changes.

Study on Brainwave Music Software of Brainwave Therapeutic Apparatus / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To put forward a design of the software of brainwave therapeutic apparatus based on the MCU. Methods Based on principle of electroencephalogram music treatment, several sound synthesis techniques were analyzed and contrasted. A simple and easily-realized one was selected and analyzed in detail. Finally, the output of brainwave therapeutic apparatus was tested and errors were analyzed. Results The selected scheme can effectively generate brainwave music. Conclusion According to the scheme, a low-cost and reliable brainwave therapeutic apparatus can be made by using the MCU.

The Relationship between the Diversity of Food Intake and Nutrient Intake among Korean College Students Participating in a Nutrition Education Class via the Internet / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the diversity of food intake and nutrient intake among Korean college students participating in a nutrition education class via the internet. The subjects were 796 college students throughout South Korea (278 males, 518 females). A 3 days dietary recall survey was conducted and results were analyzed using the Computer-aided Nutritional Analysis Program. Dietary variety was assessed by DDS (dietary diversity score), MBS (meal balance score), and DVS (dietary variety score). Dietary quality was assessed by NAR (nutrient adequacy ratio), and MAR (mean adequacy ratio). As the DDS, MBS and DVS increased, the NAR and MAR improved. The subjects with a DDS of above 4 or a MBS of above 10 or a DVS of above 11 met two-thirds of the Korean recommended dietary allowance for most nutrients. The DDS, MBS and DVS correlated positively and significantly with the NAR and MAR. Associations between the NAR and high levels of DVS were more positive than those between the NAR and the DDS. Based on these results, the food intake of these subjects was not adequate. Specially, the dietary intake of calcium and iron were not adequate. Therefore, dietary guidelines should be made considering nutritional characteristics so as to improve the intake from all of the major food groups and provide a variety of foods in their diets.

Regional Differences in Food Intake and Diversity among Korean College Students of a Nutrition Education Course through the Internet / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diversity of food intake among Korean college students of a nutrition education course through the internet. Subjects were 796 nation-wide college students (male 278, female 518). A dietary survey collected from 3 day-recalls were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program. Diet variety was assessed by DDS (dietary diversity score), MBS (meal balance score), and DVS (dietary variety score). The foods consumed in largest amounts were rice (54.42 g), citrus fruit (36.41 g) and milk (30.91 g). The foods consumed most frequently were rice (65.28%), garlic (63.65%) and salt (63.64%). The average food intake was 1325.3 g (male 1420.6 g, female 1274.1 g), with vegetable and animal food comprising 78.5% and 21.5% of total food intake, respectively. The consumption of the major five food groups comprised DDS, and 66.0% (male 56.1%, female 71.3%) of subjects had a DDS of 5 and 27.4% (male 33.5%, female 24.1%) of subjects had a DDS of 4. The groups most frequently missed were dairy products (56.5%) and fruits (41.6%). The average of MBS were 10.88 (11.61 in Seoul, 11.03 in Kyungsang, 10.88 in Chungcheong, 10.85 in Incheon, 10.57 in Kyunggi) in male and 11.08 (11.47 in Kyungsang, 11.20 in Seoul, 11.18 in Kyunggi, 10.82 in Chungcheong, 10.64 in Incheon) in female. Male students in Seoul (18.2) and female students in Kyungsang (18.6) had the greater number of consumed food items. Subjects who had higher DDS had significantly higher DVS (p < 0.001). Based on these results, the food intake of the subjects regarded as not adequate, especially with regards to the dairy and fruit groups. Considering their nutritional characteristics, dietary guidelines as well as education should be made to improve the food intake and include various foods in their diet.

Assessment of Dietary Intake of Preschool Children in Busan : Assessment Based on Food Group Intake / 대한지역사회영양학회지

To assess diet quality by food group intake and to investigate the interrelationship of age, dietary diversity score(DDS), dietary variety score(DVS), dietary frequency score(DFS), food group intake and nutrient intake with food group intake, a dietary survey was conducted with 176 preschool children aged 1 to 6 in Busan using a 24-hr recall method. Food group intake was assessed by food number consumed and intake frequency by six food groups(grain, meat, vegetable, fruit, dairy, sweets group). The mean food numbers consumed and intake frequencies by six feed group were 3.1 and 4.0 in the grain group, 3.6 and 4.0 in the meat group, 3.5 and 4.1 in the vegetable group, 1.0 and 1.1 in the fruit group, 1.3 and 1.5 in the dairy group, 1.4 and 1.4 in the sweets group respectively. As age increased, the intake frequency of the grain group(p<0.05) increased but that of the dairy group(p<0.05) decreased significantly. The DVS and DFS didn't show significant correlations with intake frequency of the dairy group. The grain group intake had significant positive correlations with intakes of the meat, vegetable, and fruit groups. The vegetable group intake had signigicant positive correlations with intakes of the grain and meat groups. The dairy group intake had significant positive correlation with sweets group intake but negative correlations with intakes of the grain and vegetable groups. As the intake frequency of the meat group increased, the NAR(nutrient adequacy ratios) of all nutrients and NAR(mean adequacy ratio) increased significantly. NARs of provein iron, vitamin B1, niacin had the highest correlation with the meat group intake and those of protein, calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin B2 had the highest correlation with the dairy group intake. NARs of vitamin A and vitamin C had the highest correlation with intake of the vegetable and fruit groups respectively. Children with food number consumed and intake frequency of above 6 and 4 in the grain group or above 6 and 6 in the meat group or above 4 and 8 on the v......