Heavy metal exposure and its effects on APOC3, CFAI, and ZA2G.

Despite increasing heavy metal pollution, traditional epidemiology often fails to link exposure to health outcomes. This study used multi-omics to investigate associations between heavy metal exposure and health. Blood and urine samples from 294 participants in heavy metal-exposed and control areas were analyzed, revealing key biomarkers.

Post-Transplant Vitamin D Deficiency in Lung Transplant Recipients: Impact on Outcomes and Prognosis.

Despite the recognized clinical significance of vitamin D deficiency in other solid organ transplant recipients, its specific relevance in lung transplantation remains to be fully understood. In this study, we performed a retrospective observational study on the impact of vitamin D deficiency on clinical outcomes and prognosis in 125 lung transplant recipients (LTRs) from October 2014 to March 2020 at a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Among 125 LTRs, 51 patients (40.

Propensity score matching for comparative studies: a tutorial with R and Rex.

Recently, there has been considerable progress in developing new technologies and equipment for the medical field, including minimally invasive surgeries. Evaluating the effectiveness of these treatments requires study designs like randomized controlled trials. However, due to the nature of certain treatments, randomization is not always feasible, leading to the use of observational studies.

Associations between plasma metabolites and heavy metal exposure in residents of environmentally polluted areas.

Heavy metals are commonly released into the environment through industrial processes such as mining and refining. The rapid industrialization that occurred in South Korea during the 1960s and 1970s contributed significantly to the economy of the country; however, the associated mining and refining led to considerable environmental pollution, and although mining is now in decline in South Korea, the detrimental effects on residents inhabiting the surrounding areas remain. The bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals leads to metabolic alterations in human homeostasis, with disruptions in this balance leading to various health issues.

Gut microbiome signature of metabolically healthy obese individuals according to anthropometric, metabolic and inflammatory parameters.

In this study, we investigated the characteristics of gut microbiome in the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) patients, and how they correlate with metabolic and inflammatory profiles. A total of 120 obese people without metabolic comorbidities were recruited, and their clinical phenotypes, metabolic and inflammatory parameters were analysed. The faecal microbial markers originating from bacterial cell and extracellular vesicle (EV) were profiled using 16S rDNA sequencing.

Subtypes of Patients with Mild to Moderate Airflow Limitation as Predictors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation.

COPD is a heterogeneous disease, and its acute exacerbation is a major prognostic factor. We used cluster analysis to predict COPD exacerbation due to subtypes of mild-moderate airflow limitation. In all, 924 patients from the Korea COPD Subgroup Study cohort, with a forced expiratory volume (FEV1) ≥ 50% and documented age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, smoking pack-years, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, predicted post-bronchodilator FEV1, were enrolled.

Association of type 2 diabetes mellitus with lung cancer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Some studies have also suggested that diabetes mellitus (DM) may increase the risk of developing lung cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether type 2 DM (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in patients with COPD.

Potential of Gut Microbe-Derived Extracellular Vesicles to Differentiate Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients from Healthy Controls.

Background/aims: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the stool microbiome and gut microbe-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to differentiate between patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy controls, and to predict relapse in patients with IBD.

Methods: Metagenomic profiling of the microbiome and bacterial EVs in stool samples of controls (n=110) and patients with IBD (n=110) was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing and then compared. Patients with IBD were divided into two enterotypes based on their microbiome, and the cumulative risk of relapse was evaluated.

Analysis of the gut microbiome using extracellular vesicles in the urine of patients with colorectal cancer.

Background/aims: We evaluated the gut microbiome using extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the urine of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) to determine whether gut-microbe-derived EVs could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of CRC.

Methods: EVs were isolated from the urine of patients with CRC and healthy controls. DNA was extracted from the EVs, and the bacterial composition was analyzed using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA.

Recent Increases in Influenza-Related Hospitalizations, Critical Care Resource Use, and In-Hospital Mortality: A 10-Year Population-Based Study in South Korea.

Background: Long-term trends in influenza-related hospitalizations, critical care resource use, and hospital outcomes since the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic season have been rarely studied for adult populations. Materials and Methods: Adult patients from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service who were hospitalized with influenza over a 10-year period (2009−2019) were analyzed. The incidence rates of hospitalization, critical care resource use, and in-hospital death were calculated using mid-year population census data.

Role of an unclassified Lachnospiraceae in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal study of the urine microbiome and metabolites.

Recent investigations have revealed that the human microbiome plays an essential role in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, despite the importance of understanding the involvement of the microbiota throughout the body in T2D, most studies have focused specifically on the intestinal microbiota. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recently found to provide important evidence regarding the mechanisms of T2D pathogenesis, as they act as key messengers between intestinal microorganisms and the host.

Well-being Index Scores and Subjective Health Status of Korean Healthcare Workers.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective level of health-related quality of life of Korean healthcare workers using various quality-of-life instruments.

Methods: This study included 992 participants, who were doctors and nurses. A survey was conducted between November 28 and December 4, 2019.

Impact of COPD Treatment on Survival in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the impact of COPD treatment on the survival of patients with advanced NSCLC remains uncertain. We retrospectively investigated COPD patients among patients newly diagnosed with advanced NSCLC between September 2005 and August 2019 at a university hospital.

Disordered development of gut microbiome interferes with the establishment of the gut ecosystem during early childhood with atopic dermatitis.

The gut microbiome influences the development of allergic diseases during early childhood. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of microbiome-host crosstalk. Here, we analyzed the influence of gut microbiome dynamics in early childhood on atopic dermatitis (AD) and the potential interactions between host and microbiome that control this homeostasis.

Joinpoint Regression About Injury Mortality and Hospitalization in Korea.

Background: Injury is a social problem that causes health and property losses, and it is important to identify the size and trend of injury for efficient prevention and management. Therefore, this study analyzed the trends in injury mortality and hospitalization rates from 2005 to 2019 in Korea.

Methods: Using mortality data by Statistics Korea and Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth injury survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), age standardized rates were calculated for death and hospitalization to analyze trends and annual changes with the joinpoint regression model.

Long- and short-term clinical impact of awake extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as bridging therapy for lung transplantation.

Background: As lung transplantation (LTx) is becoming a standard treatment for end-stage lung disease, the use of bridging with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing. We examined the clinical impact of being awake during ECMO as bridging therapy in patients awaiting LTx.

Methods: In this single-center study, we retrospectively reviewed 241 consecutive LTx patients between October 2012 and March 2019; 64 patients received ECMO support while awaiting LTx.

Fecal Microbiota and Gut Microbe-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Colorectal Cancer.

The human microbiota comprises trillions of microbes, and the relationship between cancer and microbiota is very complex. The impact of fecal microbiota alterations on colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis is emerging. This study analyzed changes in the microbial composition in CRC subjects with both fecal microbiota and gut microbe-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Risk factors and mortality of acute kidney injury within 1 month after lung transplantation.

After lung transplantation (LT), some patients are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with worse outcomes and increased mortality. Previous studies focused on AKI development from 72 h to 1 week within LT, and reported main risk factors for AKI such as intraoperative hypotension, need of ECMO support, ischemia time or longer time on waiting list. However, this period interval rarely reflects medical risk factors probably happen in longer post-operative period.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes among older nursing home residents hospitalized with pneumonia.

Background: Due to population aging, the number of cases of pneumonia in nursing homes in South Korea has been increasing. This study investigated the characteristics and clinical outcomes in nursing home residents with pneumonia admitted to a tertiary hospital.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients transferred to the tertiary hospital from nursing homes between August 2009 and October 2016.

Meaning and Status of Health-related Quality of Life Recognized by Medical Professionals: a Qualitative Study.

Background: Medical professionals must maintain their health to provide quality medical care to patients safely. However, the health-related quality of life of medical professionals is a complex issue that currently lacks a standardized evaluation approach. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify their perceptions of the health-related quality of life of medical professionals and explore ways to measure their quality of life as accurately.

The nationwide retrospective cohort study by Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service proves that asthma management decreases the exacerbation risk of asthma.

Medical costs have recently increased in South Korea due to the rising rate of asthma. Primary clinics serve an important role in asthma management, as they are the first stop for patients presenting with symptoms. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) in South Korea has assessed asthma-management quality since 2013, but studies are lacking on whether these assessments have been performed properly and contribute toward reducing asthma exacerbations.

Respiratory microbiome profiles differ by recent hospitalization and nursing home residence in patients on mechanical ventilation.

Background: Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is a heterogeneous disease. We redefined nursing-home- and hospital-associated infections (NHAI) group by revising existing HCAP risk factors. The NHAI group comprised nursing home residents with a poor functional status, or recent (past 90 days) hospitalization or recent (past 180 days) antibiotic therapy.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection after lung transplantation: A single-center experience in South Korea.

Purpose: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is an important issue after lung transplantation. However, a large-scale epidemiological study on this issue in Korea is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of NTM infection after lung transplant surgery in Korea.

Blood Pressure Curve for Children Less than 10 Years of Age: Findings from the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort Study.

Background: Routine blood pressure (BP) measurement is recommended to begin at 3 years of age, but there are no national BP reference values for Korean children less than 7 years of age. Therefore, we developed sex-, age-, and height-specific BP reference values for non-overweight children aged 3-9 years.

Methods: We analyzed the data of 416, 340, 321, 323, and 332 subjects aged 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 years, respectively, who participated in the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort Study.

Disease-Specific Mortality and Prevalence Trends in Korea, 2002-2015.

Background: Evaluation of mortality and prevalence trends is important for health planning and priority decision-making in health policy. This study was performed to examine disease-specific mortality and prevalence trends for diseases in Korea from 2002 to 2015.

Methods: In this study, 206 mutually exclusive diseases and injuries were classified into 21 cause clusters, which were divided into three cause groups: 1) communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional conditions; 2) non-communicable diseases (NCDs); and 3) injuries.