To improve the storage stability and achieve controlled release, fish oil containing docosahexaenoic acid was encapsulated using double emulsification and subsequent enzymatic gelation method, using microbial transglutaminase cross-linked proteins. Isolated soy protein was selected as a wall material because it showed better emulsion stability and higher reactivity with MTGase than other proteins. Microcapsules prepared by this method showed a high stability against oxygen and a low water solubility, which subsequently resulted in sustained release of fish oil. Results indicate that this microencapsulation process is suitable for preparing protein-based microcapsules containing sensitive ingredients for controlled release and stability improvement.

Microporous glass (MPG) membrane emulsification was used for microencapsulation of Lactobacillus casei YIT 9018. Several process parameters of membrane emulsification were investigated for producing a stable emulsion. The droplet dia in the emulsion depended upon the membrane pore size. The monodispersed emulsion obtained by this technique resulted in well-formed microcapsules with a narrow particle size distribution. For artificial gastric acid and bile, the viable count of encapsulated cells was constant through the incubation time, while the count of nonencapsulated cells was significantly decreased. A storage stability test at different temperatures resulted in a viability of encapsulated cells 3 to 5 log cycles higher than the viability of nonencapsulated cells.

Objectives: To determine the current prevalence of syphilis in the general population of South Korea and its trend over the past 20 years. Methods: 15 402 adults, who all were aged over 20 (6888 blood donors, 4951 physical examinees, and 3563 pregnant women) were examined from January 1999 to December 2000. All subjects were screened using a VDRL test, and positive results were confirmed by a FTA-ABS test. The prevalence was compared with the results of previous surveys in similar population groups performed by same authors. Results: The prevalence of syphilis in South Korea was found to be 0.2%. Although has been consistent decreasing trend since 1977 (p<0.0001), there is no statistical difference between 1995 and 2000 (p=0.6992). Conclusions: The prevalence of syphilis has decreased significantly since 1977. However, it has not reduced much since 1995, and it seems that the prevalence has reached a plateau. Until now, not all syphilis patients were registered and followed up by the public health centres because there were so many syphilis patients. However, as this survey shows, the number of syphilis patients has reduced a great deal and it is believed that a more thorough management strategy including all newly diagnosed patients is necessary in order to further reduce the prevalence of syphilis in South Korea.

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