The relationship between the prevalence of anemia and dietary intake among adults according to household types based on data from the 7th (2016–2018) Korea National Health andNutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#In this study, data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018) were used to examine the relationship between the prevalence of anemia and dietary intake among adults according to household types. @*Methods@#Using data from a total of 10,646 subjects (4,428 men and 6,218 women), the general information, body measurements, results of biochemical examination, food and nutrient intake, and meal quality evaluation were analyzed according to the type of household. @*Results@#The prevalence of anemia was higher in men belonging to single-person households (SPH) than in those from multi-person households (MPH), while anemia prevalence was higher among the women in the MPH than in the SPH. The men in SPH had a lower total food intake of nuts, vegetables, fruits, fish, and seaweed than the men in MPH, and consumed higher quantities of milk, oil, and processed foods. The women from SPH had a lower intake of seaweed and a higher intake of milk than those belonging to the MPH. In addition, the men in SPH had a lower iron intake and iron intake per 1,000kcal than the men in MPH, lower iron intake through plant-based foods, and a lower iron intake ratio compared to the reference nutrient intake. The total Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) score was lower in both men and women in SPH than in those from the MPH. When analyzing the relationship between household type and anemia risk after correcting for the confusion variable, the risk of anemia in men in SPH increased compared to those belonging to the MPH. However, women showed no such significant correlation. There was no relationship between the total KHEI score and the risk of anemia by gender and household type. @*Conclusion@#In conclusion, since anemia in men belonging to SPH is a matter of concern, it is essential to develop guidelines for anemia-related nutrition education for men living alone.

The association of the Korean Healthy Eating Index with chronic conditions in middle-aged single-person households

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#This study investigated the association between dietary quality based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), and the prevalence of chronic conditions among middle-aged individuals (40–60 yrs of age) living alone.MATERIALS/METHODS: The participants were selected (1,517 men and 2,596 women) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2016–2018 and classified into single-person households (SPH) and multi-person households (MPH).Nutrient intake, KHEI, and the prevalence of chronic conditions were compared according to household size. The odds ratios (ORs) of chronic conditions were analyzed according to the tertile levels of KHEI by gender within each household size category. @*RESULTS@#Men in SPH had a significantly lower total KHEI score (P < 0.0001) and a lower prevalence of obesity (OR, 0.576) than those in MPH. For men, the adjusted ORs for obesity, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia in the first tertile (T1) of KHEI scores within SPH compared with the third tertile (T3) were 4.625, 3.790, and 4.333, respectively. Moreover, the adjusted OR for hypertriglyceridemia in the T1 group compared to the T3 group within the MPH was 1.556. For women, the adjusted ORs for obesity and hypertriglyceridemia in T1 compared to T3 within the SPH were 3.223 and 7.134, respectively, and 1.573 and 1.373 for obesity and hypertension, respectively, within MPH. @*CONCLUSIONS@#A healthy eating index was associated with a reduced risk of chronic conditions in middle-aged adults. Greater adherence to a healthy eating index could lower the risk of chronic conditions in middle-aged adults living alone.

Single random measurement of urinary gonadotropin concentration for screening and monitoring girls with central precocious puberty

Purpose@#The gold standard for assessing pubertal activation is the gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test (GnRHST), which is invasive, timeconsuming, and inconvenient. This study evaluated whether a single random measurement of urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration could substitute for the GnRHST in diagnosing and monitoring central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls. @*Methods@#Fifty-five girls with breast buds before 8 years of age were assessed by both the GnRHST and urinary gonadotropin assays. Based on the GnRHST results, 29 girls were assigned to the CPP group (peak LH≥5 IU/L), and 26 were placed in the premature thelarche (PT) group (peak LH<5 IU/L). Auxological data and urine and serum samples were collected at baseline and after treatment with a GnRH agonist for 12 and 24 weeks. @*Results@#Although the auxological data did not differ between the 2 groups, the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, basal LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and peak LH; urinary LH; and peak serum LH/FSH and urinary LH/FSH ratios were higher in the CPP group than in the PT group. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the urinary and serum LH concentrations (r=0.660, P<0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses showed that a urinary LH concentration of 0.725 IU/L was a cutoff that significantly predicted positivity on the GnRHST. Urinary LH and FSH concentrations declined significantly during GnRH agonist treatment. @*Conclusion@#A single, random measurement of urinary gonadotropin concentration could be a reliable tool for initial screening and therapeutic monitoring of CPP in girls.

Single random measurement of urinary gonadotropin concentration for screening and monitoring girls with central precocious puberty

Purpose@#The gold standard for assessing pubertal activation is the gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test (GnRHST), which is invasive, timeconsuming, and inconvenient. This study evaluated whether a single random measurement of urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration could substitute for the GnRHST in diagnosing and monitoring central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls. @*Methods@#Fifty-five girls with breast buds before 8 years of age were assessed by both the GnRHST and urinary gonadotropin assays. Based on the GnRHST results, 29 girls were assigned to the CPP group (peak LH≥5 IU/L), and 26 were placed in the premature thelarche (PT) group (peak LH<5 IU/L). Auxological data and urine and serum samples were collected at baseline and after treatment with a GnRH agonist for 12 and 24 weeks. @*Results@#Although the auxological data did not differ between the 2 groups, the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, basal LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and peak LH; urinary LH; and peak serum LH/FSH and urinary LH/FSH ratios were higher in the CPP group than in the PT group. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the urinary and serum LH concentrations (r=0.660, P<0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses showed that a urinary LH concentration of 0.725 IU/L was a cutoff that significantly predicted positivity on the GnRHST. Urinary LH and FSH concentrations declined significantly during GnRH agonist treatment. @*Conclusion@#A single, random measurement of urinary gonadotropin concentration could be a reliable tool for initial screening and therapeutic monitoring of CPP in girls.

Relationship between Eating Behavior and Healthy Eating Competency of Single-Person and Multi-Person Households by Age Group / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between eating behaviour and healthy dietary competency of single and multi-person households, to improve healthy eating behavior. @*Methods@#This study was conducted on 6,355 adult household members who participated in the Food Consumption Behavior Survey 2020. The subjects were divided into age groups comprising young people in their 20s and 30s, middle-aged people in their 40s and 50s, and the elderly in their 60s and above. The eating behavior and healthy dietary competency of single-person and multi-person households were then analyzed. @*Results@#The average age of the members in the single-person households was found to be higher. Single-person households were also found to have a lower marriage rate and lower monthly household income than multi-person households across the age groups of young, middle-aged, and elderly people (P < 0.05). Among each of the age groups, single-person households had significantly higher rates of skipping breakfast and eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner alone than multi-person households (P < 0.05). Young single-person households had lower average scores on healthy dietary competency than multi-person households (P = 0.032). When adjusted for age, gender, marriage, education, occupation, and household income, single-person households had a higher risk of delivery/take-out, eating out, or skipping meals compared to multi-person households (P < 0.05). In multi-person households, the risk of skipping meals, eating alone, eating out, or delivery/take-out decreased as healthy dietary competency improved (P< 0.05). On the other hand, in single-person households, as healthy dietary competency increased, the risk of delivery/take-out or eating alone decreased (P< 0.05). @*Conclusions@#The results of this study suggest that healthy dietary competency and eating practices can be improved by providing customized dietary education by age group for single and multi-person households.

Relationship between intake of soft drinks and current prevalence of adult atopic dermatitis: based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2015-2016) / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults by analyzing the relationship between AD and intake of soft drinks in adults. @*Methods@#This study was conducted on 5,931 adults aged 19 to 64 who completed the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII-3 and VII-1. Subjects were divided into an AD-diagnosed group and a non-AD group according to the diagnosis of AD. In addition, the group diagnosed with AD was divided into a ‘symptom-AD’ group and a ‘no symptom-AD’ group. The amount, frequency of intake, and nutritional status of soft drinks were analyzed using the FFQ. @*Results@#Compared with the nutrient intake per 1,000 kcal of energy consumption, fat intake was higher in the AD-diagnosed group than in the non-AD group, and carbohydrate, dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, vitamin A, thiamin, and vitamin C were lower in AD-diagnosed group. The daily intake of soft drinks and the percentage of ‘more than 0.5 servings per day’ were also higher in the AD-diagnosed group than in the non-AD group. Also, the frequency of the intake of soft drinks was significantly higher in the AD- diagnosed group than in the non-AD group. The odds ratio of AD symptoms due to the intake of soft drinks increased 2.6 times when the intake was ‘less than 0.5 serving per day’. @*Conclusion@#AD in adults appears to be related to malnutrition and excessive consumption of soft drinks, and the current prevalence of AD symptoms may also be related to the intake of soft drinks. Based on these results, we suggest that one of the ways to manage AD in adults would be to limit their intake of soft drinks.

Association between depression and eating behavior factors in Korean adults: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2018 / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to examine the association between depression and eating behavior factors in Korean adults. @*Methods@#Study subjects were selected (n = 5,103) from the participants of the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2018 and divided into depression (men, 59; women, 162) and normal groups (men, 2,083; women, 2,799). Subjects with a Patient Health Questionnaire 9 score ≥ 10 (out of 27 points) were defined as having depression. @*Results@#A higher prevalence of depression was observed in both men and women who were unemployed (p < 0.001, p = 0.008), had lower income (both p < 0.001), poorer subjective health (both p < 0.001), and poor food safety (both p < 0.001). The prevalence of depression was higher in women with lower education levels (p = 0.008), who were unmarried (p = 0.010), smokers (p < 0.001), and in a one-person household (p = 0.001). Obese men showed a higher prevalence of depression (p = 0.009). Men who were eating alone or skipping lunch had a high prevalence of depression (p = 0.009), while women who were eating breakfast (p = 0.012), lunch (p = 0.001), and dinner (p = 0.010) alone had a high prevalence of depression. The relationship analysis between men and women according to dietary habits using logistic regression showed that, in women, after variable adjustment, skipping lunch (odds ratio [OR], 2.677; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.090–6.574), meal frequency of 2 times per day (OR, 1.658; 95% CI, 1.084–2.536), and lunch frequency of 3–4 times per week (OR, 3.143; 95% CI, 1.725–5.728) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of depression. @*Conclusion@#Depression in women was not only affected by more sociodemographic variables but also associated with decreased frequency of lunch and dinner, especially with skipping lunch.

Relationship between Food Hygiene Education Experience and Food Purchasing Behavior, Knowledge, and Practices

Background@#This study aimed to investigate the effect of food safety awareness, purchasing behavior, food safety knowledge, and food safety practice in accordance with food hygiene education experiences in adults. @*Methods@#A self-administered questionnaire was answered by 305 adults in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions.Chi-square test, independent t-test, and multiple regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between food hygiene education experience and related factors. @*Results@#The need for information was found to be significantly higher for the group with experience in food hygiene education. As for purchasing behavior, participants mainly considered price, taste, and safety of food, and frequently confirmed the expiration date and price using food labels. Participants considered major supermarkets and convenience stores as safe places to purchase food. Food hygiene knowledge showed significantly higher correct answer rates in almost all items for the group with education experience. Even if the expiration date had not yet been reached the habit of not eating food if there was a strange smell when opened was practiced, and the group with more educational experience practiced this significantly more often.Participants with higher awareness of food hygiene showed significantly greater intention to participate in food hygiene education. @*Conclusions@#The group with experience in food hygiene education showed a greater need to obtain information on food hygiene and had better knowledge and practices regarding food hygiene. Therefore, food hygiene education and information are necessary to ensure the safety of food hygiene and to promote the health of the people.

Relationship between Food Hygiene Education Experience and Food Purchasing Behavior, Knowledge, and Practices

Background@#This study aimed to investigate the effect of food safety awareness, purchasing behavior, food safety knowledge, and food safety practice in accordance with food hygiene education experiences in adults. @*Methods@#A self-administered questionnaire was answered by 305 adults in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions.Chi-square test, independent t-test, and multiple regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between food hygiene education experience and related factors. @*Results@#The need for information was found to be significantly higher for the group with experience in food hygiene education. As for purchasing behavior, participants mainly considered price, taste, and safety of food, and frequently confirmed the expiration date and price using food labels. Participants considered major supermarkets and convenience stores as safe places to purchase food. Food hygiene knowledge showed significantly higher correct answer rates in almost all items for the group with education experience. Even if the expiration date had not yet been reached the habit of not eating food if there was a strange smell when opened was practiced, and the group with more educational experience practiced this significantly more often.Participants with higher awareness of food hygiene showed significantly greater intention to participate in food hygiene education. @*Conclusions@#The group with experience in food hygiene education showed a greater need to obtain information on food hygiene and had better knowledge and practices regarding food hygiene. Therefore, food hygiene education and information are necessary to ensure the safety of food hygiene and to promote the health of the people.

Associations of Dietary Intake with Cardiovascular Disease, Blood Pressure, and Lipid Profile in the Korean Population: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have separately reported the contributions of dietary factors to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its markers, including blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile. This study systematically reviewed the current evidence on this issue in the Korean population.METHODS: Sixty-two studies from PubMed and Embase were included in this meta-analysis. We performed a random-effects model to analyze pooled odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the consumption of 14 food items, three macro- and eight micro-nutrients, two dietary patterns, and three dietary indices.RESULTS: An analysis of pooled effect sizes from at least four individual study populations showed significant associations between coffee consumption and CVD (OR/HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52–0.97) and elevated/high triglycerides (TG) (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78–0.90), sugar-sweetened beverage intake and elevated BP (OR/HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09–1.33), and milk and dairy intake and elevated/high TG and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR/HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76–0.89 for both). Carbohydrate consumption and the low-carbohydrate-diet score were consistently related to an approximately 25% risk reduction for elevated TG and HDL-C. A lower risk of elevated total cholesterol, but not low-density lipoprotein, was additionally observed for those with a higher low-carbohydrate-diet score. A healthy dietary pattern was only associated with a reduced risk of elevated TG in the Korea National Cancer Screenee Cohort (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67–0.98).CONCLUSION: This study showed that milk and dairy and coffee had protective effects for CVD and its risk factors, such as BP and lipid profile, while sugar-sweetened beverages exerted harmful effects.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Vitamins and Minerals According to Consumption of Dietary Supplements in Korean Adults and the Elderly: Report Based on 2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Methods@#Data for this study was generated from the 2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We analyzed 4,204 individuals aged 19 years and older (2,579 users and 1,625 non-users). The survey included 24-h recall questions on food and DS intakes, as well as questions on DS use over the past year. The nutrient DSs evaluated were calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. Total nutrient intakes were obtained by combining nutrient intakes of foods and DSs consumed by each subject. @*Results@#Most micronutrient intakes from food (except for thiamin) in adult users, and the four micronutrient intakes (iron, vitamin A, vitamin B2 and vitamin C) in elderly users, were significantly higher than values obtained in non-users. For total intake of nutrients and DSs, both adult and elderly users had a significantly higher intake than non-users. While proportions below Estimated Average Requirements for all micronutrients by adding respective DSs in users were significantly reduced in adults and elderly as compared to non-users, the proportions of above Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for calcium and vitamin A in adults, and vitamin A in elderly, were significantly increased. In the total subjects examined, consumption of DSs was associated with lower odds ratios of undernutrition of micronutrients, and with higher odds ratios of overnutrition of calcium, iron, and vitamin A, as compared to non-users of DSs. @*Conclusions@#Although DSs consumption by adults and the elderly improves the micronutrient status, it also increases the risk of excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals.

Evaluation of nutritional status and adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes among atopic dermatitis children under 12 years of age: based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2013–2015) / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#Atopic dermatitis (AD), a typical chronic disease in children, is an allergy disease that is highly associated with food. Thus, attention to food intake is needed to prevent and manage it. Therefore, we analyzed differences in food and nutrient intakes depending on AD status in under 12-year-old children. @*Methods@#A total of 2,690 participants were enrolled in this study from the combined 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Subjects were divided into an AD group and normal group (non-AD group). General characteristic, food and nutrients intakes, and prevalence of insufficient and excessive nutrient intake were analyzed using χ2 test and regression analyses. The AD odds ratio (OR) for insufficient and excessive nutrient intakes was analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses. @*Results@#Food and nutrient intakes were not significantly different between the AD and non-AD groups. However, the ratio of calcium intake to recommended nutrient intake was about 70% in both groups, which can be attributed to the overall lack of calcium intake among Korean children. There were no differences in energy or nutrient intakes between the groups, but compared with Korean Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans, the appropriate intake ratios of fat and vitamin C in the AD group were higher than those in the non-AD group. The AD OR decreased when fat was consumed at above appropriate levels and vitamin C was consumed at lower or excess levels. @*Conclusion@#In children, AD may be related to the nutrient intake ratio of fats and vitamin C, and we speculate that these results were affected by dietary restrictions for AD management.

Relation of polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3 fatty acid and n-6 fatty acid intakes and atopic dermatitis in the 9 ~ 11 year old children: KNHANES 2013 ~ 2015 / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between atopic dermatitis and dietary fat and fatty acid (FA) intakes in 9 ~ 11 year old children. METHODS: We analyzed data from the combined 2013 ~ 2015 KNHANES (Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Subjects were divided into two groups according to atopic dermatitis (AD); with AD and without AD. Data pertaining to macronutrients and FA intakes were obtained by a single 24-h dietary recall. Food sources were identified based on the amounts of total fat and FA consumption according to each food. The associations between each FA intake and atopic dermatitis were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and income levels were adjusted as covariates. RESULTS: Of the participants, 17.69% suffered from atopic dermatitis. Children with AD had significantly lower fat percentages of total energy and higher carbohydrate percentages of total energy than normal children. Percentages of energy and intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), n-3 FA and n-6 FA in children with AD were significantly lower than those in normal children. In the FA, linoleic acid, γ-linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid levels of children with AD were significantly lower than those of normal children. However, the P/S ratio and n-6/n-3 ratio did not differ significantly between children with AD and normal children. Soybean oil was the main contributor to PUFA, n-3 FA and n-6 FA in both groups, while perilla seed oil and mackerel were the major food sources of n-3 FA in children with atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis was significantly correlated with low-fat and high-carbohydrate diets. The adjusted odds ratios were 0.966, 0.776 and 0.963 for PUFA, n-3 FA, and n-6 FA intakes, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study provides reliable evidence regarding the relationship between fat and FA intakes and AD in Korean children 9 ~ 11 years of age.

Evaluation of the Automated Cross-Matching Instrument, ORTHO VISION, for Use in Blood Banks

BACKGROUND: Automated systems are used widely for pre-transfusion tests in blood banks, in an attempt to reduce effort and human error. We evaluated the clinical performance of an automated blood bank system, ORTHO VISION (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Switzerland), for blood cross-matching. METHODS: Saline cross-matching was performed for 93 tests using 56 samples. Coombs cross-matching was performed for 400 tests using 166 samples. Saline cross-matching was compared for the automated ORTHO VISION and manual tube methods. Coombs cross-matching was compared for the automated ORTHO VISION and manual column agglutination technique (CAT) methods. The evaluation of 32 antibody-positive samples using the automated ORTHO VISION and manual CAT methods was compared by performing 97 cross-matching tests. Additionally, the ORTHO VISION efficiency and carryover were evaluated. RESULTS: The concordance rate of the saline cross-matching results between the manual method and automated ORTHO VISION was 100%. The concordance rate of coombs cross-matching results between manual CAT and automated ORTHO VISION was 97.9%. The concordance rate of cross-matching for antibody positive samples between manual CAT and the automated ORTHO VISION was 97.9%. Coombs cross-matching was efficient using ORTHO VISION, whereas saline cross-matching was efficient using the tube manual method. CONCLUSIONS: ORTHO VISION showed reliable results for cross-matching and was more efficient than manual CAT for coombs cross-matching. Thus, ORTHO VISION can be used for pre-transfusion tests in blood banks.

Recommendation for the Peripheral Blood Cell Morphology Report

There is considerable heterogeneity in the peripheral blood smear reports across different diagnostic laboratories, despite following the guidelines published by the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH). As standardization of reports can facilitate communication and consequently the diagnostic efficiency in both laboratories and clinics, the standardization committee of the Korean Society for Laboratory Hematology aimed to establish a detailed guideline for the standardization of peripheral blood smear reports. Based on the ICSH guidelines, additional issues on describing and grading the peripheral blood smear findings were discussed. In this report, the proposed guideline is briefly described.

Comparison of dietary behavior and consumption of processed beverage depend on food insecurity status of adolescents in vientiane, Lao PDR / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the food insecurity status and dietary behavior and examine the association between the food insecurity status and consumption of processed beverage for secondary school students in Vientiane, capital city of Lao PDR. METHODS: The study subjects are 714 students (boys = 307 and girls = 407) in four secondary schools (Chao_Anouvong, Phiavat, Saysetha, and Chansavang) of Vientiane, Lao PDR. Data on study subject's demographic characteristics, dietary behavior, food insecurity, and Mini Dietary Assessment (MDA) index were collected. A “Self-Administered Food Security Survey Module for Children Aged 12 Years and Older” developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was used for the food insecurity assessment. RESULTS: As a result, 72.7% of the subjects were in a state of food insecurity, and food security was associated with higher socioeconomic status (higher life satisfaction, higher parent's education attainment, higher item ownership, fewer number of siblings, and having more lunches at the school restaurant than at home). Compared to the food insecurity group, the frequency of breakfast, self-rated diet, and the total score of MDA index were higher in the food security group. On the other hand, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ‘food security’ was also associated with a higher consumption of processed beverages (OR 1.544; 95% CI 1.078–2.213; p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Improving the quality of the diet is essential for adolescents in both the food insecurity and food security groups in Lao PDR. Therefore, it is necessary to provide well organized nutrition education and establish adequate nutrition policy for adolescents in Lao PDR.

Relationships between Obesity and Dietary Habits of Preschool Children and Their Parents in Dongducheon Based on the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the associations between obesity and the children's Nutrition Quotient (NQ) and to further examine the relationships between NQ and mini dietary assessment (MDA) of their parents. METHODS: The subjects were 355 children aged 3 to 5 years and their parents in Dongducheon. We collected parental-reported NQ questionnaires for children and MDA of parents. Anthropometric measurements, height, weight and BMI by BIA were measured in children. Overweight and obesity were determined according to age- and sex-specific BMI percentile from the 2007 Korean national growth chart. Statistical analyses consisted of the chi-squared test, ANOVA, partial correlations and logistic regression analysis adjustments for parents BMI. RESULTS: Approximately 20.8% of preschool children were classified as overweight or obese. Underweight children showed a significantly higher score for balance than overweight children. The NQ of the children was 61.9 ± 11.6, and NQ scores and their parents' MDA did not exhibit any significant differences according to degree of obesity. After adjusting for parent's BMI, children's BMI was significantly correlated with balance and moderation among NQ factors. Parent's MDA showed significant correlation with their children's NQ, balance, diversity, moderation, regularity, practice and NQ grade, except for diversity of father. Additionally, NQ grade had a significantly increased (150.1%) odds ratio (OR) of being overweight (95% CI 1.008–2.234). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that NQ for children is influenced by their parents' MDA and BMI. Furthermore, our findings support the association between overweight prevention and improvement of NQ grade among preschool children.

Relationships between Obesity and Dietary Habits of Preschool Children and Their Parents in Dongducheon Based on the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the associations between obesity and the children's Nutrition Quotient (NQ) and to further examine the relationships between NQ and mini dietary assessment (MDA) of their parents. METHODS: The subjects were 355 children aged 3 to 5 years and their parents in Dongducheon. We collected parental-reported NQ questionnaires for children and MDA of parents. Anthropometric measurements, height, weight and BMI by BIA were measured in children. Overweight and obesity were determined according to age- and sex-specific BMI percentile from the 2007 Korean national growth chart. Statistical analyses consisted of the chi-squared test, ANOVA, partial correlations and logistic regression analysis adjustments for parents BMI. RESULTS: Approximately 20.8% of preschool children were classified as overweight or obese. Underweight children showed a significantly higher score for balance than overweight children. The NQ of the children was 61.9 ± 11.6, and NQ scores and their parents' MDA did not exhibit any significant differences according to degree of obesity. After adjusting for parent's BMI, children's BMI was significantly correlated with balance and moderation among NQ factors. Parent's MDA showed significant correlation with their children's NQ, balance, diversity, moderation, regularity, practice and NQ grade, except for diversity of father. Additionally, NQ grade had a significantly increased (150.1%) odds ratio (OR) of being overweight (95% CI 1.008–2.234). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that NQ for children is influenced by their parents' MDA and BMI. Furthermore, our findings support the association between overweight prevention and improvement of NQ grade among preschool children.

Evaluation of the Automated Blood Bank Systems IH-500 and VISION Max for ABO-RhD Blood Typing and Unexpected Antibody Screening

BACKGROUND: The use of automated systems for pre-transfusion tests is increasing in an attempt to reduce workload and the impact of human errors in blood banks. We evaluated the clinical performance of the automated blood bank systems IH-500 (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Switzerland) and VISION Max (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, USA) for ABO-RhD blood typing and unexpected antibody screening. METHODS: ABO-RhD blood typing was performed for 410 samples, and antibody screening was performed for 332 samples, including 15 antibody-positive samples. The results obtained from the two automated instruments were compared with those obtained using manual methods for ABO-RhD blood typing and a semiautomated method (DiaMed-ID system) for antibody screening. Additionally, both instruments were evaluated in terms of concordance rates, sensitivity, and carryover. RESULTS: The concordance rate of the ABO-RhD blood typing results between the manual methods and the two automated instruments was 100%. For antibody screening tests, the concordance rates between the semiautomated method (DiaMed-ID system) and the automated methods were 100% and 99.7% for the IH-500 and VISION Max instruments, respectively. The sole discrepant result was obtained for a sample identified as antibody-positive only on the VISION Max; the antibody was identified as anti-Le(a). The overall sensitivity of the two automated instruments was the same as or higher than that of the semiautomated method. Carryover was not observed in antibody screening. CONCLUSIONS: The IH-500 and VISION Max instruments showed reliable results for ABO-RhD blood typing and unexpected antibody screening, and can be used clinically, with confidence, for pre-transfusion tests in the blood bank.

Association of Maternal Diet With Zinc, Copper, and Iron Concentrations in Transitional Human Milk Produced by Korean Mothers

The aims of this study were to evaluate zinc, copper, and iron concentrations in the transitory milk of Korean lactating mothers and to investigate the relationship between these concentrations and maternal diet. Human milk samples were collected between 5 and 15 days postpartum from 96 healthy, lactating mothers in postpartum care centers in Seoul, Korea. Dietary intake during lactation was determined based on a 3-day dietary record. The mean zinc, copper, and iron concentrations in the human milk samples collected were 3.88 +/- 1.74 mg/L, 0.69 +/- 0.25 mg/L, and 5.85 +/- 8.53 mg/L, respectively. The mothers who consumed alcoholic beverages during pregnancy had tended to have lower concentrations of zinc and copper, as well as significantly lower concentrations of iron, in their milk (p < 0.047). In contrast, the mothers who took daily supplements had much higher iron concentrations in their milk (p = 0.002). Dietary intakes of zinc, copper, and iron during lactation did not affect the concentrations of zinc, copper, and iron in the milk samples analyzed. Intakes of vitamin C, selenium, and iodine were associated with the concentration of copper in the milk samples analyzed, and consumption of food categorized as 'meat and meat products' was positively associated with the concentration of zinc. Consumption of rice was the top contributor to the concentrations of all three minerals. In conclusion, associations between maternal diet and nutrient concentrations in transitory human milk can provide useful information, particularly in regard to infant growth.