Association between Neck Circumference and Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia in Nearly Healthy Adults: A Review of 2019-2020 Cross-Sectional Korean Nationwide Data.

Background: Neck circumference (NC) measurement has been recently developed as a simple and time-saving anthropometric method for predicting cardiovascular risk. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is known as one of the cardiovascular risk factors. This study investigated the association between NC and asymptomatic hyperuricemia among the general population of Korea.

Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Glaucoma Treatment in a Korean Nationwide Survey.

Background: Glaucoma is a main cause of blindness despite the effectiveness of treatments, and adherence to treatment is a critical aspect of glaucoma management. We aimed to identify the factors associated with non-adherence to treatment among Korean glaucoma patients.

Methods: Data were collected from 4,833 glaucoma patients during the Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS) in 2008 and 2011 regarding current treatment for glaucoma, demographics, comorbidities, perceived health status, and health-related behaviors were subjected to analysis.

The Relationship between Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) share pathogenic mechanisms, and their lead-lag relationship remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of data from longitudinal studies to evaluate the interactive association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to Feb 2019.

Associations between Dietary Fiber Intake and Bone Mineral Density in Adult Korean Population: Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2011.

Background: The correlations between the amount of daily fiber intake and bone mineral densities (BMDs) in Korean adult population were investigated in our study.

Methods: Utilizing the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2011, multivariable linear regression was performed to explore the association between fiber consumption and BMD of lumbar vertebrae 1 to 4 (L1-4 total), L1, L2, L3, and L4 vertebrae, femur neck, femur total, and trochanter. All models were adjusted for age, body mass index, vitamin D level, smoking, physical activity, alcohol use, contraceptive use, hormonal replacement therapy, consumption of carbohydrate, protein, fat, calcium, phosphate, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C.

A Possible Case of Statin-Induced Ichthyosis in an Elderly Woman.

Ichthyosis is a heterogeneous group of hereditary or acquired skin disorders, characterized by increased stratum corneum production. Several systemic diseases and many drugs can occasionally cause acquired ichthyosis. We report a case of statin-induced ichthyosis in which the causality between statin and ichthyosis was found possible by using the Naranjo scale.

Effect of Influenza Vaccination on Risk of Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Despite the presence of a strong association between influenza infection and stroke, whether influenza vaccination reduces the risk of stroke is yet a matter of controversy. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether influenza vaccination protects against stroke.

Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from database inception date to November 18, 2016, without language restrictions, to identify studies investigating the effect of influenza vaccination on subsequent risk of stroke.

Association of Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Concentration and Arterial Stiffness among Korean Adults in Single Center.

Background: There are growing concerns about the role of vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) and arterial stiffness among Korean adults.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 302 people (115 women and 187 men) who visited a tertiary hospital from January 2015 to December 2016.

Association between blood lead levels and blood pressures in a non-smoking healthy Korean population.

Objective: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) has been performed every 3 years in Korea to help prevent cardiovascular mortality in the general population. Previous studies showed an association between blood lead levels and cardiovascular mortality. In order to assess the relationship between blood lead concentration and blood pressure in the healthy general population, we investigated whether blood lead levels were related to blood pressure in a non-smoking healthy population without any known medical diseases in the 2013 KNHANES.

Correlation of Arterial Stiffness and Bone Mineral Density by Measuring Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Healthy Korean Women.

Background: An association between arterial stiffness and osteoporosis has previously been reported. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between arterial stiffness, measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and bone mineral density in a sample of healthy women undergoing routine medical checkup.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 135 women who had visited the Health Promotion Center (between May 2009 and December 2012).

HEPATIC VISCERAL LARVA MIGRANS DUE TO TOXOCARA CANIS IN A 72-YEAR-OLD MAN.

Hepatic toxocariasis is visceral larva migrans caused by Toxocara. We report a case of hepatic toxocariasis detected incidentally during a health checkup. The patient had elevated levels of eosinophils, total IgE, and anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies.

Relationship between indices of obesity obtained by anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: The Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV and V, 2008-2011).

Background: Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and even dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are used for obesity diagnosis. However, it is not known which DXA-derived index of obesity correlates best with BMI and/or WC and it is not clear whether such an index is accurate or not.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to show the relationship between anthropometric measurements (BMI, WC) and body fat indices from DXA and to determine which DXA indices are strongly related to BMI and WC.

Association of arterial stiffness and osteoporosis in healthy men undergoing screening medical examination.

Background: Association of arterial stiffness and osteoporosis has been previously reported in women. However, this association is still controversial for men. Therefore, we investigated correlation of arterial stiffness and osteoporosis by measuring brachial-ankle (ba) pulse wave velocity (PWV) and bone mineral density (BMD).

Influence of eating behaviors on short-term weight loss by orlistat and anorectic agent.

Little data exists concerning whether eating behaviors determine the response to orlistat treatment, especially with added anorectic agents. This study was a sub-investigation of a 12-week randomized controlled trial for the additive effect of orlistat on sibutramine treatment. The analysis presented here was restricted to 98 women who had fulfilled the protocol.

Effects of CYP3A5, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6 on the clinical efficacy and adverse outcomes of sibutramine therapy: a crucial role for the CYP2B6*6 allele.

Background: Various cytochrome P450 isoforms modulate sibutramine activity and influence sibutramine plasma levels and pharmacokinetics. However, there are no available data to demonstrate the association of these polymorphisms with the clinical outcomes of sibutramine administration.

Methods: This study was a sub-investigation of a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining the additive effect of orlistat on sibutramine.

Relationships between serum osteocalcin, leptin and the effect of weight loss by pharmacological treatment in healthy, nonsmoking Korean obese adults.

Background: Recent studies have reported a relationship between osteocalcin (OC) levels and factors associated with energy metabolism and insulin resistance. As any detailed understanding of OC mechanisms still remains elusive, this study aimed at revealing a correlation between serum OC levels and obesity in healthy, nonsmoking, Korean obese adults who had undergone weight loss through pharmacological treatment.

Methods: 119 healthy, nonsmoking, Korean obese adults were investigated at 3 months following weight loss through pharmacological treatment.