Optimizing epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the influence of gastric acid suppressants.

Background: The introduction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. However, their efficacy can be compromised by concurrent use of gastric acid suppressants (GASs), such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). This study aimed to update the evidence on the impact of GASs on the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients on EGFR-TKI treatment.

UCHL1 Overexpression Is Related to the Aggressive Phenotype of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), which encodes thiol protease that hydrolyzes a peptide bond at the C-terminal glycine residue of ubiquitin, regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, transcriptional regulation, and numerous other biological processes and may be involved in lung cancer progression. UCHL1 is mainly expressed in the brain and plays a tumor-promoting role in a few cancer types; however, there are limited reports regarding its role in lung cancer.

Methods: Single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing using 10X chromium v3 was performed on a paired normal-appearing and tumor tissue from surgical specimens of a patient who showed unusually rapid progression.

Clinical utility of repeated rebiopsy for EGFR T790M mutation detection in non-small cell lung cancer.

Purpose: In cases where rebiopsy fails to find the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation, the criteria for selecting patients for repeated rebiopsy remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of repeated rebiopsy on T790M mutation detection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods: Patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC between January 2018 and December 2021 at three-referral hospitals in South Korea underwent retrospective review.

Usefulness of Impulse Oscillometry in Predicting the Severity of Bronchiectasis.

Background: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that leads to airway inflammation, destruction, and airflow limitation, which reflects its severity. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to estimate lung function and airway resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of IOS in predicting the severity of bronchiectasis.

Repositioning of ezetimibe for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: We previously identified ezetimibe, an inhibitor of Niemann-Pick C1-like intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 and European Medicines Agency-approved lipid-lowering agent, as a potent autophagy activator. However, its efficacy against pulmonary fibrosis has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to determine whether ezetimibe has therapeutic potential against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Association between diabetes mellitus and cause of death in patients with tuberculosis: A Korean nationwide cohort study.

Despite its significant impact on mortality, tuberculosis (TB)-diabetes mellitus (DM) co-prevalence has not been well-elucidated for the cause of death. We investigated the impact of DM on TB-related and non-TB-related deaths in patients with TB. This retrospective nationwide cohort study included patients diagnosed with TB between 2011 and 2017 in South Korea.

Incidentally found resectable lung cancer with the usage of artificial intelligence on chest radiographs.

Purpose: Detection of early lung cancer using chest radiograph remains challenging. We aimed to highlight the benefit of using artificial intelligence (AI) in chest radiograph with regard to its role in the unexpected detection of resectable early lung cancer.

Materials And Methods: Patients with pathologically proven resectable lung cancer from March 2020 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.

Identification of Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury and Prediction of Renal Recovery in the Intensive Care Unit.

Purpose: Acute kidney injury (AKI) following sepsis is associated with higher mortality; however, reliable biomarkers for AKI development and recovery remain to be elucidated.

Materials And Methods: Patients with sepsis admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of Severance Hospital between June 2018 and May 2019 were prospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into those with and without AKI within 48 hours.

Clinical impact of pneumothorax in patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and respiratory failure in an HIV-negative cohort.

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) with acute respiratory failure can result in development of pneumothorax during treatment. This study aimed to identify the incidence and related factors of pneumothorax in patients with PCP and acute respiratory failure and to analyze their prognosis.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the occurrence of pneumothorax, including clinical characteristics and results of other examinations, in 119 non-human immunodeficiency virus patients with PCP and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilator treatment in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary-care center between July 2016 and April 2019.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korean Adults: The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

In addition to smoking, dietary habits may contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns and lung function in a Korean community cohort. A total of 5436 participants were included from the Ansan-Ansung cohort study.

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.

Decreased annual risk of tuberculosis infection in South Korean healthcare workers using interferon-gamma release assay between 1986 and 2005.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has been a major public health problem in South Korea. Although TB notification rate in Korea is gradually decreasing, still highest among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. To effectively control TB, understanding the TB epidemiology such as prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and annual risk of TB infection (ARI) are important.

The Association between Behavioral Risk Factors and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease.

Purpose: We aimed to determine the relationship between environmental exposure and nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in Korea.

Materials And Methods: A group of 150 patients with NTM-PD and a control group of 217 patients with other respiratory diseases were prospectively enrolled between June 2018 and December 2020 in Seoul, Korea. They were surveyed with a standardized questionnaire, and their medical records were reviewed.

Effective use of an advanced isolation unit during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study.

We described a strategy for preventing virus transmission within hospitals through screening and advanced isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. Patients were screened and admitted to the adult advanced isolation unit from February to April 2020. Our process minimized exposure without delaying proper treatment and prevented virus transmission within the hospital.

Sex differences in risk factors for depressive symptoms in patients with COPD: The 2014 and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background: Although depression is a common comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the role of sex remains unexplored. We evaluated sex differences of risk factors of depressive symptoms in adults with COPD.

Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study using data from the 2014 and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Isoniazid Mono-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: Isoniazid (INH) mono-resistant tuberculosis (Hr-TB) is a highly prevalent type of drug-resistant TB, possibly associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes. However, definitive guidelines on an optimal treatment regimen and duration for Hr-TB are currently under discussion. We evaluated the characteristics and treatment outcomes of Hr-TB patients.

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.

Characteristics and risk factors associated with missed diagnosis in patients with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background/aims: Delayed diagnosis and treatment of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) are major concerns for TB control. We evaluated characteristics of patients with smear-negative pulmonary TB who received a delayed diagnosis and identified risk factors that may have contributed to this delay.

Methods: We reviewed medical records of patients with smear-negative culture-positive pulmonary TB treated at a tertiary care hospital in South Korea between January 2017 and December 2018.

Risk Factors for Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Lung Transplant Recipients.

Purpose: We examined risk factors that may have contributed to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation among patients who underwent lung transplantation (LTx).

Methods: We reviewed medical records of patients who underwent LTx at a tertiary healthcare hospital in South Korea between January 2013 and May 2017. We excluded patients who died within the first year after LTx and those lost to follow-up.

Comparison of the inhibitory effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), antiprogesterone on myoma cell proliferation in vitro.

Uterine myomas are the most common gynecologic tumor in women of reproductive age. Treatment options of uterine myomas consist of surgical, medical and interventional therapy such as uterine artery embolization or myolysis. Given that it is the most common type of tumor in women of reproductive age, the treatment of uterine myomas must prioritize uterine conservation.