Agrifood consumer competency and organic food purchase intentions according to food-related lifestyle: based on data the 2019 Consumer Behavior Survey for Food

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#The increased consumers’ interests in health and food safety have increased the demand for organic foods. Many studies have been performed on consumers’ purchase intentions for organic foods and their influencing factors, and various studies have shown that the prices of organic foods and the consumers’ willingness to pay are important influencing factors. This study examined the payment value of organic foods and agrifood consumer competency index according to the food-related lifestyles in South Korean consumers. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#A cross-sectional analysis was performed using the 2019 Consumer Behavior Survey for Food. A total of 6,176 participants aged 19 to 74 years (male: 2,783, female: 3,393) were included in the analysis. @*RESULTS@#Three factors were extracted by factor analysis (rational consumption-seeking type, convenience-seeking type, and health, and safety-seeking type) to explain the consumers’ food-related lifestyles. The results of cluster analysis suggested that consumers were classified into 3 food-related lifestyles as the ‘exploratory consumers’ (n = 2,485), ‘safetyseeking consumers’ (n = 1,544), and ‘passive consumers’ (n = 2,147). Exploratory consumers showed a significantly higher willingness to pay for imported organic foods (P < 0.05). Safety-seeking consumers had a significantly higher willingness to pay for domestic organic foods (P < 0.05). For the agrifood consumer competency index, exploratory consumers had the highest score, followed in order by safety-seeking consumers and passive consumers. @*CONCLUSIONS@#These results provide basic data in understanding consumption tendency for organic foods and agrifoods based on food-related lifestyles of South Korean consumers.

Agrifood consumer competency index and food consumption behaviors based on the 2019 Consumption Behaviors Survey for Food / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#This study investigated the food consumption behaviors in Korean adults, according to the agrifood consumer competency index (ACCI). @*Methods@#Data obtained from the 2019 Consumption Behaviors Survey for Food were analyzed. A total of 6,176 adults (2,783 males, 3,393 females) aged ≥ 19 years, were included in the study. Based on the score of agrifood consumer competency index, the subjects were classified into three groups. The dietary habits, eating-out and food-delivery/take-out behaviors, opinion of food labeling, and concerns for domestic products were compared among the 3 groups. @*Results@#The ACCI scores of the male and female subjects were 63.6 and 64.8, respectively. Subjects of both genders in the highest tertile of the ACCI were more likely to have a higher education level and higher health concerns, as compared to subjects in the lowest tertile (p < 0.05). Male subjects having highest tertile of the ACCI reported significantly more exercise and alcohol consumption, as compared to subjects in the lowest tertile (p < 0.05). A higher score of the ACCI also portrayed a higher satisfaction in own diet and greater checking of the food label. Moreover, subjects with a higher score of the ACCI showed greater satisfaction and reliability in the food label, as well as increased concerns for domestic agrifoods, local foods, and eco-friendly foods. Subjects in the lowest tertile of the ACCI acquired their dietary information from acquaintances, whereas subjects in the highest tertile of the ACCI learnt the information from food labels themselves. @*Conclusion@#These results are indicative of the food consumption and behaviors of Koreanadults according to their ACCI scores, and provide basic data that will be useful for implementing an effective food policy.

The Difficulty of Case Management or Counseling for Non-suicidal Self-injury in Adolescents: Focused on the Factors in the Community

Purpose@#This qualitative study is aimed to explore the factors in the aspect of the community that made it difficult for field experts to conduct counseling and case management. @*Methods@#A total of four focus group interviews composed of 15 field experts including nurses were conducted. @*Results@#A theme, six categories and 22 subcategories were derived. As for the theme, it was found that legal, educational, and environmental systems reflecting non-suicidal self-injury of the characteristics in adolescents were insufficient. In the legal aspect, the defect of the parental education legal system, the reality of having to rely on parental consent when supporting adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury; in the educational aspect, the lack of manuals and education for counseling and case management for adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury; in the environmental aspects, the defect of economic burden and support, a lack of information systems for various organizations in the local community, absence of a dedicated support system for adolescent with non-suicidal self-injury and a lack of human and physical resources. @*Conclusion@#Based on the results of this study, there needs to be a responsible institution that can comprehensively manage the non-suicidal self-injury of adolescents, and efforts to develop the competence of community nurses.

Evaluation of Diagnostic Performance of Three Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Mycobacteria Species / 대한임상미생물학회지

Background@#The disease burden caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex continues to decrease in most countries. However, the diseases caused by the nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) become a public health problem. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of three real-time PCR assays: AdvanSure TB/NTM real-time PCR kit (AdvanSure; LG Chem., Korea), Genedia MTB/NTM detection kit (Genedia; Green Cross MS, Korea), and PowerChek MTB/NTM Real-time PCR kit (PowerChek; Kogenebiotech, Korea) for the detection of MTB complex and NTM. @*Methods@#Total 102 acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-positive and 177 smear-negative specimens from Korea University Medical Center, Guro Hospital, were enrolled. The AFB smear-positive and negative specimens were collected from November 2016 to October 2017 and November to December 2018, respectively. DNA extraction was performed using Genedia Mycobacteria DNA prep Kit (Green Cross MS, Korea). The statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc 18.11.6 (MedCalc Software, Belgium). @*Results@#Among 261 specimens, 64 showed MTB complex growth and 28 exhibited NTM growth. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AdvanSure/Genedia/PowerChek kits for MTB were 96.9%/95.3%/96.9%, 98.5%/99.5%/98.5%, 58.9%/80.9%/58.9%, and 99.9%/99.9%/99.9%. Whereas those for NTM detection were 81.5%/44.4%/88.9%, 99.6%/100.0%/98.7%, 57.3%/100.0%/32.8% and 99.9%/99.6%/99.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of AdvanSure and PowerChek for NTM detection was statistically different from that of Genedia (P<0.0001). @*Conclusion@#Three real-time PCR assays were reliable for MTB complex in AFB-positive and -negative specimens. There was a difference between these three reagents for the accuracy of NTM detection.

Effects of Bioactive Glass on Microhardness of Bleached Enamel Surface / 대한치과재료학회지

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of bioactive glass on Vickers hardness of bleached enamel surface. Enamel specimens were bleached with 15% carbamide peroxide (CP) for 14days. After bleaching, Artificial saliva (AS), 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG) and fluoride varnish (FV) are applied each specimens (n=10). The Vickers hardness of the specimens was measured before and after the bleaching, after the remineralized treatment at 1 day and after 7 and 14 days. The Vickers hardness on enamel surface after bleaching decreased statistically (p < 0.05) compared to before bleached enamel surface. The Vickers hardness increased significantly in the BAG and FV groups compared to the AS group values at 1 day and 7 days after remineralization (P < 0.05). 45S5 bioactive glass rapidly increase Vickers hardness of the bleached enamel surface.

Locoregional Recurrence by Tumor Biology in Breast Cancer Patients after Preoperative Chemotherapy and Breast Conservation Treatment / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether breast cancer subtype can affect locoregional recurrence (LRR) and ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and breast-conserving therapy (BCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 335 consecutive patients with clinical stage II-III breast cancer who received NAC plus BCT from 2002 to 2009. Patients were classified according to six molecular subtypes: luminal A (hormone receptor [HR]+/HER2–/Ki-67 < 15%, n=113), luminal B1 (HR+/HER2–/Ki-67 ≥ 15%, n=33), luminal B2 (HR+/HER2+, n=83), HER2 with trastuzumab (HER2[T+]) (HR–/HER2+/use of trastuzumab, n=14), HER2 without trastuzumab (HER2[T–]) (HR–/HER2+, n=31), and triple negative (TN) (HR–/HER2–, n=61). RESULTS: After a median follow-up period of 7.2 years, 26 IBTRs and 37 LRRs occurred. The 5-year LRR-free survival rates were luminal A, 96.4%; B1, 93.9%; B2, 90.3%; HER2(T+), 92.9%; HER2(T–), 78.3%; and TN, 79.6%. The 5-year IBTR-free survival rates were luminal A, 97.2%; B1, 93.9%; B2, 92.8%; HER2(T+), 92.9%; HER2(T–), 89.1%; and TN, 84.6%. In multivariate analysis, HER2(T–) (IBTR: hazard ratio, 4.2; p=0.04 and LRR: hazard ratio, 7.6; p < 0.01) and TN subtypes (IBTR: hazard ratio, 6.9; p=0.01 and LRR: hazard ratio, 8.1; p < 0.01) were associated with higher IBTR and LRR rates. A pathologic complete response (pCR) was found to show correlation with better LRR and a tendency toward improved IBTR controls in TN patients (IBTR, p=0.07; LRR, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The TN and HER2(T–) subtypes predict higher rates of IBTR and LRR after NAC and BCT. A pCR is predictive of improved IBTR or LRR in TN subtype.

Analysis of consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits in Korean adolescents based on Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey (2006, 2011)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed factors affecting consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits in Korean adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits, general characteristics, meal, health, and other variables were analyzed for a total of 147,047 adolescents who participated in the KYRBWS (Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey) conducted in 2006 and 2011 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits more than once a day significantly decreased in 2011 compared to 2006 based on Chi-square test conducted for every factor employed in the study. Analysis of factors showed that consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits were reduced in both study years as subjective income decreased, whereas intake frequencies increased with mother's education level and reduction of adolescent stress level. CONCLUSIONS: In general, consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits decreased in 2011 compared to those in 2006. Thus, future research needs to improve dietary guidelines for nutrition education in order for students to recognize the importance of food consumption and necessity of increasing daily serving sizes of vegetables and fruits for their balanced consumption.

Investigation of variations in energy, macronutrients and sodium intake based on the places meals are provided: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 1998-2009)

This study was conducted to investigate nutrient consumption by Korean adults in various places. To accomplish this, we used the 1998-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects of this investigation were over 19 years and the study included 37,160 people. The meals were categorized as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks consumed at home, or while eating-out. Investigation of the rate of consumption at serving places based on daily meals and years showed that eating-out generally increased with time. The consumption of meals prepared at home was higher than that of meals consumed anyplace else in 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2007-2009. However, the rate of consumption of home meals decreased from 1998 to 2007-2009, while the rate of eating-out increased during this period. Annual nutrient intake according to serving places with respect to meals, energy, fat, and sodium were significantly lower in home meals than those consumed elsewhere in 2007-2009 relative to 1998. The sodium intake and energy distribution ratio of fat in meals consumed while eating-out increased significantly from 1998 to 2007-2009. The energy, fat and sodium intake and energy contribution ratio of fat consumed in meals at institutions was significantly higher in 2007-2009 than in 1998. Based on these results, additional research is required to develop guidelines for dietary life improvement at each serving place and to address education and policies for balanced nutrition intake.

Development and Effectiveness of the Job Stress Management Program for Health Care Professionals / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Job Stress Management Program (JSMP) combined with communication skills training for health care professionals. METHODS: The study design was a nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. Study participants were 42 health care professionals in the experimental group and 38 in the control group. Eight sessions of JSMP were provided over 6 weeks, through on-line and off-line education. Data were analyzed using chi2-test, t-test with the SAS 9.2 program. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in job satisfaction, emotional labor, symptoms of stress, interpersonal stress, and type of communication between the experimental group and the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the JSMP based on communication skills training developed in this study has positive, effects on job stress and communication.

Predictors of radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary function changes after concurrent chemoradiotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive factors of radiation pneumonitis (RP) and associated changes in pulmonary function after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 60 patients with NSCLC who received definitive CCRT were retrospectively reviewed. Dose volumetric (DV) parameters, clinical factors, and pulmonary function test (PFT) data were analyzed. RP was graded according to the CTCAE ver. 4.0. Percentage of lung volume that received a dose of threshold (Vdose) and mean lung dose (MLD) were analyzed for potential DV predictors. PFT changes were calculated as the difference between pre-RT and post-RT values at 3, 6, and 12 months after RT. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (37%) developed grade > or =2 RP. Among clinical factors, tumor location in lower lobe was associated with RP. Among the DV parameters, only MLD >15 Gy was associated with grade > or =2 RP. There were statistically significant decreases in PFT at all points compared with pre-RT values in grade > or =2 RP group. MLD was associated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) changes at 6 and 12 months. V10 was associated with FVC changes at 12 months. V20 and V30 were associated with FEV1 changes at 6 months and FVC changes at 12 months. CONCLUSION: After definitive CCRT in patients with NSCLC, MLD >15 Gy and lower lobe tumor location were predictors of grade > or =2 RP. Pulmonary functions were decreased after CCRT and the magnitude of changes was associated with DV parameters.

Combined Primary Tumor and Extracranial Metastasis Status as Constituent Factor of Prognostic Indices for Predicting the Overall Survival in Patients with Brain Metastases

We retrospectively analyzed the prognostic factors on overall survival (OS) in patients with brain metastasis (BM) and evaluated the role of combined primary tumor and extracranial metastasis (ECM) status as a constituent factor for prognostic index. This study involved 897 patients with BMs who underwent radiotherapy between April 2003 and December 2009. Among the clinical parameters, multivariate analysis showed that age, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), combined primary tumor and ECM status, number of BMs, and treatment group were significant prognostic factors for OS (P < 0.05). To compare the discriminatory ability of 5 prognostic indices, i.e., recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), basic score for BMs (BSBM), score index for radiosurgery (SIR), graded prognostic assessment (GPA), and modified GPA including the combined primary tumor and ECM status (mGPA), the Akaike information criteria (AIC) were calculated. The mGPA showed the lowest AIC value, followed by RPA, GPA, SIR, and BSBM, in that order. It is implicated that modified score of pre-existing factors (i.e., age and KPS) and addition of the combined primary tumor and ECM status to the prognostic index can improve its discriminatory ability and the combined primary tumor and ECM status may be useful as one of constituent factors for prognostic index.

Dietary factors affecting bone mineral density in Korean rural postmenopausal women

This study was conducted to investigate dietary factors, bone status, and bone loss in postmenopausal women in rural areas. A total of 189 women participated in the follow-up study after two years. Radius, Tibia, and Phalanx SOS (Speed of Sound) was measured on two occasions 2 years apart by ultra-sonic-metry, and % body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis at the baseline and after 2years. Dietary intake data were collected 4 times at different season by 24-hour recall method, and then calculated as average. Bone density of radius decreased by 4.2% during the two year period. When the subjects were divided into three groups, by bone decline level during two years, the lowest bone loss group had higher potassium and vegetable intake than other groups. Age and calcium intakes showed significant correlation with bone decline rate at tibia. In multiple regressions, the baseline SOS, vitamin A, vegetables and eggs intakes were found to be significant factors for tibia bone decline. In conclusion, dietary factors, such as higher vegetable intake, seem to affect the changes in bone mineral density in more favorable way. Therefore, efforts are needed to enhance the access to nutritional care for rural elderly postmenopausal women.

Perception of common Korean dishes and foods among professionals in related fields

Han-sik is a term in Korean that may indicate any Korean dish or food. At present, there is no general consensus on the definition of Han-sik among scholars or professionals in related fields. The aim of this study was to investigate perceptions of Han-sik by professionals in the fields of food, nutrition, and culinary arts using 512 dishes and foods commonly consumed by Koreans using the 4th Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey. A total of 117 professionals out of 185 initially contacted professionals participated in this online survey. We calculated the rate of respondents with a positive answer, that is "It is Han-sik', on each dish and food from the 512 items in 28 dish groups. Items were categorized into five groups according to their Han-sik perception rate: over 90%, 75-89%, 50-74%, 25-49%, and below 25%. Most items in the three dish groups 'Seasoned vegetables, cooked (Namul.Suk-chae)', 'Kimchis', and 'Salt-fermented foods (Jeotgal)' showed high perception rates of Han-sik, with a higher than 90% positive response. Items in 'Soups', 'Stews', and 'Steamed foods' dish groups also showed high perception rates of Han-sik. However, no item showed a greater than 90% Han-sik perception rate in 'Fried foods (Twigim)', 'Meat, poultry and fishes', 'Legumes, nuts, and seeds', 'Milk and milk products', 'Sugars and confectioneries', and 'Soup'. Most items in the 'Milk and milk products', 'Sugars and confectioneries', and 'Soup' groups belonged to the lowest perception rate of below 25%. There was a significant difference in the proportion of items perceived as Han-sik by the length of living abroad to (p < 0.05). In summary, the perception rate of Han-sik seemed to be affected by the cooking method, ingredients, and length of time living abroad by the professionals. Further studies targeting subjects with different characteristics and socioeconomic status are warranted to define the concept of Han-sik.

Breakfast patterns are associated with metabolic syndrome in Korean adults

The Korean diet, including breakfast, is becoming more Western, which could increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to assess whether breakfast patterns are associated with risk for metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. The study subjects (n = 371; 103 men, 268 women) were employees of Jaesang Hospital in Korea and their acquaintances, and all subjects were between 30 and 50 years old. The data collected from each subject included anthropometric measurements, three-day food intake, blood pressure (BP) and blood analyses. The three breakfast patterns identified by factor analysis were "Rice, Kimchi and Vegetables", "Potatoes, Fruits and Nuts" and "Eggs, Breads and Processed meat". The "Rice, Kimchi and Vegetables" pattern scores were positively correlated with systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements in men (P < 0.05) and with serum triglyceride (TG) levels in women (P < 0.05). The "Eggs, Breads and Processed meat" pattern scores correlated positively with weight, body mass index (P < 0.05) and serum TGs (P < 0.01) in men. The "Potatoes, Fruits and Nuts" pattern was associated with lower risk of elevated BP (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28-0.88) and fasting glucose levels (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-1.00). In contrast, the "Eggs, Breads and Processed meat" pattern was associated with increased risk of elevated TGs (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.06-3.98). Our results indicate that reducing the consumption of eggs, western grains and processed meat while increasing fruit, nut and vegetable intake for breakfast could have beneficial effects on decreasing metabolic syndrome risk in Korean adults.

A Study on the Perception as HANSIK (Korean Food) for the Common Dishes in Korean Adults Residing in Seoul and Metropolitan Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate which food items are perceived as HANSIK (Korean food) in Korea. 562 males and females aged 20-70 were surveyed on 512 most frequently consumed dish items from 4th Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey if they perceive it as HANSIK. Dish items in kimchi, namul - sukchae (cooked and seasoned vegetable) and jeotgal (salt-fermented food) category showed high response rate to be perceived as HANSIK. The response rate of twigim (frying foods) as HANSIK was low showing less than 70%. The response rate as HANSIK for foreign origin foods such as ramen and jjajangmyeon (black bean paste noodle) were lower than 25%. In jang . yangnyum (seasoning) category, doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang (red pepper paste) showed high response rate as HANSIK more than 90%. Females showed a higher response rate as HANSIK than males for most food items except several items of myen . mandu (noodle and dumpling). The younger age group had higher HANSIK perception on many items of recently consumed foods, especially budae-jjigae (spicy sausage stew) (p < 0.001) and jwipo-jorim (braised dried filefish) (p < 0.001), implying that they already accept the common foods as HANSIK regardless of the origin. These results provide an information on the foods perceived as HANSIK among currently consumed common foods in Korea and these results can be utilized for establishment of HANSIK concept reflecting transition of dietary life in Korea.

Skipping breakfast is associated with diet quality and metabolic syndrome risk factors of adults

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of skipping breakfast on diet quality and metabolic disease risk factors in healthy Korean adults. Subjects included 415 employees (118 men, 297 women; 30-50 years old) of Jaesang Hospital in Korea and their acquaintances. Data collected from each subject included anthropometric measurements, 3-day dietary intake, blood pressure, and blood analyses. The subjects were classified into three groups based on the number of days they skipped breakfast: 'Regular breakfast eater', 'Often breakfast eater', or 'Rare breakfast eater'. Participants in the 'Rare breakfast eater' group consumed less rice, potatoes, kimchi, vegetables, fish and shellfish, milk and dairy products, and sweets than did participants in the other two groups (P for trend < 0.05) and ate more cookies, cakes, and meat for dinner (P for trend < 0.05). Participants in the 'Rare breakfast eater' group consumed less daily energy, fat, dietary fiber, calcium, and potassium than did participants in the other groups (P for trend < 0.05). The percent energy from carbohydrates was lower and fat intake was higher in the 'Rare breakfast eater' group than in the other groups (P for trend < 0.01). When diets were compared using the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range for Koreans, 59.1% of subjects in the 'Rare breakfast eater' group consumed more energy from fat compared with the other two groups (P < 0.005). According to the Estimated Average Requirements for Koreans, intake of selected nutrients was lower in the 'Rare breakfast eater' group than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The risk of elevated serum triglycerides was decreased in the 'Rare breakfast eater' group (OR, 0.3 [0.1-1.0], P for trend = 0.0232). We conclude that eating breakfast regularly enhances diet quality, but may increase the risk of elevated serum triglycerides.

Factors Influencing Sleep Quality in Clinical Nurses / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify sleep quality, job stress, symptoms of stress (SOS), and coping and to examine factors influencing sleep quality in clinical nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 265 clinical nurses at three general hospitals. A self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, t-test, ANOVA, and backward multiple regression with the SAS statistical program. RESULTS: Sleep quality showed significant differences according to the sociodemographic characteristics of age, length of work, education, current workplace, current job position, shift work, and marital status. Sleep quality was negatively associated with SOS and job stress. Significant factors influencing sleep quality of the clinical nurses were cognitive-behavioral SOS, physiological SOS, inappropriate rewards, physical work environment, and shift work. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that cognitive-behavioral SOS, physiological SOS, job stress regarding inappropriate rewards and physical work environment, and shift work are useful to predict levels of sleep quality of clinical nurses. These factors should be considered when developing nursing interventions to improve sleep quality of clinical nurses through stress management.

Hope, Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Chronic Mental Illness Patients / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between hope, depression and suicidal ideation in patient with chronic mental illness patients. METHODS: The subjects were 188 patient with chronic mental illness in a Community Mental Health Center. The data were collected from July 27 2009 to August 21, 2009. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: There was found significant and negative correlation among hope and suicidal ideation; significant and positive correlation was found between depression and suicidal ideation; a significant and negative correlation among hope, depression and suicidal ideation. Depression was a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: Hope, depression and suicidal ideation in chronic mental illness patients, and significant correlations between their relationships. Based on the outcomes of this study, it is necessary to design an intervention program that emphasizes increasing the hope and decreasing depress in order to decrease suicidal ideation.

Clinical Characteristics of Amebic Colitis as Diagnosed by using Colonoscopic Findings

PURPOSE: Nowadays, with improvements in hygiene and in the sewage system, the prevalence of amebic colitis in Korea is declining. However, amebic colitis still occurs every year. We investigated the clinical features of current patients with amebic colitis and compared the results with those for a past endemic period in Korea. METHODS: From June 2000 to June 2005, 10 patients were diagnosed in the Digestive endoscopy center of Song Do colorectal hospital as having amebic colitis. We evaluated their medical histories, clinical characteristics, and colonoscopic findings. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 1.5 : 1. The mean age was 38.4+/-11.4 years. The mean diagnostic period from occurrence of symptoms to diagnosis was 20.4+/-17.5 days. The clinical symptoms of amebic colitis were diarrhea (80%), bloody stool (70%), mucoid stool (60%), abdominal pain (50%), fever, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue. Seven patients (70%) had a history of travel, and six of those seven patients had taken trips abroad. The foreign areas of travel included India (50%), Indonesia (28.6%), and Japan (16.7%). The diagnostic methods were colonoscopic biopsies to detect trophozoites of Entameba histolytica (90%) and serologic tests for the anti-ameba antibody (10%). The most common colonic locations of the lesions were the cecum (80%) and the rectum (80%). Another was the ascending colon (30%); pan-colonic involvement was also seen (10%). CONCLUSIONS: In the past, the cause of amebic colitis in Korea was poor hygiene. Nowadays, however, travel to amebiasis-endemic areas may be the most important cause. Therefore, the travel history of diarrheal patients is an important diagnostic factor in cases of amebic colitis and a differential diagnosis factor in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.

Mechanical Properties of F Plate in Intraarticular Calcaneal Fractures

PURPOSE: We evaluated the mechanical properties of F plate fixation comparing with Y plate and a screw fixation for the intraarticular calcaneal fractures using synthetic bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 12 synthetic calcaneal bones, newly designed F plate was compared with the Y-plate, most commonly used, regarding the change of Bohler angle and the displacement of the thalamic fragments of the calcaneus after axial compressive loading by Instron 6022. RESULTS: Y plate fixation lost 8degrees of Bohler angle in average after axial compressive load and 2.6degrees in F plate fixation. Thalamic fragments were displaced 1.72 mm in average in Y plate fixation group and 0.73 mm in F plate fixation group. CONCLUSION: F plate offered more firm fixation than Y plate in the intraarticular calcaneal fracture in the aspect of maintaining the Bohler angle and preventing displacement of the thalamic fragments of calcaneus against axial compressive loading.