The relationship between the triglyceride-glucose index and lung function in healthy individuals: a cross-sectional study of 89,809 participants from Kangbuk Samsung health study.

Background: The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) has emerged as a reliable proxy for insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, showing associations with various health outcomes. While the relationship between metabolic health and respiratory function has been established, the association between TyG and lung function remains unclear, particularly in Asian populations. Therefore, we investigated whether TyG is associated with decreased lung function in a large sample of healthy Koreans.

Additional benefit of endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine needle aspiration to endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the evaluation of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) are minimally invasive procedures for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. This study aimed to investigate the additional diagnostic value of EUS-B-FNA following EBUS-TBNA.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature review of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register databases and extracted the studies reporting the implementation of the combined EBUS-TBNA/EUS-B-FNA.

The Dosing Strategy to Improve Adherence to Roflumilast in Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The clinical efficacy of roflumilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, has been demonstrated in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, roflumilast has shown frequent adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study was performed to investigate the dosing strategy that will improve adherence to roflumilast in COPD.

Increased Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I Ratio Is Associated With Decline in Lung Function in Healthy Individuals: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

Background: Lung dysfunction and high apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I (apoB/apoA-I) ratio are both recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, few studies have examined the association between the apoB/ApoA-I ratio and lung function. Therefore, we investigated whether this ratio is associated with decreased lung function in a large healthy cohort.

Monitoring and evaluation of provincial classical swine fever immunization implementation with an E2 subunit vaccine in Jeju Island, South Korea.

Purpose: Accidental vaccination with a live attenuated low-virulence strain of Miyagi (LOM) vaccine led to the reemergence of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in Jeju province, South Korea in 2014. To control the continual outbreaks of LOM-derived CSFV, the provincial government launched a provincial mass vaccination project using a CSF-E2 subunit vaccine. We conducted this study to assess the herd immunity level and outcomes of E2 vaccine-based immunization in breeding and growing herds on Jeju Island during 2020-2021.

Safety and tolerability of combination treatment with pirfenidone and nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The role of combination treatments with two antifibrotic agents, pirfenidone and nintedanib, has been not established in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study was performed to investigate the safety and tolerability of combination antifibrotic treatment in patients with IPF.

Methods: We conducted a proportional meta-analysis and searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register for relevant clinical trials.

The impact of antimicrobial de-escalation therapy in culture-negative pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: Antimicrobial de-escalation (ADE) remains a challenging strategy in the treatment of pneumonia. We investigated the outcomes of ADE as measured by mortality and duration of the use of antibiotics in patients with culture- negative pneumonia.

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Substantiating the Therapeutic Effects of Simultaneous Heat Massage Combined with Conventional Physical Therapy for Treatment of Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Background: There are various therapeutic options for the conservative management of lower back pain (LBP). A combination of two or more treatment options may be more effective in the clinical management of non-specific LBP. In this study, we compared the effects of simultaneous heat massage with conventional physical therapy in patients with subacute LBP.

The impact of insulin resistance on the association between metabolic syndrome and lung function: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

Background/objective: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is related to lung dysfunction. However, its impact according to insulin resistance (IR) remains unknown. Therefore, we evaluated whether the relation of MS with lung dysfunction differs by IR.

Metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity and the development of lung dysfunction.

We investigated the association of metabolically healthy (MH) and unhealthy (MU) obesity with incident lung dysfunction. This cohort study included 253,698 Korean lung disease-free adults (mean age, 37.4 years) at baseline.

Diagnostic yield of radial probe endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial biopsy without fluoroscopy in peripheral pulmonary lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Although radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) has been used to investigate peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), its diagnostic performance without fluoroscopy remains unclear. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of R-EBUS-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) without fluoroscopy.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature review using Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register.

Field evaluation of the safety and immunogenicity of a classical swine fever virus E2 subunit vaccine in breeding and nursery animals on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Purpose: Classical swine fever (CSF) reemerged on CSF-free Jeju Island where vaccination is not practiced by the unintentional injection of a live attenuated vaccine (modified live attenuated vaccines-low-virulence Miyagi [MLV-LOM]) in 2014. Since the Jeju provincial authority is considering adopting a voluntary immunization policy using a CSF-E2 subunit vaccine to combat LOM-derived CSF endemic, this study aimed to evaluate in Jeju herds.

Materials And Methods: Two vaccination trials using the Bayovac CSF-E2 vaccine licensed for use in South Korea assessed the safety and humoral immunity of the CSF-E2 vaccine in breeding (trial 1) and nursery animals (trial 2) under farm application conditions.

Diagnostic Performance of Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Chest Computed Tomography, and Lung Point-of-Care-Ultrasonography for SARS-CoV-2 Compared with RT-PCR Testing: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: The comparative performance of various diagnostic methods for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the comparison of the 3 index test performances of rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RDTs), chest computed tomography (CT), and lung point-of-care-ultrasonography (US) with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the reference standard, to provide more evidence-based data on the appropriate use of these index tests. (2) Methods: We retrieved data from electronic literature searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from 1 January 2020, to 1 April 2021.

Comparing the diagnostic accuracy of rapid antigen detection tests to real time polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Timely and accurate diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is crucial to reduce the risk of viral transmission. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register.

Mechanical Changes of the Lumbar Intervertebral Space and Lordotic Angle Caused by Posterior-to-Anterior Traction Using a Spinal Thermal Massage Device in Healthy People.

Background: The axial (horizontal) traction approach has been traditionally used for treatment of low back pain-related spinal disorders such as nuclear protrusion, primary posterolateral root pain, and lower thoracic disc herniation; however, it is known to have some technical limitations due to reductions of the spinal curve. Lumbar lordosis plays a pivotal function in maintaining sagittal balance. Recently, vertical traction and combination traction have been attracting attention due to improving therapeutic outcomes, although evidence of their clinical application is rare; therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the mechanical changes of lumbar intervertebral space, lordotic angle, and the central spinal canal area through vertical traction treatment using a spinal massage device in healthy participants.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Quidel Sofia Rapid Influenza Fluorescent Immunoassay in Patients with Influenza-like Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Although the Quidel Sofia rapid influenza fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) is widely used to identify influenza A and B, the diagnostic accuracy of this test remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of this test compared to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register.

Diagnostic accuracy of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress and the Abbott ID NOW assay for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is essential to prevent the spread of the virus. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert Xpress and the ID NOW assays for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 using a systemic review and meta-analysis approach. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register.

Decreased lung function is associated with vitamin D deficiency in apparently health, middle aged Koreans: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

Background/objectives: There has been inconsistent relationships between serum vitamin D levels and lung function in previous studies. However, previous studies included patients with medical diseases, affecting both vitamin D levels and lung function. Considering this view of potential confounders, we investigated if vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is linked to lung function in health screening examinee without overt medical conditions.

Decreased lung function is associated with elevated ferritin but not iron or transferrin saturation in 42,927 healthy Korean men: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Though elevated ferritin level and decreased lung function both predispose people to cardio-metabolic disease, few reports have investigated the association between them. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the association reflects a change in iron stores or an epiphenomenon reflecting metabolic stress. Therefore, we looked for possible associations between ferritin, iron, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) and lung function to clarify the role of iron-related parameters in healthy men.

Diagnostic comparison of methacholine and mannitol bronchial challenge tests for identifying bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is a representative feature of asthma. Although methacholine and mannitol are commonly used for bronchial challenge tests, the optimal roles of the two agents for assessing BHR remain unclear. We compared the diagnostic performance of methacholine and mannitol in bronchial challenge tests.

The Clinical Efficacy of Pulmonary Hypertension-Specific Agents in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is associated with poor outcomes. This study was performed to determine the clinical efficacy of PH-specific therapeutic agents for IPF patients.

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register.

Performance of pneumococcal urinary antigen test in patients with community-onset pneumonia: a propensity score-matching study.

Background/aims: Although pneumococcal urinary antigen tests (PUATs) have universally been used for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia, data on the efficacy of these exams are limited. The objective of our study was to investigate the clinical impact of the PUAT in patients with community-onset pneumonia (CO-pneumonia).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with CO-pneumonia.

Incidence of Hypotension after Discontinuation of Norepinephrine or Arginine Vasopressin in Patients with Septic Shock: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There has been no consensus regarding the discontinuation order of vasopressors in patients recovering from septic shock treated with concomitant norepinephrine (NE) and arginine vasopressin (AVP). The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of hypotension within 24 hours based on whether NE or AVP was discontinued first in order to determine the optimal sequence for discontinuation of vasopressors.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register.