Decision support system for the prognostication of sarcopenia in adult women: Machine learning analysis using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data

Background@#We used machine learning and population-based data for analyzing the determinants of sarcopenia in adult women and developing its decision support systems for various subgroups. @*Methods@#All data was acquired from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and women 18 years and older were included in this research. The variables were selected based on female characteristics and the ability to be acquired in a survey format, and were ranked by importance using Random Forest. From this ranking, four main variables were selected, age, menopause age, menarche age and number of pregnancy. A decision supporting system was constructed based on a tree randomly selected from Random Forest. @*Results@#We defined sarcopenia as -2SD below the appendicular skeletal mass (ASM) index reference of 0.5136, and 89.87% (n = 8,610) were found non-sarcopenic and 10.13% (n = 971) were found sarcopenic. The subjects were divided into 6 groups based on menopausal status and BMI. The obese postmenopausal women had the highest number of sarcopenia, whereas the non-obese premenopausal women had the least number of sarcopenic subjects. In non-obese premenopausal women, which was considered to be at the lowest risk for sarcopenia, the most determining variable was the menarche age, followed by age and number of pregnancies. In obese and postmenopausal women, which was considered to be at the highest risk for sarcopenia, the most influential factor was the menopausal age, followed by age and menarche age. @*Conclusions@#We identified the major determinants of sarcopenia using machine learning and population-based data. This study demonstrated the strengths of the random forest as an effective decision support system for each stratified subgroup to find its own optimal cut-off points for the major variables of sarcopenia.

A New Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, MHY4381, Induces Apoptosis via Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors represent a novel class of anticancer agents, which can be used to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in several types of cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of MHY4381, a newly synthesized HDAC inhibitor, against human prostate cancer cell lines and compared its efficacy with that of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a well-known HDAC inhibitor. We assessed cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and other biological effects in the prostate cancer cells. We also evaluated a possible mechanism of MHY4381 on the apoptotic cell death pathway. The IC50 value of MHY4381 was lower in DU145 cells (IC50=0.31 μM) than in LNCaP (IC50=0.85 μM) and PC-3 cells (IC50=5.23 μM). In addition, the IC50 values of MHY4381 measured in this assay were significantly lower than those of SAHA against prostate cancer cell lines. MHY4381 increased the levels of acetylated histones H3 and H4 and reduced the expression of HDAC proteins in the prostate cancer cell lines. MHY4381 increased G2/M phase arrest in DU145 cells, and G1 arrest in LNCaP cells. It also activated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which induced apoptosis in the DU145 and LNCaP cells by increasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and releasing cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. Our results indicated that MHY4381 preferentially results in antitumor effects in DU145 and LNCaP cells via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and ROS-facilitated cell death pathway, and therefore can be used as a promising prostate cancer therapeutic.

A New Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, MHY219, Inhibits the Migration of Human Prostate Cancer Cells via HDAC1

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are considered novel agents for cancer chemotherapy. We previously investigated MHY219, a new HDAC inhibitor, and its potent anticancer activity in human prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we evaluated MHY219 molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of prostate cancer cell migration. Similar to suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), MHY219 inhibited HDAC1 enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner. MHY219 cytotoxicity was higher in LNCaP (IC50=0.67 muM) than in DU145 cells (IC50=1.10 muM) and PC3 cells (IC50=5.60 muM) after 48 h of treatment. MHY219 significantly inhibited the HDAC1 protein levels in LNCaP and DU145 cells at high concentrations. However, inhibitory effects of MHY219 on HDAC proteins levels varied based on the cell type. MHY219 significantly inhibited LNCaP and DU145 cells migration by down-regulation of matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-2 and induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). These results suggest that MHY219 may potentially be used as an anticancer agent to block cancer cell migration through the repression of MMP-1 and MMP-2, which is related to the reduction of HDAC1.

Development of Geometric Calibration Method for Triple Head Pinhole SPECT System / 핵의학분자영상

PURPOSE: Micro-pinhole SPECT system with conventional multiple-head gamma cameras has the advantage of high magnification factor for imaging of rodents. However, several geometric factors should be calibrated to obtain the SPECT image with good image quality. We developed a simplified geometric calibration method for rotating triple-head pinhole SPECT system and assessed the effects of the calibration using several phantom and rodent imaging studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Trionix Triad XLT9 triple-head SPECT scanner with 1.0 mm pinhole apertures were used for the experiments. Approximately centered point source was scanned to track the angle-dependent positioning errors. The centroid of point source was determined by the center of mass calculation. Axially departed two point sources were scanned to calibrate radius of rotation from pinhole to center of rotation. To verify the improvements by the geometric calibration, we compared the spatial resolution of the reconstructed image of Tc-99m point source with and without the calibration. SPECT image of micro performance phantom with hot rod inserts was acquired and several animal imaging studies were performed. RESULTS: Exact sphere shape of the point source was obtained by applying the calibration and axial resolution was improved. Lesion detectibility and image quality was also much improved by the calibration in the phantom and animal studies. CONCLUSION: Serious degradation of micro-pinhole SPECT images due to the geometric errors could be corrected using a simplified calibration method using only one or two point sources.

A Case of Invasive Fungal Sinusitis Accompanied with Inflammatory Pseudotumor in Skull Base / 대한이비인후과학회지

Skull base osteomyelitis typically arises as a complication of ear infection in older diabetic patients, but atypical skull base osteomyelitis arising from the sphenoid or occipital bones without external otitis can occur much less frequently and initially may present headache as the only symptom. Inflammatory pseudotumor is an idiopathic condition characterized by the sclerosing inflammation, which mimicks a neoplastic process. Inflammatory pseudotumor involving skull base and cervical spine is distinctly rare and usually indistinguishable from aggressive neoplasms or infection at these area. We report a case which was confirmed histologcally as invasive fungal sinusitis accompanied with inflammatory pseudotumor: the treatment consisted of amphotericin B and systemic steroid therapy but ended in a failure.

Effects of Middle Meatal Antrostomy on Ciliary Beat Frequency and Histopathology of the Nasal Mucosa in Experimentally Induced Maxillary Sinusitis in Rabbits / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to observe the effects of middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and histopathology of the nasal mucosa in experimentally induced maxillary sinusitis in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Maxillary sinusitis was induced in both maxillary sinuses (MSs) of 30 Pasturella-free New Zealand white rabbits by partially occluding the natural ostium and inoculating with P. aeruginosa. After 4 weeks, the MS and inferior turbinate mucosae were obtained in 5 rabbits. In the remaining 25 rabbits, the ostia were reopened. Five rabbits were sacrificed 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks after MMA, respectively and the MS and inferior turbinate mucosae were obtained. Another 5 normal rabbits were used as a control group. CBF was measured by video-computerized analysis. Degree of inflammation in histopathology was graded using a 100-point scale of inflammation score. CBF and inflammation score were compared among the 6 experimental and control groups. RESULTS: CBF of the MS mucosa significantly improved after MMA in a time-dependent pattern, but did not reach a normal level even after 12 weeks. CBF of the inferior turbinate mucosa significantly improved after MMA in a time-dependent pattern, and reached a normal level after 12 weeks. Inflammation scores of the MS and inferior turbinate mucosae were significantly decreased after MMA in a time-dependent pattern. However, they did not reach a normal level of the control group even after 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: MMA can improve not only the primary inflammation of the MS mucosa but also functionally and morphologically improve the secondarily developed inflammation of the nasal mucosa in experimentally induced maxillary sinusitis in rabbits.

Laser-Assisted versus Coblation-Assisted Partial Turbinoplasty: Comparison by Their Postoperative Outcome / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conventional turbinoplasty and laser-assisted partial turbinoplasty (LAPT) are commonly performed to control nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Coblation, one of radiofrequency electrosurgeries, has recently been introduced as a new treatment modality for turbinate surgery. The aim of the current study is to compare the postoperative outcome of Coblation-assisted partial turbinoplasty (CAPT) with that of LAPT. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Forty-one patients with nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy refractory to medical therapy were prospectively evaluated with a follow-up period of 6 months. Twenty-one patients (42 sides) were treated with LAPT, and 20 patients (39 sides) with CAPT. Postoperative changes in degree of nasal obstruction, minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and nasal volume from the nostril to 5 cm posteriorly (V5), operation time, duration of crust formation, operation-associated pain, intraoperative bleeding and episodes of delayed bleeding were compared between the two surgical methods. RESULTS: Crust was formed for a shorter postoperative period and operation-associated pain was less in the LAPT group. Nasal patency (MCA and V5) was more improved and operation time was shorter in the CAPT group. However, there were no significant differences in improvement of nasal obstruction and operation-associated bleeding between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Thorough knowledge of advantages and limitations of LAPT and CAPT is required for clinicians to make appropriate use of surgical tools for the given patient characteristics and medical environment.

Variation in Patient Days and Medical Care Benefits Among Finger-Amputated Industrial Injuries / 대한산업의학회지

No abstract available.

Effects of Number and Method of Visual Stimuli on Simple Reaction Time / 대한산업의학회지

In. order to evaluate the effects of number and method of visual stimuli on simple reaction time and determine the proper number of trials, simple reaction time of the computerized test of NTOS (Neurobehavioral Test for Occupational Screening) was carried out on 240 medical students. The prominent difference was found between male and female on simple reaction time. Regarding the effect of number based on the parameters of measures and the purpose of test itself, 64 trials was considered as proper number. The mean reaction time was different according to the methods of visual stimuli, such as color and size(p<0.05). The larger and more intence visual stimuli were, the faster sim-ple reaction time was. In respect to sex, that difference was similar. But, there was no difference depending upon whether the each result of each trial was showed on the monitor. The subjects, however, showed much interest when the result showed. Further studies, including the various variables on visual stimuli, are required to compare among various studies.

Development of Korean Computerized Neurobehavioral Tests arid Evaluation of Applicability / 대한산업의학회지

We tried to develop Korean computerized neurobehavioral tests to promote neurobehavioral research and screening in occupational setting in Korea. This program was designated Neurobehavioral Tests for Occupational Screening (NTOS). NTOS consisted of 3 test items, choice reaction time (2 choice and 4 choice), simple reaction time (visual and auditory stimulus), finger tapping test (both hands). NTOS was administered to 120 students of medical school and to evaluate applicability. The results of reaction time tests was positively skewed but finger tapping test was negatively skewed. The only data that was not skewed was the mean frequency of finger tapping of dominant hand. The means and standard deviations of choice reaction time were 429.7 msec and 109.8 msec (2 choice), 493. 6 msec and 92.0 msec (4 choice). The results of simple reaction time were 254 msec (mean) and 55 msec (standard deviation). The mean frequency of finger tapping of dominant hand was 77.2 and that of nondominant hand was 64.9. The results of 2 choice reaction time test and finger tapping of dominant hand showed statistically significant sex difference. Factor analysis showed 2 factors, 1st reaction tests and 2nd tapping. The mean frequency of finger tapping had negative weak correlation with other reaction time test results. This computerized neurobehavioral tests may be widely applied in the other future studies, and is to be improved for the practical purpose of the occupational neurotoxico-logical area.

Trace of Occupational History on Lung Cancer Patients / 대한산업의학회지

The relationship between occupation and risk of lung cancer was analyzed in hospital based case-control study conducted in Taegu on 168 patients with histologicatly confirmed lung cancer and age group (30-39, 40-49, etc) and sex frequency-matched 168 controls admitted into hospitals for other internal medicine problems. A self administered questionnaire was used to obtain occupation, resident environment, smoking histories and specific agent exposure histoy. The conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio for age group and sex frequency matched, after controlling for smoking status (non smoker, exsmoker, current smoker) Significant association was observed for farmer[odds ratio(OR), 1.84 , 95% confidence interval(CI), 1.16-2.94], briquette stove users(OR, 3.0 , 95% CI, 1.06-8.25), agricultural chemicals users[0R, 2.14 , 95% CI, 1.35-3.37], and welding/fume exposures[0R, 10.56 ;95% CI, 1.07~103.90]. Although there were elevated risks associated with production, home industry, transportation/storage/communication, lodgement/food worker and construction, none were statistically significant.The effect of smoking was showed significantly increased risk for exsmoker [0R, 4.50 ,95% CI, 1.99-10.16] and current smoker [OR, 3.98 , 95% Cl, 1.88-8.45] As results, although smoking is important risk of lung cancer, occupation and resident environment are showing association of lung cancer. So further evaluation is necessary for occupation risk and take preventive measures.

Prevalence of Preipheral arterial diseases(PAD) used by edinburgh claudication questionnaire among the elderly people in rural communities / 예방의학회지

Peripheral arterial disease(PAD) is a major health problem in the elderly population, so prevalence of PAD is investigated using Edinburgh claudication questionnaire. Subjects were over 65 years old in the kyeongsan county. The prevalence of PAD was 9.0% in total population(8.5% in men, 9.3% in women). definite claudication was 3.9%, atypical claudication was 5.l%. and, grade 1 was 4.4%, grade 2 was 4.6%. The prevalence of PAD was increased with age but not statistically significant. There was no difference of PAD by gender and smoking. PAD was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure positively. But, unexpectedly, PAD was significantly associated with BMl negatively. PAD are important elderly health problem in the our country. so the etiology and preventive methods of PAD will be researched on our country population.

Weighted Needle Pinprick Sensory Threshold (WPT) and Arthropornetric Parameters / 대한산업의학회지

To assess the relationship of pinprick sensory threshold with height and weight, Ninety seven healthy young (age 19 to 28) males were tested on their anatomical snuff box of both Hands. Their WPT was measured by device holding and moving weighted needle sensory threshold apparatus. Mean of the WPT was 0.43(+/-0.24) g in left and, 0.53( 0.30) g in right hand. Difference of WPT between the right and left hand appeared statistically significant (p<0.01) . Correlation coefficient of WPT with height was 0.26461 (p<0.01) in left and, 0.31856 (p<0.01) in right hand. Weight was statistically significantly correlated with WPT in left hand (r=0.24932, p<0.01) The study shows that the left-right difference and influence of height in pinprick sense may exist in normal healthy male adults.