Association between E-Cigarette Smoking and Insulin Resistance Using the Triglyceride-Glucose Index in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background: Insulin resistance contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Smoking leads to an increase in triglyceride levels, which, in turn, increases insulin resistance. Although the number of e-cigarette users has increased in recent years, few studies have investigated the association between ecigarette use and insulin resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between e-cigarette use and insulin resistance using the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in Korean adults. Methods: This study included 4,404 healthy adults aged ≥20 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2019 and 2020. Participants were categorized as never-smokers or ecigarette users, and the TyG index was categorized into low- and high-TyG index groups according to the median value (9.22). A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between e-cigarette smoking and insulin resistance. Results: E-cigarette users had a higher TyG index than never smokers (e-cigarette: mean=3.95; never: mean=9.18; P<0.001). The e-cigarette users had a higher risk of being in the high TyG index group than never-smokers (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.84). In the subgroup analysis stratified by sex, age, and body mass index, a higher OR for a high TyG index was observed in men (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03-2.08) and individuals aged 60 years or older (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.14-12.30). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that e-cigarette use is significantly associated with insulin resistance.

Comment on Matsuo et al. Impact of Olfactory Change on Postoperative Body Weight Loss in Patients with Gastric Cancer after Gastrectomy. Nutrients 2024, 16, 851.

I read with interest the paper by Matsuo et al [...].

Effect of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components.

Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of ovarian function in women, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 [...].

Association between Breakfast Consumption Frequency and Chronic Inflammation in Korean Adult Males: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2018.

Background: Skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to examine the association between breakfast-eating habits and inflammation, using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker. Methods: A total of 4,000 Korean adult males with no history of myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or current smoking were included. Data from the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for analysis. The frequency of breakfast consumption was assessed through a questionnaire item in the dietary survey section asking participants about their weekly breakfast consumption routines over the past year. Participants were categorized into two groups, namely "0-2 breakfasts per week" and "3-7 breakfasts per week"; hs-CRP concentrations were measured through blood tests. Results: Comparing between the "infrequent breakfast consumption (0-2 breakfasts per week)" and "frequent breakfast consumption (3-7 breakfasts per week)" groups, the mean hs-CRP was found to be significantly higher in the "infrequent breakfast consumption" group, even after adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure, blood pressure medication, fasting blood glucose, and triglycerides (mean hs-CRP: frequent breakfast consumption, 1.36±0.09 mg/L; infrequent breakfast consumption, 1.17±0.05 mg/L; P-value=0.036). Conclusion: Less frequent breakfast consumption was associated with elevated hs-CRP levels. Further large-scale studies incorporating adjusted measures of daily eating patterns as well as food quality and quantity are required for a deeper understanding of the role of breakfast in the primary prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Association between Uric Acid Levels and the Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Carbonated Beverages in the Korean Population: The 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Elevated uric acid levels are linked with obesity and diabetes. Existing research mainly examines the relationship between sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage (SSB) consumption and uric acid levels. This study explored the association between the quantity and frequency of SSB consumption and elevated uric acid levels in Korean adults. Data from 2881 participants aged 19-64 years (1066 men and 1815 women) in the 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Serum uric acid levels were categorized into quartiles, with the highest defined as high uric acid (men, ≥6.7 mg/dL; women, ≥4.8 mg/dL). SSB consumption was classified into quartiles (almost never, <1 cup (<200 mL), 1-3 cups (200-600 mL), ≥3 cups (≥600 mL)) and frequency into tertiles (almost never, ≤1/week, ≥2/week). Multivariate logistic regression assessed the association, with separate analyses for men and women. Increased daily SSB consumption and frequency were significantly associated with high uric acid levels in men but not in women. After adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics, consuming ≥3 cups (≥600 mL) of SSBs per day and SSBs ≥ 2/week were significantly associated with high serum uric acid levels in men, but this association was not observed in women. The study concludes that increased SSB intake is linked to elevated uric acid levels in Korean men, but not in women.

The impact of repeated item development training on the prediction of medical faculty members' item difficulty index.

BACKGROUND: Item difficulty plays a crucial role in assessing students' understanding of the concept being tested. The difficulty of each item needs to be carefully adjusted to ensure the achievement of the evaluation's objectives. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether repeated item development training for medical school faculty improves the accuracy of predicting item difficulty in multiple-choice questions. METHODS: A faculty development program was implemented to enhance the prediction of each item's difficulty index, ensure the absence of item defects, and maintain the general principles of item development. The interrater reliability between the predicted, actual, and corrected item difficulty was assessed before and after the training, using either the kappa index or the correlation coefficient, depending on the characteristics of the data. A total of 62 faculty members participated in the training. Their predictions of item difficulty were compared with the analysis results of 260 items taken by 119 fourth-year medical students in 2016 and 316 items taken by 125 fourth-year medical students in 2018. RESULTS: Before the training, significant agreement between the predicted and actual item difficulty indices was observed for only one medical subject, Cardiology (K = 0.106, P = 0.021). However, after the training, significant agreement was noted for four subjects: Internal Medicine (K = 0.092, P = 0.015), Cardiology (K = 0.318, P = 0.021), Neurology (K = 0.400, P = 0.043), and Preventive Medicine (r = 0.577, P = 0.039). Furthermore, a significant agreement was observed between the predicted and actual difficulty indices across all subjects when analyzing the average difficulty of all items (r = 0.144, P = 0.043). Regarding the actual difficulty index by subject, neurology exceeded the desired difficulty range of 0.45-0.75 in 2016. By 2018, however, all subjects fell within this range. CONCLUSION: Repeated item development training, which includes predicting each item's difficulty index, can enhance faculty members' ability to predict and adjust item difficulty accurately. To ensure that the difficulty of the examination aligns with its intended purpose, item development training can be beneficial. Further studies on faculty development are necessary to explore these benefits more comprehensively.

Relationship between Pulse Pressure and Handgrip Strength in the Korean Population: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength and low physical performance, and it is closely related to the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Pulse pressure (PP) is a biomarker of arterial stiffness and compliance. Elevated PP levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. Nevertheless, the association between PP and sarcopenia has not yet been clearly established. Methods: Participant data were extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2014 to 2020. The study population was classified into three groups (PP < 40 mmHg, 40 mmHg ≤ PP < 60 mmHg, and PP ≥ 60 mmHg). PP was calculated by deducting the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure. For handgrip strength, the maximum value measured with a grip dynamometer was adopted (weak handgrip strength: <28 kg for men, <18 kg for woman; normal handgrip strength: ≥28 kg for men, ≥18 kg for women). To determine the relationship between PP and the prevalence of weak handgrip strength, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for possible confounding factors. Results: The higher PP group had a higher age, body mass index; systolic blood pressure, prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, and maximum handgrip strength. In all models, the prevalence of weak handgrip strength was significantly higher in the group with PP ≥ 60 mmHg compared to the control group (PP < 40 mmHg). Conclusions: Elevated PP was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of weak muscle strength. Thus, PP monitoring may be used to identify individuals at risk of sarcopenia and is helpful in improving health outcomes.

Comment on Krikorian et al. Early Intervention in Cognitive Aging with Strawberry Supplementation. Nutrients 2023, 15, 4431.

I read with interest the paper by Krikorian et al [...].

The association between reproductive period and handgrip strength in postmenopausal women: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Menarche and menopause are associated with muscle loss and strength in women. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable measurement method of muscle strength. However, it is unclear whether the entire reproductive period, which encompasses both menarche and menopause, is associated with HGS in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 2,354 postmenopausal women aged 45-75 years were included for statistical analysis. The reproductive period was divided into tertiles, and HGS was divided into four quartiles. HGS was measured to evaluate muscle strength. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors with the first quartile HGS, derived from quartile data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the reproductive period (exposure) and low HGS (outcome). RESULTS: We found that the more extended the reproductive period, the lower the risk of low absolute HGS. This trend persisted even after controlling for other variables. Specifically, the odds ratio for low absolute HGS was 0.752 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.563-1.000) for the second tertile reproductive period and 0.683 (95% CI, 0.513-0.900) for the third tertile reproductive period, with the first tertile reproductive period as the reference. The odds ratio for low relative HGS was 0.761 (95% CI, 0.551-1.052) for the second tertile reproductive period and 0.732 (95% CI, 0.533-0.972) for the third tertile reproductive period, using first tertile reproductive period as the reference, after covariate adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: A longer reproductive period is associated with a decreased risk of low HGS in postmenopausal women.

A Combination Study of Pre- and Clinical Trial: Seaweed Consumption Reduces Aging-Associated Muscle Loss!

Seaweed consumption in Asian food cultures may benefit longevity and age-related conditions like sarcopenia with aging. However, sarcopenia lacks a definitive treatment, and pharmaceutical options have limitations in efficacy and safety. Recent studies on aging female mice found that Ishige okamurae (IO), a brown algae, and its active compound diphloroethohydroxycarmalol improved sarcopenia. Further research is needed to understand the effects of seaweed consumption on sarcopenia in humans. This clinical trial divided participants into a test group (receiving 500 mg/kg IO supplementation, mean±SD; age 62.73±7.18 years, n=40) and a control group (age 63.10±7.06 years, n=40). Hazard analysis assessed vital signs and muscle strength improvement during the trial. Additionally, 12-month-old mice were oral-fed IO at different doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) for 6-weeks. Aging and muscle-wasting related markers were evaluated, including grip strength, body weight and compositions, serum-parameters, and molecular-changes. The clinical trial found no significant changes in toxicity-parameters between the groups (p<0.05) after 12-weeks of IO supplementation. The IO group exhibited a remarkable increase in lower-limb quadriceps muscle-strength compared to the control (p=0.002). Furthermore, IO treatment improved age-related decline in quadriceps strength in the subgroup; under 61-years-old (p=0.004), without significant differences in foot-dominancy between groups (p=0.171). In 12-month-old male mice, IO administration improved age-related deficiencies in grip strength (p>0.0001) and testosterone (p=0.0001). Muscular regeneration parameters, such as lean-mass (p>0.0001), inhibition of proteolysis (measured by changes in myogenin and atrogin-1 protein expressions), cross-sectional myofiber area (p>0.0001), number of satellite cells (p=0.0001), and increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes in muscle tissue indicative of mitochondrial biogenesis, were also improved by IO administration. This trial is the first to explore the positive association between consuming brown-algae IO and age-related decreases in muscle strength. IO treatment helps maintain muscle mass and delays muscle wasting during aging, suggesting it as a potent nutritional strategy to protect against aging-associated sarcopenia.

Effect of Combination Therapy with Ezetimibe and Statins versus Statin Monotherapy on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background and Objectives: Lipid-lowering agents such as ezetimibe are recommended in uncontrolled hyperlipidemia for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular and cerebral events. The effects of ezetimibe on CIMT have been inconsistently reported. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the effects of ezetimibe/statin and statin alone therapies on CIMT reduction. Materials and Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to 26 January 2023 with the MeSH keywords 'Ezetimibe' and 'Carotid Intima-Media Thickness'. The results were presented as standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals using the random-effect model method, and heterogeneity was assessed. Subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: Five RCTs with 642 participants were included. CIMT reduction was not significantly different between the ezetimibe/statin and statin alone groups. However, in subgroup analyses, CIMT in the ezetimibe/statin group was significantly reduced in patients with non-familial hypercholesterolemia (SMD: -0.34 mm and p = 0.002) and in patients with secondary prevention (SMD: -0.38 mm and p = 0.002). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly reduced in the ezetimibe/statin group (SMD: -0.58 mg/dL and p < 0.001). Conclusions: The effect of ezetimibe on CIMT reduction was shown in non-familial hypercholesterolemia and secondary prevention. These results suggest that the efficacy of ezetimibe may vary with potential CIMT reduction benefits in certain subpopulations.

Utilization of End-of-Life Care Rooms by Patients Who Died in a Single Hospice Unit at a National University Hospital in South Korea.

Purpose: For the dignity of patients nearing the end of their lives, it is essential to provide end-of-life (EoL) care in a separate, dedicated space. This study investigated the utilization of specialized rooms for dying patients within a hospice unit. Methods: This retrospective study examined patients who died in a single hospice unit between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Utilizing medical records, we analyzed the circumstances surrounding death, the employment of specialized rooms for terminally ill patients, and the characteristics of those who received EoL care in a shared room. Results: During the 1,825-day survey period, deaths occurred on 632 days, and 799 patients died. Of these patients, 496 (62.1%) received EoL care in a dedicated room. The average duration of using this dedicated space was 1.08 days. Meanwhile, 188 patients (23.5%) died in a shared room. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a longer stay in the hospice unit was associated with a lower risk of receiving EoL care in a shared room (odds ratio [OR]=0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97~0.99; P=0.002). Furthermore, a higher number of deaths on the day a patient died was associated with a greater risk of receiving EoL care in a shared room (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.33~2.08; P<0.001). Conclusion: To ensure that more patients receive EoL care for an adequate duration in a private setting, additional research is necessary to increase the number of dedicated rooms and incorporate them into the hospice unit at an early stage.

Weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective treatment for patients with morbid obesity and its comorbidities. However, many patients experience weight regain (WR) after achieving their nadir weight. Establishing the definition of WR is challenging as postoperative WR has various definitions. Risk factors for WR after MBS include anatomical, racial, hormonal, metabolic, behavioral, and psychological factors, and evaluating such factors preoperatively is necessary. Long-term regular follow-up and timely treatment by a multidisciplinary team are important because WR after surgery is multi-factorial. Although lifestyle interventions that focus on appropriate dietary education, physical activity education or interventions, and behavioral psychological interventions are suggested, more well-designed studies are needed because studies evaluating intervention methods and the effectiveness of WR prevention are lacking. Anti-obesity drugs can be used to prevent and manage patients with WR after MBS; however, more research is needed to determine the timing, duration, and type of anti-obesity drugs used to prevent WR.

Combined effect of polycan, a ß-glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans, and regular resistance exercise on muscle strength, biomarkers, and fitness profiles in adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Previous studies suggest that when combined with exercise, Aureobasidium pullulans-derived ß-glucan (APßG) may enhance muscle health and fitness profiles because of its ability to improve exercise-induced fatigue and preserve muscle mass. Objectives: The objective was to examine the combined effects and safety of APßG consumption and regular resistance exercise for 12 weeks on muscle strength, biomarkers, and fitness profiles in adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in adults aged ≥50 years with <110% of the standard lean mass. Eighty participants randomly received either 1000 mg of APßG per day or a placebo for 12 weeks. All participants underwent resistance training three times per week. At baseline and 12 weeks after treatment, we assessed their knee extension/flexion strength, handgrip strength, body composition, and biomarkers. We also evaluated Euro-QoL-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire, food intake, and physical activity at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: The combination of APßG and regular resistance exercise over 12 weeks resulted in a higher right knee flexion strength by 4.49 Nm (95% CI; -0.12-8.86 Nm; P = 0.044) than the placebo according to the intention-to-treat analysis. The combination intervention also led to a higher right knee flexion strength of 5.60 Nm (0.18-11.02 Nm; P = 0.043) and left knee flexion strength of 7.25 Nm (0.22-14.28 Nm; P = 0.043) than the placebo according to the per-protocol (PP) analysis. In addition, compared to the placebo, the combined intervention enhanced right-hand grip strength by 1.40 kg (0.19-2.61 kg; P = 0.024) and left-hand grip strength by 1.33 kg (0.01-2.65 kg; P = 0.048) according to PP analysis. The combined intervention also resulted in a more significant reduction in the time required for the 400 m walk test than the placebo. None of the participants experienced adverse events. Conclusion: APßG, in addition to regular resistance exercise, may enhance skeletal muscle strength and fitness in adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass.

Association between weekend catch-up sleep and hyperuricemia with insufficient sleep in postmenopausal Korean women: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperuricemia is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Efforts to lower the risk of hyperuricemia in various ways are needed as the prevalence of these diseases increases in postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that one of these methods is associated with adequate sleep duration, which is related to a low risk of hyperuricemia. Considering that it is difficult for people to get enough sleep in modern society, this study hypothesized that weekend catch-up sleep could be an alternative. To our knowledge, no past study has investigated the relation between weekend catch-up sleep and hyperuricemia in postmenopausal women. Hence, the aim of this research was to estimate the relation between weekend catch-up sleep and hyperuricemia with insufficient sleep in postmenopausal women during weekday or workday. METHODS: This study included 1,877 participants extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII. The study population was divided into weekend catch-up sleep and non-weekend catch-up sleep groups. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were derived using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Weekend catch-up sleep had a significantly lower prevalence of hyperuricemia after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio, 0.758 [95% confidence interval, 0.576-0.997]). In a subgroup analysis, weekend catch-up sleep of 1 to 2 hours was significantly correlated with a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio: 0.522 [95% confidence interval, 0.323-0.845]). CONCLUSIONS: Weekend catch-up sleep had a decreased prevalence of hyperuricemia in postmenopausal women with sleep deprivation.

Association between Sleep Duration and Presbycusis in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: Sleep duration is associated with hearing loss, especially presbycusis, which is the most common type of hearing loss; however, there is limited evidence regarding this association among the Korean population. We aimed to determine the relationship between sleep duration and high-frequency hearing loss in Korean adults aged ≥40 years. METHODS: We examined 5,547 Korean adults aged ≥40 years who completed audiometric tests and questionnaires regarding sleep duration during the 2010-2012 cycle of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mild presbycusis was defined as >25 decibels (dB) and <40 dB, whereas moderate-to-severe presbycusis was defined as >40 dB pure tone averages at high frequencies (3,000, 4,000, and 6,000 Hz) for both ears. Additionally, the sleep duration was divided into quartiles. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multivariable logistic regression after adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of presbycusis in South Korean adults was 62.1%, of which 61.4% showed moderate to severe presbycusis. The incidence of moderate-to-severe, but not mild, presbycusis showed a significant positive correlation with sleep duration. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that sleep duration is associated with the prevalence of presbycusis.

Comment on Sung et al. Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023, 15, 28.

I read with interest the paper by Sung et al. entitled "Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial" where a reduction in body fat mass after Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3) ingestion for 12 weeks was reported [...].

Effect of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg on weight- and health-related quality of life in an East Asian population: Patient-reported outcomes from the STEP 6 trial.

We assessed the effect of semaglutide 2.4 and 1.7 mg versus placebo on weight-related quality of life (WRQOL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the STEP 6 trial. Adults from East Asia (body mass index [BMI] ≥27.0 kg/m2 with ≥2 weight-related comorbidities, or ≥35.0 kg/m2 with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity) were randomized 4:1:2:1 to once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo, or semaglutide 1.7 mg or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention for 68 weeks. WRQOL and HRQOL were assessed from baseline to Week 68 using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite Clinical Trials Version (IWQOL-Lite-CT) and the 36-Item-Short-Form-Survey-version-2.0 acute (SF-36v2), with changes in scores by categories of baseline BMI (

Association between pulse pressure and low muscle mass in Korean adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Sarcopenia is characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength and is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events and increased mortality. Pulse pressure (PP) serves as a marker for changes in heart structure and function, as well as arterial stiffness. A high PP also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. However, the relationship between PP and sarcopenia is poorly understood. We used the data of participants of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) of 2008 to 2011. Participants were divided into a control group (PP < 40 mm Hg) and a high-PP group (PP ≥ 40 mm Hg). PP was calculated by subtracting the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from the systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the low muscle index was assessed using appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) normalized by body mass index (BMI). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between PP and the prevalence of low muscle mass, adjusting for potential confounders. The high-PP group had a higher age, SBP, DBP, and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia than the control group. The high-PP group had a higher prevalence of low muscle mass than the control group in all models. A high PP is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of low muscle mass. Therefore, PP monitoring may help identify individuals at risk of sarcopenia and guide interventions to improve health outcomes.