Retrospective investigation on the normal range of serum alanine aminotransferase levels in healthy adults in Ningbo area / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To reevaluate the upper limit of normal (ULN) of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by retrospectively analyzing the ALT levels in healthy people in Ningbo area.Methods:A total of 56 140 people who underwent health examination and detection of liver biochemical indexes in the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University and Yinzhou Huamao Hospital of Ningbo from 2018 to 2020 were enrolled. After excluding relevant factors that may lead to liver injury, 11 411 people were included to compare the difference of serum ALT levels among different genders and age groups (20 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years and 50 to 59 years) to determine the ALT ULN in different gender groups. Statistical methods were performed using two independent samples t test and analysis of variance. Results:The serum ALT of males was (19.20±7.90) U/L, which was higher than that of females ((13.75±6.17) U/L), with statistical significance ( t=41.16, P<0.001). The serum ALT ULN in males and in females were 35 U/L and 26 U/L, respectively. The serum ALT levels of 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 years old groups were (15.48±7.61) U/L, (16.21±7.40) U/L, (17.36±7.52) U/L and (18.77±7.57) U/L, respectively.The difference was statistically significant ( F=71.51, P<0.001). Serum ALT level in 50 to 59 years old group was higher than that in 20 to 29 years old group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.11, P<0.01). In males, the ALT ULN of 20 to 29 years old was the lowest of 34.43 U/L, and highest of 35.29 U/L in 40 to 49 years old. In females, the ALT ULN in the 20 to 29 years old group was the lowest of 23.01 U/L, and the ALT ULN in the 50 to 59 years old group was the highest of 30.79 U/L. ALT ULN increased with age in females. The serum ALT of males was higher than that of females in all age groups ( t=29.55, 26.91, 13.43 and 4.62, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The serum ALT level is significantly correlated to gender and age. The serum ALT ULNs of healthy adult are 35 U/L in males and 26 U/L in females in Ningbo area.

Establishment of a predictive equation for pulmonary ventilation function in school-aged children in northeast China: a prospective study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To establish a predictive equation for commonly used pulmonary ventilation function parameters in children aged 6-<16 years in northeast China.@*METHODS@#A total of 504 healthy children from Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces of China were selected for the prospective study, among whom there were 242 boys and 262 girls. The JAEGER MasterScreen Pneumo spirometer was used to measure pulmonary ventilation function. With the measured values of 10 parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV@*RESULTS@#The boys aged 9-<10 years and 15-<16 years had significantly higher body height, FVC, and FEV@*CONCLUSIONS@#A new predictive equation for the main pulmonary ventilation function parameters has been established in this study for children aged 6-<16 years in northeast China, which provides a basis for accurate judgment of pulmonary function abnormalities in clinical practice.

Establishment of quantificative ELISA for determination of human decoy receptor 3 / 临床检验杂志

Objective To establish an ELISA for quantitative determination of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) in human plasma.Methods A solid phase double antibody sandwich method was established for quantitative determination of DcR3.The anti-DcR3 antibody was immobilized onto ELISA plate.DcR3 in samples was captured by anti-DcR3 on ELISA plate and then detected by biotin-anti-DcR3 and subsequent peroxidase-labeled streptavidin,and the color was developed by adding substrate.The standard DcR3 samples on the same plate were detected simultaneously to calculate the DcR3 concentrations in unknown samples.The sensitivity,specificity,precision,recovery,linearity and DcR3 range in normal human adults were assessed.Results The sensitivity of the developed assay was 0.051 ng/mL.The intra-coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 10％ and inter-CV was less than 15％.The average recovery rate was 90.50％.When 2-fold amount of anti-TNF-α was added into the coated antibodies,10-fold amount of biotin-labeled anti-LIGHT,antiFAS or anti-TNF-α was added into the detection antibodies,or 10 fold amount of purified LIGHT protein was added into the standard DcR3 samples as competitor,no disturbing effects on standard curve were found.The linear range of the assay was from 0.25 to 16 ng/mL (r≥0.98).The concentration of DcR3 tested in 128 plasma samples from healthy adults was (0.21 ± 0.05) ng/mL with 95％ CI ranged from 0.14 to 0.28 ng/mL and no difference of age and sex was found.Conclusion The established ELiSA for determining plasma DcR3 exhibited high specificity,sensitivity,precision,fine linearity and wide detecting range.This method could be used for quantification of DcR3 in plasma.

Investigation on the normal value of urinary arsenic in healthy people in different areas of Guangxi, China / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the upper limit of the normal value of arsenic in healthy adult population in different areas of Guangxi.@*Methods@#From 2015 to 2016, 1533 subjects from 14 counties and cities in Guangxi were collected by age, gender, stratified random sampling and questionnaire survey. 1417 urine samples with satisfactory urine quality and complete information were collected.The content of arsenic in urine was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry.@*Results@#The upper limit of normal arsenic in healthy adults in guangxi was 0.053 mg/L. Male urinary arsenicP50(0.011mg/L)was higher than that of the female(0.008mg/L), the difference was statistically significant(Z=5.352,P<0.01). Smoking urinary arsenicP50(0.012mg/L) was higher than that of nonsmokers(0.009mg/L), the difference was statistically significant(Z=3.404,P<0.01). GroupP50 urine arsenic in coastal areas(0.012mg/L) the crowd was higher than that in non coastal areas(0.009mg/L), the difference was statistically significant(Z=-7.522,P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#The upper limit of normal arsenic in healthy adults in Guangxi area is 0.053mg/L,and there are differences in the levels of arsenic in healthy adults, such as different genders and regions.

An investigation of normal urinary manganese value in healthy adults in different places in Guangxi, China / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the normal urinary manganese value in healthy adults in Guangxi, China and its distribution characteristics.@*Methods@#From 2015 to 2016, stratified random sampling based on age and sex was performed to select 1533 healthy adults aged 18-60 years in Nanning,Liuzhou,Guilin,Hezhou,Wuzhou,Yulin,Guigang,Beihai,Qinzhou,Laibin,Hechi Nandan,Bose Jingxi,Chongzuo Daxin,and Fangchenggang.All of them had no history of occupational manganese exposure or acute or chronic liver/renal diseases and had lived in the local area for more than one year. A total of 1417 urine samples with normal specific gravity and complete data were obtained, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure urinary manganese.The distribution characteristics of urinary manganese level were analyzed among adults with different ages,sexes,or presence or absence of smoking habits or among those who lived or did not live in the mining area.@*Results@#The geometric mean of urinary manganese among healthy adults in Guangxi was 0.52 μg/L,and the upper limit of normal was 5.68μg/L. There was no significant difference in urinary manganese level between the healthy adults with different ages, sexes,or presence or absence of smoking habits (P>0.05).The healthy adults who lived in the mining area of nonferrous metal mines had a significantly higher geometric mean of urinary manganese than those who did not live in such areas(1.65μg/Lvs0.34μg/L,P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#The upper limit of normal of urinary manganese is 5.68 μg/L among healthy adults in Guangxi,and the healthy adults who live in the mining area of manganese mine or nonferrous metal mines have a significantly higher urinary manganese level than those who do not live in such areas.

CT Quantification of Lungs and Airways in Normal Korean Subjects

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare the quantitative parameters of the lungs and airways in Korean never-smokers and current or former smokers (“ever-smokers”). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Never-smokers (n = 119) and ever-smokers (n = 45) who had normal spirometry and visually normal chest computed tomography (CT) results were retrospectively enrolled in this study. For quantitative CT analyses, the low attenuation area (LAA) of LAA(I-950), LAA(E-856), CT attenuation value at the 15th percentile, mean lung attenuation (MLA), bronchial wall thickness of inner perimeter of a 10 mm diameter airway (Pi10), total lung capacity (TLC(CT)), and functional residual capacity (FRC(CT)) were calculated based on inspiratory and expiratory CT images. To compare the results between groups according to age, sex, and smoking history, independent t test, one way ANOVA, correlation test, and simple and multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The values of attenuation parameters and volume on inspiratory and expiratory quantitative computed tomography (QCT) were significantly different between males and females (p < 0.001). The MLA and the 15th percentile value on inspiratory QCT were significantly lower in the ever-smoker group than in the never-smoker group (p < 0.05). On expiratory QCT, all lung attenuation parameters were significantly different according to the age range (p < 0.05). Pi10 in ever-smokers was significantly correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (r = −0.455, p = 0.003). In simple and multivariate regression analyses, TLC(CT), FRC(CT), and age showed significant associations with lung attenuation (p < 0.05), and only TLC(CT) was significantly associated with inspiratory Pi10. CONCLUSION: In Korean subjects with normal spirometry and visually normal chest CT, there may be significant differences in QCT parameters according to sex, age, and smoking history.

Left Ventricular Functional Parameters and Geometric Patterns in Korean Adults on Coronary CT Angiography with a 320-Detector-Row CT Scanner

OBJECTIVE: To assess the normal reference values of left ventricle (LV) functional parameters in Korean adults on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with a 320-detector-row CT scanner, and to analyze sex-related differences and correlations with various clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled 172 subjects (107 men and 65 women; age, 58 ± 10.9 years; body surface area [BSA], 1.75 ± 0.2 m²) who underwent CCTA without any prior history of cardiac disease. The following parameters were measured by post-processing the CT data: LV volume, LV functional parameters (ejection fraction, stroke volume, cardiac output, etc.), LV myocardial mass, LV inner diameter, and LV myocardial thickness (including septal wall thickness [SWT], posterior wall thickness [PWT], and relative wall thickness [RWT = 2 × PWT / LV inner diameter]). All of the functional or volumetric parameters were normalized using the BSA. The general characteristics and co-morbidities for the enrolled subjects were recorded, and the correlations between these factors and the LV parameters were then evaluated. RESULTS: The LV myocardial thickness (SWT, 1.08 ± 0.18 cm vs. 0.90 ± 0.17 cm, p < 0.001; PWT, 0.91 ± 0.15 cm vs. 0.78 ± 0.10 cm, p < 0.001; RWT, 0.38 ± 0.08 cm vs. 0.33 ± 0.05 cm, p < 0.001), LV volume (LV end-diastolic volume, 112.9 ± 26.1 mL vs. 98.2 ± 21.0 mL, p < 0.001; LV end-systolic volume, 41.7 ± 14.7 mL vs. 33.7 ± 12.2 mL, p = 0.001) and mass (145.0 ± 29.1 g vs. 107.9 ± 20.0 g, p < 0.001) were significantly greater in men than in women. However, these differences were not significant after normalization using BSA, except for the LV mass (LV mass index, 79.6 ± 14.0 g/m² vs. 66.2 ± 11.0 g/m², p < 0.001). The cardiac output and ejection fraction were not significantly different between the men and women (cardiac output, 4.3 ± 1.0 L/min vs. 4.2 ± 0.9 L/min, p = 0.452; ejection fraction, 63.4 ± 7.7% vs. 66.4 ± 7.6%, p = 0.079). Most of the LV parameters were positively correlated with BSA, body weight, and total Agatston score. CONCLUSION: This study provides sex-related reference values and percentiles for LV on cardiac CT and should assist in interpreting results.

Establishing Physiological Body Fluid Method to Evaluate the Normal Value of Plasmic Free Amino Acid in Normal Healthy Volunteers / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To analyze the plasma amino acid levels and evaluate the free amino acids value of normal healthy volun-teers in plasma by establishing physiological fluid method.Methods ①Establishment of methodology:including repeatabili-ty of blood sample,recovery rate,linearity,and stability;②The free amino acid values in plasma in 40 normal healthy volun-teers were analyzed.Results With the standard solution of different concentrations (2,4 and 8 nmol)analyzed and linear re-gression of amino acid calculated,found that R2 of all the amino acids were within the range from 1 to 0.9 9 9.The repeatabili-ty with in batch and between batches of different amino acid in blood samples were respectively 0.30~2.90 (rsd)and 0.40~5.16(rsd);recovery rates were 93.1%~107.4%.Then evaluated the normal values of plasma amino acid in 40 healthy volunteers (male vs female:1 vs 1 ),and compared the results with that measured by other instruments.Conclusion With lithium citrate buffer system to analyze the free amino acid in blood samples,it displayed good reproducibility,recovery rate, linearity and stability.Comparison of different instruments measuring the free amino acids in plasma of normal healthy vol-unteers showed good agreement,confirming that the method of physiological fluid analysis is reliable.

Conditions of Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials Test to Minimize Interaural Variation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) test has been widely used to assess the function of the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve. Electrode location and stimulating sound are important factors which might affect the test results. Today those parameters are usually selected to maximize the waveform response. In this study, we tried to find the optimal condition to minimize the range of normal value of cVEMP. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Thirteen normal subjects (26 ears) were included. We placed electrodes at five different locations over the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and used four different stimulation sounds. Variances of parameters, including interpeak amplitude, interaural difference (IAD) and normal value were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: When using the classical condition (mid point of SCM and 500 Hz) without rectification, IAD ratio was 20.8+/-14.2% and the range of normal value was 39%. When we used 2000 Hz tone burst sound at the classical electrodes site, IAD ratio and normal value were minimized, resulting in 18.7+/-14.3% and 31% respectively. After the rectification, when using the classical condition, IAD ratio was 26.4+/-22.3% and the range of normal value was 49%. The minimum IAD ratio was measured as 17.4+/-13.7% when we used click sound at SCM at the level of mandibular angle. And the minimum normal value of 32% was measured when we used 1000 Hz tone burst sound at SCM at the level of mandibular angle. CONCLUSION: Although the condition was not optimal for maximizing the interpeak amplitude, we could alternatively use the condition to minimize the normal value.

MR Volumetry of Hippocampus in Normal Adult Malay of Age 50 Years Old and Above

Background: Hippocampal volume is affected by several psychiatric illnesses of old age, as well as by normal aging. It is important to have a normal data in a population to assist in diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine hippocampal volume in normal Malay people aged 50 years old and older. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the normal Malay population aged 50 to 77 years. We included 43 participants, representing 19 men and 24 women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using a GE Signa Horizon LX 1.0 Tesla. Oblique coronal images of temporal lobes were obtained and hippocampal volumetry was done manually and normalised with intracranial volume. Results: Mean right and left hippocampal volumes (HCVs) were 3.43 cm3 (SD 0.32) and 3.26 cm3 (SD 0.34), with a significant difference between them (P < 0.001). Total mean HCVs exhibited no significant difference between men and women (P = 0.234). The means of the normalised right and left HCVs were 3.42 cm3 (SD 0.31) and 3.26 cm3 (SD 0.32). Conclusion: The mean right and left hippocampal volumes were significantly different in this study. Men had slightly larger mean HCVs but the difference was not statistically significant. It was found that normalisation further reduces the mean volume difference between the genders.

Normalised MRI Volumetry of the Hippocampus among Normal Malay Children and Adolescents

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive method for determining brain morphology and volumetry. Hippocampal volume changes are observed in conjunction with several diseases. This study aimed to determine the normalised volume of the hippocampus in normal Malay children and adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed from January 2009 to June 2010. Brain and temporal lobe MRI was performed for 81 healthy normal Malay individuals aged 7–18 years. Manual volumetry was performed. The hippocampal volumes were normalised with the total intracranial volume. Results: The original right, left, and total hippocampal volumes (mean and standard deviation) were 3.05 (0.48) cm3, 2.89 (0.44) cm3, and 5.94 (0.90) cm3, respectively. Normalised hippocampal volumes for the right, left, and total volume were 3.05 (0.41) cm3, 2.89 (0.41) cm3, and 5.94 (0.79) cm3, respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficient for the right and left hippocampal volumes with intracranial volume were 0.514 and 0.413, respectively (P < 0.001). Both the original and normalised hippocampal volumes of the right hippocampus were significantly larger than those of the left (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This is a data set for the local Malay paediatric population. There was no significant difference between the actual and normalised values of hippocampal volume in our study.

Upper Limit of Normal Antistreptolysin-O Titer in Healthy School Children.

We studied the level of ASO (anti streptolysin O) titer and throat culture for GABHS (group A beta hemolytic streptococci) in 200 normal healthy school children between 5 to 15 years of age. We noted the upper limit of normal titer of 242 IU in the healthy school children around Mysore city. Throat culture was positive for GABHS in 9% of healthy school children indicating the carrier state.

Establishment of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique and the reference value of insulin sensitivity index in Chinese / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective To establish the technique of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and to study the reference value of insulin sensitivity index in healthy Chinese. Methods According to the feedback mathematical model developed by DeFronzo, the technique of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was used in 90 healthy Chi- nese [ male:female =71 = 19; age; (28. 3±6. 1) years; body mass index (20. 9±1.5) kg/m2 ] to study die glu-cose metabolized rate. Blood samples were obtained at timed intervals in the fasting state and during the clamp for the measurement of glucose, insulin and C peptide. Results During the clamp tests, the blood glucose levels were con-trolled within 10% of target value. The coefficient of variation of glucose levels was 3. 8% 0.1%. In the steady state, the insulin sensitivity index (glucose metabolized rate, M value ) was (7.78±2.30) mg· kg-1 min-1, which was distributed normally. The lowest quartile of M value was 6. 286 mg·kg -1 min-1'. The coefficient of variation of M value was 9.4%±2.8%. Conclusion The technique of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and the reference value of insulin sensitivity index in healthy Chinese are successfully established in our center.

The Application of Diagnostic Tools of Central Auditory Processing Disorder and Their Normative Value in Each Age Group in Korean / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and apply a diagnostic test tool for central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) and to obtain normative data of Korean subjects with normal hearing. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: After obtaining the approvement of the Institution Review Board of Asan Medical Center for this clinical study, we conducted this study for 135 subjects with normal hearing. Frequency & duration pattern tests and dichotic test were administered to subjects with normal hearing were evaluated by pure tone audiometry. Patients were separated into the following age categories:up to and including 7-year-olds, 8- and 9-year-olds, 10- and 11-year-olds, 12- to 18-year-olds and adults over 18. RESULTS: The frequency pattern test showed that the mean score was 14.4+/-7.1, 19.7+/-9.2, 23.8+/-8.6, 24.1+/-7.0 and 28.5+/-2.7, for each age category, respectively. The duration pattern test showed that the mean score was 13.8+/-6.2, 17.0+/-6.1, 21.6+/-5.4, 25.6+/-4.3 and 28.4+/-2.1, respectively. The dichotic test showed that the right mean scores were 26.5+/-3.2, 27.0+/-3.2, 27.8+/-3.2, 29.4+/-0.9, 27.9+/-1.5 and left the mean scores 26.4+/-3.7, 27.0+/-2.6, 28.6+/-1.4, 28.6+/-1.3, 27.9+/-1.6 for each age category, respectively. CONCLUSION: We obtained the normative data of Korean subjects for the diagnosis of CAPD. Additional diagnostic tools and treatment methods must be developed continuously.

Study of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in normal human brain / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

0.05);some ratios in the three parts between the young group and old group showed significant difference(P

Peak Expiratory Flow(PEF) Measured by Peak Flow Meter and Correlation Between PEF and Other Ventilatory Parameters in Healthy Children / 결핵

BACKGROUND: In diagnosis or monitor of the airway obstruction in bronchial asthma, the measurement of FEV1 in the standard method because of its reproducibility and accuracy. But the measurement of peak expiratory flow(PEF) by peak flow meter is much simpler and easier than that of FEV1 especially in children. Yet there have been still no data of the predicted normal values of PEF measured by peak flow meter in Korean children. This study was conducted to provide equations to predict the normal value of PEF and correlation between PEF and FEV1 in healthy children. METHOD: PEF was measured by MiniWright peak flow meter, and the forced expiratory volume and the maximum expiratory flow volume curves were measured by Microspiro HI 501(Chest Co.) in 346 healthy children (age:5-16 years, 194 boys and 152 girls) without any respiratory symptoms during 2 weeks before the study. The regression equations for various ventilatory parameters according to age and/or height, and the regression equations of FEV1 by PEF were derived. RESULTS: 1. The regression equation for PEF(L/min) was:12.6×age(year)+3.4×height(cm)-263(R2=0.85) in boys, and 6×age(year)+3.9×height(cm)-293(R2=0.82) in girls. 2. The value of FEFmax(L/sec) derived from the maximum expiratory flow volume curves was multiplied by 60 to compare with PEF(L/min), and PEF was faster by 125 L/min in boys and 118 L/min in girls, respectively. 3. The regression equation for FEV1(ml) by PEF(L/min) was:7×PEF-550(R2=0.82) in boys, and 5.8×PEF-146(R2=0.81) in girls, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides regression equations predicting the normal values of PEF by age and/or height in children. And the equations for FEV1, a gold standard of ventilatory function, was predicted by PEF. So, in taking care of children with airway obstruction, PEF measured by the peak flow meter can provide useful information.

Evaluation of Acid Steatocrit in Korean Infants / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: The fecal acid steatocrit is an improved steatocrit method for the evaluation of fecal fat. The present study was set up in order to define the normal range of acid steatocrit values during the first 3 months of life. METHODS: Fecal acid steatocrit values were determined in 78 healthy full term and in 21 healthy prematurely born infants between May 1998 and April 2000. The acid steatocrit method was performed in these babies during the first 3 months of life. RESULTS: Steatorrhea occurs during the first month and then decreases, as shown by the fall in the acid steatocrit curve from 1st to 3rd month in our subject. Very high acid steatocrit results (above 90%) were found in all full term and premature infants during the first month of age. Acid steatocrit results of human milk-fed infants were significantly lower than those of formula-fed infants (p=0.0018). CONCLUSION: We conclude that high acid steatocrit results during the first 1 month of age can be due to physiologic steatorrhea. The acid steatocrit micromethod can be used for the evaluation of milk fat absorption in infants and monitoring steatorrhea instead of other more cumbersome methods.

Multicenter Trial for Estimation of Normal Values of Echocardiographic Indices in Korea

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There has been much need for standard normal values of echocardiographic indices in Korea. Echocardiography Council of the Korean Society of Circulation performed multicenter trial for estimation of normal values of echocardiographic indices. METHOD: In 19 university or general hospitals, echocardiographic specialists measured frequently used echocardiographic indices with the same method in healthy people. The measured indices were 36 items which involved M-mode, 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic parameters. All the results were recorded on video tapes and reviewed by the review committee. The results were included for analysis only if the review committee accepted them. RESULTS: Total 371 healthy people were included. There were 189 women. Their age ranged from 3rd decades to 8th decades. Complete measurement of all the indices was done in 225 people. Left ventricular wall thickness, aorta size, left atrial size and left ventricular mass in M-mode echocardiographic measurement changed significantly with the increase of age(p<0.005). In 2-dimensional echocardiographic examination, sinotubular junction diameter of the aorta, anteroposterior & superoinferior diameters of left atrium, both ventricular outflow tract diameter and main pulmonary artery diameter changed with the increase of age(p<0.01). Diastolic dysfunction became prominent with the increase of age in Doppler examination. CONCLUSION: We conclude that these data could be used as the standard criteria for echocardiographic examination in Korea. However, age factor should be considered when they are applied because many echocardiographic indices change significantly with the increase of age.

Normal bone mineral density of Korean women according to age : using cross-calibration equation among several dual energy X-ray absorption metries

BACKGROUD: The lack of standardization in measuring bone mineral density (BMD) is generally recognized as an important and unresolver issue. The National Health Insurance System in Korea covers the cost of asteoporosis treatment according to the relative value ( T score < -1.0) of normal BMD. Consideriong this issue, we are concerned about whether Korean women have a normal value of BMD. We analyzed numerous research papers published in Korea which related to BMD, and calculated the normal BMD of Korean women using cross calibration equipment on three different DEXA scanners (Lunar/Norland Hologic). METHODS: We searched for key words such as 'osteopcsis' and 'bone mineral densito' in the Korean Medical Journal CD- ROM from 1987 to 1997. We received 145 full texts, and analyzed 114 original artides all of which used one af the above three scanners, over 100 normal Korean women as sub and focused an the lumbar spine. We found five artides that fit the criteria. Among the scanners used in the five artides are three were Lunar, one Hologic and one Norland. We substituted the results of Norhnd and Hologic with Lunars using a cross calibration equation, and calculated the mean BMD according to age by using a weighted average. Standard deviations of the calibrated data were calculated by using pooled estimates af variance equation. RESULTS: The lumbar spire BMD values of narmal Korean women were 1.181+/-0.683(g/cm2) in their thirties, forties, fifties, sixties were 1.128+/-0.144, 0.989+/-0.161, 0.862+/-0.162, respectively in Lunar scanner, 1.020+/-0.586, 0.974+/-0.124, 0.854+/-0.139, 0.746+/-0.139, respectively in Norland seanner. CONCLUSIONS: We calculated the lumbar spine BMD values for normal Korean women among three major companies using DEXA scanners. Further studies on BMD in randomly selected healthy adult women are needed

The Normal Predicted Value of Peak Expiratory Flow(PEF) Measured by the Peak Flow Meter and Correlation Between PEF and Other Ventilatory Parameters / 결핵

BACKGROUND: For the diagnosis or evaluation of airway obstruction in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive lung disorders, various parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume curve and maximal expiratory flow volume cutie have been used. Recently the peak expiratory flow(PEF) measured by the peak flow meter is widely used because of its simplicity and convenience. But there were still no data of the predicted normal values measured by the peak flow meter in Korea. This study was to obtain the predicted normal value of PEF and to know the accuracy of this value 18 predict FEV1. METHOD: The measurements of PEF by the MiniWright peak flow meter and several parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume and maximal expiratory flow volume curves by the Microspiro HI 501(Chest Co.) were done in 129 men and 125 women without previous history of the respiratory diseases. The predicted normal values of parameters according tc the age and the height were obtained, and the regression equation of FEV1 by PEF was calculated. RESULTS: The predicted normal values of PEF(L/min) were 2.45 Age(year)+1.36 Height(cm)+427 in men and -0.96 Age(year)+2.01 Height(cm)+129 in women. FEFmax derived from the maximal expiratory flow volume cutie was less than by 125 L/min in men art 118 L/min in women respectively compared to PEF. FEV,(ml) predicted by PEF was 5.98 PEF(L/min) 303 in men and 4.61 PEF(L/min) 291 in women respectively. CONCLUSION: The predicted normal value of PEF measured by the peak flow meter was calculated and it could be used as a standard value of PEF while taking care of patients with airway obstruction FEV1, the gold standard of ventilatory function could be predicted by PEF to a certain extent.