Assisted reproductive techniques and subsequent risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in offspring: a nationwide birth cohort study in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) is controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ART and the risk of asthma and AR in a nationwide, large-scale birth cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study utilized the National Health Insurance Service data in South Korea to conduct a nationwide, large-scale, population-based birth cohort. We included all infants born between 2017 and 2018. AR, asthma, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis were defined using the International Classification of Diseases tenth edition codes. Asthma was classified as allergic or non-allergic based on accompanying allergic diseases (AR, food allergy, or atopic dermatitis). Using 1:10 propensity score matching, we compared infants conceived through ART with those conceived naturally (non-ART). After matching, logistic regression was used to compare the hazard ratio for asthma and AR between the two groups. RESULTS: We included 543,178 infants [male infants, 280,194 (51.38%)]. After matching, 8,925 and 74,229 infants were selected for the ART and non-ART groups, respectively. The ART group showed a decreased risk of asthma in the offspring [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.48]. Similarly, for AR, being conceived by ART was associated with a decreased risk of AR (aHR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.37). ART offspring showed a decreased risk of asthma and AR in offspring compared to that observed in non-ART offspring. CONCLUSIONS: Our study offers important insights for clinicians, researchers, and parents regarding the health outcomes of ART-conceived infants and enhances our understanding of ART's impact on respiratory health.

Analysis of predisposing factors in unilateral maxillary sinus fungal ball: the predictive role of odontogenic and anatomical factors.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of maxillary sinus fungal ball (MSFB) is explained by aerogenic and odontogenic factors. We evaluated the predisposing factors, including intranasal anatomical and dental factors for increased diagnostic accuracy. METHODOLOGY: In this study, 117 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for unilateral MSFB were included. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were used to analyze the presence of anatomical variations (anterior and posterior nasal septal deviation (NSD), concha bullosa (CB), infraorbital cell (haller cell), paradoxical middle turbinate, everted uncinate process and MS size). Dental factors including history of dental procedures and findings on CT scans were reviewed. RESULTS: Anterior and posterior NSD toward non-affected side were significantly associated with the presence of FB. The presence of CB and infraorbital cell was higher in the non-affected side rather than in the lesion side. Compared to non-affected MS, FB-presence MS was shallower and had a larger height to depth ratio. The presence of dental history was significantly higher on FB-presence MS than non-affected MS. In multivariable analysis, posterior NSD toward non-affected side, dental history increased the aOR of MSFB, while the presence of CB and infraorbital cell decreased the aOR of MSFB. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of MSFB seems to be associated with ipsilateral odontogenic factors, followed by anatomic variations including posterior NSD toward non-affected side and absence of CB and infraorbital cell.

Trabecular bone score value is associated with new bone formation independently of fat metaplasia on spinal magnetic resonance imaging in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between trabecular bone score (TBS) and new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and to investigate whether TBS is independently associated with new bone formation. METHOD: Sixty-eight patients with AS underwent spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine to measure TBS and bone mineral density at baseline. Lateral radiographs of the cervical and lumbar spine (baseline and 2 years) were assessed for new bone formation (syndesmophyte formation and/or growth combined), and spinal MRIs were assessed for the presence or absence of fat metaplasia (FM) at the first to fourth lumbar vertebrae. The factors associated with new bone formation were analysed at the patient level and the vertebral level. RESULTS: New bone formation had developed in 17 patients (25%) at 2 year follow-up. Patients with new bone formation had a higher prevalence of FM and lower TBS at baseline than patients without new bone formation (p = 0.013 and p = 0.041). At the patient level, FM on MRI and low TBS (< 1.23) were significantly associated with new bone formation. At the vertebral level, new bone formation had developed in 25 out of 231 vertebrae (11%) after 2 years. Vertebrae with both FM on MRI and low TBS tended to have more new bone formation (p < 0.001). Syndesmophytes and low TBS (< 1.23) independently increased the risk of new bone formation at the level of individual vertebrae. CONCLUSION: At both patient and individual vertebral levels, low TBS was associated with new bone formation independently of FM on MRI.

Effects of anti-osteoporosis medications on radiological and clinical results after acute osteoporotic spinal fractures: a retrospective analysis of prospectively designed study.

Effects of anti-osteoporosis medications such as anti-resorptive and anabolic agents on healing of osteoporotic spinal fracture were retrospectively investigated. The use of anabolic agent significantly enhanced fracture healing, reduced progressive collapse, and presented good pain relief. These findings suggest that proper selection of medication could improve initial management of acute osteoporotic spinal fractures (OSFs). INTRODUCTION: Although anti-osteoporosis medications have beneficial effects on prevention of osteoporotic spinal fractures (OSFs), few studies have compared effects of medications on fracture healing following OSFs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of different anti-osteoporosis medications on radiological and clinical outcomes after acute OSFs. METHODS: A total of 132 patients diagnosed with acute OSFs were enrolled and allocated into three groups [group I (n = 39, no anti-osteoporosis medication), group II (n = 66, bisphosphonate), and group III (n = 27, parathyroid hormone (PTH)]. Radiological parameters including magnetic resonance (MR) classification, occurrence of intravertebral cleft (IVC), and clinical outcomes such as numerical rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index were assessed. Risk analyses for IVC and progressive collapse were done along the related factors and medication type. RESULTS: IVC sign was observed in 30 patients. The rate of IVC sign was lower in group III (7.4%) than that in group I (20.5%) or group II (30.3%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, the degree of NRS improvement was better in group III than that in group I or group II (5.7 vs. 3.1 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001). On multiple regression analysis, mid-portion type fracture in MR classification was a significant risk factor for progressive OSFs. The use of PTH showed significant lower incidences of occurrence of IVC (odds ratio (OR) = 0.160) and increase in height loss (OR = 0.325). CONCLUSIONS: Different anti-osteoporosis medications presented different clinical and radiological results after acute OSFs. The use of anabolic agent significantly enhanced fracture healing, reduced progressive collapse, and presented better clinical outcomes. Proper selection of medication might improve initial management of acute OSFs.

Use of supplemental anti-HBc testing of donors showing non-discriminating reactive results in multiplex nucleic acid testing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Korean Red Cross began nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for HIV and HCV in February 2005, and added HBV NAT beginning in June 2012. The current NAT system utilizes a multiplex assay for simultaneous detection of HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HIV-1 RNA. For samples that are reactive in the multiplex assay, we do specific tests for each virus. However, there have been cases of non-discriminated reactive (NDR) results which appear to be the result of non-specific reactions or cross-contamination, although some cases are considered to arise from the presence of low levels of HBV DNA due to occult hepatitis B infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the incidence of NDR results in previous donations of some NAT-reactive donors. Additionally, for those donors with NDR results, we performed an HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) assay. RESULTS: From November 2015 to March 2016, there were 408 NAT-reactive donors. Of these, nineteen HBV NAT-reactive donors showed a history of NDR results in the past donations. Seven donors showed NDR results more than once. Of 771 NDR donors, 362 (47·0%) were anti-HBc reactive. CONCLUSION: The NDR donors had a substantially higher rate of anti-HBc reactivity than other blood donors indicating that some with anti-HBc reactivity represent donors with occult HBV. Therefore, the incorporation of an anti-HBc testing for NDR donors could improve blood safety testing for the Korean Red Cross.

Osteonecrosis of the hip in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: risk factors and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to identify the risk factors for development of symptomatic osteonecrosis (ON) and predictors of total hip replacement (THR) among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Korea. METHODS: The medical records of 1051 patients with SLE were reviewed, and 73 patients with symptomatic ON were identified. Among them, 64 patients were eligible for the analysis. Sixty-four age- and sex-matched SLE patients without apparent ON were included as disease controls. The risk factors for development of symptomatic ON were identified by logistic regression analyses. The predictors of THR were determined by Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 64 patients with ON, 59 had ON of the hip and 36 underwent THR. Independent risk factors for development of symptomatic ON included Cushingoid body habitus (OR 21.792 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.594-183.083)), use of cyclophosphamide (OR 2.779 (95% CI 1.106-6.981)) and azathioprine (OR 2.662 (95% CI 1.143-6.200)). In the Cox proportional hazards model, only advanced radiological stage of ON (Association for Research on Osseous Circulation (ARCO) stage) was a statistically significant predictor of THR. In subgroup analysis with stage I-III ON, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) (HR 6.295 (95% CI 2.178-18.192)) and cumulative prednisolone dose in the first six months after ON diagnosis > 0.9 g (HR 3.238 (95% CI 1.095-9.58)) to be independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced ARCO stage at the onset of ON is an independent risk factor for THR in SLE patients with ON. In ARCO stage I-III ON, patients with NPSLE and those receiving > 0.9 g prednisolone during the first six months after the ON diagnosis are likely to require THR.

A mitochondrial DNA variant at position 16189 is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asians.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This multinational study was conducted to investigate the association between a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) T16189C polymorphism and type 2 diabetes in Asians. The mtDNA 16189C variant has been reported to be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, a recent meta-analysis concluded that it is negatively associated with type 2 diabetes in Europids. Since the phenotype of an mtDNA mutant may be influenced by environmental factors and ethnic differences in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, we investigated the association between the 16189C variant and type 2 diabetes in Asians. METHODS: The presence of the mtDNA 16189C variant was determined in 2,469 patients with type 2 diabetes and 1,205 non-diabetic individuals from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. An additional meta-analysis including previously published Asian studies was performed. Since mtDNA nucleotide position 16189 is very close to the mtDNA origin of replication, we performed DNA-linked affinity chromatography and reverse-phase liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify protein bound to the 16189 region. RESULTS: Analysis of participants from five Asian countries confirmed the association between the 16189C variant and type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 1.256, 95% CI 1.08-1.46, p=0.003]. Inclusion of data from three previously published Asian studies (type 2 diabetes n=3,283, controls n=2,176) in a meta-analysis showed similar results (OR 1.335, 95% CI 1.18-1.51, p=0.000003). Mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) was identified as a candidate protein bound to the 16189 region. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in cybrid cells showed that mtSSB has a lower binding affinity for the 16189C variant than the wild-type sequence. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The mtDNA 16189C variant is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Asians.

Standardization of anti-lethal toxin potency test of antivenoms prepared from two different Agkistrodon halys venoms

In Korea, antivenoms for the treatment of patients bitten by venomous snakes have been imported from Japan or China. Although there is cross-reactivity between these antibodies and venoms from snakes indigenous to Korea (e.g. Agkistrodon genus), protection is not optimal. Antivenoms specifically prepared to neutralize Korean snake venoms could be more effective, with fewer side effects. To this end, we established an infrastructure to develop national standards and created a standardized method to evaluate the efficacy of two horse-derived antivenoms using mouse lethal toxin test. Additionally, we determined the antivenoms neutralizing activity against lethal doses (LD50) of Agkistrodon halys (from Japan) and Jiangzhe Agkistrodon halys (from China) venoms. We also performed cross-neutralization tests using probit analysis on each pairing of venom and antivenom in order to check the possibility of using Jiangzhe A. halys venom as a substitute for A. halys venom, the current standard. Slope of A. halys venom with A. halys antivenom was 10.2 and that of A. halys venom with Jiangzhe A. halys antivenom was 9.6. However, Slope of Jiangzhe A. halys venom with A. halys antivenom was 4.7 while that of Jiangzhe A. halys venom with Jiangzhe A. halys antivenom was 11.5. Therefore, the significant difference in slope patterns suggests that Jiangzhe A. halys venom cannot be used as a substitute for the standard venom to test the anti-lethal toxin activity of antivenoms (p<0.05).(AU)

Prevention of postoperative sore throat using capsicum plaster applied at the Korean hand acupuncture point.

In a randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled study, we compared the efficacy of capsicum plaster (PAS) applied at the Korean hand acupuncture point for the prevention of postoperative sore throat in 150 patients scheduled to undergo abdominal hysterectomy. The K group had PAS applied at the K-A20 of both hands and placebo tape at both non-acupoints. The PAS was applied prior to induction of anaesthesia and removed 8 h postoperatively. The sore throat scores of Group K were significantly lower than those of other groups at 24 h following surgery (p = 0.00027). The prevalence of moderate to severe sore throat at 24 h was lower for Group K (0%) than for sham and placebo controls (16%[p = 0.038] and 19%[p = 0.032], respectively). There were no differences in the recovery room of the sore throat scores for all groups. We found that the PAS applied at the K-A20 was an alternative method for reducing postoperative sore throat.

Surface measurements of global warming causing atmospheric constituents in Korea.

The expansion of the industrial economy and the increase of population in Northeast Asian countries have caused much interest in climate monitoring related to global warming. However, new techniques and better platforms for the measurement of global warming and regional databases are still old-fashioned and are not being developed sufficiently. With respect to this agenda, since 1993, at the request of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), to monitor functions of global warming, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has set up a Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) Station on the western coast of Korea (Anmyun-do) and has been actively monitoring global warming over Northeast Asia. In addition, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has been measured for a similar KMA global warming program at Kosan, Cheju Island since 1990. Aerosol and radiation have also been measured at both sites as well as in Seoul. The observations have been analyzed using diagnostics of climate change in Northeast Asia and also have been internationally compared. Results indicate that greenhouse gases are in good statistic agreement with the NOAA/Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) long-term trends of monthly mean concentrations and seasonal cycles. Atmospheric particulate matter has also been analyzed for particular Asian types in terms of optical depth, number concentration and size distribution.

Human mouse mast cell protease 7-like tryptase genes are pseudogenes.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-tryptase and beta-tryptase are important clinical markers for mast cell-dependent disorders. A third family of tryptase genes on human chromosome 16 has been identified and called human mouse mast cell protease 7 (hmMCP-7)-like tryptase. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine whether these tryptase genes are expressed by human mast cells. METHODS: A 2842-bp hmMCP-7-like tryptase gene was cloned and sequenced from a human placental genomic library. PCR and RT-PCR procedures, respectively, were used to determine whether this tryptase gene family was present in most genomes and whether it was expressed. RESULTS: The tryptase clone was almost identical to the hmMCP-7-like tryptase II and I genes, and therefore it was called hmMCP-7-like tryptase III. All such genes encode a Gln(-3) like alpha-tryptase. They also terminate translation after amino acid 235, whereas alpha- and beta-tryptase genes each encode a 275-amino acid protein. In this study, cell lines HMC-1, KU812, and Mono-Mac-6; mast cells derived in vitro from cord blood and fetal liver progenitors; and mast cell-enriched preparations of dispersed skin and lung cells contained hmMCP-7-like tryptases in their genomes by PCR with gene-specific primers. To identify whether such genes were transcriptionally active, RT-PCR revealed alpha- or beta-tryptase products in all mast cell preparations and cell lines and in activated skin-derived mast cells, but no hmMCP-7-like tryptase products. CONCLUSION: These results indicate hmMCP-7-like tryptase (I, II, III) genes are pseudogenes and unlikely to affect measurements of alpha- and beta-tryptases.

Characterization of amiodarone metabolites and impurities using liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Using the high performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/APCI-MS/MS) technique, together with established trends from the literature, the structures of metabolites and impurities of amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, have been assigned. By comparing analyses of products of incubation with rat liver microsomes with controls in which glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was omitted, metabolites could be distinguished from impurities. Structures for the two proposed metabolites and four impurities are proposed.

Laser soldering and welding for ossicular reconstruction: an in vitro test.

To evaluate the possibility of laser application in ossicular reconstruction, soldering and welding of bony tissue with proteineous materials was performed by using a CO (2) laser, and the bonding strength of these materials was measured with a gradual weighing system. The soldered and welded surface of bone was observed with a scanning electron microscope. Additionally, welding of human ossicles and synthetic materials was experimentally tried with lasers, and morphologic changes were observed and recorded. A scanning electron microscopic examination was also done. A 40% albumin solution and commercial fibrin glue showed the best bonding strength. Bridging of denatured protein solder may be a mechanism of bonding. Polycel was melted by using a laser beam, and melted Polycel covered the surface of the ossicle. However, the bonding strength was not enough to use, and exact measurement of bonding strength was not possible. These results suggested the possibility of laser soldering and welding in ossicular reconstruction, especially with ossicle or cortical bone.

An improved procedure for the development of human mast cells from dispersed fetal liver cells in serum-free culture medium.

The in vitro development of human mast cells from fetal liver cells with recombinant human stem cell factor in serum-containing RPMI was compared to that in AIM-V media with and without serum. Compared to serum-containing media, AIM-V medium caused mast cells to develop earlier and in greater numbers. By 2 weeks, about 60% of cells in serum-free AIM-V medium were phenotypic mast cells, approximately 2 times the percentages in serum-containing media. By 6 weeks the percentages of mast cells were > or =80% under all conditions, but the number of mast cells was 3-4-fold greater in serum-free AIM-V medium than in serum-supplemented media. Mast cells obtained in serum-free AIM-V medium exhibited rounded nuclei, like tissue-derived mast cells; mast cells obtained in serum-supplemented media had segmented nuclei. By 10-12 weeks of culture about 40% of the AIM-V-derived cells showed strong chymase immunocytochemical staining, a pattern observed for only 14% of the cells in serum-containing media. AIM-V medium is a suitable medium for the development of human mast cells in vitro, and permits an earlier, more selective and greater expansion of mast cells than serum-containing media.

Combined analysis of germline polymorphisms of p53, GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1, and CYP2E1: relation to the incidence rate of cervical carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The authors established the genotype frequencies of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1/MspI, CYP2E1/PstI, and CYP2E1/DraI), glutathione-S-transferase (GSTM1 and GSTT1), and p53 (exon 4/AcclI and intron 3/16-base pair duplication) gene polymorphisms in cervical carcinoma patients and controls and evaluated the association between the specific genotype or genotype combinations of these polymorphisms and the risk of cervical carcinoma. METHODS: In this case-control study, the genotypes of 181 human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 or HPV-18 positive cervical carcinoma patients and 1-to-1 age-matched controls were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-based technique. RESULTS: Among these polymorphisms, the individuals carrying arginine/proline genotypes of p53 showed a 9.5-fold increase of cervical carcinoma risk (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9-18.6) compared with those individuals carrying arginine/arginine genotypes. The frequency of overall GSTT1 null genotypes also was significantly higher in cervical carcinoma patients compared with that of GSTT1 positive genotypes (P = 0.003; odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9). The genotype combination of p53 and GST played a more important role in describing the relative risk of cervical carcinoma. The individuals carrying both the arginine/proline genotype of p53 and the null genotype of GSTT1 showed a 3.5-fold increase of cervical carcinoma risk (95% CI, 1.8-7.1) compared with those individuals carrying both the arginine/arginine genotype of p53 and the GSTT1 positive genotype. In the patients who were stratified into the two age groups, the null genotypes of GSTT1 (69.1% vs. 45.5%; P = 0.016) and GSTM1 (61.8% vs. 40.0%; P = 0.028) in cervical carcinoma were significantly overrepresented in the younger age subgroup (age 40 years or younger) compared with those of controls. Especially in this age group, the individuals carrying both null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 showed a 17.8-fold increase of cervical carcinoma risk (95% CI, 2.2-141.0) compared with the individuals carrying both positive genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggested that the arginine/proline genotype of p53, independently or in conjunction with the GSTT1 null genotype, could affect the genetic susceptibility for cervical carcinoma, and HPV positive women carrying both null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 have an increased risk of cervical carcinoma developing before age 40 years.

Determination of homocysteine and its related compounds by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and accurate analytical method to determine homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), and methionine (Met) in aqueous samples. Until now, the most frequently used method for the assay of Hcy, Cys, and Met has been high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after fluorescent tagging. The newly developed method involves the employment of the SPME (solid-phase microextraction) technique together with GC-MS. For application to a gas chromatographic system, alkyl formate derivatives were prepared in the form of N(O,S)-alkoxycarbonyl alkyl ester with the analytes in the aqueous samples. The optimum derivatizing regent for N(O,S)-alkoxycarbonyl alkyl ester was chosen by comparing the efficiency of the derivatized analytes in a GC through the SPME method and liquid-liquid extraction. The optimum conditions of the SPME system for the analytes derivatized with N(O,S)-ethoxycarbonyl propyl ester in the aqueous matrix were pH 3.0 and no salt, and 30 min equilibration time using an 85 microm PA (polyacrylate) fiber. The developed method is inexpensive, easy and rapid.

Identification of IY81149 and its metabolites in the rat plasma using the on-line HPLC/ESI mass spectrometry.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) with an electrospray ionization (ESI) interface was applied to the identification of metabolites of IY 81149 in the rat plasma. Fragments obtained using collision-induced dissociation (CID) in both positive and negative modes were utilized to elucidate the structure of metabolites. The eluent from the conventional HPLC column was split and directly introduced into an ESI-mass spectrometer for the identification of the structures. The CID technique allowed the sensitive identification of sulfonyl-IY81149 and hydroxy-IY81149 from the rat plasma.

Lack of an intronic Sp1 binding-site polymorphism at the collagen type I alpha1 gene in healthy Korean women.

Osteoporosis is a disease that is strongly genetically influenced. However, the genes responsible for the disease are poorly defined. Recent data show that a G-T transition polymorphism of the Sp1 binding site at the collagen type I alpha1 gene (Sp1 polymorphism) is associated significantly with bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic fracture in British women. To establish the association between the Sp1 genotypes and BMD in Korean women, we examined 200 healthy postmenopausal women of Korean ethnicity, ranging in age from 44 to 66 years (mean+/-SD: 54.7+/-5.3 years). PCR amplification using the same primers as those used previously, with enzyme digestion, revealed no restriction site in our samples. We also performed a single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis in 100 of the 200 samples and could not find any polymorphic sites in the PCR amplification region. Based on our study, the Sp1 polymorphism at the type I collagen alpha1 gene was not found in Korean women. Therefore, we suggest that the Sp1 polymorphism at the type I collagen alpha1 gene is absent or rare in Korean women. Based on the present findings, this polymorphism does not seem to be responsible for the entire genetic contribution to BMD.

Determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine and dimethamphetamine in human urine by solid-phase microextraction (SPME)-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A simple and rapid assay method for three stimulant drugs (amphetamine, methamphetamine, and dimethamphetamine) in human urine using solid-phase microextraction was developed. In solid-phase microextraction, the drugs were equilibrated between the adsorbent coated-fiber and aqueous sample matrix. After adsorption of the analytes, the fiber was directly transferred to the injector of a gas chromatograph, where the analytes were thermally desorbed and subsequently separated by the gas chromatograph and detected by mass spectrometer. The solid-phase microextraction method, which did not require solvents, was found to be a fast and simple analytical method. We optimized the solid-phase microextraction technique, for factors such as the NaCl salt effect (30%), pH effect (pH=12.4), equilibration time (30 min), desorption time (1 min) and coated-fiber type (100 microm poly(dimethylsiloxane)) and detected the stimulants in human urine, obtained from human subjects. The detection limits of each drug were below 1-10 ng/ml. The developed method can be applied to the abused drug test.

Short stature in Korean women: a contribution to the multifactorial predisposition to gestational diabetes mellitus.

We examined the associations between demographic characteristics including short stature and the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Korean women. In this study, a total of 9005 pregnant women underwent universal screening for GDM. Oral glucose tolerance tests (100 g OGTT) were performed in positive screenees (1 h plasma glucose > or = 7.2 mmol/l) and GDM was diagnosed using National Diabetes Data Group criteria. Women with GDM were older and heavier than those with a positive screen and normal OGTT, as well as those with a negative screen. However, height of women with GDM was significantly shorter than those with a positive screen and normal OGTT, and a negative screen. When the study subjects were stratified according to height quartiles, the plasma glucose at the screening test decreased as height increased. Furthermore, the prevalence of GDM was highest in the shortest quartile (< or = 157 cm) group; the odds ratio for GDM was two times greater compared with the highest quartile (> or = 163 cm) group, even after controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that greater prepregnancy BMI, age, weight gain, a parental history of diabetes mellitus, and shorter maternal height were directly and independently associated with the prevalence of GDM. We have found that short stature is an independent risk factor for GDM in the racially homogeneous population of Seoul, Korea. It is suggested that this propensity may be conveyed primarily by environmental influences. However, genetic factors may also modify the response to the environmental insult. Our findings also emphasize the heterogeneity of factors which predispose to GDM.