Background: Many studies have been conducted to validate fatty liver index (FLI) as a marker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there are insufficient data in Korea to verify the usefulness of FLI, and the results of these studies are contradictory. This study aimed to validate FLI as a marker for NAFLD in Korea. For better accuracy, computed tomography (CT) scan was used instead of ultrasound scan. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 785 subjects who participated in a health examination. The participants were divided according to presence of NAFLD, which was determined by abdominal CT. Frequency analysis was performed on all results. The chi-square test and independent t-test were used to compare the differences between the non-NAFLD group and the NAFLD group in terms of general characteristics and blood tests. The ability of the FLI to detect (nonalcoholic) fatty liver was assessed using area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis. Results: FLI was significantly higher in the NAFLD group (42.48±27.63) than in the non-NAFLD group (22.59±20.05) (P<0.0001). The algorithm for FLI had a better AUROC of 0.696 (95% confidence interval, 0.649-0.742) than any other variable in the prediction of NAFLD. Conclusions FLI is a marker that can be used as a simple and cost-effective tool to screen for NAFLD.

Background: Many studies have been conducted to validate fatty liver index (FLI) as a marker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there are insufficient data in Korea to verify the usefulness of FLI, and the results of these studies are contradictory. This study aimed to validate FLI as a marker for NAFLD in Korea. For better accuracy, computed tomography (CT) scan was used instead of ultrasound scan. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 785 subjects who participated in a health examination. The participants were divided according to presence of NAFLD, which was determined by abdominal CT. Frequency analysis was performed on all results. The chi-square test and independent t-test were used to compare the differences between the non-NAFLD group and the NAFLD group in terms of general characteristics and blood tests. The ability of the FLI to detect (nonalcoholic) fatty liver was assessed using area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis. Results: FLI was significantly higher in the NAFLD group (42.48±27.63) than in the non-NAFLD group (22.59±20.05) (P<0.0001). The algorithm for FLI had a better AUROC of 0.696 (95% confidence interval, 0.649-0.742) than any other variable in the prediction of NAFLD. Conclusions FLI is a marker that can be used as a simple and cost-effective tool to screen for NAFLD.

Background: Many studies have established the association between overt hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and MS varies from study to study. This study aimed to investigate associations between SCH and components of MS and vitamin D status in Korean adults. Methods: Using data from the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), chi-squared tests and t-tests were used to explore relationships between thyroid hormones and components of MS and vitamin D status. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to assess relationships between SCH and components of MS and vitamin D. Results: Systolic blood pressure and fasting glucose were significantly higher in the euthyroid (EUT) group than in the SCH group, and vitamin D status was significantly lower in the SCH group than EUT. However, in multiple regression analysis, SCH presented no significant association with components of MS or vitamin D status even after adjusting for age, sex, drinking, and smoking. Conclusions In Korean adults, there is no significant association between SCH and MS or vitamin D.

INTRODUCTION: Endocrine dysfunction due to iron overload secondary to frequent blood transfusions is a common complication in children with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT). We ascertained the prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in children with TDT seen in a hospital setting in Malaysia. METHODS: We reviewed all patients with TDT who had ≥ 8 blood transfusions per year. Patients who had a history of stem cell transplantation, concurrent autoimmune diseases or were newly diagnosed to have TDT were excluded. Standard diagnostic criteria were used in the diagnosis of various endocrine dysfunctions. RESULTS: Of the 82 patients with TDT, 65% had at least one endocrine dysfunction. Short stature was the commonest (40.2%), followed by pubertal disorders (14.6%), hypoparathyroidism (12.3%), vitamin D deficiency (10.1%), hypocortisolism (7.3%), diabetes mellitus (5.2%) and overt hypothyroidism (4.9%). Subclinical hypothyroidism and pre-diabetes mellitus were seen in 13.4% and 8.6% of the patients, respectively. For children aged < 10 years, the prevalence of both thyroid dysfunction and hypoparathyroidism was 9.1%. CONCLUSION Two-thirds of children with TDT experienced at least one endocrine dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction and hypoparathyroidism may be missed if endocrine screening is only performed in children with TDT > 10 years of age. Close monitoring for endocrine dysfunction and hormonal therapy is essential to prevent long-term adverse outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Plasma epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation tests are less invasive than tissue EGFR mutation tests. We determined which of two kits is more efficient: cobas EGFR Mutation test v2 (cobasv2; Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA) or PANAMutyper-R-EGFR (Mutyper; Panagene, Daejeon, Korea). We also evaluated whether pleural effusion supernatant (PE-SUP) samples are assayable, similar to plasma samples, using these two kits. METHODS: We analyzed 156 plasma and PE-SUP samples (31 paired samples) from 116 individuals. We compared the kits in terms of accuracy, assessed genotype concordance (weighted κ with 95% confidence intervals), and calculated Spearman's rho between semi-quantitatively measured EGFR-mutant levels (SQIs) measured by each kit. We also compared sensitivity using 47 EGFR-mutant harboring samples divided into more-dilute and less-dilute samples (dilution ratio: ≥ or <1:1,000). RESULTS: cobasv2 tended to have higher accuracy than Mutyper (73% vs 69%, P=0.53), and PE-SUP samples had significantly higher accuracy than plasma samples (97% vs 55–71%) for both kits. Genotype concordance was 98% (κ=0.92, 0.88–0.96). SQIs showed strong positive correlations (P<0.0001). In less-dilute samples, accuracy and sensitivity did not differ significantly between kits. In more-dilute samples, cobasv2 tended to have higher sensitivity than Mutyper (43% vs 20%, P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The kits have similar performance in terms of EGFR mutation detection and semi-quantification in plasma and PE-SUP samples. cobasv2 tends to outperform Mutyper in detecting less-abundant EGFR-mutants. PE-SUP samples are assayable using either kit.
Epidermal Growth Factor ; Genotype ; Plasma ; Pleural Effusion ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome causes diabetes and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study examined the correlation between metabolic syndrome, nutrition intake, and triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio. METHODS: Using the data from the 7th KNHANES (2016), this study was conducted on healthy adults aged 19 and older. The components and existence of metabolic syndrome and nutrition intake were independent variables and the TG/HDLcholesterol ratio was a dependent variable. A complex sample logistic progress test was used with age, sex, smoking, and drinking frequency corrected. RESULTS: The TG/HDLcholesterol ratio of people with metabolic syndrome was as high as 1.314 on average, compared to people without metabolic syndrome (p < 0.0001). Among each component of metabolic syndrome, the TG/HDL cholesterol ratio had a significant association with fasting blood glucose, TG, HDL cholesterol, and waist circumference (p < 0.05). Only energy and carbohydrate intake were significantly related to the TG/HDLcholesterol ratio (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The TG/HDLcholesterol ratio is associated with each component of metabolic syndrome, but in particular, it is positively correlated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. Lower energy intakehad a positive correlation with the TG/HDLcholesterol ratio. These results show that metabolic syndrome can be predicted using the TG/HDLcholesterol ratio, and a diet strategy through nutrition and health education is necessary to prevent metabolic syndrome.
Adult ; Blood Glucose ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Diet ; Drinking ; Fasting ; Health Education ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; Nutrition Surveys ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

BACKGROUND: Many studies have assessed the relationship between each nutrient element and depression independently, but few have assessed the effect of dietary intake on depression, as diagnosed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). This study investigated the relationship between dietary intake and depression, which was diagnosed using the PHQ-9.METHODS: This study used the second data set (2014) from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES). Our analysis included 5,897 persons who answered the PHQ-9, aged 20 to 60 years. They were categorized into either a male or female group, which were then subdivided into a depression group of patients who were diagnosed using the PHQ-9, and those without depression (control group). The patients' dietary intakes were obtained using the 24-hr recollection method in KNHNES. The relationship between dietary intake and depression was investigated for each group.RESULTS: In males, dietary intake was not associated with depression in both groups, except in relation to carotene. While in females, the depression group had lower fiber and vitamin C dietary intake than the control group (fiber P=0.015, vitamin C P=0.020). The dietary intakes of all other nutrients had no associations between the depression and control groups, in both males and females.CONCLUSION: According to our results, low dietary intake of fiber and vitamin C may be associated with depression in females. These results suggest that a diet regimen that includes fiber and vitamin C may help prevent and reduce depression in females.
Adult ; Ascorbic Acid ; Carotenoids ; Dataset ; Depression ; Diet ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Methods ; Nutrition Surveys

BACKGROUND: While the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS) and serum uric acid (sUA) levels has already been identified, the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio has not been studied in Korea. Accordingly, the present study examined the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio using data from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016). METHODS: The study population consisted of healthy adults aged 19 years or older medical diseases. The five components of MS and the presence of MS were used as independent variables, while the sUA/creatinine ratio was selected as the dependent variable. After adjusting for confounding variables, a complex samples logistic regression test was performed to analyze the correlations between the sUA/creatinine ratio and MS and its components. RESULTS: The following variables showed positive correlation with the sUA/creatinine ratio: systolic blood pressure (BP) (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.051–1.243; P=0.002), diastolic BP 1.144 (95% CI, 1.054–1.241; P=0.001), fasting blood sugar level 1.166 (95% CI, 1.070–1.271; P < 0.001), triglyceride level 1.340 (95% CI, 1.259–1.427; P < 0.001), high density lipoprotein level 1.163 (95% CI, 1.100–1.230; P < 0.001), waist circumference 1.342 (95% CI, 1.239–1.455; P < 0.001), and the presence of MS 1.041 (95% CI, 1.034–1.049; P≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the sUA/creatinine ratio and the presence of MS as well as with each component of MS. The significance of the present study is that it is the first study to investigate Koreans.
Adult ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Creatinine ; Fasting ; Humans ; Korea ; Lipoproteins ; Logistic Models ; Nutrition Surveys ; Triglycerides ; Uric Acid ; Waist Circumference

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the anodization and cyclic calcification treatment on the surface characteristic and bioactivity of the titanium thin sheet in order to obtain basic data for the production of bioactive titanium membrane. A 30×20×0.08 mm titanium sheets were prepared, and then they were pickled for 10 seconds in the solution which was mixed with HNO₃: HF: H₂O in a ratio of 12: 7: 81. The TiO₂ nanotube layer was formed to increase the specific surface area of the titanium, and then the cyclic calcification treatment was performed to induce precipitation of hydroxiapatite by improvement of the bioactivity. The corrosion resistance test, wettability test and immersion test in simulated body solution were conducted to investigate the effect of these surface treatments. The nanotubes formed by the anodization treatment have a dense structure in which small diameter tubes are formed between relatively large diameter tubes, and their inside was hollow and the outer walls were coupled to each other. The hydroxyapatite precipitates were well combined on the nanotubes by the penetration into the nanotube layer by successive cyclic calcification treatment, and the precipitation of hydroxyapatite tended to increase proportionally after immersion in simulated body solution as the number of cycles increased. In conclusion, it was confirmed that induction of precipitation of hydroxyapatite by cyclic calcification treatment after forming the nanotube TiO₂ nanotube layer on the surface of the titanium membrane can contribute to improvement of bioactivity.
Corrosion ; Durapatite ; Immersion ; Membranes ; Nanotubes ; Titanium ; Wettability

BACKGROUND: While the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS) and serum uric acid (sUA) levels has already been identified, the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio has not been studied in Korea. Accordingly, the present study examined the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio using data from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016). METHODS: The study population consisted of healthy adults aged 19 years or older medical diseases. The five components of MS and the presence of MS were used as independent variables, while the sUA/creatinine ratio was selected as the dependent variable. After adjusting for confounding variables, a complex samples logistic regression test was performed to analyze the correlations between the sUA/creatinine ratio and MS and its components. RESULTS: The following variables showed positive correlation with the sUA/creatinine ratio: systolic blood pressure (BP) (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.051–1.243; P=0.002), diastolic BP 1.144 (95% CI, 1.054–1.241; P=0.001), fasting blood sugar level 1.166 (95% CI, 1.070–1.271; P < 0.001), triglyceride level 1.340 (95% CI, 1.259–1.427; P < 0.001), high density lipoprotein level 1.163 (95% CI, 1.100–1.230; P < 0.001), waist circumference 1.342 (95% CI, 1.239–1.455; P < 0.001), and the presence of MS 1.041 (95% CI, 1.034–1.049; P≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the sUA/creatinine ratio and the presence of MS as well as with each component of MS. The significance of the present study is that it is the first study to investigate Koreans.