Measuring the pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a non-invasive method for evaluating the stiffness of the vessel wall. While previous studies investigated the association of uric acid level with arterial stiffness, most did not consider smoking status and obesity as covariates. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between uric acid levels and arterial stiffness, considering smoking status and obesity. We studied 3390 subjects (1940 males and 1450 females). Abnormal PWV was also defined as the highest quartile of values in the subjects. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, t-test, and multiple regression analysis. Approximately 41.9% of men and 3.7% of women were current smokers. Prevalence of hypertension was 11.4% in men and 7.0% in women. In women, hyperuricemia was associated with abnormal PWV (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.03~2.43). Hyperuricemia was also associated with abnormal PWV (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.01~5.59) in non-or light male smokers with normal blood pressure. This study suggests that uric acid is associated with arterial stiffness in women and non-smoking men.
This study analyzed the curriculum and clinical practicum of the department of clinical laboratory science in Korea. The 2017 educational curricula of all 3-year and 4-year universities were analyzed. Clinical practice was conducted by a questionnaire. As a result of curriculum analysis, the 3-year curriculum was able to grasp the curriculum that focused on the national examinations of medical technologists, and the 4-year curriculum was open to a variety of subjects reflecting the changes in the future, but only at a few universities. In addition, the autonomous enrollment application made it possible to take a national examination without enrolling in courses that students find difficult in major courses. In the case of clinical practice, it was difficult to standardize in various practical institutes, practice periods, and practice credits. Therefore, it will be necessary to standardize the composition of the credits according to the duration of clinical practice and the duration of education. Moreover, is necessary to revise the curriculum in consideration of medical technologist job analysis and clinical field, and it will be necessary to standardize the curriculum and clinical practice model through the Medical Technologist Evaluation Center.
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