Association between time to treatment and functional outcomes according to the Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in endovascular stroke therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The rate at which the chance of a good outcome of endovascular stroke therapy (EVT) decays with time when eligible patients are selected by baseline diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) and whether ischaemic core size affects this rate remain to be investigated. METHODS: This study analyses a prospective multicentre registry of stroke patients treated with EVT based on pretreatment DWI-MRI that was categorized into three groups: small [Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS)] (8-10), moderate (5-7) and large (<5) cores. The main outcome was a good outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0-2). The interaction between onset-to-groin puncture time (OTP) and DWI-ASPECTS categories regarding functional outcomes was investigated. RESULTS: Ultimately, 985 patients (age 69 ± 11 years; male 55%) were analysed. Potential interaction effects between the DWI-ASPECTS categories and OTP on a good outcome at 90 days were observed (Pinteraction  = 0.06). Every 60-min delay in OTP was associated with a 16% reduced likelihood of a good outcome at 90 days amongst patients with large cores, although no associations were observed amongst patients with small to moderate cores. Interestingly, the adjusted rates of a good outcome at 90 days steeply declined between 65 and 213 min of OTP and then remained smooth throughout 24 h of OTP (Pnonlinearity  = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the probability of a good outcome after EVT nonlinearly decreased, with a steeper decline at earlier OTP than at later OTP. Discrepant effects of OTP on functional outcomes by baseline DWI-ASPECTS categories were observed. Thus, different strategies for EVT based on time and ischaemic core size are warranted.

Associations of various blood pressure parameters with functional outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High blood pressure (BP) at presentation is associated with poor outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke, but serial BP measurements may better delineate the clinical implications of BP. The aim was to investigate the association between various BP parameters and functional outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). METHODS: This study reports a retrospective analysis of a prospective registry of a comprehensive stroke centre. Patients treated with EVT due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation were enrolled. BP was measured hourly during the first 24 h after admission. Associations of various BP parameters, including BP variability, with functional outcomes at 3 months, including good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2), were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 378 enrolled patients (mean age 70 ± 11 years, male 54.2%), 313 (82.8%) achieved successful reperfusion after EVT, and 149 (39.4%) had good outcomes at 3 months. Higher mean systolic BP [each 10 mmHg increase, odds ratio 0.82 (0.69-0.97)] and higher systolic successive variation (SV) [each 10% increase, odds ratio 0.37 (0.18-0.76)] were associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving good outcomes. In addition, reperfusion status after EVT moderated the influence of higher systolic SV on good outcomes (Pint  = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that a higher mean systolic BP and systolic SV during the first 24 h of EVT reduced the likelihood of good outcomes at 3 months. The effects of these parameters on outcomes are more substantial amongst patients with successful reperfusion after EVT, suggesting that different BP control strategies should be employed according to reperfusion status.

Nutrient ileal digestibility evaluation of dried mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae compared to three animal protein by-products in growing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the nutrient ileal digestibility of dried mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae and compare with those of three animal protein by-products in growing pigs. METHODS: A total of 12 crossbred ([Landrace×Yorkshire]×Duroc) growing pigs with average body weights of 24.12±0.68 kg were surgically equipped with simple T-cannulas after being deprived of feed for 24 h according to published surgical procedures. These pigs had a recovery period of two weeks. A total of 12 pigs were assigned to individual metabolic crates and allotted to one of four treatments with 3 replicates in a fully randomized design. Dietary treatments included the following: i) Fish meal, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% fish meal; ii) Meat meal, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% meat meal; iii) Poultry meal, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% poultry meal; iv) Tenebrio molitor, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% dried Tenebrio molitor larvae. RESULTS: Results showed that the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of Lys was higher (p<0.05) in pigs fed Tenebrio molitor diet than that in pigs fed fish meal diet. Pigs fed Tenebrio molitor diet showed increased (p<0.05) AID of His and Arg compared to pigs fed Fish meal or Meat meal diet. The AID of Cys was increased (p<0.05) in pigs fed poultry meal and Tenebrio molitor diets compared to that in pigs fish meal diet. Pigs fed meat meal, poultry meal, and Tenebrio molitor diets showed higher (p<0.05) standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of total energy compared to pigs fed fish meal diet. The SID of Arg was higher (p<0.05) in pigs fed Tenebrio molitor diet than that in pigs fed fish meal or meat meal diet. Furthermore, pigs fed poultry meal or Tenebrio molitor diets showed increased (p<0.05) SID of Cys compared to pigs fed fish meal diet. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, providing pigs with diets that contained Tenebrio molitor larvae meal improved AID and SID of nutrients as well as essential and non-essential amino acids. The digestibility of dried mealworm larvae protein and its utilization in vivo are also good. Therefore, dried mealworm larvae protein can be used as protein source at 10% level in growing pigs.

Clinical, biochemical, and genetic aspects of Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.

Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in ALDH3A2, which encodes the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase responsible for the metabolism of long-chain aliphatic aldehydes and alcohols. The pathophysiologic accumulation of aldehydes in various organs, including the skin, brain, and eyes, leads to characteristic features of ichthyosis, intellectual disability, spastic di-/quadriplegia, and low visual acuity with photophobia. The severity of the clinical manifestations thereof can vary greatly, although most patients are bound to a wheelchair due to contractures. To date, correlations between genotype and phenotype have proven difficult to document due to low disease incidence and high heterogenetic variability in mutations. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics of SLS that have been found to contribute to the prognosis thereof, as well as recent updates from genetic and brain imaging studies. In addition, the differential diagnoses of SLS are briefly illustrated, covering cerebral palsy and other genetic or neurocutaneous syndromes mimicking the syndrome.

Predicting hypertension among Korean cancer survivors: A nationwide population-based study.

Hypertension is the most common comorbidity among cancer survivors, although there is no model for predicting hypertension in this population. Therefore, we developed a model for predicting hypertension using data from 6,480 Korean cancer survivors who were ≥20 years old. The odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension were calculated using stepwise logistic regression analyses, and a nomogram was generated to predict hypertension. Hypertension was independently associated with an age of ≥65 years (OR: 3.058), male gender (OR: 1.195), obesity (OR: 1.998), prehypertension (OR: 2.06), dyslipidaemia (OR: 2.011) and diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.297). Each variable in the nomogram was assigned a specific number of points, and the total score (range: 0-400) was used to obtain a value for predicting hypertension. The estimated prevalence of hypertension increased when the total nomogram score exceeded the sixth decile (total points: 128; p for trend <.001). Therefore, among Korean cancer survivors, hypertension was significantly associated with an age of >65 years, male gender, obesity, and having various comorbidities (e.g., prehypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus). Furthermore, our nomogram could predict the incidence of hypertension, and the sixth decile of the total nomogram score predicted an increased risk of hypertension.

Prevalence of tinnitus according to temporomandibular joint disorders and dental pain: The Korean National Population-based Study.

Some studies have reported that temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is related to tinnitus. However, there is no study of the relationship and prevalence of dental pain and tinnitus. We evaluated the associations between the prevalence of tinnitus and TMD and dental pain by analysing the Korean national health survey. We analysed totally 11 745 participants. The presence of tinnitus, TMD symptoms and dental pain was surveyed by self-assessment questionnaires from all the participants. Multivariable regression analysis was applied to acquire odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of tinnitus was higher in the subjects with dental pain (21.1%), TMD (22.5%) and both symptoms (31.2%) than subjects without those symptoms (19.6%). After adjusting for all covariates, subjects with TMD had tinnitus 1.6 times more than subjects without TMD. In the subanalysis, age group more than 65 years, women, and obese subjects had tinnitus more than men, age group <65, and non-obese subjects, respectively. TMD alone and both dental pain and TMD were associated with tinnitus (OR = 1.389 and 95% CI 1.054-1.832 and 2.206 and 1.637-2.974, respectively). Subjects with TMD had more tinnitus than subjects without TMD. Moreover, subjects with dental pain in addition to TMD had increased prevalence of tinnitus than TMD alone.

Tensor fasciae latae muscle in human embryos and foetuses with special reference to its contribution to the development of the iliotibial tract.

BACKGROUND: The human tensor fasciae latae muscle (TFL) is inserted into the iliotibial tract and plays a critical role in lateral stabilisation of the hip joint. We previously described a candidate of the initial iliotibial tract that originated from the gluteus maximus muscle and extended distally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study extended our observations by examining 30 human embryos and foetuses of gestational age (GA) 7-14 weeks (crown-to-rump length 24-108 mm). At GA 7 weeks, the TFL appeared as a small muscle mass floating in the subcutaneous tissue near the origins of the gluteus medius and rectus femoris muscles. RESULTS: Subsequently, the TFL obtained an iliac origin adjacent to the rectus femoris tendon, but the distal end remained a tiny fibrous mass on the vastus lateralis muscle. Until GA 10 weeks, the TFL muscle fibres were inserted into a vastus lateralis fascia that joined the quadriceps tendon distally. The next stage consisted of the TFL muscle belly "connecting" the vastus fascia and the gluteus fascia, including our previous candidate of the initial iliotibial tract. Until GA 14 weeks, the TFL was sandwiched by two laminae of the connecting fascia. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that, when the vastus lateralis fascia separated from the quadriceps tendon to attach to the tibia, possibly after birth, the resulting iliotibial tract would consist of a continuous longitudinal band from the gluteus maximus fascia, via the vastus fascia, to the tibia. Although it is a small muscle, the foetal TFL plays a critical role in the development of the iliotibial tract.

Musculoskeletal and central pain at 1 year post-stroke: associated factors and impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pain is common in post-stroke patients and has been shown to be associated with depression, fatigue, and decreased quality of life (QOL). However, studies examining different types of post-stroke pain are scarce. We investigated differences in the related factors and their QOL impacts between musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and central post-stroke pain (CPSP). METHODS: We assessed 364 consecutive stroke patients who were admitted to Asan Medical Center and contacted 12 months after stroke onset. We categorized pain and paresthesia as MSP, CPSP, combined pain, or other pain. Post-stroke depression (Beck Depression Inventory), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), sleep disturbance (Verran Snyder-Halpern scale), social support (ENRICHED Social Support Instrument), and QOL (Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form) were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 364 patients analyzed, 135 (37.1%) had pain, 78 (21.4%) had MSP, 22 (6.0%) had CPSP, 16 (4.4%) had combined pain, and 19 (5.2%) had other pain. In multivariate analyses, CPSP was related to modified Rankin scale (P=.004), sensory dysfunction (P<.001), thalamus lesion (P=.001), medulla lesion (P=.007), and fatigue (P=.026). MSP was related to motor dysfunction (P<.001) and fatigue (P=.003). QOL varied among groups with different types of pain (P<.001) and was the poorest in patients with combined pain. CONCLUSIONS: Pain is common 12 months post-stroke. The factors associated with CPSP and MSP differ, but are both closely associated with fatigue rather than depression. QOL is the poorest in patients with combined pain. Management of pain and fatigue may be important for improving the QOL in stroke patients.

Combined effect of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status on mortality in patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia: A nationwide Korean cohort study from 2002 to 2013.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The study aims to determine whether dyslipidemia patients living in less affluent neighborhood are at a higher risk of mortality compared to those living in more affluent neighborhoods. METHODS AND RESULTS: A population-based cohort study was conducted using a stratified representative sampling from the National Health Insurance claim data from 2002 to 2013. The target subjects comprise patients newly diagnosed with dyslipidemia receiving medication. We performed a survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model. Of 11,946 patients with dyslipidemia, 1053 (8.8%) subjects died during the follow-up period. Of the dyslipidemia patients earning a middle-class income, the adjusted HR in less affluent neighborhoods was higher than that in the more affluent neighborhoods compared to the reference category of high individual SES in more affluent neighborhoods (less affluent; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-1.99 vs. more affluent; HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.20-1.81, respectively). We obtained consistent results in patients with lower income, wherein the adjusted HR in less affluent neighborhoods was higher than that in more affluent neighborhoods (less affluent; HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.16-1.97 vs. more affluent; HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04-1.92, respectively). CONCLUSION: Living in a less affluent neighborhood contributes to higher mortality among dyslipidemia patients. The individual- and neighborhood-level variables cumulatively affect individuals such that the most at-risk individuals include those having both individual- and neighborhood-level risk factors. These findings raise important clinical and public health concerns and indicate that neighborhood SES approaches should be essentially considered in health-care policies similar to individual SES.

Models for Estimating Genetic Parameters of Milk Production Traits Using Random Regression Models in Korean Holstein Cattle.

The objectives of the study were to estimate genetic parameters for milk production traits of Holstein cattle using random regression models (RRMs), and to compare the goodness of fit of various RRMs with homogeneous and heterogeneous residual variances. A total of 126,980 test-day milk production records of the first parity Holstein cows between 2007 and 2014 from the Dairy Cattle Improvement Center of National Agricultural Cooperative Federation in South Korea were used. These records included milk yield (MILK), fat yield (FAT), protein yield (PROT), and solids-not-fat yield (SNF). The statistical models included random effects of genetic and permanent environments using Legendre polynomials (LP) of the third to fifth order (L3-L5), fixed effects of herd-test day, year-season at calving, and a fixed regression for the test-day record (third to fifth order). The residual variances in the models were either homogeneous (HOM) or heterogeneous (15 classes, HET15; 60 classes, HET60). A total of nine models (3 orders of polynomials×3 types of residual variance) including L3-HOM, L3-HET15, L3-HET60, L4-HOM, L4-HET15, L4-HET60, L5-HOM, L5-HET15, and L5-HET60 were compared using Akaike information criteria (AIC) and/or Schwarz Bayesian information criteria (BIC) statistics to identify the model(s) of best fit for their respective traits. The lowest BIC value was observed for the models L5-HET15 (MILK; PROT; SNF) and L4-HET15 (FAT), which fit the best. In general, the BIC values of HET15 models for a particular polynomial order was lower than that of the HET60 model in most cases. This implies that the orders of LP and types of residual variances affect the goodness of models. Also, the heterogeneity of residual variances should be considered for the test-day analysis. The heritability estimates of from the best fitted models ranged from 0.08 to 0.15 for MILK, 0.06 to 0.14 for FAT, 0.08 to 0.12 for PROT, and 0.07 to 0.13 for SNF according to days in milk of first lactation. Genetic variances for studied traits tended to decrease during the earlier stages of lactation, which were followed by increases in the middle and decreases further at the end of lactation. With regards to the fitness of the models and the differential genetic parameters across the lactation stages, we could estimate genetic parameters more accurately from RRMs than from lactation models. Therefore, we suggest using RRMs in place of lactation models to make national dairy cattle genetic evaluations for milk production traits in Korea.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Somatic Cell Scores of Holsteins Using Multi-trait Lactation Models in Korea.

The study was conducted to analyze the genetic parameters of somatic cell score (SCS) of Holstein cows, which is an important indicator to udder health. Test-day records of somatic cell counts (SCC) of 305-day lactation design from first to fifth lactations were collected on Holsteins in Korea during 2000 to 2012. Records of animals within 18 to 42 months, 30 to 54 months, 42 to 66 months, 54 to 78 months, and 66 to 90 months of age at the first, second, third, fourth and fifth parities were analyzed, respectively. Somatic cell scores were calculated, and adjusted for lactation production stages by Wilmink's function. Lactation averages of SCS (LSCS1 through LSCS5) were derived by further adjustments of each test-day SCS for five age groups in particular lactations. Two datasets were prepared through restrictions on number of sires/herd and dams/herd, progenies/sire, and number of parities/cow to reduce data size and attain better relationships among animals. All LSCS traits were treated as individual trait and, analyzed through multiple-trait sire models and single trait animal models via VCE 6.0 software package. Herd-year was fitted as a random effect. Age at calving was regressed as a fixed covariate. The mean LSCS of five lactations were between 3.507 and 4.322 that corresponded to a SCC range between 71,000 and 125,000 cells/mL; with coefficient of variation from 28.2% to 29.9%. Heritability estimates from sire models were within the range of 0.10 to 0.16 for all LSCS. Heritability was the highest at lactation 2 from both datasets (0.14/0.16) and lowest at lactation 5 (0.11/0.10) using sire model. Heritabilities from single trait animal model analyses were slightly higher than sire models. Genetic correlations between LSCS traits were strong (0.62 to 0.99). Very strong associations (0.96 to 0.99) were present between successive records of later lactations. Phenotypic correlations were relatively weaker (<0.55). All correlations became weaker at distant lactations. The estimated breeding values (EBVs) of LSCS traits were somewhat similar over the years for a particular lactation, but increased with lactation number increment. The lowest EBV in first lactation indicated that selection for SCS (mastitis resistance) might be better with later lactation records. It is expected that results obtained from these multi-trait lactation model analyses, being the first large scale SCS data analysis in Korea, would create a good starting step for application of advanced statistical tools for future genomic studies focusing on selection for mastitis resistance in Holsteins of Korea.

Application of IFN-γ releasing assay for the diagnosis of erythema induratum of Bazin.

BACKGROUND: Erythema induratum of Bazin (EIB) is regarded to be a hypersensitive reaction to the concomitant tuberculosis. Recently, interferon-γ releasing assay (IGRA) has been focused as a promising tool in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis. However, there has been no large scale study to investigate the usefulness of IGRA in the diagnosis of EIB. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance for the detection of EIB. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with EIB, in the Department of Dermatology, at the Seoul National University Hospital, between April 2009 and September 2011. We analysed clinicopathological features, responses to IGRA and the treatment courses. In addition, we compared positive rate of IGRA in patients with other diseases during the same period. RESULTS: All of the 22 patients demonstrated a positive response to IGRA (100%) and showed a good response to anti-tuberculosis treatment. In contrast, positive rate was 63.64% and 66.67% in patients with psoriasis and other vasculitis respectively. We observed complete resolution of skin lesions in 14 patients. Partial resolution was attained in one patient and the other seven patients are currently on the medication and are showing good responses. CONCLUSION: We verified that IGRA has an excellent diagnostic performance in EIB, through this observational study. It is strongly suggested that if EIB is clinicopathologically suspected, IGRA should be performed.

Individual variations in the vascular content of retrodiscal tissue in the temporomandibular joint: a study using histological sections of human foetuses and magnetic resonance images of adults without pathology.

The vascular content of retrodiscal tissue in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a critical role in joint function, and its morphology is therefore likely relatedto TMJ pain. Using histological sections of human foetuses as well as T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI), we measured the vascular content of retrodiscal tissue. MRI showing no pathology in and around the TMJ were obtained from18 young patients who had been suffering from headache. In 10 small foetuses (12-14 weeks of gestation) as well as 10 larger foetuses (30-37 weeks), the vascular content showed individual variations exceeding 5 times the minimum value (0.24 vs. 0.04 mm2 per 1 mm²), but no difference between foetal stages was evident. In the MRI from young adults, the variation was less than twice the minimum value (13.6 vs. 8.7 mm² per 100 mm²). The vascular density appeared to be lower in adults than in foetuses. In both foetuses and adults, the thickness (anteroposterior length) of the tissue did not correlate with the vascular sectional area. These findings suggest that the considerable inter-individual differences evident in the vascular content of foetal retrodiscal tissue may be reduced during further development.

Prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischaemic stroke by micro- and macroalbuminuria after intravenous thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is one of the most problematic complications to arise from intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). This study was conducted to assess whether micro- and macroalbuminuria could be associated with HT after IVT in patients with acute ischaemic stroke, and to investigate whether the value of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios would correlate with the degree of HT. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of stroke patients who had undergone IVT within 3 h of symptom onset. Albuminuria assessment was based on random morning spot urine collection with patients in a fasting state, the first morning after IVT. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether the presence of micro- and macroalbuminuria might be independent predictors of HT. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty-four patients were included in the study. Fifty-one patients had HT. The presence of micro- or macroalbuminuria was associated with HT after adjustment for variables with clinical significance (adjusting for age, atrial fibrillation, platelet counts, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, hypertension and diabetes mellitus; odds ratio, 2.542; 95% confidence interval, 1.106-5.841; P = 0.028). There were significant relationships between the presence of micro- and macroalbuminuria and types of HT. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the presence of micro- and macroalbuminuria after IVT could be a predictor of severe HT in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Factors associated with post-stroke anger proneness in ischaemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Factors related to post- stroke anger proneness (PSAP) are poorly studied. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of, and the factors related to, PSAP in the acute stage of stroke. Serotonin transporter protein genes and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) gene polymorphisms were also examined. METHODS: A total of 508 patients with acute IS were screened for PSAP at admission after stroke, using the modified Spielberger Trait Anger Scale. Blood samples were collected from each participant for DNA extraction and genotyping. The promoter of serotonin transporter protein (5-HTTLPR), the variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms within intron 2 (VNTR STin2), and the 30-bp functional VNTR polymorphism in the promoter region of the MAO-A gene (MAOA-uVNTR) were genotyped. RESULTS: Post- stroke anger proneness was present in 15.1% of patients at admission. The factors related to PSAP were diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05), previous stroke (P < 0.01), motor and sensory dysfunction (P < 0.01), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (P < 0.01), and MAO-A gene polymorphism (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that previous stroke (95% CI: 1.33-4.25, P < 0.01), NIHSS at admission (95% CI: 1.09-1.26, P < 0.01), and low MAO-A activity (95% CI: 1.19-3.47, P = 0.01) were the factors related to PSAP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that PSAP is relatively prevalent and that previous stroke, neurological dysfunction and the MAO-A gene are involved in the development of PSAP.

Eating rate is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in Korean adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Eating slowly is a crucial concept in behavioural nutrition and is recommended for weight management as it is believed to have an important effect on satiety control. This study aimed to determine whether or not eating rate is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 8775 Korean adults, who visited the Center for Health Promotion of Korea University Anam Hospital in Seoul, Korea. In male study participants, weight and body mass index (BMI) were found to depend on eating rate after adjusting for age, alcohol consumption, smoking, exercise and total energy intake. When adjusted for age, alcohol consumption, smoking, exercise and BMI, differences were found between the eating rate groups with respect to high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values, white blood cell (WBC) count and total energy intake. Female participants were found to be different from males in that diastolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and HDL-cholesterol values were significantly different between each eating rate group, while ALT and ALP values, WBC count and total energy intake were not. Compared with the slow eating rate group (>15 min), the fastest eating rate group (<5 min) had significantly increased odds ratios for cardiometabolic risk factors such as high glucose and low HDL-cholesterol levels in males, even after adjusting for BMI. CONCLUSION: Fast eating rates are associated with obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly in men. Thus, eating slowly is recommended for weight reduction and to decrease cardiovascular risk factors.

In vivo and in vitro analysis of low level light therapy: a useful therapeutic approach for sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin is a relatively common dermatologic condition and no optimal treatments have been established so far. Low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT) has been used for its biostimulative effect in various clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether low-level laser/light therapy can improve sensitive skin clinically and to evaluate the effects of LLLT on skin in vitro. Twenty-eight patients complaining of sensitive skin were treated with low-level polarized light, and clinical results were evaluated using subjective and objective method. To investigate possible working mechanism of LLLT on skin, cultured human keratinocytes pretreated with nontoxic concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were used. Cytokines released from irritated keratinocytes after LLLT were analyzed. All patients showed subjective and objective improvement after treatment. No adverse effects were reported. The average number of LLLT sessions required to achieve clinical improvement was 9.9, and cumulative dose of LLLT was 71.3 J/cm(2) on the average. Erythema index decreased significantly after LLLT treatment (p = 0.017). In vitro assay showed that LLLT significantly reduced the release of VEGF from SLS-pretreated keratinocytes (p = 0.021). Our results suggest that LLLT could be a useful and safe treatment modality for sensitive skin, and modification of inflammatory cytokines released from irritated keratinocytes may be considered as one of plausible mechanisms in sensitive skin treated with LLLT.

Effect of carcass traits on carcass prices of holstein steers in Korea.

The present study investigated the contribution of carcass traits on carcass prices of Holstein steers in Korea. Phenotypic data consisted of 76,814 slaughtered Holsteins (1 to 6 yrs) from all over Korea. The means for live body weight at slaughter (BWT), chilled carcass weight (CWT), dressing percentage (DP), quantity grade index (QGI), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF) and marbling score (MS), carcass unit price (CUP), and carcass sell prices (CSP) were 729.0 kg, 414.2 kg, 56.79%, 64.42, 75.26 cm(2), 5.77 mm, 1.98, 8,952.80 Korean won/kg and 3,722.80 Thousand Korean won/head. Least squares means were significantly different by various age groups, season of slaughter, marbling scores and yield grades. Pearson's correlation coefficients of CUP with carcass traits ranged from 0.12 to 0.62. Besides, the relationships of carcass traits with CSP were relatively stronger than those with CUP. The multiple regression models for CUP and CSP with carcass traits accounted 39 to 63% of the total variation, respectively. Marbling score had maximum economic effects (partial coefficients) on both prices. In addition, the highest standardized partial coefficients (relative economic weights) for CUP and CSP were calculated to be on MS and CWT by 0.608 and 0.520, respectively. Path analyses showed that MS (0.376) and CWT (0.336) had maximum total effects on CUP and CSP, respectively; whereas BF contributed negatively. Further sub-group (age and season of slaughter) analyses also confirmed the overall outcomes. However, the relative economic weights and total path contributions also varied among the animal sub-groups. This study suggested the significant influences of carcass traits on carcass prices; especially MS and CWT were found to govern the carcass prices of Holstein steers in Korea.

Daily skin care habits and the risk of skin eruptions and symptoms in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients are at high risk for skin problems because rapidly proliferating skin cells are susceptible to anticancer therapies. However, the effects of daily skin care habits on development of skin problems in cancer patients have rarely been studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey of daily skin care habits and the presence of skin problems in 866 cancer patients. RESULTS: Hot water bath>1 h significantly increased the risk of definite eruptions [odds ratio (OR) 4.09] and the risk of itching or pain on the skin (OR 1.73). Diligent use of moisturizers did not decrease the risk of definite eruptions and symptoms, and daily bathing, scrubbing off the skin while bathing, and sun protection did not influence the risk of definite eruptions and symptoms. Subgroup analysis of 183 breast cancer patients showed results similar to the total results, including that hot water bath>1 h significantly increased the risk of definite eruptions (OR 3.41). CONCLUSIONS: Being a cross-sectional study, our study could not prove causality. However, at the present stage of knowledge, avoidance of hot water baths of protracted duration should be first emphasized in patient education to prevent skin problems in cancer patients.

Superiority of conventional intensity-modulated radiotherapy over helical tomotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. A comparative plan analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare helical tomotherapy (HT) and conventional intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using a variety of dosimetric and radiobiologic indexes in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients with LA-NSCLC were enrolled. IMRT plans with 4-6 coplanar beams and HT plans were generated for each patient. Dose distributions and dosimetric indexes for the tumors and critical structures were computed for both plans and compared. RESULTS: Both modalities created highly conformal plans. They did not differ in the volumes of lung exposed to > 20 Gy of radiation. The average mean lung dose, volume receiving ≥ 30 Gy, and volume receiving ≥ 10 Gy in HT planning were 18.3 Gy, 18.5%, and 57.1%, respectively, compared to 19.4 Gy, 25.4%, and 48.9%, respectively, with IMRT (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). The differences between HT and IMRT in lung volume receiving ≥ 10-20 Gy increased significantly as the planning target volume (PTV) increased. For 6 patients who had PTV greater than 700 cm(3), IMRT was superior to HT for 5 patients in terms of lung volume receiving ≥ 5-20 Gy. The integral dose to the entire thorax in HT plans was significantly higher than in IMRT plans. CONCLUSION: HT gave significantly better control of mean lung dose and volume receiving ≥ 30-40 Gy, whereas IMRT provided better control of the lung volume receiving ≥ 5-15 Gy and the integral dose to entire thorax. In most patients with PTV greater than 700 cm(3), IMRT was superior to HT in terms of lung volume receiving ≥ 5-20 Gy. It is therefore advised that caution should be exercised when planning LA-NSCLC using HT.