Postthyroidectomy obesity in a Korean population: does the extent of surgery matter?

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of postthyroidectomy obesity, and the relationship between the extent of thyroidectomy and obesity.

Methods

A survey conducted at an outpatient clinic from June to October 2014 and retrospective charts for patients undergoing thyroidectomy at Konkuk University Medical Centers from June 2009 to December 2013 were reviewed. We compared clinical characteristics and pre- and postoperative obesity-related factors in 227 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy.

Results

Patients included 39 males and 188 females with a mean age of 46.0 ± 11.0 years; the mean follow-up period was 23.9 ± 16.7 months, and 90 of the 227 patients showed postthyroidectomy obesity. In effect of operative extent on postoperative obesity, patients who underwent TT (48.2 years) than those who underwent lobectomy (43.4 years). TT group had longer follow-up and the frequency of menopause was higher than in the lobectomy group. No differences in postthyroidectomy obesity, body weight change, or body mass index (BMI), change among 2 groups. The predictors of postthyroidectomy obesity were older age, female, heavy alcohol consumption (P = 0.029), higher preoperative BMI (P < 0.001), larger postoperative weight gain (P = 0.024), and larger BMI change. However, the extent of thyroidectomy did not affect postthyroidectomy obesity. Preoperative BMI (P < 0.001) and heavy alcohol consumption (P = 0.03) were independent factors of postthyroidectomy obesity.

Conclusion

The extent of thyroidectomy does not affect postthyroidectomy obesity. Preoperative BMI and heavy alcohol consumption are risk factors for postthyroidectomy obesity. Studies are needed to suggest preoperative life style modification to prevent postthyroidectomy obesity.

Search for a Dark Matter-Induced Annual Modulation Signal in NaI(Tl) with the COSINE-100 Experiment

We present new constraints on the dark matter-induced annual modulation signal using 1.7 years of COSINE-100 data with a total exposure of 97.7 kg yr. The COSINE-100 experiment, consisting of 106 kg of NaI(Tl) target material, is designed to carry out a model-independent test of DAMA/LIBRA's claim of WIMP discovery by searching for the same annual modulation signal using the same NaI(Tl) target. The crystal data show a 2.7  cpd/kg/keV background rate on average in the 2-6 keV energy region of interest. Using a χ-squared minimization method we observe best fit values for modulation amplitude and phase of 0.0092±0.0067  cpd/kg/keV and 127.2±45.9  d, respectively.

First Direct Search for Inelastic Boosted Dark Matter with COSINE-100

A search for inelastic boosted dark matter (IBDM) using the COSINE-100 detector with 59.5 days of data is presented. This relativistic dark matter is theorized to interact with the target material through inelastic scattering with electrons, creating a heavier state that subsequently produces standard model particles, such as an electron-positron pair. In this study, we search for this electron-positron pair in coincidence with the initially scattered electron as a signature for an IBDM interaction. No excess over the predicted background event rate is observed. Therefore, we present limits on IBDM interactions under various hypotheses, one of which allows us to explore an area of the dark photon parameter space that has not yet been covered by other experiments. This is the first experimental search for IBDM using a terrestrial detector.

Multiomics Analysis Reveals that GLS and GLS2 Differentially Modulate the Clinical Outcomes of Cancer

Kidney-type glutaminase (GLS) and liver-type glutaminase (GLS2) are dysregulated in many cancers, making them appealing targets for cancer therapy. However, their use as prognostic biomarkers is controversial and remains an active area of cancer research. Here, we performed a systematic multiomic analysis to determine whether glutaminases function as prognostic biomarkers in human cancers. Glutaminase expression and methylation status were assessed and their prominent functional protein partners and correlated genes were identified using various web-based bioinformatics tools. The cross-cancer relationship of glutaminases with mutations and copy number alterations was also investigated. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis were performed to assess the integrated effect of glutaminases and their correlated genes on various cancers. Subsequently, the prognostic roles of GLS and GLS2 in human cancers were mined using univariate and multivariate survival analyses. GLS was frequently over-expressed in breast, esophagus, head-and-neck, and blood cancers, and was associated with a poor prognosis, whereas GLS2 overexpression implied poor overall survival in colon, blood, ovarian, and thymoma cancers. BothGLS and GLS2 play oncogenic and anti-oncogenic roles depending on the type of cancer. The varying prognostic characteristics of glutaminases suggest that GLS and GLS2 expression differentially modulate the clinical outcomes of cancers.

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Patient with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses: A Case Report

Hip geometry abnormalities found in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) could promote premature hip joint degeneration which needs treatment. We report the case of a 45-year old male with right hip arthrosis who underwent two-incision minimally invasive (MIS-2) total hip arthroplasty (THA), with satisfactory outcome. This technique could be an alternative approach for performing THA in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses.

Seven Years of Experiences of Preclinical Experiments of Xeno-Heart Transplantation of Pig to Non-Human Primate (Cynomolgus Monkey)

BACKGROUND

The absolute shortage of donors compared with patients requiring transplantation is currently an unsolved problem, and the only possible solution may be xenotransplantation. To establish a successful clinical trial, a preclinical study using nonhuman primates is essential. Starting in November 2011, our team initiated heterotopic abdominal heart xenotransplantation, the first in the Republic of Korea. We present here the initial 7-year results.

METHODS

A total of 22 xenotransplantation procedures have been performed since 2011. Single transgenic pig (alpha-galactosidase transferase knockout [GalT KO], n = 16), double transgenic pig (GalT KO + CD46, n = 3, and GalT KO + CD39, n = 2), and triple transgenic pig (GalT KO + CD46 + CD70, n = 1) models were used. Our baseline regimen of immunosuppressants comprised CD154 ab, rituximab, anti-thymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids.

RESULTS

The mean graft survival was 16 ± 16.27 days, and the mean graft survival was significantly longer in cases performed since 2014 (7.5 ± 8.03 days vs 24.67 ± 17.50; P = .01). Although the donor heart ischemic time was decreased per annum, no correlations could be found between ischemic time and survival days of the graft. Double or triple genetic manipulated hearts exhibited significantly better survival (11.63 ± 11.29 days vs 30.83 ± 20.34 days; P = .03). When the ratio of heart weight (grams) to nonhuman primate weight (kilograms) was lower, the results tended to be better (P < .05). The rate of immediate postoperative bleeding (9%, n = 2) causing death was relatively high in the earlier period, but there have been no serious surgical complications affecting graft survival since 2013.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigation of effective and optimal target genes for each organ to further progression toward better results is important. In addition, the immunosuppressive regimen needs to be further studied and constantly refined.

MRI Features of Aquaporin-4 Antibody-Positive Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis: Insights into the Diagnosis of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is a well-documented spinal manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, however, other forms of nontumorous myelopathy can also manifest as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Our aim was to evaluate the MR imaging features of aquaporin-4 antibody-positive longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, which is strongly associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated cervicomedullary junction involvement, cord expansion ratios, bright spotty lesions, the number of involved segments, skipped lesions, enhancement patterns, and axial distribution patterns using spinal MR imaging of 41 patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis who underwent aquaporin-4 antibody testing. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with aquaporin-4 antibody seropositivity, which were then used to develop a scoring system for diagnosing aquaporin-4 antibody-positive longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Interrater reliability for cord expansion ratio measurement and bright spotty lesions was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients and κ values, respectively.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis were aquaporin-4 antibody-positive. Sex (female), cervicomedullary junction involvement, a cord expansion ratio of >1.4, and bright spotty lesions were significantly associated with aquaporin-4 antibody seropositivity. The sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system were 73.3% and 96.2%, respectively. The interclass correlation value for the cord expansion ratio was 0.78, and the κ value for bright spotty lesions was 0.61.

CONCLUSIONS

Our scoring system, based on cervicomedullary junction involvement, higher cord expansion ratio, bright spotty lesions, and female sex, can facilitate the timely diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Migratory Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome of the Hips: A Case Report

Migratory bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) of the hip is a rare entity. We report the case of a 41-year old male with migratory BMES of the hip with eight months interval period between onset of the pain and consultation. This patient was successfully treated non-surgically. It is important to always inform the patient with unilateral BMES of the hip regarding the possibility of future involvement of the contralateral hip.

Verifying Identities of Plant-Based Multivitamins Using Phytochemical Fingerprinting in Combination with Multiple Bioassays

Sales of multivitamins have been growing rapidly and the concept of natural multivitamin, plant-based multivitamin, or both has been introduced in the market, leading consumers to anticipate additional health benefits from phytochemicals that accompany the vitamins. However, the lack of labeling requirements might lead to fraudulent claims. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a strategy to verify identity of plant-based multivitamins. Phytochemical fingerprinting was used to discriminate identities. In addition, multiple bioassays were performed to determine total antioxidant capacity. A statistical computation model was then used to measure contributions of phytochemicals and vitamins to antioxidant activities. Fifteen multivitamins were purchased from the local markets in Seoul, Korea and classified into three groups according to the number of plant ingredients. Pearson correlation analysis among antioxidant capacities, amount phenols, and number of plant ingredients revealed that ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) assay results had the highest correlation with total phenol content. This suggests that FRAP and DPPH assays are useful for characterizing plant-derived multivitamins. Furthermore, net effect linear regression analysis confirmed that the contribution of phytochemicals to total antioxidant capacities was always relatively higher than that of vitamins. Taken together, the results suggest that phytochemical fingerprinting in combination with multiple bioassays could be used as a strategy to determine whether plant-derived multivitamins could provide additional health benefits beyond their nutritional value.

Adjunctive Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging for Detecting Cancer in Women with Calcifications at Mammography

BACKGROUND

Mammography detects calcium deposits sensitively, but the specificity for differentiating malignancy from benign calcifications is low. Thus, we investigated whether adjunctive breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) has incremental value for detecting cancer in women with suspicious calcifications detected by mammography, and compared BSGI with adjunctive ultrasonography (US).

METHODS

The medical records of women without a personal history of breast cancer who underwent mammography for breast evaluation from 2009 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who had calcifications detected by mammography, with a result of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories 3-5, underwent adjunctive US and BSGI and were included in this study. A total of 302 breast lesions in 266 women (mean age ± standard deviation 49 ± 9 years) were selected for this study.

RESULTS

For detecting breast cancer using mammography plus BSGI, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating curve with 95% confidence intervals were 94% (91-96), 90% (86-93), 91% (87-94), 94% (90-96), and 0.92 (0.89-0.95), respectively. For mammography plus US, the respective values were 97% (94-98), 51% (46-57), 68% (63-73), 94% (90-96), and 0.74 (0.70-0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive BSGI had higher specificity than adjunctive US without loss of sensitivity. This finding suggests that adjunctive BSGI may be a useful complementary initial imaging method to improve the detection of breast cancer in women who have calcifications with suspicious morphology at mammography.

Differential protein stability and clinical responses of EML4-ALK fusion variants to various ALK inhibitors in advanced ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibition using crizotinib has become the standard of care in advanced ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the treatment outcomes and duration of response vary widely. Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK is the most common translocation, and the fusion variants show different sensitivity to crizotinib in vitro. However, there are only limited data on the specific EML4-ALK variants and clinical responses of patients to various ALK inhibitors.

Patients and methods

By multiplex reverse-transcriptase PCR, which detects 12 variants of known EML4-ALK rearrangements, we retrospectively determined ALK fusion variants in 54 advanced ALK rearrangement-positive NSCLCs. We subdivided the patients into two groups (variants 1/2/others and variants 3a/b) by protein stability and evaluated correlations of the variant status with clinical responses to crizotinib, alectinib, or ceritinib. Moreover, we established the EML4-ALK variant-expressing system and analyzed patterns of sensitivity of the variants to ALK inhibitors.

Results

Of the 54 tumors analyzed, EML4-ALK variants 3a/b (44.4%) was the most common type, followed by variants 1 (33.3%) and 2 (11.1%). The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 76.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 56.8-100] in group EML4-ALK variants 1/2/others versus 26.4% (95% CI 10.5-66.6) in group variants 3a/b (P = 0.034) among crizotinib-treated patients. Meanwhile, the 2-year PFS rate was 69.0% (95% CI 49.9-95.4) in group variants 1/2/others versus 32.7% (95% CI 15.6-68.4) in group variants 3a/b (P = 0.108) among all crizotinib-, alectinib-, and ceritinib-treated patients. Variant 3a- or 5a-harboring cells were resistant to ALK inhibitors with >10-fold higher half maximal inhibitory concentration in vitro.

Conclusion

Our findings show that group EML4-ALK variants 3a/b may be a major source of ALK inhibitor resistance in the clinic. The variant-specific genotype of the EML4-ALK fusion allows for more precise stratification of patients with advanced NSCLC.

Diagnostic Limitation of Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) on Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules Can Be Partially Overcome by Preoperative Molecular Analysis: Assessment of RET/PTC1 Rearrangement in BRAF and RAS Wild-Type Routine Air-Dried FNA Specimens

Molecular markers are helpful diagnostic tools, particularly for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Preoperative RET/PTC1 rearrangement analysis in BRAF and RAS wild-type indeterminate thyroid nodules would permit the formulation of an unambiguous surgical plan. Cycle threshold values according to the cell count for detection of the RET/PTC1 rearrangement by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using fresh and routine air-dried TPC1 cells were evaluated. The correlation of RET/PTC1 rearrangement between fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens was analyzed. RET/PTC1 rearrangements of 76 resected BRAF and RAS wild-type classical PTCs were also analyzed. Results of RT-PCR and the Nanostring were compared. When 100 fresh and air-dried TPC1 cells were used, expression of RET/PTC1 rearrangement was detectable after 35 and 33 PCR cycles, respectively. The results of RET/PTC1 rearrangement in 10 FNA and paired FFPE papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) specimens showed complete correlation. Twenty-nine (38.2%) of 76 BRAF and RAS wild-type classical PTCs had RET/PTC1 rearrangement. Comparison of RET/PTC1 rearrangement analysis between RT-PCR and the Nanostring showed moderate agreement with a κ value of 0.56 (p = 0.002). The RET/PTC1 rearrangement analysis by RT-PCR using routine air-dried FNA specimen was confirmed to be technically applicable. A significant proportion (38.2%) of the BRAF and RAS wild-type PTCs harbored RET/PTC1 rearrangements.

Sterile Neutrino Search at the NEOS Experiment

An experiment to search for light sterile neutrinos is conducted at a reactor with a thermal power of 2.8 GW located at the Hanbit nuclear power complex. The search is done with a detector consisting of a ton of Gd-loaded liquid scintillator in a tendon gallery approximately 24 m from the reactor core. The measured antineutrino event rate is 1976 per day with a signal to background ratio of about 22. The shape of the antineutrino energy spectrum obtained from the eight-month data-taking period is compared with a hypothesis of oscillations due to active-sterile antineutrino mixing. No strong evidence of 3+1 neutrino oscillation is found. An excess around the 5 MeV prompt energy range is observed as seen in existing longer-baseline experiments. The mixing parameter sin^{2}2θ_{14} is limited up to less than 0.1 for Δm_{41}^{2} ranging from 0.2 to 2.3 eV^{2} with a 90% confidence level.

Outcome of alternative approach to displaced acetabular fractures

INTRODUCTION

Anatomical reduction of displaced acetabular fracture is not without its' limitations and complications. This study is conducted to assess clinical and radiological outcomes as well as complications of treating displaced acetabular fractures with emphasis on anatomical reduction in weight-bearing area, mainly the posterior column, and imperfect reduction of the anterior column is acceptable. However, stability of both columns is mandatory.

METHODS

It was a retrospective study carried out in a Level 1 arthroplasty and trauma centre. 23 patients (17 males, 6 females) with average age of 50.1 years (range, 36-68 years) with displaced acetabular fracture treated with combined incisions and plate-cable systems were included. There were 3 elementary and 18 associated fractures according to Letournel classification. Average follow-up was 23.5 months (range, 12-38.7 months). Mean operation time was 160min (range: 75-320min). Functional scores were evaluated using Harris Hip Score (HHS) whilst reduction was assessed by Matta criteria. Any displacement of reduction, osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification, and other complications was recorded.

RESULT

65.2% (15/23) of the patients obtained excellent HHS and 21.7% (5/23) had good HHS. There were 12 anatomical, 6 imperfect, and 5 poor reductions. No displacement was recorded in final follow-up. Complications documented: three lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries, two conversions to total hip arthroplasty, three Brooker stage 1 heterotrophic ossification, one pulmonary embolism and one screw irritation. No incidence of wound breakdown, infection and radiological osteoarthritis was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Imperfect reduction of the anterior column provided clinical outcomes that are as good as total anatomical reduction. This approach minimizes soft tissue damage and reduces perioperative morbidities.

Persimmon vinegar and its fractions protect against alcohol-induced hepatic injury in rats through the suppression of CYP2E1 expression

CONTEXT

Medical therapies for alcohol-induced liver disease are often difficult to handle and limited in efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

In an attempt to find natural therapeutics, here, we investigate the preventive effect of persimmon vinegar (PV) and its fractions against alcohol-induced hepatic injury, in addition to the underlying mechanism, in rats chronically administered with alcohol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups (n = 8 per group); normal control (NC), ethanol control (EC), ethanol + PV, ethanol + water-insoluble PV fraction (PI) and ethanol + water-soluble PV fraction (PS). PV, PI or PS was orally administrated at the level of 100 mg/kg B.W by oral gavage every day for 4 weeks prior to ethanol administration. The liver sections were stained with hematoxylin & eosin and gene expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

After a 4-week treatment, histological observation revealed that PV and its fractions mitigated alcohol-induced changes in the liver. CYP2E1 expression was significantly increased in the EC group compared with the NC group, but was significantly suppressed in the PV group compared with the EC group (p = 0.044). We also found significant decreases in hepatic mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12β, toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in the PV-, PI- and PS-treated groups compared with those of the EC group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Taken together, the present findings suggest that PV and its fractions hold great promise as natural remedies with anti-inflammatory activities that alleviate alcohol-induced liver damage.

Xanthohumol inhibits cellular proliferation in a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB231) through an intrinsic mitochondrial-dependent pathway

AIMS

Xanthohumol isolated from hops has been reported to exhibit anticancer effects in diverse human cancers. However, its effect on breast cancer has not yet been clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of xanthohumol on breast cancer cell proliferation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After treatment with 5 μM, 10 μM, and 20 μM xanthohumol for 48 h, cells from the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 were studied using colony assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting.

RESULTS

The survival rate of the MDA-MB231 cells treated with 10 μM and 20 μM xanthohumol for 48 h decreased significantly by 64.7 ± 1.8% and 40.1 ± 1.8%, respectively. The numbers of SubG0/G1 cells in the group treated with 10 μM and 20 μM xanthohumol increased significantly to 11.3 ± 0.2 and 18.4 ± 0.1, respectively. A ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation was also observed. Xanthohumol increased the expression of Bax in the mitochondria, which correspondingly decreased in the cytoplasm. The activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9 was shown to increase significantly in the treated groups but not in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Xanthohumol inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells through a mitochondria- and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. This result suggests that xanthohumol might serve as a novel therapeutic drug for breast cancer.

Validity of breast-specific gamma imaging for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 lesions on mammography and/or ultrasound

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4 lesions on mammography and/or ultrasound.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 162 patients who underwent BSGI in BI-RADS 4 lesions on mammography and/or ultrasound.

Results

Of the 162 breast lesions, 66 were malignant tumors and 96 were benign tumors. Sensitivity and specificity of BSGI were 90.9% and 78.1%, and positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 74.1% and 92.6%. The sensitivity or specificity of mammography and ultrasound were 74.2% and 56.3% and 87.9% and 19.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of BSGI for breast lesions ≤1 cm were 88.0% and 86.8%, while the values of beast lesions >1 cm were 92.7% and 61.5%. The sensitivity or specificity of BSGI and mammography for patients with dense breasts were 92.0% and 81.3% and 72.0% and 50.0%, respectively. 26 patients showed neither a nodule nor microcalcification on ultrasound, but showed suspicious calcification on mammography. The sensitivity and specificity of BSGI with microcalcification only lesion were 75.0% and 94.4%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that BSGI had shown high sensitivity and specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values in BI-RADS 4 lesions on ultrasound and/or mammography. BSGI showed excellent results in dense breasts, in lesions that are less than 1 cm in size and lesions with suspicious microcalcification only.

Age- and sex-specific association of circulating osteocalcin with dynamic measures of glucose homeostasis

SUMMARY

Our study showed that serum osteocalcin levels are closely related to glucose metabolism in men of all ages and younger women. This association disappeared in postmenopausal women in which increases bone turnover rates. The association between serum osteocalcin levels and glucose homeostasis should be interpreted according to age and sex.

INTRODUCTION

Osteocalcin, a marker of bone formation, appears to be associated with glucose homeostasis. We investigated the age- and sex-specific association of serum osteocalcin level with variables related to glucose metabolism.

METHODS

This study was based on cross-sectional analysis from 719 participants aged 20-85 years after excluding patients taking antidiabetic or antiosteoporotic drugs. The subjects were divided into four groups according to age and sex as follows: men <50 years (n = 131), men ≥50 years (n = 191), women <50 years (n = 108), and women ≥50 years (n = 279). Anthropometric and biochemical variables including insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β cell function (HOMA-β) from a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, and serum 25-OH-vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured.

RESULTS

The serum osteocalcin level was significantly higher in women aged ≥50 years compared with women <50 years (20.4 ± 7.8 vs. 17.9 ± 6.8 ng/ml, p < 0.001), but there was no difference between men aged ≥50 years and men <50 years (16.4 ± 5.9 vs. 16.8 ± 6.0 ng/ml, p = 0.905). The participants diagnosed with diabetes had lower serum osteocalcin levels than normal or prediabetic participants. Multivariable regression analyses including HOMA-IR and HOMA-β indicated that serum osteocalcin levels had a negative and independent association with HbA1c levels in men and women aged <50 years, but not in women ≥50 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Low osteocalcin levels are associated with impaired glucose metabolism in men and premenopausal women. The osteocalcin levels may be determined by factors related to bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. Our data suggest that the serum levels of osteocalcin associated with glucose homeostasis should be interpreted according to age and sex.

Ballistocardiogram of baby during sleep

Ballistocardiogram (BCG), which displays the mechanical activity of heart, has been a subject of interest for several years due to its advantages in taking unobtrusive physiological measurements. In the field of sleep science, researchers actively study sleep architecture and clinically apply various sleep-related conditions through BCG-derived biological information such as the heartbeat, respiration and body movements of subjects. However, most of these studies have involved only adults. This area of research may be even more important with babies to monitor their biological signals without confinement. For this reason, we developed a physiological signal monitoring bed for baby by using a load cell. Heartbeat and respiration information was assessed with average respective performance errors of 1.53% and 2.53% compared to commercial equipment. The results showed the possibility of applying BCG technology to baby. Therefore, we expect that BCG-derived signals can be extensively applied to analyze sleep architecture and clinical applications in baby as they are with adults.

A CASE OF SPONTANEOUS REGRESSION OF IDIOPATHIC BILATERAL ADRENAL HEMORRHAGE IN A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN: 1 YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Background

Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a serious condition that can result in adrenal insufficiency, shock, acute adrenal crisis, and mortality if it is not managed with adequate treatment. We report a rare case of idiopathic bilateral adrenal hemorrhage.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman visited our hospital with complaints of right upper abdominal pain. A computed tomography (CT) revealed unilateral left adrenal gland hemorrhage. However, the results of rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and adrenomedullary hormone function test were normal. Since the patient did not show signs of adrenal insufficiency, corticosteroid therapy was postponed and only supportive management therapy was started. After 1 week, a follow- up CT showed a previously unseen adrenal hemorrhage on the right adrenal gland, but the rapid ACTH stimulation test result was normal. One year later, no hemorrhagic signs were observed on the follow-up CT.

Conclusion

In most cases of idiopathic bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, patients are treated with steroid replacement therapy due to adrenal insufficiency. In some other cases, patients are treated with steroids despite the absence of adrenal insufficiency. Here we reported a very rare case of idiopathic bilateral adrenal hemorrhage sequentially to emphasize that before initiation of adrenal hormone replacement therapy, it is important to determine whether adrenal insufficiency is present. If there is no evidence of adrenal insufficiency, adrenal replacement therapy should be postponed until the presence of adrenal insufficiency is confirmed.

Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Future Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association between the indices of sarcopenia and future risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

DESIGN

Community-based prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 297 participants aged ≥65 years without cognitive impairment at baseline (mean age, 71.9 ± 6.6 years; men:women, 158:139) and who underwent cognitive evaluation at the 5-year follow-up.

MEASUREMENTS

Sarcopenia parameters including appendicular lean mass (ALM), handgrip strength, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score at baseline were compared according to the later progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia. The operational criteria suggested by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project were used. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the independent indicators of the progression of cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Among the 297 participants, 242 (81.5%) remained cognitively normal (nonprogression group), whereas 55 (18.5%) showed progression of cognitive impairment (50 subjects (16.8%) to MCI and 5 subjects (1.7%) to dementia) (progression group). Compared with the nonprogression group, subjects in the progression group were older, had a lower educational level, and had lower physical function as assessed by the SPPB; a higher percentage were depressed. Other baseline markers of sarcopenia, including the ALM-to-body mass index ratio and handgrip strength did not differ significantly between the groups. The association between a low SPPB score (<9) and progression of cognitive impairment was maintained after adjustment for conventional risk factors for cognitive impairment (hazard ratio 2.222, 95% confidence interval 1.047-4.716, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Decreased physical performance, as assessed by the SPPB, but not other markers of sarcopenia, was independently associated with the risk of later cognitive impairment in older adults.

Validation of the Korean version of the thyroid cancer-specific quality of life questionnaire

Purpose

The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide has drawn attention to the needs for assessing and managing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of thyroid cancer survivors. We conducted this study to validate the Korean version of the thyroid cancer-specific quality of life (THYCA-QoL) questionnaire.

Methods

Data obtained from 227 thyroid cancer survivors were analyzed using standard validity and reliability analysis techniques. Reliability was assessed by measuring internal consistency via Cronbach α coefficient, and validity was assessed by determining the Pearson correlation coefficient between the THYCA-QoL questionnaire and the following relevant assessment tools: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Korean version of Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-K), the Korean version of Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument (BEPSI-K), Goldberg Short Screening Scale for Anxiety and Depression, and a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A multitrait scaling analysis was performed to assess each item's convergent and discriminant validity.

Results

The reliability of the THYCA-QoL questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach α coefficients for multiple-item scales which ranged from 0.54 (sensory) to 0.82 (psychological). Except for a single item (sexual interest), the questionnaire's validity was established by significant correlation observed between scales in the THYCA-QoL questionnaire and scales used in other assessment tools. A multitrait scaling analysis confirmed that all scales met the recommended psychometric standards.

Conclusion

The Korean version of the THYCA-QoL questionnaire is a reliable and valid assessment tool that can be used in combination with the EORTC QLQ-C30 to assess the HRQoL of thyroid cancer survivors in Korea.

Radiologic and Pathologic Findings of a Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer with Extensive Stromal Fat: A Case Report

Thyroid cancer may have small adipose structures detected by microscopy. However, there are no reports of thyroid cancer with gross fat evaluated by radiological methods. We reported a case of a 58-year-old woman with a fat containing thyroid mass. The mass was hyperechoic and ovoid in shape with a smooth margin on ultrasonography. On computed tomography, the mass had markedly low attenuation suggestive of fat, and fine reticular and thick septa-like structures. The patient underwent a right lobectomy. The mass was finally diagnosed as a follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer with massive stromal fat.