Socioeconomic status and cardiovascular mortality in over 170,000 cancer survivors.

AIMS: Cardiovascular health is acknowledged as a crucial concern among cancer survivors. Socioeconomic status (SES) is an essential but often neglected risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted this study to identify the relationship between SES and CVD mortality in cancer survivors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Examinee database, we identified cancer survivors diagnosed and surviving beyond 5 years post-diagnosis. SES was assessed based on insurance premiums and classified into 5 groups. The primary outcome was overall CVD mortality. This study analyzed 170 555 individuals (mean age 60.7 ± 11.9 years, 57.8% female). A gradual increase in risk was observed across SES groups: adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for overall CVD mortality were 1.15 (1.04-1.26), 1.28 (1.15-1.44), 1.31 (1.18-1.46), and 2.13 (1.30-3.49) for the second, third, and fourth quartile, and medical aid group (the lowest SES group) compared to the highest SES group, respectively (p for trend < 0.001). The lowest SES group with hypertension exhibited a 3.4-fold higher risk of CVD mortality compared to the highest SES group without hypertension. Interaction analyses revealed that low SES synergistically interacts with hypertension, heightening the risk of CVD mortality (synergy index 1.62). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant correlation between low SES and increased CVD mortality among cancer survivors. Particularly, the lowest SES group, when combined with hypertension, significantly escalates CVD mortality. Our findings underscore the critical importance of recognizing SES as a significant risk factor for CVD mortality in this population of cancer survivors.

Our population-based cohort study, involving over 170 000 cancer survivors, demonstrates a significant association between socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

A Longitudinal Dose-Response Curve Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and the Prevalence of Diabetes Based on the Different Levels of Cognitive Function Among Older Adults.

This study investigated a dose-response relationship between Leisure-Time Physical Activity participation (LTPA) and the risk of diabetes and a comparison of the risk across different cognitive function groups among older adults. The Health and Retirement Study data were used from 2012 to 2020 (n = 18 746). This study conducted a Cox Proportional Hazard Regression to investigate the Dose-Response Curve between the prevalence of diabetes and the covariates following a level of LTPA participation. The result presented that the Odds Ratio continuously decreased as the level of LTPA participation increased. Among the three cognitive function groups, the high group (OR = .43, P < .05) and the mid group (OR = .71, P < .05) had a larger negative slope coefficient than the low group. This study found that LTPA participation reduces the risk of diabetes and gives evidence for the importance of cognitive function in reducing the prevalence of diabetes.

Effectiveness and Safety of Progressive Loading-Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain after Traffic Accidents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Traffic injuries include acute low back pain (LBP) needing active treatment to prevent chronicity. This two-armed, parallel, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness and safety of progressive loading-motion style acupuncture treatment (PL-MSAT) for acute LBP following traffic accidents. METHODS: Based on an effect size of 1.03, 104 participants were recruited and divided in a 1:1 ratio into PL-MAST and control groups using block randomization. Both groups underwent integrative Korean medicine treatment (IKMT) daily; only the PL-MSAT group underwent three PL-MSAT sessions. The outcomes were assessed before and after the treatment sessions and at 1 and 3 months post-discharge. The primary outcome was the difference in the numeric rating scale (NRS) for LBP. The secondary outcomes included a visual analog scale for LBP, leg pain status, the Oswestry disability index, lumbar active range of motion (ROM), quality of life, Patient Global Impression of Change, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist adverse events. RESULTS: In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, 50 and 51 participants were included in the PL-MSAT and control groups. On Day 4, the mean LBP NRS score was 3.67 (3.44-3.90) in the PL-MSAT group, indicating a significantly lower NRS 0.77 (0.44-1.11) compared to 4.44 (4.20-4.68) for the control group (p < 0.001). The PL-MSAT group exhibited greater ROM flexion (-5.31; -8.15 to -2.48) and extension (-2.09; -3.39 to -0.80). No significant differences were found for the secondary outcomes and follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with IKMT alone, PL-MSAT plus IKMT showed significantly better outcomes for reducing pain and increasing the ROM in acute LBP.

Synergistic Therapeutic Potential of Dual 3D Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in an Ischemic Hind Limb Mouse Model.

Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been widely used to promote the viability and metabolic activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic benefits of using dual 3D MSC culture systems to promote vascular regeneration and enhance therapeutic potential. We used various experimental assays, including dual 3D cultures of human adipose MSCs (hASCs), quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), in vitro cell migration, Matrigel tube network formation, Matrigel plug assay, therapeutic assays using an ischemic hind limb mouse model, and immunohistochemical analysis. Our qRT-PCR results revealed that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were highly upregulated in conventional 3D-cultured hASCs (ASC-3D) than in two-dimensional (2D)-cultured hASCs. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and stromal-cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) showed higher expression levels in cytokine-cocktail-based, 3D-cultured hASCs (ASC-3Dc). A conditioned medium (CM) mixture of dual 3D ASCs (D-3D; ASC-3D + ASC-3Dc) resulted in higher migration and Matrigel tube formation than the CM of single 3D ASCs (S-3D; ASC-3D). Matrigel plugs containing D-3D contained more red blood cells than those containing S-3D. D-3D transplantation into ischemic mouse hind limbs prevented limb loss and augmented blood perfusion when compared to S-3D transplantation. Transplanted D-3D also revealed a high capillary density and angiogenic cytokine levels and transdifferentiated into endothelial-like cells in the hind limb muscle. These findings highlight the benefits of using the dual 3D culture system to optimize stem-cell-based therapeutic strategies, thereby advancing the therapeutic strategy for ischemic vascular disease and tissue regeneration.

Associations between the triglyceride-glucose index and cardiovascular disease in over 150,000 cancer survivors: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an essential part of cancer survivorship care. We conducted the present study to investigate the association between the TyG index (a surrogate marker of insulin resistance) and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in cancer survivors. METHODS: Adult cancer patients, who underwent routine health examinations during 2009-2010 and were survived for more than 5 years as of January 1, 2011, were followed for hospitalization of CVD (either ischemic heart disease, stroke, or heart failure) until December 2020. Cox model was used to calculate hazard ratios associated with baseline TyG index (loge [fasting triglyceride (mg) × fasting glucose (mg)/2]) for the CVD hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 155,167 cancer survivors (mean age 59.9 ± 12.0 years, female 59.1%) were included in this study. A graded positive association was observed between TyG and CVD hospitalization. An 8% elevated risk for CVD hospitalization was observed for a TyG index of 8-8.4 (aHR 1.08 [95% CI 1.01-1.14]); 10% elevated risk for a TyG index of 8.5-8.9 (aHR 1.10 [95% CI 1.03-1.17]); 23% elevated risk for a TyG index of 9.0-9.4 (aHR 1.23 [95% CI 1.15-1.31]); 34% elevated risk for a TyG index of 9.5-9.9 (aHR 1.34 [95% CI 1.23-1.47]); and 55% elevated risk for a TyG index ≥ 10 compared to the reference group (TyG index < 8). Per 1-unit increase in the TyG index, a 16% increase in CVD hospitalization and a 45% increase in acute myocardial infarction hospitalization were demonstrated. Graded positive associations were evident for atherosclerotic CVD subtypes, such as ischemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke, but not for hemorrhagic stroke or heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index may serve as a simple surrogate marker for the risk stratification of future CVD events, particularly atherosclerotic subtypes, in cancer survivors.

Association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular mortality in statin non-users: a prospective cohort study in 14.9 million Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available on detailed sex/age-specific associations between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and 'the optimal range' associated with the lowest CVD mortality in the general population. METHODS: Korean adults (N = 14 884 975) who received routine health screenings during 2009-2010 were followed until 2018 for CVD mortality. RESULTS: During 8.8 years (mean) of follow-up, 94 344 individuals died from CVD. LDL-C had U-curve associations with mortality from CVD and its subtypes, except haemorrhagic stroke. Optimal range was 90-149 mg/dL for CVD; 70-114 for ischaemic heart disease; 85-129 for ischaemic stroke; ≥85 for subarachnoid haemorrhage; ≥130 for intracerebral haemorrhage; 115-159 for hypertension and heart failure; and 100-144 for sudden cardiac death. Assuming linear associations between 100 and 300 mg/dL, LDL-C was positively associated with CVD mortality [hazard ratio (HR) per 39-mg/dL (1-mmol/L) higher LDL-C = 1.10], largely due to ischaemic heart disease (HR = 1.26), followed by sudden cardiac death (HR = 1.13), ischaemic stroke (HR = 1.11) and heart failure (HR = 1.05). Intracerebral haemorrhage (HR = 0.90), but not subarachnoid haemorrhage, had inverse associations. Women and older adults had weaker positive associations than men and younger adults (Pinteraction < 0.001 for both sex and age). Individuals aged 75-84 years had modest positive associations with CVD mortality, especially ischaemic heart disease and ischaemic stroke. CONCLUSION: LDL-C had U-curve associations for CVD mortality. The associations and optimal ranges differed across CVD subtypes. Women and older adults had weaker positive associations than men and younger adults. Positive associations with ischaemic heart disease and ischaemic stroke were maintained in adults aged 75-84 years.

Association of Physical Activity and Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Outcomes in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease.

Background To investigate the dose-response association between physical activity and lower respiratory tract infection (LoRI) outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results Using the Korean National Health Insurance data, we identified individuals aged 18 to 99 years (mean age, 62.6±11.3 years; women, 49.6%) with cardiovascular disease who participated in health screening from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2012 (n=1 048 502), and were followed up until 2018 for mortality and until 2019 for hospitalization. Amount of physical activity was assessed using self-reported questionnaires and categorized into 5 groups: 0 (completely sedentary), <500, 500 to 999, 1000 to 1499, and ≥1500 metabolic equivalents of task min/wk. After controlling for various confounders, adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) were 1.00 (reference), 0.74 (0.70-0.78), 0.66 (0.62-0.70), 0.52 (0.47-0.57), and 0.54 (0.49-0.60) for LoRI mortality, and 1.00 (reference), 0.84 (0.83-0.85), 0.77 (0.76-0.79), 0.72 (0.70-0.73), and 0.71 (0.69-0.73) for LoRI hospitalization among those engaging in physical activity of 0, <500, 500 to 999, 1000 to 1499, and ≥1500 metabolic equivalents of task min/wk, respectively. Assuming linear association between 0 and 2000 metabolic equivalents of task min/wk, each 500-metabolic equivalents of task min/wk increase of physical activity was associated with reduced LoRI mortality and hospitalization by 22% and 13%, respectively. The negative association was stronger in the older population than in the younger population (P for interaction <0.01). Conclusions In patients with cardiovascular disease, engaging in even a low level of physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of mortality and hospitalization from LoRI than being completely sedentary, and incremental risk reduction was observed with increased physical activity.

Predictive value of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study for long-term mortality in patients with subacute stroke.

ABSTRACT: To investigate the usefulness of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) for subacute stroke in predicting long-term all-cause mortality, including not only simple parameters obtained from VFSS results, but also recommended dietary type as an integrated parameter.This was a retrospective study of patients with subacute (<1 month) stroke at a university hospital between February 2014 and September 2019. The independent risk factors were investigated using stepwise Cox regression analysis, which increased the all-cause mortality of patients with stroke among VFSS parameters.A total of 242 patients with subacute stroke were enrolled. The significant mortality-associated factors were age, history of cancer, recommended dietary type (modified dysphagia diet; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 6.971; P = .014; tube diet, adjusted HR: 10.169; P = .019), and Modified Barthel Index. In the subgroup survival analysis of the modified dysphagia diet group (n = 173), the parameters for fluid penetration (adjusted HR: 1.911; 95% confidence interval, 1.086-3.363; P = .025) and fluid aspiration (adjusted HR: 2.236; 95% confidence interval, 1.274-3.927; P = .005) were significantly associated with mortality.The recommended dietary type determined after VFSS in subacute stroke was a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality as an integrated parameter for dysphagia. Among the VFSS parameters, fluid penetration and aspiration were important risk factors for all-cause mortality in patients with moderate dysphagia after stroke. Therefore, it is important to classify the degree of dysphagia by performing the VFSS test in the subacute period of stroke and to determine the appropriate diet and rehabilitation intervention for mortality-related prognosis.

The association between urinary bisphenol A levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Korean adults: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015-2017.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a global health problem. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of most widely used environmental chemicals, is suspected to be a contributor to the development NAFLD. This study was performed to examine the relationship between human BPA levels and risk of NAFLD. METHODS: The data (n = 3476 adults: 1474 men and 2002 women) used in this study were obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey III (2015-2017). BPA levels were measured in urine samples. NAFLD was defined using hepatic steatosis index after exclusion of other causes of hepatic diseases. RESULTS: There was a significant linear relationship between the elevated urinary BPA concentrations and risk of NAFLD. In a univariate analysis, odds ratio (OR) of the highest quartile of urinary BPA level was 1.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.94] compared to the lowest quartile. After adjusted with covariates, the ORs for NAFLD in the third and fourth quartiles were 1.31 [95% CI 1.03-1.67] and 1.32 [95% CI 1.03-1.70], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary BPA levels are positively associated with the risk of NAFLD in adults. Further experimental studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms of BPA on NAFLD prevalence.

Significantly Reduced Alanine Aminotransferase Level Increases All-Cause Mortality Rate in the Elderly after Ischemic Stroke.

(1) Background: A significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is being recognized as a risk factor of increasing mortality in the elderly in relation to frailty. In the elderly, both frailty and ischemic stroke are not only common, but are also associated with mortality. The aim of this research was to investigate whether a significantly reduced ALT level increases the all-cause mortality rate in the elderly with ischemic stroke. (2) Methods: Between February 2014 and April 2019, a retrospective study of 901 patients with ischemic stroke admitted to a university-affiliated hospital was conducted. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine whether a significantly reduced ALT level is an independent risk factor for mortality in elderly patients after an ischemic stroke. (3) Results: This study enrolled 323 older adults (age ≥ 65 years) who were first diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The mean age of the participants was 76.5 ± 6.6 years, the mean survival time was 37.1 ± 20.4 months, and the number of deaths was 96 (29.7%). Our results showed that reduced ALT level (less than 10 U/L) increased the risk of all-cause mortality in the elderly after ischemic stroke (adjusted HR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.95-5.41; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: A significantly reduced ALT level at the time of diagnosis (less than 10 U/L) is an independent risk factor that increases the mortality rate in the elderly after ischemic stroke.

The Association between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Stroke: Results from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES).

(1) Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with various cardiometabolic diseases. However, the association between NAFLD and stroke is not well known. The purpose of our study is to reveal the relationship between NAFLD and Stroke incidence. (2) Methods: Using data from a Korean prospective cohort study, we excluded participants with heavy alcohol consumption and a history of stroke; hence, 7964 adults aged 40-69 years were included in this study. According to their fatty liver index (FLI), participants were divided into three groups: <30 (n = 4550, non-NAFLD), 30-59.9 (n = 2229, intermediate), and ≥60 (n = 1185, NAFLD). The incidence of stroke according to the degree of FLI was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard model. (3) Results: During the 12-year follow-up period, 168 strokes occurred. A graded association between NAFLD and stroke incidence was observed, i.e., 1.7% (n = 76), 2.5% (n = 56), and 3.0% (n = 36) for non-NAFLD, intermediate, and NAFLD FLI groups, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables and compared to the risk of stroke in the non-NAFLD group, the risk of stroke in the NAFLD group was the highest (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-3.34), followed by the risk of stroke in the intermediate group (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.94-2.21) (p for trend < 0.001). However, the level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, or gamma-glutamyltransferase alone did not show any significant association with stroke. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the risk of stroke incidence gradually increased with the degree of FLI. Individuals with NAFLD should be properly counseled and monitored for risk for stroke.

Complex interaction of fasting glucose, body mass index, age and sex on all-cause mortality: a cohort study in 15 million Korean adults.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this work was to examine whether synergistic associations with mortality exist for BMI and fasting blood glucose (FBG) and to identify FBG-BMI combined subgroups with higher mortality according to sex and age. METHODS: A total of 15,149,275 Korean adults participated in health examinations during 2003-2006 and were followed up until December 2018. Mortality HRs of 40 FBG-BMI combined groups were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: During a mean 13.7 years of follow-up, 1,213,401 individuals died. A J-shaped association was seen between FBG and all-cause mortality for all BMI categories. Those with BMI <20 kg/m2 had the highest mortality for any given FBG level, followed by those with BMI 20-22.4 kg/m2. The detrimental effect of elevated FBG was greater among leaner individuals than more corpulent individuals. Moreover, the synergistic adverse effects of hyperglycaemia and leanness was stronger in younger adults than in older adults. Compared with the reference group (overweight with normoglycaemia), age- and sex-adjusted HRs of the leanest with normoglycaemia (BMI <20 kg/m2 and FBG 4.4-5.2 mmol/l), overweight with diabetes (BMI 25-27.4 kg/m2 and FBG ≥10.0 mmol/l) and leanest with diabetes (BMI <20 kg/m2 and FBG ≥10.0 mmol/l) were 1.29, 2.59 and 11.18, respectively, in those aged 18-44 years and 1.56, 1.72 and 2.87, respectively, in those aged 75-99 years. The identification of BMI-FBG subgroups associated with higher mortality was not straightforward, illustrated by the group with FBG 6.1-6.9 mmol/l and BMI 20-22.4 kg/m2 having a similar or higher mortality compared with the group with FBG 7.0-9.9 mmol/l and BMI ≥22.5 kg/m2. In women aged <45 years with FBG <6.9 mmol/l, those with BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2 had the highest mortality, whereas individuals with BMI <20 kg/m2 had the highest mortality for each given FBG level in other age and sex groups. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Leanness and hyperglycaemia interact together to increase mortality in a supra-multiplicative manner, especially in younger adults; the interactions of BMI, FBG, sex and age with mortality are complex. Graphical abstract.

Symptomatic Retinal Artery Occlusion after Angioplasty and Stenting of the Carotid Artery: Incidence and Related Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is rarely seen as a complication in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS); hence, its characteristics have not been documented in detail. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of this complication and the related risk factors, focusing on differences in ophthalmic artery (OA) supply (whether by the external or internal carotid artery [ECA or ICA]) prior to CAS procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined 342 patients who underwent CAS for severe and/or symptomatic carotid artery stenosis between January 2009 and December 2017. Cumulative medical records and radiologic data were assessed. RAO was confirmed by photography and fluorescent angiography of the fundus, which were performed by an ophthalmologist. In all patients, distal filter systems of various types were applied as cerebral protection devices (CPDs) during procedures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for RAO after CAS. RESULTS: Symptomatic RAO was observed in six patients (1.8%), of which five (6.8%) were ECA-dominant group members (n = 74). In a binary logistic regression analysis, OA supply by the ECA (odds ratio [OR], 9.705; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.519-62.017; p = 0.016) and older age (OR, 1.159; 95% CI, 1.005-1.336; p = 0.041) were identified as significant risk factors in patients with RAO after CAS. ECA-supplied OA was also associated with the severity of ipsilateral ICA stenosis (p = 0.001) and ulcerative plaque (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: In procedures performed using ICA distal filtering CPD systems, RAO as a complication of CAS (performed for severe stenosis) showed a relationship to ECA-supplied OA. For older patients, simultaneous use of ICA-ECA CPDs might help prevent such complications.

Association between Peptic Ulcer Disease and Osteoporosis: The Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study in Korea.

OBJECTIVES: The association between peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and osteoporosis remains unclear. We investigated the association between PUD and osteoporosis by classifying individuals based on gender in a prospective study on 10,030 adults in Korea at a 12-year follow-up examination. DESIGN AND SETTING: The baseline survey of the Ansung-Ansan cohort studies was conducted from May 2001 to February 2003, and 10,030 participants (5018 from the Ansung study and 5012 from the Ansan study) completed the examination. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The risk of developing osteoporosis was higher in both men and women in the PUD group than in the control group. RESULTS: At the 12-year follow-up, osteoporosis had developed in 11.1% (21/189) and 29.9% (56/187) of men and women in the PUD group, respectively. Meanwhile, in the control group, 4.8% (70/1464) and 16.5% (271/1639) of men and women, respectively, were presented with osteoporosis. The incidence rates per 1000 person-years were 20.5% and 68.5% in men and women in the PUD group and 11.2% and 42.3% of men and women in the control group, respectively. The risk of developing osteoporosis was higher in both men and women in the PUD group than in the control group (men: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-2.92; women: HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20-2.18). CONCLUSION: The risk of developing osteoporosis was significantly higher in both men and women in the PUD group than in the control group.

Age-specific associations between systolic blood pressure and cardiovascular mortality.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the following in all age groups among individuals without known hypertension and CVD: (1) Whether a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130-139 mm Hg elevates cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. (2) Whether SBP shows a linear association with cause-specific CVD mortality. METHODS: We used the Korean National Health Insurance sample data (n=429 220). Participants were categorised into three groups by age (40-59 years, 60-69 years and 70-80 years). RESULTS: During 10.4 years of follow-up, 4319 cardiovascular deaths occurred. A positive and graded association was generally observed between SBP and overall and cause-specific CVD mortality regardless of age, except for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in those aged 70-80 years. Among those aged 70-80 years, the HRs (95% CIs) for overall CVD mortality were 1.08 (0.92-1.28), 1.14 (0.97-1.34) and 1.34 (1.14-1.58) for SBP values of 120-129 mm Hg, 130-139 mm Hg and 140-149 mm Hg, respectively, compared with SBP <120 mm Hg. For total stroke mortality, the corresponding HRs were 1.29 (1.02-1.64), 1.37 (1.09-1.72) and 1.52 (1.20-1.93), while for IHD mortality, the corresponding HRs were 0.90 (0.64-1.26), 0.86 (0.62-1.19) and 1.29 (0.93-1.78), respectively. Non-linear associations were significant for IHD. CONCLUSIONS: In the elderly Korean population, SBPs of 130-139 mm Hg elevated total stroke mortality, but not IHD mortality, compared with normal blood pressure, and a linear association was not observed for IHD mortality in the range <140 mm Hg.

Best cut-off point of the cervical facet joint area as a new morphological measurement tool to predict cervical foraminal stenosis.

Purpose: One of the main factor of cervical foraminal stenosis (CFS) is the hypertrophic change of the cervical facet joint. In order to analyze the connection between CFS and the facet joint hypertrophy, we devised a new morphological parameter, called the cervical facet joint cross-sectional area (CFJA). The CFJA has not yet been investigated for its association with CFS. We hypothesized that the CFJA is an important morphologic parameter in the diagnosis of CFS. Patients and methods: All patients over 50 years of age were included. Data regarding the CFJA were collected from 160 subjects with CFS. A total of 162 control individuals underwent cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) as part of a routine medical examination. Axial T2-weighted CMRI images were acquired from all subjects. We used a picture archiving system to analyze the cross-sectional area of the bone margin of the cervical facet joint at the level of the most stenotic cervical spine in the axial plane. Results: The average CFJA was 109.07±20.91 mm2 in the control group, and 126.75±22.59 mm2 in the CFS group. The CFS group was found to have significantly higher levels of the CFJA (p<0.001) than the control group. ROC curve estimation was used to verify the validity of the CFJA as a new predictor of CFS. In the CFS group, the best cut off-point was 113.14 mm2, with sensitivity =70.6%, specificity =68.6%, and AUC =0.72 (95% CI, 0.66-0.77). Conclusions: CFJA high values were closely associated with a possibility of CFS. We concluded CFJA is easy to use, fast, and useful new morphological parameter to predict CFS.

Effect of physical activity on the cardiometabolic profiles of non-obese and obese subjects: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is an important but often neglected risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that physical inactivity might have deleterious effects on metabolic health in obese and non-obese subjects. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of physical activity on the cardiometabolic profiles of a nationwide cohort of non-obese and obese individuals who did not have overt cardiovascular diseases. A total of 3,830 study subjects were divided into two groups based on their body mass index (BMI). Within each BMI group, participants were divided according to their physical activity level. To ascertain their cardiometabolic profiles, we collected data regarding the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level. RESULTS: Physically inactive subjects demonstrated markedly elevated HOMA-IR index and heart rates in each BMI category, even after adjustments for baseline covariates. They also tended to have worse profiles for HDL-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and hsCRP levels. A significant elevation in cardiometabolic risk was noted across the four physical activity/obesity groups (p<0.05). HOMA-IR index was largely affected by obesity, but within each BMI category, physical inactivity independently elevated the risk for worsening insulin resistance. In addition, physical inactivity significantly increased the risk of elevated heart rate in both non-obese and obese individuals. Notably, the detrimental effect of physical activity on heart rate was not modified by obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was associated with favorable cardiometabolic risk profiles with regard to insulin resistance status and heart rate level in both BMI groups. Our results suggest that increasing physical activity could be a helpful strategy for improving the cardiometabolic health in the Korean population, regardless of obesity status.