Scoring Method for Early Prediction of Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease Using Modified Respiratory Parameters

In our previous study, we have demonstrated that peak inspiratory pressure over birth weight (PIP/kg) and mean airway pressure over birth weight (MAP/kg) were more significant risk factors for the development of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD) than PIP and MAP. We aimed to develop a scoring method using the modified respiratory variables (SMUMRV) to predict CLD at early postnatal period. From 1997 to 1999, a retrospective review was performed for 197 infants <1,500 g for the development of the SMUMRV based on statistical analysis. From 2000 to 2001, calculated scores on day 4, 7 and 10 of life were obtained prospectively for 107 infants <1,500 g. Predictive values and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were determined and compared with the result of the previous regression model. Gestational age, birth weight, 5 min Apgar score, PIP/kg at 12 hr of age, fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2), MAP/kg, modified oxygenation index and ventilatory mode were selected as parameters of SMUMRV. No significant differences of AUCs were found between the SMUMRV and the Yoder model. It is likely that our scoring method provides reliable values for predicting the development of CLD in very low birth weight infants

Effects of Hominis Placenta Herbal Acupuncture(HPA) on Menstrual Cramps

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Hominis Placenta Herbal Acupuncture (HPA) combined with Acupuncture compared with Acupuncture therapy. Method : Data was collected from October 1st 2004 to February 28th 2005. A total of 8 women participated in this study. Of all subjects, 4 and 4 subjects were assigned to the experimental and the control group respectively. Subjects were treated three times a week. We used Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for evaluating the effects of HPA. Result : There showed statistically boardline significance between the experimental group and control group (p=0.057). Conclusion : The results showed HPA has significant effects on menstrual cramps

HFE gene mutations, serum ferritin level, transferrin saturation, and their clinical correlates in a Korean population

The aim of this study was to investigate HFE gene mutations, blood iron indices, and their clinical correlates in a Korean population. In 484 prospectively enrolled health-check examinees, HFE gene mutations and iron indices with clinical and laboratory variables were analyzed. Although neither the C282Y nor S65C gene mutation were found, the H63D heterozygote was detected in 41 subjects (8.5%). The mean serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) were 136.2 +/- 129.8 microg/dl and 39.2 +/- 15.7%, respectively. The H63D genotype was not significantly associated with iron indices. High serum ferritin was associated with old age, the male gender, high body mass index (BMI), and the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). High TS was associated with the male gender and alcohol drinking. HFE gene mutation is rare; however, TS seems to be higher in Koreans compared to Caucasians or other ethnic groups. Serum ferritin reflects iron store as well as the presence of NAFLD

Gait Disturbance Improvement and Cerebral Cortex Rearrangement by Acupuncture in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Assessor-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled, Parallel-Group Trial

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) leads to impaired mobility and limited independence. Objective: We investigated the effects of acupuncture on gait disturbance and analyzed hemodynamic changes caused by acupuncture in the cerebral cortex of patients with PD. Methods: Participants (n = 26) with gait disturbance due to PD were randomly assigned to the intervention (acupuncture twice a week for 4 weeks + conventional therapy) or control (conventional therapy) groups. We analyzed gait parameters using the GAITRite system and hemodynamic responses in the cerebral cortices using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, neurotransmitter levels, as well as the immediate effects of acupuncture in patients with PD. Results: The participants tended to walk with hypometric gait (high cadence, short steps) overground. After acupuncture treatment, those in the intervention group showed a significant reduction in cadence and the UPDRS scores involving “walking and balance” compared with those in the control group (P =.004 and P =.020, respectively); the stride, swing, and single support times were significantly increased (P =.006, P =.001, and P =.001, respectively). Oxyhemoglobin levels in the intervention group while walking on a treadmill were significantly increased in the prefrontal and supplementary motor areas. The oxyhemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex and swing time revealed significant positive correlations. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that acupuncture tended to improve hypometric gait and rearranged activation of the cerebral cortex. Thus, acupuncture may be a useful complementary treatment for gait disturbance, including hypometric gait, in patients with PD. Trial Registration Number. Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0002603), https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp © The Author(s) 2020.1