Fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements in rhinitis and asthma in children.

Exaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is considered a good noninvasive marker to assess airway inflammation in asthma and allergic rhinitis. In asthma, exhaled NO is very useful to verify adherence to therapy, and to predict upcoming asthma exacerbations. It has been also proposed that adjusting anti-inflammatory drugs guided by the monitoring of exhaled NO, could improve overall asthma control. Other studies showed increased FeNO levels in subjects with allergic rhinitis

17β-Estradiol supplementation changes gut microbiota diversity in intact and colorectal cancer-induced ICR male mice

The composition of the gut microbiota is influenced by sex hormones and colorectal cancer (CRC). Previously, we reported that 17 beta -estradiol (E2) inhibits azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced tumorigenesis in male mice. Here, we investigated whether the composition of the gut microbiota is different between male and female, and is regulated by estrogen as a secondary outcome of previous studies. We established four groups of mice based on the sex and estrogen status [ovariectomized (OVX) female and E2-treated male]. Additionally, three groups of males were established by treating them with AOM/DSS, and E2, after subjecting them to AOM/DSS treatment. The mice were sacrificed at 21 weeks old. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing. We observed a significant increase in the microbial diversity (Chao1 index) in females, males supplemented with E2, and males treated with AOM/DSS/E2 compared with normal males. In normal physiological condition, sex difference and E2 treatment did not affect the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B). However, in AOM/DSS-treated male mice, E2 supplementation showed significantly lower level of the F/B ratio. The ratio of commensal bacteria to opportunistic pathogens was higher in females and E2-treated males compared to normal males and females subjected to OVX. Unexpectedly, this ratio was higher in the AOM/DSS group than that determined in other males and the AOM/DSS/E2 group. Our findings suggest that estrogen alters the gut microbiota in ICR (CrljOri:CD1) mice, particularly AOM/DSS-treated males, by decreasing the F/B ratio and changing Shannon and Simpson index by supply of estrogen. This highlights another possibility that estrogen could cause changes in the gut microbiota, thereby reducing the risk of developing CRC.

Guideline Development for the Evaluation of Visual Impairment in Korea

This guideline is developed to provide criteria for evaluating permanent impairment of the visual system as it affects an individual`s ability to perform activities of daily living. This new assessment system is based on the 5th and 6th edition of American Medical Association and McBride impairment assessment system but revised on the consideration of Korean culture and simple application. This evaluation of impairment is based on an assessment of visual acuity and visual field. Especially it weighs binocular vision and binocular visual fields and the binocular vision and binocular visual fields provide 50% of weight and the right and left eye each contribute 25%. A further adjustment of the impairment rating is included at the final step of this evaluation. Functional deficits for individual adjustments include diplopia, problem of accommodation, abnormality of eyelids, tearing, cosmetic problems from cornea opacity, glare, aphakia, and dark-adaptation. The adjustment can be added to impairment rating up to 15%. Further study is necessary to revise and update of this disability evaluation that have potential problems in actual application.COLEBRANDER A, 2003, DISABILITY EVALUATIO, pCH36FUHR PS, 2003, VISUAL IMPAIR RES, V5, P137COCCHIARELLA L, 2001, GUIDES EVALUATION PECOLENBRANDER A, 2001, DUANES CLIN OPHTHALM, V5, pCH51*INT LOW VIS C INT, 1999, GUID EV VIS IMPCOLENBRANDER A, 1994, LOW VISION RES NEW D, P542DOYLE D, 1993, OXFORD TXB PALLIATIV, P109MCBRIDE DE, 1968, INJURY EYE DISABILIT, P465

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in a General Population in South Korea: Results from a National Survey in 2006

The purpose of this survey was to obtain information on the prevalence, costs, and patterns of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a general population in the Republic of Korea. In 2006, we conducted nationwide and population-weighted personal interviews with 6,021 adults ranging from 30 to 69 yr of age; the final sample consisted of 3,000 people with a 49.8% response rate. In addition to their general socio-demographics, the respondents were asked about their use of CAM during the previous 12-month period, costs, sources of information, and reasons for use. The prevalence of use overall was 74.8%, while biologically based CAM therapies were the most likely type of use (65.4%). The median annual out-of-pocket expenditures for CAM therapies was about US$203. The primary reason for using CAM was for disease prevention and health promotion (78.8%). The main source of advice about CAM therapies use was most likely to be from family and friends (66.9%). Our study suggests that CAM use has been and continues to be very popular in South Korea. Conventional western medical doctors and governments should obtain more evidence and become more interested in CAM therapies

Validation of a rapid and sensitive LC-MS/ MS method for determination of exemestane and its metabolites, 17β-hydroxyexemestane and 17β-hydroxyexemestane-17-O-β-D-glucuronide: Application to human pharmacokinetics study

10.1371/journal.pone.0118553PLoS ONE103e011855