Background: Recently, a new home-based dysphagia rehabilitation method using information and communications technology (ICT) has been reported, but clinical evidence is still lacking. Objectives: To investigate the effects of home-based dysphagia rehabilitation using ICT on tongue muscle strength and volume in patients with developed dysphagia after stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial design. Methods: Twenty patients who developed dysphagia after stroke were enrolled. The experimental group received dysphagia rehabilitation in the form of ICT-based home care. In contrast, the control group received traditional rehabilitation based on swallowing under the supervision of occupational therapists. All interventions were conducted five times a week for four weeks. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant increases in tongue muscle strength and volume after the intervention (P<.05, both). However, there were no significant differences in tongue strength or volume between the two groups after the intervention (P>.05, both). Conclusion: Home-based dysphagia rehabilitation using ICT showed effects similar to those of conventional swallowing rehabilitation in patients who developed dysphagia after stroke. These findings suggest that dysphagia rehabilitation can be conducted at home without the help of a therapist.

In this study, we investigated the change of physical properties associated with the temperature of vegetable mixed oil and fat in order to produce vegetable oil and fat suitable for plant meat production. The canola oil and coconut oil were mixed at various weight ratios, and the phase change temperatures by the ratio of two oils were measured using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G") and viscosity were measured using a rheometer at 20-40°C and 0.4 Hz-100 Hz. Storage modulus (G') at constant frequency (10 Hz) was measured in a continuous section of 10-50°C. As the coconut oil content increased, the peak of the melting point moved to the lower side. The viscosity was higher in order of canola oil, mixed oil, and coconut oil, and the viscosity showed a tendency to decrease as the temperature increased. In the liquid state, it showed a tendency to increase after the value of storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") decreased from 0.634 Hz-1 Hz. The conversion time point of storage modulus (G') of continuous temperature change is consistent with the melting point temperature of DSC, as the passed start at 10°C, storage modulus (G') increased with an exception of canola oil. Using these results, we will pursue to produce a mixed plant oil applicable to the production of vegetable meat.

Salt is generally used for food seasonings and preservations as a common ingredient. However, excess salt intake has generated health issues such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stroke, and heart diseases. Recently, desires and interests of low-salt cooking have been increased among people who want healthy diets. The aim of study was to compare the physicochemical characteristics of a fermented squid sauce added with vitamin C and commercial low-salt soy sauces. Thawed and crushed squids were fermented until the solid squid became liquid at 25°C with an addition of 5% (g/g) vitamin C. Then, fermented squid sauce was heated at 100°C for 30 min and filtered. All samples were measured in multiple aspects of amino acid nitrogen, salt, sugar and water content, pH, chromaticity and brown color, and sensory test. In the results, color values showed no significantly difference between all the samples (p>0.05). Water content value of the fermented squid sauce was the highest among samples. Brown color, salt contents and sugar contents of the fermented squid sauce were significantly different than other low salt soy sauces with an exception of the sauce made with functional salt. These results showed a similar tendency as those of sensory evaluation. As conclusion, the possibility of fermented squid sauce added with vitamin C showed a possibility as a candidate of low-salt soy sauce.

The red ginseng is known to have effects on antioxidativity and cytotoxicity. Nanoscale active substances have various advantages such as improved bioavailability and permeation ability into the cell. However, few studies conducted with the nanoparticles of red ginseng due to its low yield rate and difficulty of manufacturing the product in pilot scale. This study, therefore, investigated the size effects of ultra-fine powder of red ginseng on antioxidativity and cytotoxicity. Red ginseng powder (6, 8, or 158 μm) prepared using a pilot scale was provided by a local company. Antioxidativity was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays, and cytotoxicity was tested by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The results of DPPH and ABTS radical electron donating ability IC50 of red ginseng were ranged from 2.27 to 3.34 mg/ml and 2.94 to 3.09 mg/ml, respectively, which were not significantly different between all samples. However, the results of cytotoxicity clearly showed a pattern of decreased toxicity in 6 and 8 μm power compared to 158 μm powder. Unexpectedly, particle sizes of red ginseng did not significantly affect antioxidativity. It is believed that these were related to the process of pilot scale production. These phenomena are also believed to be caused by aggregation of low size power particle that increases water holding capacity. From our result, it is concluded that this range of particle size of red ginseng affected the reduction of cytotoxicity.