1.
Effectiveness of a Smartphone Application for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome Components Focusing on Weight Loss: A Preliminary Study.
Toro-Ramos, T, Lee, DH, Kim, Y, Michaelides, A, Oh, TJ, Kim, KM, Jang, HC, Lim, S
Metabolic syndrome and related disorders. 2017;(9):465-473
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are inconsistent results for the effectiveness of using smartphone applications (apps) or websites on weight loss. We investigated the efficacy of a smartphone intervention using a designated app that utilizes a lifestyle intervention-focused approach, including a human coaching element, toward weight loss in overweight or obese Korean adults. METHODS One hundred four adults aged 20-60 years with a body mass index ≥23 kg/m2, who signed up for a smartphone program for weight loss (using the Noom app), were recruited. Participants received an in-person orientation about the study and app use, and a baseline blood sample was obtained. The in-app intervention with daily behavior and nutrition education content and coaching lasted 15 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was a change in weight. The secondary endpoints were changes in metabolic risk factors such as blood pressure, waist circumference, and glucose and lipid profiles. Body composition changes were also assessed, and body weight at 52 weeks was measured to ascertain long-term effects. RESULTS Participants showed a clinically significant weight loss effect of -7.5% at the end of the 15-week program (P < 0.001), and at a 52-week follow-up, a weight loss effect of -5.2% was maintained. At 15 weeks, percent body fat and visceral fat decreased by -6.0 ± 5.4% and -3.4 ± 2.7 kg, respectively (both P < 0.001). Fasting glucose level also decreased significantly by -5.7 ± 14.6 mg/dL at 15 weeks. Lipid parameters showed significant improvements, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The frequency of logging meals and exercise was associated with body fat loss. CONCLUSIONS This advanced smartphone app was a useful tool to maintain weight loss in overweight or obese people.
2.
Effects of iron therapy on blood lead concentrations in infants.
Park, S, Sim, CS, Lee, H, Kim, Y
Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS). 2014;(1):56-9
Abstract
To determine whether blood lead concentration is elevated in iron-deficient infants, blood lead and serum ferritin concentrations, serum iron/transferring iron-binding capacity (Fe/TIBC) and complete blood counts were measured in 30 iron deficient and 35 control infants, aged 6-24 months. All 30 iron-deficient infants received iron supplementation (ferric hydroxide-polymaltose complex, 6mg/kg Fe(3+)/day) for 1-6 months. Blood lead concentrations were measured in 18 of the iron deficient infants after their ferritin levels returned to the normal range. The geometric mean blood lead concentration was higher in iron deficient than in control infants (1.846 vs. 1.416μg/dL). After iron therapy, the blood lead levels of iron-deficient infants decreased significantly compared with pre-treatment levels (1.785 vs. 2.386μg/dL), and the hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations increased significantly. These findings indicate that iron deficiency increases blood lead concentrations in infants with very low blood lead concentrations.
3.
Use of ultrasound measurement of the inferior vena cava diameter as an objective tool in the assessment of children with clinical dehydration.
Chen, L, Kim, Y, Santucci, KA
Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. 2007;(10):841-5
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bedside ultrasonography (US) measurement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and aorta (Ao) may be useful in objectively assessing children with dehydration. The objectives of this study were 1) to compare the IVC and Ao diameters (IVC/Ao) ratio of dehydrated children with controls and 2) to compare the IVC/Ao ratio before and after intravenous (i.v.) rehydration in children with dehydration. METHODS This prospective observational study was performed in an urban pediatric emergency department. Children between 6 months and 16 years of age with clinical evidence of dehydration were enrolled. Bedside US measurements of the IVC and Ao were taken before and immediately after i.v. fluids were administered. An age-, gender-, and weight-matched control without dehydration was enrolled for each subject. The IVC/Ao ratios of subjects and controls were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test, as were the ratios before and after i.v. hydration for each subject. RESULTS Thirty-six pairs of subjects and matched controls were enrolled. The IVC/Ao ratios in the subjects were lower as compared with controls (mean of 0.75 vs. 1.01), with a mean difference of 0.26 (95% confidence interval = 0.18 to 0.35). In subjects, the IVC/Ao ratios were significantly lower before i.v. hydration (mean of 0.75 vs. 1.09), with a mean difference of 0.34 (95% confidence interval = 0.29 to 0.39). CONCLUSIONS As measured by bedside US measurement, the IVC/Ao ratio is lower in children clinically assessed to be dehydrated. Furthermore, it increases with administration of i.v. fluid boluses.