Comparative analysis of patient-derived organoids and patient-derived xenografts as avatar models for predicting response to anti-cancer therapy.

Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and organoids (PDO) are widely used to model cancer and predict treatment response in matched patients. However, their predictive accuracy has not been systematically studied nor compared. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using PDX or PDO from solid tumors treated with identical anti-cancer agents as the matched patient, identifying 411 patient-model pairs (267 PDX, 144 PDO).

Evaluation of Reactogenicity and Neutralizing Antibody Responses 6 Months Post-Vaccination with Monovalent COVID-19 Vaccine.

The association between reactogenicity and long-term immunogenicity after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination remains unclear. This study investigated whether adverse reactions to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or BNT162b2 vaccines correlate with neutralizing antibody responses in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection-naïve healthcare workers. Blood samples were collected at three time points to measure neutralizing antibodies.

Proteogenomic characterization unveils biomarkers associated with chemoresistance in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

To explore potential chemoresistance mechanisms and identify therapeutic opportunities in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), we conduct comprehensive proteogenomic characterization of 46 pre- and 14 post-treatment MIBC tumors incorporating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics. Multi-omics clustering not only recapitulated established molecular subtypes but also revealed subtypes associated with chemotherapy sensitivity. Protein isoform level analysis identifies protein abundance of a short isoform of ATAD1 and RAF family proteins as biomarkers of chemosensitivity.

Cytokine profiles associated with persisting symptoms of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Background/aims: Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are highly heterogeneous; therefore, the pathophysiological mechanisms for PASC remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the immunologic aspects of various PASC symptoms.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled adults aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between August 2022 and September 2023.

Risk and Distribution of Metastatic Infections by Primary Infection Focus in Bacteremia.

Background: bacteremia (SAB) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with a high risk of metastatic infections. Understanding the timing and distribution of metastatic infections based on the primary infection focus is crucial for effective management. We aimed to identify patterns that could guide clinicians in prioritizing surveillance and interventions for patients at high risk of metastatic infection.

Species-specific risk of ophthalmic involvement in candidaemia: a propensity-matched competing risk analysis.

Objectives: Given the limited data on species-specific ocular involvement in candidaemia, we aimed to assess the differential risk of ocular involvement according to Candida species in patients with candidaemia.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with candidaemia who underwent funduscopic examination at a tertiary centre in Seoul, Republic of Korea between January 2014 and December 2023. Ocular involvement, defined as endophthalmitis, was determined by two retinal specialists.

The clinical impact of prolonged steroid therapy in severe COVID-19 patients: a retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching.

Background: The optimal duration of steroid therapy for patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. This study compared clinical outcomes between early steroid withdrawal (EW; ≤10 days) and prolonged steroid tapering (PT; >10 days) in patients with severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen support.

Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study included adult patients with COVID-19 and WHO-CPS scores of 6-9 admitted to a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Impact of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation on the Relapse of Acute Leukemia.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a significant complication; however, its impact on relapse remains controversial.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of CMV reactivation on relapse and survival after HCT in patients with acute leukemia.

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1258 patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who underwent their first HCT between 2000 and 2020.

Impacts of seasonal hypoxia on geochemistry, organic carbon oxidation, and nutrient release in the sediment of a semi-enclosed bay.

The spatial extent of hypoxia in Jinhae Bay has increased over the last four decades posing a threat to benthic ecosystems and aquaculture production. To assess the effect of seasonal hypoxia on sediment biogeochemical cycles in Jinhae Bay, benthic fluxes-dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), and nutrients-were measured at stations H (hypoxia) and C (control) using an autonomous in-situ benthic chamber in April, June, September, and December 2023. The combination of seasonal stratification and dissolved oxygen consumption in the sediment caused hypoxia in bottom water layers, leading to a substantial accumulation of metabolites ( [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , and HS) in the pore water in June and September.

Acid-activated bentonite for solid-phase nucleic acid extraction from various pathogenic samples.

Background: Despite significant advancements in nucleic acid testing technologies, current nucleic acid extraction methods are often limited by inefficiency, complexity, and a lack of versatility. To overcome these challenges, we have developed an innovative solid-phase extraction (SPE) method employing sulfuric acid-activated bentonite (SAB) for extracting nucleic acids from various sample types.

Results: Activation with sulfuric acid expands the surface area of bentonite by 2.

Impact of fluoroquinolone exposure on the diagnosis and prognosis of tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients: a propensity-score-matched, competing risk analysis.

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) in immunocompromised patients presents a significant diagnostic challenge. These patients are sometimes empirically treated with quinolones before a definitive diagnosis is established. However, there are limited data on the impact of fluoroquinolone exposure on TB diagnosis and outcomes in these patients.

Minocycline Susceptibility of Carbapenem-Resistant Blood Isolates from a Single Center in Korea: Role of in Resistance.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) represents a devastating and growing global threat, calling for new antibiotic treatments. In Korea, the challenge of treating CRAB is compounded by high nosocomial acquisition rates and limited availability of novel antibiotics. Minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, has been proposed as a therapeutic option for CRAB infections.

Mucormycosis coinfection in patients with proven aspergillosis.

Data on the coinfection of molds are limited. Therefore, we systematically investigated mucormycosis coinfection in patients with morphologically proven aspergillosis. The medical records of adult patients with proven aspergillosis and available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections were retrospectively reviewed at a tertiary hospital between January 2019 and July 2024.

Electrochemical pan-variant detection of SARS-CoV-2 through host cell receptor-mimicking molecular recognition.

The persistent emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has presented significant challenges to vaccines and antiviral therapeutics, highlighting the need for the development of methods that ensure variant-independent responses. This study introduces a unique sensor capable of electrochemically detecting SARS-CoV-2 across a wide range of variants. The comprehensive detection is achieved by using a peptide-DNA hybrid, R7-02, as the capture probe, mimicking the binding interface between a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and a host cell receptor, hACE2.

Initial and peak serum levels of Krebs von den Lungen-6 for predicting the prognosis of patients with COVID-19.

Background/aims: Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is associated with prognosis in patients with COVID-19. However, there is limited data on the correlation between the prognosis of COVID-19 and varying KL-6 levels at different time points. We investigated the optimal cutoff values of the initial and peak serum KL-6 levels to predict mortality and evaluated their correlation with mortality.

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient During Maribavir Pre-emptive Therapy.

We report a case of cytomegalovirus retinitis in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient during valganciclovir pre-emptive therapy followed by maribavir. Analysis of UL97 mutation revealed a C480F substitution associated with high maribavir resistance and low ganciclovir resistance.

Reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Immunocompromised Patients with Prolonged or Relapsed Viral Shedding.

Background: Immunocompromised patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection often have prolonged viral shedding, and some are clinically suspected of reinfection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, data on this issue are limited. This study investigated the SARS-CoV-2 variants in serially collected respiratory samples from immunocompromised patients with prolonged viral shedding for over 12 weeks or relapsed viral shedding after at least 2 weeks of viral clearance.

Clinical and microbiological analysis of risk factors for breakthrough bloodstream infection during Tigecycline Therapy.

Background: Tigecycline is widely used to treat a variety of bacterial infections despite concerns regarding increased mortality in severe infections. Previous case reports have documented breakthrough bloodstream infections (BSI) during tigecycline therapy. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of, and risk factors for, breakthrough BSI during tigecycline monotherapy.

Management of a Large Nosocomial Outbreak From an Index of Crusted Scabies in a Tertiary Care Hospital, 2023: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: In 2023, we experienced an outbreak from a case of undiagnosed crusted scabies, resulting in a significant number of exposed individuals and secondary cases. In this report, we describe the outbreak control measures, the attack rate, and the risk factors for acquisition of scabies among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: This study was conducted in a 2,700-bed tertiary care hospital in Seoul, South Korea.

Thermally Triggered Double Emulsion-Integrated Hydrogel Microparticles for Multiplexed Molecular Diagnostics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has been recognized as the most reliable diagnostic tool. However, there is a need to develop multiplexed assays capable of analyzing multiple genes simultaneously to expand its application. To address this, a multiplexed RT-qPCR using a double emulsion (DE)-based carrier and a polymer microparticle reactor, termed primer-incorporated network tailored with Taqman probe (TaqPIN) is developed.

Risk Factors for Infection-Attributable Mortality in Patients With Bacteremia: A Competing Risk Analysis.

Background: Identifying risk factors for mortality in patients with bacteremia (SAB) is crucial due to its high fatality. However, data on risk factors for infection-attributable deaths considering competing risk events such as non-infection-attributable deaths remain limited. We performed a competing risk analysis to elucidate risk factors associated with 30-day infection-attributable mortality in a large cohort of patients with SAB.

Predicting persistent SARS-CoV-2 shedding in immunocompromised patients: a probability-based approach.

Background: Although recommended isolation periods for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been shortened as the pandemic has subsided, prolonged Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding remains common in immunocompromised patients. This study estimated the probability of viral clearance in these patients based on elapsed days and specific risk factors.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled immunocompromised patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis from January 2022 to May 2023 during the Omicron variant era.