Effects of the Chin-Tuck Maneuver on Anatomical Changes and Angles during Swallowing:A Systematic Review / 대한연하장애학회지

Objective@#This study aimed at providing a critical review of the overall benefits of the chin-tuck maneuver through a systematic review of its effects when used in the treatment of dysphagia, as well as to provide basic data for a comparative analysis in future studies. @*Methods@#To identify academic papers on the chin-tuck maneuver published from January 2000 to January 2021, a literature search on three databases was performed using keywords, including chin-tuck, dysphagia, and head flexion. Out of the 712 related papers identified, the methodological characteristics and results of 12 selected studies were reviewed. @*Results@#Nine of the 12 studies found that the chin-tuck position not only helped in the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) but also reduced pharyngeal residues and prevented aspiration and penetration. In addition, three studies analyzed the position of the neck flexion angle and the changing angle when performing the chin-tuck maneuver. @*Conclusion@#This shows that the chin-tuck maneuver is an effective strategy in the treatment of dysphagia. In future studies, further investigation of the posture, angles, and effects of the chin-tuck maneuver, could help identify additional benefits of this treatment.

Non-compartmental data analysis using SimBiology and MATLAB

MATLAB® is widely used for numerical analysis, modeling, and simulation. One of MATLAB's tools, SimBiology®, is often used for pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic model and dynamic systems; however, SimBiology seems to be rarely used for non-compartmental analysis (NCA), and the published official documentation provides a poor description of the analysis algorithm for NCA. Therefore, we conducted NCAs with a hypothetical dataset and some scenarios and compared the results. According to the results of this study, SimBiology estimates parameters using the unweighted linear regression for the terminal slope and linear interpolation method. Moreover, although the documentation describing the actual analysis algorithm used to process non-numeric data is not easily accessible to users, users may introduce numeric data at time zero to perform NCA properly. Using the command window, users can perform analyses more quickly and effectively. If the NCA official documentation were improved, SimBiology might be more widely adopted to perform NCA in clinical pharmacology.

Introduction to in silico model for proarrhythmic risk assessment under the CiPA initiative

In 2005, the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) established cardiotoxicity assessment guidelines to identify the risk of Torsade de Pointes (TdP). It is focused on the blockade of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel known to cause QT/QTc prolongation and the QT/QTc prolongation shown on the electrocardiogram. However, these biomarkers are not the direct risks of TdP with low specificity as the action potential is influenced by multiple channels along with the hERG channel. Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiative emerged to address limitations of the current model. The objective of CiPA is to develop a standardized in silico model of a human ventricular cell to quantitively evaluate the cardiac response for the cardiac toxicity risk and to come up with a metric for the TdP risk assessment. In silico working group under CiPA developed a standardized and reliable in silico model and a metric that can quantitatively evaluate cellular cardiac electrophysiologic activity. The implementation mainly consists of hERG fitting, Hill fitting, and action potential simulation. In this review, we explained how the in silico model of CiPA works, and briefly summarized current overall CiPA studies. We hope this review helps clinical pharmacologists to understand the underlying estimation process of CiPA in silico modeling.

Stability of periodontally compromised teeth after splint and non-surgical therapy: two cases followed-up for 1 to 3 years

This article describes cases of applying non-surgical treatment including scaling and root planing, occlusal adjustment and tooth splinting of periodontally compromised lower anterior incisors Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed over a 1–3-year period. All clinical parameters and radiographic bone levels improved in both cases. Dramatic regeneration of alveolar bone and lamina dura were observed on radiographic images, and no specific complications occurred during the follow-up period. Within the limitations of this study, these cases demonstrated the possibility of tooth rescue through non-surgical treatment and splinting of periodontally compromised teeth typically considered for extraction.

The first step to the powers for clinical trials: a survey on the current and future Clinical Trial Management System

A clinical trial management system (CTMS) is a comprehensive program that supports an efficient clinical trial. To improve the environment of clinical trials and to be competitive in the global clinical trials market, an advanced and integrated CTMS is necessary. However, there is little information about the status of CTMSs in Korea. To understand the utilization of current CTMSs and requirements for a future CTMS, we conducted a survey on the subjects related to clinical trials. The survey was conducted from July 27 to August 16, 2017. The total number of respondents was 596, and 531 of these responses were used. Almost half of the respondents were from hospitals (46%). The proportion of respondents who are currently using a CTMS was the highest for contract research organizations at 59%, whereas the proportion used by investigators was 39%. The main reason for not using a CTMS was that it is unnecessary and expensive, but it showed a difference between workplaces. Many respondents frequently used CTMSs to check the clinical trial schedule and progress status, which was needed regardless of workplace. While two-thirds of users tended to be satisfied with their current CTMS, there were many users who felt their CTMS was inconvenient. The most requested function for a future CTMS was one that could be used to manage the project schedule and subject enrollment status. Additionally, a systematic linkage to electronic medical records, including prescription and laboratory test results, and a function to confirm the participation history of subjects in other hospitals were requested.

Trends in the incidence of tooth extraction due to periodontal disease: results of a 12-year longitudinal cohort study in South Korea

PURPOSE: This study evaluated trends in tooth extraction due to acute and chronic periodontal disease (PD) using data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort for 2002–2013. METHODS: A random sample of 1,025,340 individuals was selected as a representative sample of the population, and a database (DB) of diagnostic and prescription codes was followed up for 12 years. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess the incidence of total extraction (TE), extraction due to periodontal disease (EPD), and immediate extraction due to periodontal disease (IEPD) according to sociodemographic factors (sex, age, household income, health status, and area of residence). RESULTS: The incidence of tooth extraction was found to be increasing, and at a higher rate for TE in PD patients. In 2002, 50.6% of cases of TE were caused by PD, and this increased to 70.8% in 2013, while the number of cases of IEPD increased from 42.8% to 54.9% over the same period. The incidence rates of extraction due to acute and chronic PD increased monotonically. We found that the incidence rates of TE, EPD, and IEPD were all 2-fold higher among patients with high income levels and those who were not beneficiaries of health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of TE, EPD, and IEPD have been steadily increasing despite dental healthcare policies to expand public health insurance coverage, increasing the accessibility of dental clinics. Moreover, the effects of these policies were found to vary with both income and education levels. Consistent patient follow-up is required to observe changes in trends regarding tooth extraction according to changes in dental healthcare policies, and meticulous studies of such changes will ensure optimal policy reviews and revisions.

Statins Increase Mitochondrial and Peroxisomal Fatty Acid Oxidation in the Liver and Prevent Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common form of chronic liver disease in industrialized countries. Recent studies have highlighted the association between peroxisomal dysfunction and hepatic steatosis. Peroxisomes are intracellular organelles that contribute to several crucial metabolic processes, such as facilitation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and removal of reactive oxygen species through catalase or plasmalogen synthesis. Statins are known to prevent hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but underlying mechanisms of this prevention are largely unknown. METHODS: Seven-week-old C57BL/6J mice were given normal chow or a methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCDD) with or without various statins, fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin (15 mg/kg/day), for 6 weeks. Histological lesions were analyzed by grading and staging systems of NASH. We also measured mitochondrial and peroxisomal FAO in the liver. RESULTS: Statin treatment prevented the development of MCDD-induced NASH. Both steatosis and inflammation or fibrosis grades were significantly improved by statins compared with MCDD-fed mice. Gene expression levels of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) were decreased by MCDD and recovered by statin treatment. MCDD-induced suppression of mitochondrial and peroxisomal FAO was restored by statins. Each statin's effect on increasing FAO and improving NASH was independent on its effect of decreasing cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: Statins prevented NASH and increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal FAO via induction of PPARα. The ability to increase hepatic FAO is likely the major determinant of NASH prevention by statins. Improvement of peroxisomal function by statins may contribute to the prevention of NASH.

Infection Status of Zoonotic Trematode Metacercariae in Fishes from Vientiane Municipality and Champasak Province in Lao PDR

The infection status of fishborne zoonotic trematode (FZT) metacercariae was investigated in fishes from 2 localities of Lao PDR. Total 157 freshwater fishes (17 species) were collected in local markets of Vientiane Municipality and Champasak Province in December 2010 and July 2011, and each fish was examined by the artificial digestion method. Total 6 species of FZT metacercariae, i.e., Opisthorchis viverrini, Haplorchis taichui, Haplorchis yokogawai, Haplorchis pumilio, Centrocestus formosanus, and Procerovum varium, were detected in fishes from Vientiane Municipality. The metacercariae of O. viverrini were detected in 50 (49.5%) out of 101 fishes (6 species), and their average number was 154 per fish infected. The remaining 5 species of heterophyid metacercariae were detected in 36.8%, 65.8%, 9.4%, 23.9%, and 5.1% fishes examined, and their average densities were 12, 1,038, 4, 15, and 13 per infected fish, respectively. In fishes from Champasak Province, 3 species of FZT metacercariae, i.e., O. viverrini, H. taichui, and H. yokogawai, were detected. Only 2 O. viverrini metacercariae were found in only 1 Barbonymus schwanefeldi. The metacercariae of H. taichui and H. yokogawai were detected in 60.0% and 50.0% of fishes examined, and their average densities were 47 and 28 per fish infected. By the present study, it has been confirmed that several species of FZT metacercariae are prevalent in fishes from Vientiane Municipality, with P. varium being a new member of FZT in Lao PDR. In comparison, FZT metacercariae are less prevalent in fishes from Champasak Province.

Observation of sperm-head vacuoles and sperm morphology under light microscope / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The presence of sperm-head vacuoles has been suspected to be deleterious to the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It is difficult to accurately distinguish morphologically abnormal sperm with vacuoles under a light microscope. This study was performed to analyze the result of the observation of sperm-head vacuoles using Papanicolaou staining under a light microscope and whether the male partner's age affects these vacuoles. METHODS: Sperm morphology with vacuoles was evaluated using Papanicolaou staining and observed under a light microscope (400x) in 980 men. The normal morphology was divided into three categories (group A, 14% of normal morphology). The criteria for the sperm-head vacuoles were those given in the World Health Organization manual. For the analysis of the age factor, the participants were divided into the following groups: 26-30 years, 31-35 years, 36-40 years, 41-45 years, and 46-50 years. RESULTS: The percentage of sperm-head vacuoles increased with normal sperm morphology (group A vs. groups B, C) (p<0.05). In the case of the age factor, a statistically significant difference was not observed across any of the age groups. CONCLUSION: A majority of the sperm-head vacuoles showed a statistically significant difference among normal morphology groups. Therefore, we should consider the probability of the percentage of sperm-head vacuoles not increasing with age but with abnormal sperm morphology. A further study is required to clarify the effect of the sperm-head vacuoles on ART outcomes.

Prediction of basal endogenous losses of amino acids based on body weight and feed intake in pigs fed nitrogen-free diets / Predicción de las pérdidas endógenas basales de aminoácidos a partir del peso corporal y consumo de alimento en cerdos sometidos a dietas libres de nitrógeno / Predição das perdas basais endógenas de aminoácidos a partir do peso corporal e do consumo de alimento em porcos submetidos a dietas livres de nitrogênio

Background: accurate estimations of basal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids (AA) are important for the calculation of standardized ileal digestibility values. Objectives: to address the influence of body weight (BW) and feed intake on BEL of crude protein (CP) and AA and to develop prediction equations for BEL of CP and AA in pigs fed nitrogen-free diets. Methods: based on data derived from 34 research papers, prediction equations for BEL of CP and AA were generated using BW and feed intake per maintenance feed intake (FI:MFI) based on energy concentration as independent variables. Results: initial BW (IBW) and FI:MFI ranged from 13.8 to 109.8 kg and from 1 to 5, respectively. Mean values for BEL of CP, Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp were 17.2 (CV = 50.9%), 0.42 (CV = 56.0%), 0.14 (CV = 80.8%), 0.55 (CV = 41.3%), and 0.14 (CV = 57.5%) g/kg dry matter intake (DMI), respectively. The FI:MFI was negatively correlated with BEL of CP and AA except Met (r < -0.39; p<0.05). Prediction equations for estimating the BEL of CP and AA (g/kg DMI) developed were: BEL of CP = 47.5 - (8.09 × 10-2 × IBW) - (8.83 × FI:MFI) with R² = 0.32 and p = 0.011; BEL of Lys = 0.979 - (1.00 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0.174 × FI:MFI) with R2 = 0.24 and p = 0.014; BEL of Thr = 1.09 - (1.82 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0.153 × FI:MFI) with R² = 0.28 and p = 0.007; and BEL of Trp = 0.552 - (1.11 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0.120 × FI:MFI) with R² = 0.47 and p = 0.002. Conclusion: based on the equations above, IBW and FI:MFI clearly decrease BEL of CP and AA. The equations provided in this paper may be used for estimating BEL of CP and AA.

Antecedentes: la estimación precisa de las pérdidas endógenas basales (BEL) de aminoácidos (AA) es importante para calcular los valores de la digestibilidad ileal estandarizada. Objetivos: establecer la influencia del peso corporal y el consumo de alimento sobre las BEL de proteína cruda (CP) y AA, y desarrollar ecuaciones de predicción para las BEL de CP y AA en cerdos alimentados con dietas libres de nitrógeno. Métodos: basados en información proveniente de 34 artículos científicos, fueron generadas ecuaciones de predicción para las BEL de CP y AA usando el peso corporal (BW) y el consumo de alimento por consumo de mantenimiento (FI:MFI) con base en la concentración de energía como variables independientes. Resultados: BW y FI:MFI variaron de 13,8 a 109,8 kg y de 1 a 5, respectivamente. Los valores de la media para BEL de CP, Lys, Met, Thr, y Trp fueron 17,2 (CV = 50,9%), 0,42 (CV = 56,0%), 0,14 (CV = 80,8%), 0,55 (CV = 41,3%), y 0,14 (CV = 57,5%) g/kg de consumo de materia seca (DMI), respectivamente. El FI:MFI se correlacionó negativamente con las BEL de CP y AA excepto con la Met (r < -0,39; p<0,05). Las ecuaciones de predicción para estimar las BEL de la CP y AA (g/kg DMI) desarrolladas fueron: BEL de CP = 47,5 - (8,09 × 10-2 × IBW) - (8,83 × FI:MFI) con un R² = 0,32 y un p = 0,011; BEL de Lys = 0,979 - (1,00 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0,174 × FI:MFI) con un R² = 0,24 y un p = 0,014; BEL de Thr = 1,09 - (1,82 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0,153 × FI:MFI) con un R² = 0,28 y un p = 0,007; y las BEL de Trp = 0,552 - (1,11 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0,120 × FI:MFI) con un R² = 0,47 y un p = 0,002. Conclusión: con base en las anteriores ecuaciones, el IBW y el FI:MFI claramente redujeron las BEL de CP y AA. Las ecuaciones suministradas en este artículo pueden ser utilizadas para estimar las BEL de CP y AA.

Antecedentes: a estimação precisa das perdas endógenas basais (BEL) de aminoácidos (AA) é importante para calcular os valores da digestibilidade ileal padronizada. Objetivos: estabelecer a influencia do peso corporal e do consumo de alimento sobre as BEL da proteína bruta (CP) e AA, e desenvolver equações de predição para as BEL da CP e AA em porcos alimentados com dietas livres de nitrogênio. Métodos: baseados em informação proveniente de 34 artigos científicos, foram geradas equações de predição para as BEL da CP e AA usando o peso corporal (BW) e o consumo de alimento por consumo de manutenção (FI:MFI) com base na concentração de energia como variáveis independentes. Resultados: BW e FI:MFI variaram de 13,8 a 109,8 kg e de 1 a 5, respectivamente. Os valores da média para BEL da CP, Lys, Met, Thr, e Trp foram 17,2 (CV = 50,9%), 0,42 (CV = 56,0%), 0,14 (CV = 80,8%), 0,55 (CV = 41,3%), e 0,14 (CV = 57,5%) g/kg de consumo de matéria seca (DMI), respectivamente. O FI:MFI teve correlação negativa com as BEL da CP e AA exceto com a Met (r < -0,39; p<0,05). As equações de predição para estimar as BEL da CP e AA (g/kg DMI) desenvolvidas foram: BEL da CP = 47,5 - (8,09 × 10-2 × IBW) - (8,83 × FI:MFI) com um R² = 0,32 e um p = 0,011; BEL de Lys = 0,979 - (1,00 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0,174 × FI:MFI) com um R² = 0,24 e um p = 0,014; BEL de Thr = 1,09 - (1,82 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0,153 × FI:MFI) com um R² = 0,28 e um p = 0,007; e as BEL de Trp = 0,552 - (1,11 × 10-3 × IBW) - (0,120 × FI:MFI) com um R² = 0,47 e um p = 0,002. Conclusão: Com base nas anteriores equações, o IBW e o FI:MFI claramente diminuíram as BEL da CP e AA. As equações fornecidas neste artigo podem ser utilizadas para estimar as BEL do CP e AA.