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Sujin Lee,1 Jae Ho Chung,2 Ji Hyun Kim3 1Department of Neurology, International St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Internal Medicine, International St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Ji Hyun KimDepartment of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Guro-dong Ro 148, Guro-gu, Seoul, 08308, Republic of KoreaTel +82 2 26263171Email jhkim.merrf@gmail.comPurpose: There are few large studies evaluating the association between sleep quality and the risk of falls. We aimed to determine the independent effect of poor sleep quality on an increased risk of falls using a large-sample dataset.Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study using population-based data from the 2018 Korean Community Health Survey on 201,700 participants. Sociodemographic, mental health-related, and physical health-related variables as well as sleep quality evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were compared between 2499 fallers who have experienced at least one fall during the past 12 months and 199,201 non-fallers. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify sleep quality variables significantly associated with an increased risk of falls.Results: Fallers had poorer sleep quality (PSQI score > 5) and higher scores for global PSQI and individual PSQI components than did non-fallers (all p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders including socioeconomic, physical health-related, and mental health-related variables showed that an increased risk of falls was associated with poor sleep quality (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19– 1.42). Subgroup analyses by age revealed that poor sleep quality was significantly associated with an increased risk of falls in all three adult age groups. Multivariable logistic regression using the seven PSQI components revealed that an increased risk of falls was associated with short sleep duration (OR 1.14, CI 1.09– 1.20), increased sleep disturbances (OR 1.30, CI 1.16– 1.46), and increased daytime dysfunctions (OR 1.21, CI 1.08– 1.13).Conclusion: Poor sleep quality caused by short sleep duration may be a principal risk factor of falls in adult populations. Increased sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunctions may also contribute to an increased risk of falls. Our results have clinical and public health perspectives that increasing sleep duration and reducing daytime dysfunctions and sleep disturbances could mitigate unintentional falls.Keywords: falls, sleep quality, Pittsburgh sleep quality index

Chung Un Lee,1,&ast; Don Kyoung Choi,2,&ast; Jae Hoon Chung,1 Wan Song,1 Minyong Kang,1 Hyun Hwan Sung,1 Byong Chang Jeong,1 Seong Il Seo,1 Seong Soo Jeon,1 Hyun Moo Lee,1 Hwang Gyun Jeon1 1Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; 2Department of Urology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hwang Gyun JeonDepartment of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, KoreaTel +82-2-2148-9599Fax +82-2-3410-6992Email hwanggyun.jeon@samsung.comPurpose: We investigated compensatory structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after radical nephrectomy (RN) according to the presence of proteinuria.Patients and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 471 patients who underwent RN for RCC between October 2005 and December 2013. These patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of postoperative proteinuria (trace or greater (≥ 1+) urine dipstick). We obtained computed tomography images before and 1 year after surgery to calculate the functional renal volume (FRV). The preoperative and postoperative Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation-calculated glomerular filtration rates (CKD-EPI GFRs) per unit FRV (GFR/FRV) were used to calculate the degree of hyperfiltration.Results: The mean patient age was 54.7± 11.1 years, and the mean preoperative CKD-EPI GFR, FRV, and GFR/FRV were 89.3± 13.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, 357.2± 71.8 cm3, and 0.26± 0.05 mL/min/1.73 m2/cm3, respectively. The percentage reduction rate of the GFR was not significantly different according to the presence of proteinuria (normal: − 28.5± 11.6% vs proteinuria: − 28.7± 15%; p=0.902); however, the postoperative hypertrophic FRV in the remnant kidney was significantly different (normal: 17.5± 9.1% vs proteinuria: 13.8± 14.1%; p=0.001). Meanwhile, the change in the percentage rate of the GFR/FRV was not significantly different (normal: 21.1± 23% vs proteinuria: 23.8± 28.3%; p=0.324). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (p=0.010) and the GFR/FRV (p< 0.001) were significant predictors of postoperative proteinuria.Conclusion: Compensatory structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration are positive adaptations that reduce the occurrence of proteinuria.Keywords: nephrectomy, proteinuria, glomerular filtration rate, hypertrophy, renal cell carcinoma

Jong Geol Jang, Jin Hong Chung, Kyeong-Cheol Shin, Hyun Jung Jin, Kwan Ho Lee, June Hong Ahn Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University and Regional Center for Respiratory Diseases, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Kwan Ho Lee; June Hong AhnDepartment of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University and Regional Center for Respiratory Diseases, Yeungnam University Medical Center, 170 Hyeonchung-ro, Namgu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of KoreaTel +82-53-640-6601; +82-53-640-6577Fax +82-53-620-3849Email ghlee@med.yu.ac.kr; fireajh@gmail.comObjective: Critical inhaler handling errors are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, real-world data on inhaler device handling techniques and the risk factors for critical inhaler errors in the Asian population have been examined in only a few studies. We evaluated the rates and risk factors for critical inhaler errors in the COPD population in Korea.Methods: COPD patients were prospectively enrolled from January 2018 to November 2019. An advanced practice nurse evaluated their inhaler technique. The 308 inhalers used by the 261 participants in this study included dry powder inhalers (DPIs; Turbuhaler, Breezhaler, Ellipta, Diskus, Genuair), a soft mist inhaler (SMI; Respimat), and pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs).Results: The percentage critical errors for Turbuhaler, Breezhaler, Ellipta, Diskus, Genuair, Respimat, and pMDI usage were 60.0%, 41.0%, 27.8%, 12.5%, 44.4%, 45.5%, and 55.0%, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, female sex, short COPD duration, dissatisfaction with the inhaler (assessed by FSI-10), and moderate acute exacerbations (AEs) in the prior year were independent risk factors for any critical error in the DPI group. In the SMI group, a low education level and frequent AEs in the prior year were independent risk factors for any critical error, whereas a high COPD assessment test (CAT) score was the only risk factor in the pMDI group.Conclusion: Critical inhaler errors are common among patients with COPD, regardless of their preferred inhaler device. The rates and risk factors for critical inhaler errors differed among patients using different devices. Optimal device selection considering the risk factors of inhaler misusage will improve disease control in COPD patients.Keywords: COPD, inhalation therapy, error, risk factor

June Hong Ahn, Jin Hong Chung, Kyeong-Cheol Shin, Eun Young Choi, Hyun Jung Jin, Mi Suk Lee, Mi Jeong Nam, Kwan Ho Lee Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, South KoreaCorrespondence: Kwan Ho LeeDivision of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu 42415, South KoreaEmail ghlee@med.yu.ac.krObjective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) acute exacerbations are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. “Frequent exacerbator” phenotypes are considered a distinct subgroup and this phenotype has a negative effect on lung function, quality of life, activity, hospital admission, and mortality. We assess inhaler handling technique and adherence, and evaluate risk factors associated with frequent exacerbations in COPD patients.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, case-control study. We prospectively enrolled 189 COPD patients from Yeungnam University Hospital from January 2018 to November 2018. Subjects were tested regarding their inhaler technique in face-to-face interviews with an advanced practice nurse of inhaler upon study entry. Frequency of moderate to severe COPD exacerbations were reviewed via electronic medical records during 12 months prior to study entry. Frequent exacerbations were defined as ≥2 moderate to severe exacerbations in the prior 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for frequent exacerbations.Results: Among 189 COPD patients, 50 (26.5%) were frequent exacerbators. Based on univariate analyses, body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2, lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), higher mMRC, lower feeling of satisfaction with the inhaler, and any critical errors were potential risk factors for frequent exacerbations. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that BMI < 25 kg/m2 (OR, 2.855, 95% CI, 1.247–6.534; p=0.013), higher mMRC (OR, 1.625, 95% CI, 1.072–2.463; p=0.022), and any critical error (OR, 2.020, 95% CI, 1.021–3.999; p=0.044) were risk factors.Conclusion: Any critical error, BMI < 25 kg/m2 and high mMRC are independent risk factors for frequent exacerbations in COPD patients. Careful monitoring and education around inhaler devices, particularly in frequent exacerbators, are important components of COPD treatment.Keywords: COPD, inhalation therapy, drug use error, disease exacerbation

Jong Geol Jang,1 Jee Seon Kim,2 Jin Hong Chung,1 Kyeong Cheol Shin,1 June Hong Ahn,1 Mi Sook Lee,3 So Hee Bang,3 Da Yeong Park,3 Mee Jung Nam,3 Hyun Jung Jin,1,* Kwan Ho Lee1,* 1Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Semyeong Christianity Hospital, Pohang, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Education and Management Services, Yeungnam University Medical Center,College of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hyun Jung JinDivision of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, 170 Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu 42415, Republic of KoreaTel +82-53-640-6578Fax +82-53-640-6449Email jhj0619@yu.ac.krBackground: Despite the increasing prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worldwide, knowledge and awareness of COPD remain extremely low. This prospective study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of organized educational intervention.Patients and methods: The study participants included patients diagnosed with COPD and receiving inhaler treatment. In this prospective study, the patients made three sequential visits to the hospital (baseline, 1 month, 3 months). On their first and second visits, patients received systematic education about COPD. On their first and third visits, each patient was evaluated using a COPD Assessment Test, COPD Knowledge Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.Results: Fifty-five participants were enrolled in the study. The mean COPD knowledge score before and after education was 12.51±3.19 and 17.89±1.37, respectively, indicating a significant increase in the score post-education (P

Jin-Woo Park,1 Takao Hanawa,2 Jong-Hyuk Chung31Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Metallic Biomaterials, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; 3Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of KoreaPurpose: Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions have been used as promising bioactive ions in the surface chemistry modification of titanium (Ti) bone implants to increase bone regeneration capacity. However, it is not clear which (Ca or Mg) plays the more important role in the early osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) when applied to the surface of commercially available microstructured Ti implants. This study investigated the relative effect of these two ions on the early osteogenic functionality of primary mouse bone marrow MSCs in order to obtain insights into the surface design of Ti implants with enhanced early osteogenic capacity.Methods and results: Wet chemical treatment was performed to modify a microrough Ti implant surface using Ca or Mg ions. Both the Ca and Mg-incorporated surfaces accelerated early cellular events and the subsequent osteogenic differentiation of MSCs compared with an unmodified microrough Ti surface. Surface Mg modification exhibited a more potent osteoblast differentiation-promoting effect than the Ca modification. Surface Mg incorporation markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of β-catenin.Conclusion: These results indicate that alteration of the surface chemistry of microstructured Ti implants by wet chemical treatment with Mg ions exerts a more effect on promoting the early osteogenic differentiation of MSCs than Ca ions by enhancing early cellular functions, including focal adhesion development and stabilization of intracellular β-catenin.Keywords: divalent cations, surface chemistry, nanotopography, bone implant

Ijeoma M Muo,1 Sandra D MacDonald,2 Ritu Madan,3 Sung-Jun Park,1 Ahmed M Gharib,4 Pedro E. Martinez,5 Mary F Walter,3 Shanna B Yang,6 Justin A Rodante,7 Amber B Courville,6 Peter J Walter,8 Hongyi Cai,8 Michael Glicksman,3 Gioia M Guerrieri,5 Rivka R Ben-Dor,9 Ronald Ouwerkerk,4 Stephanie Mao,1 Jay H Chung1 1Laboratory of Obesity and Aging Research NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 2NHLBI Pulmonary Branch, Laboratory of Chronic Airway Infections, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 3Diabetes Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 4Biomedical and Metabolic Imaging Branch NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 5Section on Behavioral Endocrinology, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 6Clinical Center Nutrition Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 7Laboratory of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 8Mass Spectrometry Clinical Core, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; 9NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA Purpose: Roflumilast (Daliresp, Daxas) is a FDA-approved phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In mice and in limited human studies, this oral medication can cause weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity. We set out to determine the mechanism of its effect on insulin sensitivity. Patients and methods: Eight adults with overweight/obesity and prediabetes received roflumilast for 6 weeks. Before and after roflumilast, subjects underwent tests of insulin sensitivity, mixed meal test, body composition, markers of inflammation, and mitochondria function. Dietary intake and physical activity were also assessed. Our primary outcome was the change in peripheral insulin sensitivity, as assessed by the hyper-insulinemic euglycemic clamp. Results: This study was underpowered for the primary outcome. Pre- and post-roflumilast mean peripheral insulin sensitivity were 48.7 and 70.0 mg/g fat free mass/minute, respectively, (P-value=0.18), respectively. Among the mixed meal variables, roflumilast altered glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone the most, although the average effect was not statistically significant (P=0.18). Roflumilast induced a trend toward significance in 1) decreased energy intake (from 11,095 KJ to 8,4555 KJ, P=0.07), 2) decreased fat mass (from 34.53 to 32.97 kg, P=0.06), 3) decreased total and LDL cholesterol (P=0.06 for both variables), and 4) increased plasma free fatty acids (from 0.40 to 0.50 mEq/L, P=0.09) The interval changes in adiposity and free fatty acid were significantly associated with the subject’s age (P-value range=

Dong-Won Lee,1 Hyun-Jung Jin,2 Kyeong-Cheol Shin,2 Jin-Hong Chung,2 Hyoung-Woo Lee,3 Kwan-Ho Lee2 1Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Andong Sungso Hospital, Andong, 2Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, 3Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea Background: Sarcopenia and decreased bone-mineral density (BMD) are common in elderly people, and are major comorbidities of obstructive airway disease (OAD). However, the relationship between sarcopenia and BMD in each OAD phenotype, especially asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS), is not yet clear. We aimed to evaluate differences in BMD according to the presence of sarcopenia in each OAD phenotype. Materials and methods: Among the research subjects in KNHANES IV and V (2008–2011), 5,562 were ≥50 years old and underwent qualified spirometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A total of 947 subjects were included in the study: 89 had asthma, 748 COPD, and 110 ACOS. Results: In the COPD and ACOS phenotypes, T-scores were lower in the sarcopenia group than the nonsarcopenia group. Prevalence rates of osteopenia and osteoporosis were higher in the sarcopenia group than the nonsarcopenia group. (P

The respiratory system is often affected by complications of immunodeficiency, typically manifesting clinically as acute respiratory illness. Ongoing literature reviews regarding the appropriateness of imaging in these patients are critical, as advanced medical therapies such as stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive therapies for autoimmune disease continue to keep high the population of immunosuppressed patients in our health care system today. This ACR Appropriateness Criteria(®) topic describes clinical scenarios of acute respiratory illness in immunocompromised patients with cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fever; in those with negative, equivocal, or nonspecific findings on chest radiography; in those with diffuse or confluent opacities on chest radiography; and in those in whom noninfectious disease is suspected. The use of chest radiography, chest CT, transthoracic needle biopsy, and nuclear medicine imaging are all discussed in the contexts of these clinical scenarios. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fetal epignathus, a teratoma arising from the oropharynx that may be lethal, can be diagnosed prenatally.Case: A 29-year-old woman, gravida 1, was evaluated for an elevated alpha-fetoprotein level. Imaging evaluation revealed a fetal epignathus without intracranial extension. Preterm labor necessitated delivery at 27 5/7 weeks of gestation with ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure using a classical incision. The neonate's small size and short umbilical cord required complete exteriorization to secure the airway. Pathology revealed an immature teratoma.Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis of fetal epignathus is imperative so that all options can be discussed. An EXIT procedure may be necessary for airway management at birth. If preterm delivery is necessary, choice of uterine incision and fetal size are important factors to consider for a successful outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify CT findings that predict mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to identify CT findings that differentiate diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) from DAD with prominent histopathological features of organizing pneumonia (DAD-OP).Methods: Twenty-eight patients with ARDS (corroborated by open biopsy) and chest CT within 2 weeks of biopsy were included in our study. Differences in CT findings in patients with survivors versus nonsurvivors as well as for DAD versus DAD-OP were compared using Fisher's exact test.Results: Lung involvement of greater than 80%, RA/LA ratio >1, and varicoid traction bronchiectasis were statistically more common in nonsurvivors than in survivors (respective p values of 0.001, 0.008, and 0.038). PA dilation greater than 3 cm and RV/LV ratio greater than 0.9 were also more common in nonsurvivors than in survivors but these factors did not achieve significance. CT findings did not differentiate DAD from DAD-OP.Conclusion: Our study suggests that >80% of lung involvement, RA/LA ratio >1, and varicoid bronchiectasis predict mortality in patients with ARDS/DAD. Signs of right-sided heart failure (PA dilation greater than 3 cm and RV/LV ratio greater than 0.9) approached significance. CT findings did not differentiate DAD from DAD-OP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a drug used to treat hyperthyroidism. A number of adverse effects have been reported with this drug, including fever, agranulocytosis, skin rash, and vasculitis. PTU-induced interstitial pneumonia is rare--only three cases have been reported--and PTU-induced nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) has not been reported. We report a patient who developed NSIP after taking PTU for 1 year. She developed dyspnea, cough, and mild fever lasting 1 month, and a chest CT scan showed multifocal patchy consolidation in both lungs. She underwent a surgical lung biopsy, and NSIP was confirmed pathologically. The symptoms and abnormalities seen in the chest radiograph improved after withdrawal of PTU. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of pathologically proven PTU-induced NSIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chronic inflammatory process has been implicated in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present review focuses on the current knowledge of circulating serum and plasma biomarkers of AD that are linked to inflammatory reactions. There is abundant evidence that inflammatory mechanisms within the central nervous system contribute to cognitive impairment via cytokine-mediated interactions between neurons and glial cells. Interleukins 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, and 18, tumour necrosis factor, and several chemokines have been suggested as biomarkers of AD. Nonetheless, data on circulating cytokine levels are somewhat inconsistent with regard to peripheral cytokine dysregulation in AD. In summary, definite statements concerning differences in inflammatory biomarkers between controls and AD patients will require the use of sensitive multiplex assays in large patient groups in conjunction with measures of disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objectives: At the authors' level 1 trauma center, postgraduate year 3 and 4 radiology residents interpret urgent overnight imaging studies, which are reviewed by attending radiologists the next morning. The goals of this study were to determine the discrepancy rate for torso computed tomography between resident radiologists' preliminary interpretations and attending radiologists' final interpretations and to identify adverse patient events secondary to the delayed diagnoses. Materials and Methods: All torso computed tomographic studies interpreted by weekday night residents (8 pm to 8 am) from January 1, 2005, to March 13, 2007, were evaluated retrospectively. Major discrepancies between the residents' interpretations and the attending radiologists' interpretations were compiled. Exams with major discrepancies were additionally reviewed by two radiology residents and an attending emergency radiologist. The medical records of patients with major discrepant findings were also reviewed to identify adverse events that occurred because of the delays in final interpretation. Results: A total of 4768 chest, abdominal, and/or pelvic computed tomographic studies were interpreted during the study period. A total of 112 major discrepancies were collected. In 17 cases (15%), two additional radiology residents and an attending emergency radiologist agreed with the initial residents' interpretations, decreasing the major discrepancy rate to 95 of 4768 (2.0%), consistent with data from the literature (0.4%-10%). Management was changed in 16 patients (0.3%) because of the major discrepancies: 13 patients underwent additional investigations, and 3 patients were recalled to the emergency room. No mortality or morbidity was directly attributed to the delays in diagnosis. Conclusion: At the authors' institution, there was a 2.0% discrepancy rate between residents' preliminary interpretations and attending radiologists' final interpretations of overnight torso computed tomography, with a small rate of additional intervention as a result of the major discrepancies. No adverse patient effects were directly attributable to discrepant interpretations. In discrepant cases, there was a 15% disagreement rate (17 of 112) between attending radiologists, suggesting some degree of interreader variance in interpretation. In addition, this disagreement rate among attending radiologists may imply that these cases were complex. Because there is educational value in overnight call, independent radiology resident coverage should continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the differences of soluble endoglin (sEng) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) according to preeclamptic complications and to investigate the correlation between these factors and the clinical symptoms of preeclampsia. Method: We estimated the levels of sEng and TGF-beta1 in plasma collected in the second trimester at the time of genetic amniocentesis from 60 women who subsequently developed preeclampsia and 124 contemporaneous normotensive women. Results: sEng levels were higher in cases than in controls, whereas TGF-beta1 levels were lower (P < 0.001). sEng levels, but not TGF-beta1 levels, were higher in cases with severe or preterm delivery than in cases with mild preeclampsia or term delivery (P < 0.001) and were increased in cases destined to deliver a small gestational age neonate (P < 0.001). Moreover, sEng levels, but not TGF-beta1 levels, showed a positive correlation with maximum diastolic and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.57, P < 0.001; and r = 0.33, P < 0.001, respectively) and proteinuria (r = 0.42, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Early midtrimester plasma levels of sEng are predictive of subsequence occurrence and severity of preeclampsia, in terms of severity of hypertension and proteinuria, prematurity, and association with small for gestational age neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green tea is a popular worldwide beverage, and its potential beneficial effects such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties are believed to be mediated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of polyphenols. Recently, it was reported that EGCG might be useful in the prevention or treatment of androgenetic alopecia by selectively inhibiting 5alpha-reductase activity. However, no report has been issued to date on the effect of EGCG on human hair growth. This study was undertaken to measure the effect of EGCG on hair growth in vitro and to investigate its effect on human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in vivo and in vitro. EGCG promoted hair growth in hair follicles ex vivo culture and the proliferation of cultured DPCs. The growth stimulation of DPCs by EGCG in vitro may be mediated through the upregulations of phosphorylated Erk and Akt and by an increase in the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Similar results were also obtained in in vivo dermal papillae of human scalps. Thus, we suggest that EGCG stimulates human hair growth through these dual proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emphasis on bilateral hearing nowadays, bilateral cochlear implantation has been tried out for bilateral aural rehabilitation. Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss caused by head trauma can get help from cochlear implantation. We present the case of a 44-year-old man with bilateral otic capsule violating temporal bone fractures due to head trauma. The patient demonstrated much improved audiometric and psychoacoustic performance after bilateral cochlear implantation. We believe bilateral cochlear implantation in such patient can be a very effective tool for rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Concern regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of long-term survivors of thyroid cancer has risen due to the rapid increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer, which generally has an excellent prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of HRQOL in disease-free survivors of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and to evaluate the important determinants of HRQOL.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which we interviewed consecutive disease-free survivors of DTC. Three different validated questionnaires ("EORTC QLQ-C30" for various functional domains, the "brief fatigue inventory (BFI)" and the "hospital anxiety and depression scale" (HADS)) were used. Data from a large, population based survey of 1,000 people were used as a control.Results: The response rate for the questionnaires was 78.9% (316/401). Disease-free survivors of DTC showed a decreased HRQOL in all five functional domains (physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social) on the EORTC QLQ-C30 compared with controls (P < 0.01). BFI and HADS-anxiety scores also showed greater distress in disease-free survivors of DTC than in controls (P < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis for the determinants of HRQOL showed that the HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and BFI scores were the most significant components of decreased HRQOL.Conclusions: Although disease-free survivors of DTC are expected to have disease-specific survival comparable to the general population, they experience a significantly decreased HRQOL. Anxiety, depression, and fatigue were the major determinants of the decreased HRQOL. Supportive psychological care should be integrated into the management of long-term survivors of DTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, acutely stimulates production of nitric oxide (NO) from vascular endothelium to reduce hypertension and improve endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Herein, we explored additional mechanisms whereby EGCG may mediate beneficial cardiovascular actions. When compared with vehicle-treated controls, EGCG treatment (2.5 μM, 8 h) of human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) caused a ~three-fold increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein with comparable increases in HO-1 activity. This was unaffected by pretreatment of cells with wortmannin, LY294002, PD98059 or L-NAME (PI 3-kinase, MEK and NO synthase inhibitors, respectively). Pretreatment of HAEC with SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) or siRNA knockdown of p38 MAPK completely blocked EGCG-stimulated induction of HO-1. EGCG treatment also inhibited tumor-necrosis-factor-α-stimulated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and decreased adhesion of monocytes to HAEC. siRNA knockdown of HO-1, p38 MAPK or Nrf-2 blocked these inhibitory actions of EGCG. In HAEC transiently transfected with a human HO-1 promoter luciferase reporter (or an isolated Nrf-2 responsive region), luciferase activity increased in response to EGCG. This was inhibitable by SB203580 pretreatment. EGCG-stimulated expression of HO-1 and Nrf-2 was blocked by siRNA knockdown of Nrf-2 or p38 MAPK. Finally, liver from mice chronically treated with EGCG had increased HO-1 and decreased VCAM-1 expression. Thus, in vascular endothelium, EGCG requires p38 MAPK to increase expression of Nrf-2 that drives expression of HO-1, resulting in increased HO-1 activity. Increased HO-1 expression may underlie anti-inflammatory actions of EGCG in vascular endothelium that may help mediate beneficial cardiovascular actions of green tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PDGFRB is located on chromosome 5q31-q32, a chromosomal region identified by linkage analyses to contain a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia (SCZ). Recent research has focused on the role of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the pathogenesis of SCZ. D4 dopamine receptor-mediated transactivation of the gene encoding platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) has immediate effects on synaptic neurotransmission via calcium-dependent inactivation of NMDA receptors. In this study, we investigate the association between the PDGFRB gene and SCZ in a Korean population. We screened 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5'-upstream region of PDGFRB and conducted a case-control study of 381 SCZ patients and 752 controls. The genotype and haplotype frequencies of 3 of the 6 SNPs [SNP1 (g.-1924T>C, rs3756314), SNP3 (g.-1772A>G, rs3756312) and SNP4 (rs3756311, g.-1658G>A)] were significantly associated with SCZ [SNP1, corrected p=0.012 (co-dominant model), 0.002 (Dominant model), and 0.506 (Recessive model); SNP3 and 4, corrected p=0.003, 0.009, and 0.049]. Haplotype analysis also revealed that ht1 (CGG) and ht2 (TAA) were significantly associated with SCZ (ht1, corrected p=0.018, 0.340, and 0.010; ht2, corrected p=0.002, 0.009, and 0.016). Transient transfection in neuronal cells revealed that ht1 had higher luciferase activity than the vector alone. Furthermore, Pdgfrb expression was increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in a mouse model of SCZ induced by MK801. We conclude that SNPs of the 5'-upstream region of PDGFRB are associated with SCZ in a Korean population. These are weak positives that require future studies to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]