α-Glucosidase inhibiton and antiglycation activity of laccase-catalyzed catechin polymers.

Catechin polymers were produced by laccase (12 U/mL) in a mixture of sodium acetate buffer (1% (+)-catechin, 100 mM, pH 5) and methanol (buffer:methanol = 95:5, v/v). The freeze-dried catechin polymers were recovered from the precipitate after dialysis followed by centrifugation. Catechin polymers extracted with 20% ethanol had potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 4 μg/mL, and they were present as a mixture of dimers, trimers, and tetramers.

Health impact assessment of free immunization program in Jinju City, Korea.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the potential health impacts and improve the quality of the free immunization program in Jinju City by maximizing the predicted positive health gains and minimizing the negative health risks.

Methods: A steering committee was established in September 2010 to carry out the health impact assessment (HIA) and began the screening and scoping stages. In the appraisal stage, analysis of secondary data, a literature review, case studies, geographic information systems analysis, a questionnaire, and expert consultations were used.

[The knowledge, attitude and practice of blood pressure management from the patient's viewpoint: a qualitative study].

Objectives: This study adopted a qualitative method to explore the layman's beliefs and experience concerning high blood pressure and its management in order to develop a strategy to increase adherence to proper medical treatment.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews that focused on personal experiences with hypertension and its management were conducted with 26 hypertensive patients. The participants were selected according to a BP above 140/90 mmHg (hypertension stage 1), based on the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC-VII).

[The relations of socioeconomic status to health status, health behaviors in the elderly].

Objectives: To analyze the relationships of socioeconomic status(SES) to health status and health behaviors in the elderly.

Methods: Data were obtained from self-administered questionnaire of 4,587 persons, older than 65 years, living in a community. We measured the sociodemographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health status (subjective health status, acute disease, admission experience, dental state, chronic disease etc.