Search

Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) has been extensively investigated as a widely used training tool. However, previous studies mostly applied the WBV on synchronous or side alternating vibration platform devices. The present study was aimed to investigate the electromyographic activity of trunk and lower-extremity muscles as one stands on a flat floor, and during horizontal whole-body vibration (WBV). This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Sixteen healthy adults participated in the study. The electromyographic activity of the trunk and lower extremity muscles was collected while the participants stood on either a flat floor or a WBV device moving horizontally. Electromyography (EMG) was used to record the activity of trunk and lower extremity muscles (erector spinae, rectus abdominalis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius). The rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles showed significantly higher muscle activation on the horizontal WBV device than on the flat floor (p<0.05). In particular, the electromyographic activity of Lt. rectus femoris (23.0vs14.3), Rt. rectus femoris (32.7vs15.1), Lt. tibiailis anterior (19.0vs9.8) Rt. tibiailis anterior (17.8vs7.9), and of the Lt. gastrocnemius (41.5vs15.7), Rt. gastrocnemius (32.7vs13.0) increased on the horizontal WBV device than on the flat floor. The muscle activity of the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles proved to be higher when the participants stood on the WBV device vibrating in a horizontal direction than on the flat floor. Further studies need to investigate the clinical applicability of horizontal WBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate clinical and laboratory parameters that could predict which patients could maintain adequate glycemic control after switching from initial insulin therapy to oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: We recruited 275 patients with T2D who had been registered in 3 cohorts of initiated insulin therapy and followed up for 33 months. The participants were divided into 2 groups according to whether they switched from insulin to OHAs (Group I) or not (Group II), and Group I was further classified into 2 sub-groups: maintenance on OHAs (Group IA) or resumption of insulin (Group IB). Results: Of 275 patients with insulin initiation, 63% switched to OHAs (Group I) and 37% continued insulin (Group II). Of these, 44% were in Group IA and 19% in Group IB. The lowest tertile of baseline postprandial C-peptide-to-glucose ratio (PCGR), higher insulin dose at switching to OHAs, and higher HbA1c level at 6 months after switching to OHAs were all associated with OHA failure (Group IB; p=0.001, 0.046, and 0.014, respectively). The lowest tertile of PCGR was associated with ultimate use of insulin (Group IB and Group II; p=0.029). Conclusion: Higher baseline level of PCGR and lower HbA1c levels at 6 months after switching to OHAs may be strong predictors for the successful maintenance of OHAs after switching from insulin therapy in Korean patients with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It is often difficult to discriminate focal lymphocytic thyroiditis (FLT) or adenomatous hyperplasia (AH) from thyroid cancer if they both have suspicious ultrasound (US) findings. We aimed to make a predictive model of FLT from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in suspicious nodules with benign cytologic results. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 214 patients who had undergone fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and had shown thyroid nodules with suspicious US features. PTC was confirmed by surgical pathology. FLT and AH were confirmed through more than two separate FNABs. Clinical and biochemical findings, as well as US features, were evaluated. Results: Of 214 patients, 100 patients were diagnosed with PTC, 55 patients with FLT, and 59 patients with AH. The proportion of elevated thyrotropin (TSH) levels (p=0.014) and thyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab) or thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) positivity (p<0.001) in the FLT group was significantly higher than that in the PTC group. Regarding US features, absence of calcification (p=0.006) and "diffuse thyroid disease" (DTD) pattern on US (p<0.001) were frequently seen in the FLT group. On multivariate analysis, Tg-Ab positivity, presence of a DTD pattern on US, and absence of calcification in nodules were associated with FLT with the best specificity of 99% and positive predictive value of 96%. In contrast, a taller than wide shape of nodules was the only variable significant for differentiating AH from PTC. Conclusion: Suspicious thyroid nodules with cytologic benign results could be followed up with US rather than repeat FNAB, if patients exhibit Tg-Ab positivity, no calcifications in nodules, and a DTD pattern on US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]