CE9A215 (inotodiol), a lanostane-type oxysterol, mitigates LPS-induced sepsis through multifaceted mechanisms.

Dysregulated host response against infection triggers sepsis that leads to multiple organ dysfunction due to uncontrolled inflammatory responses. Despite marked progress in understanding of sepsis, numerous clinical trials for treatment of sepsis have proven daunting and a new therapeutic approach is highly needed. CE9A215 (inotodiol), a fungal secondary metabolite, has been researched for its pharmacological activities and has shown potent anti-allergic effects. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of CE9A215 upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in vivo and in vitro for the first time. CE9A215 decreased the production of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1ß in a concentration-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Intriguingly, in human mast cell line LUVA, CE9A215 significantly lowered IL-4 and IL-10, and this effect could be beneficial for the clearance of bacterial infection. In addition, administration of CE9A215 improved the survival rate of LPS-stimulated mice and inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß in blood. Moreover, CE9A215 enhanced the expression levels of plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1) in LPS-stimulated RAW246.7 cells. Liver PLTP level increased significantly in the CE9A215-administered group compared with the control group, which implies that CE9A215 promotes LPS clearance and neutralization by reverse transport of LPS by increasing the expressions of PLTP, ApoE, and ABCA1. Our results highlight CE9A215's potential as a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of sepsis.

Efficient biotransformation of docosahexaenoic acid-rich oils into the lipid mediator resolvin D5 by cells expressing 15S-lipoxygenase using a bioreactor.

Resolvin D5 (RvD5), 7S,17S-dihydroxy-4Z,8E,10Z,13Z,15E,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) generated in human macrophages. It is implicated in the resolution of inflammation and synthesized using an inefficient chemical process. Here, DHA-enriched oil hydrolysate was prepared from oils by lipase with resin treatment and solvent extraction. The reaction factors on the biotransformation of oil hydrolysate into RvD5 were optimized using Escherichia coli expressing arachidonate double-oxygenating 15S-lipoxygenase. After optimization, the cells converted 5.0 mM (1.64 g/L) DHA in oil hydrolysate into 4.0 mM (1.44 g/L) RvD5 in a bioreactor for 3.0 h, which was 15-fold higher than that in a flask before optimization, and RvD5 with a purity of > 97% was prepared from reaction solution by treatments of resins. This is the first trial for the production of C22-dihydroxy fatty acid using a bioreactor. This study will contribute to the large-scale production of SPMs from oils.

Korean guidelines for the management of gout.

Gout is the most common form of arthritis, with the prevalence increasing worldwide. The present treatment guidelines provide recommendations for the appropriate treatment of acute gout, management during the inter-critical period, and prevention of chronic complications. The guidelines were developed based on evidence-based medicine and draft recommendations finalized after expert consensus. These guidelines are designed to provide clinicians with clinical evidence to enable efficient treatment of gout.

Protective Effects of Lanostane Triterpenoids from Chaga Mushroom in Human Keratinocytes, HaCaT Cells, against Inflammatory and Oxidative Stresses.

Inotodiol, a lanostane-type triterpenoid, and many phytochemicals from Chaga mushrooms have been investigated for various allergic diseases. However, the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities of inotodiol under different types of oxidative stress and the impact of inotodiol on collagen and hyaluronan synthesis have not been sufficiently studied. Lanostane triterpenoids-rich concentrate, which contained 10% inotodiol as major (inotodiol concentrate), was prepared from Chaga and compared with pure inotodiol in terms of anti-inflammatory activities on a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT cells, under various stimulations such as stimulation with ultraviolet (UV) B or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In stimulation with TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 genes were significantly repressed by 0.44~4.0 µg/mL of pure inotodiol. UVB irradiation induced the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but those genes were significantly suppressed by pure inotodiol or inotodiol concentrate. Moreover, pure inotodiol/inotodiol concentrate could also modulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid by controlling COL1A2 and HAS2/3 expression, which implies a crucial role for pure inotodiol/inotodiol concentrate in the prevention of skin aging. These results illuminate the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects of pure inotodiol/inotodiol concentrate, and it is highly conceivable that pure inotodiol and inotodiol concentrate could be promising natural bioactive substances to be incorporated in therapeutic and beautifying applications.

Korean guidelines for the management of gout.

Gout is the most common form of arthritis, with the prevalence increasing worldwide. The present treatment guidelines provide recommendations for the appropriate treatment of acute gout, management during the inter-critical period, and prevention of chronic complications. The guidelines were developed based on evidence-based medicine and draft recommendations finalized after expert consensus. These guidelines are designed to provide clinicians with clinical evidence to enable efficient treatment of gout.

Variation of Triterpenic Acids in 12 Wild Syzygium formosum and Anti-Inflammation Activity on Human Keratinocyte HaCaT.

Syzygium formosum (Wall.) Masam leaf is known as a Vietnamese traditional herbal medicine used to treat atopic dermatitis and stomach ulcers. Recently, its potent anti-allergic effects were reported with possible active compounds analysis. Here, we collected S. formosum leaves from 12 wild trees and compared compositions of triterpenic acids (TA) with Centella asiatica. Anti-inflammatory activities of S. formosum leaf extract (SFLE) was compared with C. asiatica extract (CAE) using human keratinocyte, HaCaT. In this study, up to seven TAs were identified in SFLE, while only madecassic and asiatic acids were detected in the CAE. Total TA content varied among SFLE, but asiatic, corosolic, and betulinic acids were the major components. Surprisingly, wild tree sample 12 (S12) contained total TA of 27.2 mg/g dry-leaves that was 5-fold greater than that in the C. asiatica sample, and S4 had the highest content of asiatic acid (12.6 mg/g dry-leaves) that accounted for 50% of the total TA. S4 and S12 showed more than 3-fold higher anti-oxidative power than the CAE. In the UVB irradiation model, S4 and S12 (5 µg/mL) strongly repressed mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8) and COX-2, while the CAE at the same condition showed moderate or weak repression. The difference in anti-inflammation effects between the SFLE and the CAE was also confirmed by protein quantifications. Taken together, SFLE has great potentials as a new cosmeceutical ingredient with a higher amount of skin-active phytochemicals.

Characteristics and outcomes of HFpEF with declining ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVE: Some patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) experience declining of left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during follow-up. We aim to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with HF with declining ejection fraction (HFdEF). METHODS: We analyzed a prospective, nationwide multicenter cohort with consecutive patients with acute HF enrolled from March 2011 to December 2014. HFpEF was defined as LVEF ≥ 50% at index admission. After 1 year, HFpEF patients were further classified as HFdEF (LVEF ≥ 50% at admission and < 50% at 1 year), and persistent HFpEF (LVEF ≥ 50% both at admission and 1 year). Primary outcome was 4-year all-cause mortality according to HF type from HFdEF diagnosis. RESULTS: Of patients with HFpEF, 426 (90.4%) were diagnosed as having persistent HFpEF and 45 (9.6%) as having HFdEF. Natriuretic peptide level was an independent predictor of HFdEF (natriuretic peptide level > median: odds ratio: 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42-7.25, P = 0.005). During 4-year follow-up, patients with HFdEF had higher mortality than those with persistent HFpEF (Log-rank P < 0.001). After adjustment, HFdEF was associated with an almost twofold increased risk for mortality (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% CI 1.13-2.96, P = 0.015). The use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was not associated with improved prognosis of patients with HFdEF. CONCLUSIONS: HFdEF is a distinct HF type with grave outcomes. Further investigations that focus on HFdEF are warranted to better understand and develop treatment strategies for these high-risk patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT01389843. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01389843.

Characteristics, Outcomes, and Treatment of Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction.

Background Many patients with heart failure ( HF ) with reduced ejection fraction ( HF r EF ) experience improvement or recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF ). Data on clinical characteristics, outcomes, and medical therapy in patients with HF with improved ejection fraction (HFiEF) are scarce. Methods and Results Of 5625 consecutive patients hospitalized for acute HF in the KorAHF (Registry [Prospective Cohort] for Heart Failure in Korea) study, 5103 patients had baseline echocardiography and 2302 patients had follow-up echocardiography at 12 months. HF phenotypes were defined as persistent HF r EF ( LVEF ≤40% at baseline and at 1-year follow-up), HF i EF ( LVEF ≤40% at baseline and improved up to 40% at 1-year follow-up), HF with midrange ejection fraction (LVEF between 40% and <50%), and HF with preserved ejection fraction ( LVEF ≥50%). The primary outcome was 4-year all-cause mortality from the time of HF i EF diagnosis. Among 1509 HF r EF patients who had echocardiography 1 year after index hospitalization, 720 (31.3%) were diagnosed as having HF i EF . Younger age, female sex, de novo HF , hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and ß-blocker use were positive predictors and diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease were negative predictors of HF i EF . During 4-year follow-up, patients with HF i EF showed lower mortality than those with persistent HF r EF in univariate, multivariate, and propensity-score-matched analyses. ß-Blockers, but not renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, were associated with a reduced all-cause mortality risk (hazard ratio: 0.59; 95% CI , 0.40-0.87; P=0.007). Benefits for outcome seemed similar among patients receiving low- or high-dose ß-blockers (log-rank, P=0.304). Conclusions HF i EF is a distinct HF phenotype with better clinical outcomes than other phenotypes. The use of ß-blockers may be beneficial for these patients. Clinical Trial Registration URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01389843.

ß-Blockers and 1-Year Postdischarge Mortality for Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction and Slow Discharge Heart Rate.

Background Many hospitalized patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction ( HF r EF ) have a slow heart rate at discharge, and the effect of ß-blockers may be reduced in those patients. We sought to examine the variable effect of ß-blockers on clinical outcomes according to the discharge heart rate of hospitalized HF r EF patients. Methods and Results The KorAHF (Korean Acute Heart Failure) registry consecutively enrolled 5625 patients hospitalized for acute heart failure. In this analysis, we included patients with HF r EF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%). Slow heart rate was defined as <70 beats per minute regardless of the use of ß-blockers. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause postdischarge death according to heart rate. Among 2932 patients with HF r EF , 840 (29%) had a slow heart rate and 56% received ß-blockers at discharge. Patients with slow heart rates were older and had lower 1-year mortality than those with high heart rates ( P<0.001). A significant interaction between discharge heart rate and ß-blocker use was observed ( P<0.001 for interaction). When stratified, only patients without a ß-blocker prescription and with a high heart rate showed higher 1-year mortality. In a Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis, ß-blocker prescription at discharge was associated with 24% reduced risk for 1-year mortality in patients with high heart rates (hazard ratio: 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.95) but not in those with slow heart rates (hazard ratio: 1.02; 95% CI, 0.68-1.55). Conclusions Many patients with acute heart failure have slow discharge heart rates, and ß-blockers may have a limited effect on HF r EF and slow discharge heart rate. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrial.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 01389843.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Prognosis of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Acute Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography.

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a well-known risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). We sought to evaluate the risk factors and prognostic impact of CI-AKI in patients with AHF who undergo coronary angiography (CAG). Methods: A total 594 patients with AHF underwent CAG from May 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013. CI-AKI was defined as an increase ≥25% or ≥0.5 mg/dL in serum creatinine at 48 hours after CAG or the initiation of dialysis after CAG. The deviation of body weight on CAG day from the dry weight (ΔBWTCAG, %) was calculated for each patient. Results: Overall, CI-AKI was observed in 24.7% of patients. Patients with CI-AKI had higher in-hospital death (16.3% vs. 5.1%, p<0.001; relative risk [RR], 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-4.31) and 1-year post-discharge death (38.1% vs. 17.4%, p<0.001; hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.40-3.34) than those without CI-AKI. Patients with CI-AKI had greater ΔBWTCAG than those without CI-AKI (5.5±5.7% vs. 3.7±4.0%, p<0.001). A J-shaped association between the risk of CI-AKI and ΔBWTCAG was noted. In patients with weight excess (n=179), an increase of ΔBWT by 1% was associated with 9% (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16), while in patients with weight deficiency (n=86), a decrease of ΔBWT by 1% was associated with 11% increased risk for CI-AKI (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17). Conclusions: In AHF patients undergoing CAG CI-AKI is common and associated with worse clinical outcomes. Achieving optimum body weight before CAG may reduce the risk of CI-AKI. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01389843.

Predictors and Prognostic Value of Worsening Renal Function During Admission in HFpEF Versus HFrEF: Data From the KorAHF (Korean Acute Heart Failure) Registry.

BACKGROUND: Worsening renal function (WRF) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure. We investigated the predictors and prognostic value of WRF during admission, in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) versus those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 5625 patients were enrolled in the KorAHF (Korean Acute Heart Failure) registry. WRF was defined as an absolute increase in creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL. Transient WRF was defined as recovery of creatinine at discharge, whereas persistent WRF was indicated by a nonrecovered creatinine level. HFpEF and HFrEF were defined as a left ventricle ejection fraction ≥50% and ≤40%, respectively. Among the total population, WRF occurred in 3101 patients (55.1%). By heart failure subgroup, WRF occurred more frequently in HFrEF (57.0% versus 51.3%; P<0.001 in HFrEF and HFpEF). Prevalence of WRF increased as creatinine clearance decreased in both heart failure subgroups. Among various predictors of WRF, chronic renal failure was the strongest predictor. WRF was an independent predictor of adverse in-hospital outcomes (HFrEF: odds ratio; 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-5.02; P=0.001; HFpEF: odds ratio, 9.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-75.89; P=0.034) and 1-year mortality (HFrEF: hazard ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.78; P=0.004 versus HFpEF: hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.42; P=0.002). Transient WRF was a risk factor for 1-year mortality, whereas persistent WRF had no additive risk compared to transient WRF. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute heart failure patients, WRF is an independent predictor of adverse in-hospital and follow-up outcomes in both HFrEF and HFpEF, though with a different effect size. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01389843.

The Effect of Door-to-Diuretic Time on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine the impact of door-to-diuretic (D2D) time on mortality in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) who were presenting to an emergency department (ED). BACKGROUND: Most patients with AHF present with congestion. Early decongestion with diuretic agents could improve their clinical outcomes. METHODS: The Korea Acute Heart Failure registry enrolled 5,625 consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF. For this analysis, the study included patients who received intravenous diuretic agents within 24 h after ED arrival. Early and delayed groups were defined as D2D time ≤60 min and D2D time >60 min, respectively. The primary outcomes were in-hospital death and post-discharge death at 1 month and 1 year on the basis of D2D time. RESULTS: A total of 2,761 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median D2D time was 128 min (interquartile range: 63 to 243 min), and 663 (24%) patients belonged to the early group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The rate of in-hospital death did not differ between the groups (5.0% vs. 5.1%; p > 0.999), nor did the post-discharge 1-month (4.0% vs. 3.0%; log-rank p = 0.246) and 1-year (20.6% vs. 19.3%; log-rank p = 0.458) mortality rates. Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure risk score was calculated for each patient. In multivariate analyses with adjustment for Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure risk score and other significant clinical covariates and propensity-matched analyses, D2D time was not associated with clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The D2D time was not associated with clinical outcomes in a large prospective cohort of patients with AHF who were presenting to an ED. (Registry [Prospective Cohort] for Heart Failure in Korea [KorAHF]; NCT01389843).

Relation of Renal Function with Left Ventricular Systolic Function and NT-proBNP Level and Its Prognostic Implication in Heart Failure with Preserved versus Reduced Ejection Fraction: an analysis from the Korean Heart Failure (KorHF) Registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between ejection fraction (EF), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and renal function is unknown as stratified by heart failure (HF) type. We investigated their relation and the prognostic value of renal function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) vs. reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: NT-proBNP, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and EF were obtained in 1,932 acute heart failure (AHF) patients. HFrEF was defined as EF<50%, and renal dysfunction as GFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (mild renal dysfunction: 30≤GFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2; severe renal dysfunction: GFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary outcome was 12-month all-cause death. RESULTS: There was an inverse correlation between GFR and log NT-proBNP level (r=-0.298, p<0.001), and between EF and log NT-proBNP (r=-0.238, p<0.001), but no correlation between EF and GFR (r=0.017, p=0.458). Interestingly, the prevalence of renal dysfunction did not differ between HFpEF and HFrEF (49% vs. 52%, p=0.210). Patients with renal dysfunction had higher 12-month mortality in both HFpEF (7.9% vs. 15.2%, log-rank p=0.008) and HFrEF (8.6% vs. 16.8%, log-rank p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed severe renal dysfunction was an independent predictor of 12-month mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-3.11). When stratified according to EF: the prognostic value of severe renal dysfunction was attenuated in HFpEF patients (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.66-3.21) contrary to HFrEF patients (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.52-3.89). CONCLUSION: In AHF patients, the prevalence of renal dysfunction did not differ between HFpEF and HFrEF patients. However, the prognostic value of renal dysfunction was attenuated in HFpEF patients.

The Mediating Role of Parental Support in the Relationship between Life Stress and Suicidal Ideation among Middle School Students.

BACKGROUND: Youth suicide is increasingly being recognized as a major social problem in South Korea. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of parental support on the relationship between life stress and suicidal ideation among middle-school students. METHODS: This study analyzed data from a cross-sectional study on mental health conducted by the South Korea National Youth Policy Institute between May and July of 2013. Questionnaire responses from 3,007 middle-school students regarding stress factors, thoughts of suicide during the past year, and parental support were analyzed in terms of 3 subscale elements: emotional, academic, and financial support. RESULTS: Among the participants, 234 male students (7.8%) and 476 female students (15.8%) reported experiencing suicidal ideation in the past year. Life stress significantly influenced suicidal ideation (P<0.001), and parental support and all of the subscale elements had a significant influence on decreasing suicidal ideation. As shown in model 1, life stress increased suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.318; P<0.001), and, in model 2, the effect of life stress on suicidal ideation decreased with parental support (aOR, 1.238; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Parental support was independently related to a decrease in suicidal ideation, and life stress was independently related to an increase in suicidal ideation. Parental support buffered the relationship between life stress and suicidal ideation.

Short and long-term prognostic value of hyponatremia in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction versus reduced ejection fraction: An analysis of the Korean Acute Heart Failure registry.

BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia is a well-known risk factor for worse outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. The impact of hyponatremia according to the ejection fraction (EF) is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic value of hyponatremia according to HF type. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Korea Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) registry consecutively enrolled 5625 patients. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium level<135mmol/L at hospital admission. HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction were defined as an LVEF ≥50% and LVEF ≤40%, respectively. Among 5103 patients with available EF, 2088 (60%) had HFrEF, and 1284 (25%) had HFpEF. There was no difference in serum sodium level between the groups (HFrEF: 137.4±4.7mmol/L vs. HFpEF: 137.5±5.0mmol/L, P=0.710). Hyponatremic patients had higher in-hospital mortality or urgent heart transplantation in all (11.3% vs. 4.5%, P<0.001), in HFrEF (13.1% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001), and in HFpEF (6.0% vs. 1.9%, P<0.001). After adjustment for significant covariates, hyponatremia was associated with 1.5 fold increased risk for 1-year post-discharge death in the HFrEF group (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.24-1.86), but not in the HFpEF group (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.84-1.61). During admission, the sodium status changed in 22% of the patients and the discharge sodium status had greater prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS: Hyponatremia is independent of HF type. Hyponatremia is a significant risk factor for adverse in-hospital outcomes; however its long-term prognostic value is only limited to patients with HFrEF, but not for those with HFpEF.

Effectiveness of ultrasonographic screening for thyroid cancer: round-table conference in the National Evidence- based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA) in conjunction with the Korean Thyroid Association.

BACKGROUND: The incidence rate of thyroid cancer has been increasing worldwide in recent years, and it is also the most prevalent cancer when it comes to the number of patients among Korean women. With it, ultrasonographic screening test has also become very common. However, there is still controversy over the performance of this screening test. Therefore, the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA) organized a Round-table Conference on the issues regarding ultrasonographic screening for thyroid cancer in Korea. The objective of the conference was mainly about delivering worthwhile information reflecting social value for the current situation, which was based on evidence surrounding thyroid cancer screening that relevant experts investigated and agreed on. The significance of this Round-table Conference lies in the fact that we reviewed the current evidence, and we were able to discuss the social value and future direction for ultrasonographic screening in Korea.

The cutoff value of waist circumference for predicting metabolic risks in pre- and post-menopausal korean women: analysis of 2010 korean national health and nutrition examination survey data.

BACKGROUND: With metabolic syndrome (MS) being a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and central obesity being a major predisposing factor for MS, intensive research is currently being performed on cutoff values according to race and sex. Menopause is an especially significant factor in designating cutoff values for female central obesity, as menopause brings sudden bodily changes that induce central obesity and increased prevalence of MS. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the cutoff values for the obesity index and its validity in predicting the criteria for MS in Korean women according to menstrual status. METHODS: The study focused on 3,103 women 20 years of age or older participating in the 2007 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Definitions of non-adipose components of MS were defined by the International Diabetes Federation, and menstrual status was judged on the basis of survey results. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the central obesity index (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]) according to menstrual status for two or more non-adipose components of MS were calculated based on the Youden index. RESULTS: Area under the curve (AUC) values predicting the presence of two or more metabolic risk factors were higher in pre-menopausal women, with AUC values for BMI, WC, and WHtR being, in pre- and post-menopausal women, 23.1 kg/m(2) vs. 23.9 kg/m(2), 76.1 cm vs. 82.5 cm, and 0.49 vs. 0.53, respectively. The WC cut off (76 cm) for pre-menopausal women was found to be more sensitive and more effective at screening for MS risks than the cutoff value given by the Korea Society for the Study of Obesity. CONCLUSION: The central obesity index showed better predictability for MS risk in pre-menopausal women. Because the central obesity index cutoff values are lower in pre-menopausal women, the possibility of metabolic risk can be considered for pre-menopausal women with WC lower than 85 cm. Assessment and control of other risks are needed accordingly for preventing the development of MS.

New diagnostic criteria for obesity and overweight in Korean children and adolescents using 2007 Korean National Growth Charts.

The diagnostic criteria (KCDC Criteria) to define obesity and overweight of Korean children and adolescents were newly presented in the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. The KCDC Criteria were criticized for several problems caused by upward shift of body mass index (BMI) percentile curves of the growth charts. This study was conducted to establish new diagnostic criteria (New Criteria) for obesity and overweight in Korean children and adolescents that would be less affected by a change of BMI distribution in the reference population of the Growth Charts. The BMI values for ages 2-18 years corresponding to Asia-Pacific adult BMI cutoffs of obesity (25.0 kg/m(2)) and overweight (23.0 kg/m(2)) were calculated with L, M and S values presented in the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. Additionally, we examined the frequencies of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents who participated in the 2005 National Growth Survey based on both New Criteria and KCDC Criteria. The Z-scores corresponding to BMIs of 25 and 23 kg/m(2) at 18-years-of-age were 0.99 and 0.41 in boys, and 1.34 and 0.71 in girls, respectively. The BMI values corresponding to these Z-scores from age 2 to 18 years were determined as new BMI cutoffs for obesity and overweight. The frequencies of obesity and overweight estimated by New Criteria were greater by 2 times in boys and 1.5 times in girls than those by KCDC Criteria. We suggest that New Criteria could be a good alternative that can resolve problems caused by upward shift of BMI percentile curves of the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts.

Characteristics of esophageal diverticula using computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction in a Maltese dog.

A 7-year-old intact female Maltese dog was referred with ptyalism and intermittent vomiting but no regurgitation for over 1 month. Survey radiographs including a contrast study revealed a large circular dilated cavity from the carina to the diaphragm. Additionally, multi-detector computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed. These images revealed large idiopathic distal esophageal diverticula. This case report represents the first report using multi-detector computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction for evaluation of esophageal diverticula in a dog.

Socioeconomic Indicators Associated with Initiation and Cessation of Smoking among Women in Seoul.

BACKGROUND: While smoking prevalence in Korean men has been decreasing, it is increasing in Korean women. Little is known about women's smoking inequalities in Korea. This study was conducted to investigate the association of socioeconomic indicators with the initiation and cessation of smoking among Korean women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 9,089 women aged 25-64 years from the 2008 Seoul Community Health Survey. The data on smoking and socioeconomic status were obtained through face-to-face interviews. Smoking initiation rate was defined as the proportion of the individuals who had started smoking at least one cigarette among all subjects. Smoking cessation rate was calculated by dividing the number of individuals who had quit smoking by the number of ever smokers. Education level, total family income and occupation were investigated as socioeconomic indicators. RESULTS: Education level was significantly associated with both initiation and cessation of smoking. Lower educated women had a higher likelihood of smoking initiation (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 2.51) but lower likelihood of smoking cessation (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.66) than higher educated women. Smoking initiation rate was higher in manual workers (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.27) than in non-manual workers. However, there were no significant differences of both initiation and cessation of smoking according to total household income. CONCLUSION: This study shows that there are smoking inequalities among Korean women. It is thought that education level and occupation are important determinants of women's smoking status.