• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.549-555
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• 2016

This study was an evaluation of the significance of each parameter through aimed at pregnant women subjected to screening test(integrated test) in predicting risk of Down syndrome. We retrospectively analysed the correlation of risk of Down's syndrome with Nuchal Translucency(NT) images measured by ultrasound, Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A(PAPP-A), alpha-fetoprotein(AFP), unconjugated estriol(uE3), human chorionic gonadotrophin(hCG) and Inhibin A by maternal serum. As a result, a significant correlation with NT, uE3, hCG, Inhibin A is revealed with Down's syndrome risk(P<.001). In ROC analysis, AUC of Inhibin A is analysed as the biggest predictor of Down's syndrome(0.859). And the criterion for cut-off was inhibin A 1.4 MoM(sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 75.9%). In conclusion, Inhibin A was the most useful in parameters to predict Down's syndrome in the integrated test. If we make up for the weakness based on the cut-off value of parameters they will be able to be used as an independent indicator in the risk of Down's syndrome screening.

• Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 2017

Background: Hepatic steatosis measured with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using transient elastography predicts metabolic syndrome in the general population. We investigated whether CAP predicted metabolic syndrome in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: CAP was measured with transient elastography in 465 predialysis chronic kidney disease patients (mean age, 57.5 years). Results: The median CAP value was 239 (202-274) dB/m. In 195 (41.9%) patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus was more prevalent (105 [53.8%] vs. 71 [26.3%], P < 0.001), with significantly increased urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (184 [38-706] vs. 56 [16-408] mg/g Cr, P = 0.003), high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (5.4 [1.4-28.2] vs. 1.7 [0.6-9.9] mg/L, P < 0.001), and CAP (248 [210-302] vs. 226 [196-259] dB/m, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, CAP was independently related to body mass index (${\beta}=0.742$, P < 0.001), triglyceride levels (${\beta}=2.034$, P < 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (${\beta}=0.316$, P = 0.001), serum albumin (${\beta}=1.386$, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (${\beta}=0.064$, P = 0.029), and total bilirubin (${\beta}=-0.881$, P = 0.009). In multiple logistic regression analysis, increased CAP was independently associated with increased metabolic syndrome risk (per 10 dB/m increase; odds ratio, 1.093; 95% confidence interval, 1.009-1.183; P = 0.029) even after adjusting for multiple confounding factors. Conclusion: Increased CAP measured with transient elastography significantly correlated with and could predict increased metabolic syndrome risk in chronic kidney disease patients.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.221-226
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• 2009

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two alprazolam tablets, Xanax 0.25 mg (Pharmacia Korea Pharm. Co., Ltd.) and Zyren 0.25 mg (Kwang Dong Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The alprazolam release from two alprazolam tablets in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solutions and water). The dissolution profiles of two alprazolam tablets were very similar at all dissolution media. Twenty four healthy male volunteers were divided into two groups with a randomized 2${\times}$2 cross-over study. After four tablets (1 mg alprazolam) were orally administrated, blood was taken and the concentrations of alprazolam in serum were determined using LC/MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_max$ and $T_max$were determined. Our results showed that the differences in $AUC_t$, $C_max$ and $T_max$ between two alprazolam tablets based on the Xanax were -11.65%, -4.44% and -39.31%, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two tablets in these parameter. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(1.25)(e.g., log(0.8386)${\sim}$log(0.9453) and log(0.8596)${\sim}$log(1.1040) for $AUC_t$, $C_max$, respectively). Thus, Zyren 0.25 mg tablet was bioequivalent to Xanax 0.25 mg tablet.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.11
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• pp.348-354
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the causes, symptoms, and complications of hypoproteinemia to prevent hypoproteinemia and provide appropriate treatment to children with atopic dermatitis. Methods: Children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis with hypoproteinemia and/or hypoalbuminemia were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' medical records, including family history, weight, symptoms, treatment, complications, and laboratory test results for allergies and skin cultures, were examined. Results: Twenty-six patients (24 boys) were enrolled. Seven cases had growth retardation; 7, keratoconjunctivitis; 6, aural discharges; 5, eczema herpeticum; 4, gastrointestinal tract symptoms; and 2, developmental delays. In 21 cases, topical steroids were not used. According to the blood test results, the median values of each parameter were elevated: total IgE, 1,864 U/mL; egg white-specific IgE, $76.5kU_A/L$; milk IgE, $20.5kU_A/L$; peanut IgE, $30kU_A/L$; eosinophil count, $5,810/{\mu}L$; eosinophil cationic protein, $93.45{\mu}g/L$; and platelet count, $666.5{\times}10^3/{\mu}L$. Serum albumin and total protein levels decreased to 2.7 g/dL and 4.25 g/dL, respectively. Regarding electrolyte abnormality, 10 patients had hyponatremia, and 12, hyperkalemia. Systemic antibiotics were used to treat all cases, and an antiviral agent was used in 12 patients. Electrolyte correction was performed in 8 patients. Conclusion: Hypoproteinemia accompanying atopic dermatitis is common in infants younger than 1 year and may occur because of topical steroid treatment continuously being declined or because of eczema herpeticum. It may be accompanied by growth retardation, keratoconjunctivitis, aural discharge, and eczema herpeticum and can be managed through skin care and topical steroid application without intravenous albumin infusion.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.86-90
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• 2004

This study was designed to assess the iron nutritional status and anemia of middle school girls in Ulsan City, who were evaluated with a questionnaire, measurement of hematological indices. The average height and weight of respondents were 154.81$\pm$6.28cm and 48.51$\pm$8.80kg, respectively. Mean daily energy intake was 1815.72$\pm$328.04kcal and iron intake was 15.13$\pm$4.50mg. The average hemoglobin concentration of subjects was 11.98$\pm$0.78g/dl, and the average hematocrit level was 36.62$\pm$2.21%. Transferrin saturationTS (%) was 25.58$\pm$9.82%, and the ferritin level was 40.45$\pm$23.03ng/ml. Iron deficiency anemia among the subjects was estimated as 54.2% by using hemoglobin(<12g/이), 33.9% by hematocrit (<36%). The clinical symptoms relating anemia were measured with 4 Likert scale (1 : never, 4 : often), 'tired out easily (2.34$\pm$0.92)' was the highest, followed by 'feel dizzy always (2.26$\pm$0.85)', 'decreasing ability to concentrate (2.23$\pm$0.77)', 'get a cold easily (2.19$\pm$0.82)', 'have a headache (2.10$\pm$0.79)', 'poor memory (2.09$\pm$0.83)', 'no appetite (1.99$\pm$0.85)', As for the correlation between iron parameter and clinical symptoms related to anemia, the hematocrit rate was negatively correlated with 'get a cold easily', 'pale face', 'feeling blue', 'difficult digestion' (p<0.05). The level of iron was negatively correlated with 'tired out easily', 'get a cold easily' (p<0.05) and TS (%) were negatively correlated with 'tired out easily (p<0.05)', 'get a cold easily (p<0.01). Our study resulted that the prevalence of a iron deficiency of a middle school girl is very high, therefore the guidelines for iron supplementation and nutritional education to improve their iron status should be provided.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2004

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two nizatidine capsules, Axid (Lilly Korea Pharm. Co., Ltd.) and Nex (Bi-nex Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The nizatidine release from the two nizatidine capsules in vitro was tested using KP Apparatus method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solutions and water). The dissolution prefers of two nizatidine capsules were very similar at all dissolution media. Twenty four normal male volunteers were divided into two groups with a randomized 22 crossover study. After two capsules (300 mg nizatidine) were orally administrated, blood was taken and the concentrations of nizatidine in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were determined. The result showed that the differences in $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ between two nizatidine capsules based on the Axid were -6.16%, -8.26% and -1.82%, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two capsules in these parameter. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(125)(e.g., $log(0.91){\sim}log(0.97)$ and $log(0.85) {\sim}log(0.99)$ for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$ respectively), indicting that Nex capsule is bioequivalent to Axid capsule.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.706-713
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• 2003

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary FERMKIT, a commercial toxin binder consisting of probiotic-fermented natural product containing chitin, chitosan and chitosan oligosaccharides ($FERMKITO^{(R)}$, EASY-BIO SYSTEM, Inc., Korea), in binding aflatoxin (AF) and zearalenone (ZEN) and ameliorating their mycotoxicity in meat type ducks. FERMKIT was supplemented to AF contaminated diets (at 120 ppb) at either 0.3 or 0.6% in experiment 1 and to ZEN contaminated diets (at 150 ppb) at 0.6% in experiment 2. In experiment 1 body weight gains were reduced by 37% and mortality was increased by 18% in ducks fed diet contaminated with AF at 120 ppb compared to ducks fed control diet (<10 ppb AF) for the 4-wk experimental period. However, dietary FERMKIT supplementation effectively alleviated overall toxicity induced by AF. The significant treatment-related changes in feather growth, web-toe hemorrhage, leg deformity, liver paleness, organ weights, hematological values and serum biochemical values, as compared to the control, were observed. The FERMKIT supplementation significantly diminished the adverse effects of AF and restored all the parameters measured back (<0.05) toward the control values. These findings indicated that FERMKIT, when added at the levels of 0.3 or 0.6% in the 120 ppb AF diets, could modulate the toxicity of AF with percentage sorption capacity of 52.70% at the level 0.3% and 79.85% at the level 0.6% of the diets (experiment 1). In experiment 2, FERMKIT, when added at 0.6% to the 150 ppb ZEN diets for the 4-wk experimental period, diminished the toxicity as shown by body weight gain, weights of testicles, oviducts, Bursa of Fabricius and cloaca eversion score as compared with the controls (<10 ppb ZEN) and 150 ppb ZEN diet with no added FERMKIT. The findings indicated that FERMKIT could be protective against the effects of ZEN in young growing ducks with percentage sorption capacity of 67.11% as evaluated from toxicity index parameter measured when added at 0.6% of the diets containing 150 ppb ZEN.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.12.1-12.7
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• 2016

Background: The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of rice bran oil (RBO) on growth performance, blood parameter, and immune response in broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 240 1-d-old ROSS 308 male broilers were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments with six replicated pens consisting of ten chicks. The basal diet was formulated to be adequate in energy and nutrients. Three additional diets were prepared by adding 5, 10 or 20 g/kg of RBO to the basal diet. The experimental diets were fed on an ad libitum basis to the birds during 35 d. Results: Results indicated that increasing inclusion level of RBO in diets improved BW gain (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01), improve feed conversion ratio (linear, P < 0.05) of birds during 0 to 35 d. There was no effect of inclusion level of RBO in diets on feed intake of birds. There was no effect of inclusion level of RBO in diets on erythrocytes of birds. However, heterophil, lymphocyte, and monocytes increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) with inclusion level of RBO in diets increased. Feeding the diets containing increasing amount of RBO to birds increased (linear, P < 0.01) the concentrations of total cholesterol. Increasing inclusion level of RBO in diets increased concentrations of IgG (linear, P < 0.01). There was no effect of inclusion level of RBO in diets on concentrations of IgM. Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary RBO may be used functional ingredient to improve growth performance, total cholesterol in serum, and immune response of birds.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.675-678
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• 2015

Background: There are several validated risk factors for breast cancer. However the legitimacy of elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) is not well established. This study was designed to assess this parameter as a risk factor for breast cancer among pre- and post-menopausal women. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi from June 2010 to August 2014. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect data of study subjects comprising 175 diagnosed breast cancer patients with positive histopathology from Breast Clinic, surgical unit-1, Civil Hospital, Karachi and 175 healthy controls from various screening programs. Blood samples were analyzed for FBG and serum insulin. Results: FBG, HOMA-IR, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly raised in breast cancer cases when compared to control subjects. Cases and controls were further categorized in to two groups using cutoff value of 110mg/dl to distinguish subjects into normal fasting glucose (<110mg/dl) and having impaired fasting glucose (${\geq}110-{\leq}125mg/dl$) or diabetes (${\geq}126mg/dl$). Odds ratios were found to be 1.57, 2.15 and 1.17 in overall, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal groups, respectively. (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: A statistically significant risk of breast cancer exists in women having elevated fasting blood glucose levels, corresponding to prediabetes and diabetes, among pre and postmenopausal ages, with comparatively greater effects in the premenopausal group.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.648-658
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• 1995

The present study has been performed to evaluate the clinical, microbiological, biochemical and immunological parameters associated with the periodontal disease activity in adolescent periodontitis. 21 young adolescents with evidences of periodontal attachment loss participated in the study for upto 3 years of examination. Probing pocket depths and attachment levels of whole dentitions were annually recorded and 4 deepest pockets, with initial probing depth ${\geq}$ 4mm, were selected as the representative experimental sites of a patient. Sites experiencing attachment loss ${\geq}$ 1mm during the 3-year experimental period were designated as the active sites and these sites were examined for the microbiological and biochemical profiles at the time when attachment loss occurred. Microbiological assay included cultural studies and PerioScan for monitoring BANA(+) organisms(e.g. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Bacteriodes forsythus). Biochemical assay has been performed for monitoring GCF levels of neutral protease. Serum IgG and IgG2 titers against Porphyromonas gingivalis 381 were determined of a patients at the beginning and the end of the study, respectively for patient-based analysis. The results indicated that the parameters consisting of microbiological cultures and GCF neutral protease exhibited low association with the periodontal disease activity in adolescents. However, the specificity for microbiological culture of the selected periodontopathic organisms(Aa,Pg,Pi) were considerably high. Moreover, the clinical pameters such as bleeding on probing and presence of plaque as well as IgG levels against Pg at the baseline exminations were closely associated with the subsequent evidences of attachment loss during the whole experimental period(3-year).