• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.309-318
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• 2024

Background: There is limited data regarding the clinical outcomes of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of CHIP as a COPD biomarker. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on patients with COPD who were enrolled prospectively in the Seoul National University Hospital Airway Registry from January 2013 to December 2019 and underwent pulmonary function and blood tests. We evaluated the CHIP score according to smoking status and severity of airflow obstruction. Results: We analyzed next-generation sequencing data to detect CHIP in 125 patients with COPD. Current smokers had a higher prevalence of CHIP in combination of DNMT3A, TET2, and PPM1D (DTP), DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), and protein phosphatase, Mg²⁺/Mn²⁺ dependent 1D (PPM1D) genes than in never- or ex-smokers. CHIP of DTP and DNMT3A genes was significantly associated with current smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 7.79) (aOR, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.09 to 14.0). Patients with moderate-to-severe airflow obstruction had a higher prevalence of CHIP in most of the explored genes than those with mild obstruction, although the difference was not statistically significant. CHIP in ASXL transcriptional regulator 1 (ASXL1) genes was significantly associated with history of mild, severe, and total acute exacerbation. Conclusion: Given that CHIP in specific genes was significantly associated with current smoking status and acute exacerbation, CHIP can be considered as a candidate biomarker for COPD patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.329-337
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• 2024

Background: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is known to useful biomarker for detecting eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the role of FeNO in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to assess whether elevated FeNO and its impact on treatment change into an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-containing regimen and association with acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with COPD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 107 COPD patients without a history of asthma from March 2016 to December 2019. The patients whose FeNO value was more than 50 parts per billion (ppb) were defined into the high FeNO group. Multivariable analysis with logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with AE in COPD. Results: The median FeNO value was 32 ppb (interquartile range, 19 to 45) and 34 (20.0%) patients were classified as high FeNO group (median 74 ppb). In the high FeNO group, changes in inhaler treatment into an ICS-containing regimen occurred in 23 of 34 patients after the measurement of FeNO. In multivariate analysis, high FeNO was not a contributing factor for AE, but only the high blood eosinophil count (≥300 cells/µL) was associated with AE (adjusted odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 6.91; p=0.049). Conclusion: High FeNO value had a significant impact on the prescription of ICSs in COPD patients, but it did not show a significant association with AE either on its own or with changes in treatment.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.7-24
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• 2024

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is emerging as a significant area of global interest. As the number of patients surviving tuberculosis (TB) increases, the subsequent long-term repercussions have drawn increased attention due to their profound clinical and socioeconomic impacts. A primary obstacle to its comprehensive study has been its marked heterogeneity. The disease presents a spectrum of clinical manifestations which encompass tracheobronchial stenosis, bronchiectasis, granulomas with fibrosis, cavitation with associated aspergillosis, chronic pleural diseases, and small airway diseases-all persistent consequences of PTLD. The spectrum of symptoms a patient may experience varies based on the severity of the initial infection and the efficacy of the treatment received. As a result, the long-term management of PTLD necessitates a detailed and specific approach, addressing each manifestation individually-a tailored strategy. In the immediate aftermath (0-12 months after anti-TB chemotherapy), there should be an emphasis on monitoring for relapse, tracheobronchial stenosis, and smoking cessation. Subsequent management should focus on addressing hemoptysis, managing infection including aspergillosis, and TB-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or restrictive lung function. There remains a vast expanse of knowledge to be discovered in PTLD. This review emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive, consolidated guidelines for management of patients with PTLD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.4
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• pp.335-340
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• 2019

Background: Snoring is the cardinal symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring and upper airway obstruction associated with major oxygen desaturation may occur in populations undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. Methods: To evaluate the prevalence of patients at a high risk of having OSA among patients undergoing bronchoscopy with sedation and to investigate whether snoring during the procedure predicts patients who are at risk of OSA, we prospectively enrolled 517 consecutive patients who underwent the procedure with moderate sedation. Patients exhibiting audible snoring for any duration during the procedure were considered snorers. The STOP-Bang (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure-Body mass index, Age, Neck circumference and Gender) questionnaire was used to identify patients at high (score ${\geq}3$ out of 8) or low risk (score <3) of OSA. Results: Of the 517 patients, 165 (31.9%) snored during bronchoscopy under sedation. The prevalence of a STOP-Bang score ${\geq}3$ was 61.9% (320/517), whereas 200 of the 352 nonsnorers (56.8%) and 120 of the 165 snorers (72.7%) had a STOP-Bang score ${\geq}3$ (p=0.001). In multivariable analysis, snoring during bronchoscopy was significantly associated with a STOP-Bang score ${\geq}3$ after adjustment for the presence of diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, and stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.89; p=0.002). Conclusion: Two-thirds of patients undergoing bronchoscopy with moderate sedation were at risk of OSA based on the screening questionnaire. Snoring during bronchoscopy was highly predictive of patients at high risk of OSA.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.3
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• pp.277-283
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• 2017

Background: Smoking cessation is the most powerful intervention to modify progress of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and nicotine dependence is one of the most important determinants of success or failure in smoking cessation. We evaluated nicotine dependence status and investigated factors associated with moderate to high nicotine dependence in patients with COPD. Methods: We included 53 current smokers with COPD in the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease II cohort enrolled between January 2014 and March 2016. Nicotine dependence was measured by using Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Cognitive function was assessed by Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: The median FTND score was 3, and 32 patients (60%) had moderate to high nicotine dependence. The median smoking amount was 44 pack-years, which was not related to nicotine dependence. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that high education status (odds ratio, 1.286; 95% confidence interval, 1.036-1.596; p=0.023), age <70 (odds ratio, 6.407; 95% confidence interval, 1.376-29.830; p=0.018), and mild to moderate airflow obstruction (odds ratio, 6.969; 95% confidence interval, 1.388-34.998; p=0.018) were related to moderate to high nicotine dependence. Conclusion: Nicotine dependence does not correlate with smoking amount, but with education level, age, and severity of airflow obstruction. Physicians should provide different strategies of smoking cessation intervention for current smokers with COPD according to their education levels, age, and severity of airflow obstruction.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.229-236
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• 1990

Perfusion and ventilaion imagings of the lung are well established procedure for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, differentiation it from chronic obstructive lung disease, and making an early detection of chronic obstructive lung disease. To evaluate the usefulness of radioaerosol inhalation imaging (RII) in chronic obstructive lung disease, especially pulmonary emphysema, we analyzed RIIs of five normal adult non-smokers, five asymptomatic smokers (age 25-42 years with the mean 36), and 21 patients with pulmonry emphysema (age 59-78 years with the mean 67). Scintigrams were obtained with radioaerosol produced by a BARC nebulizer with 15 mCi of Tc-99m-phytate. Scanning was performed in the anterior, posterior, and lateral projections after five to 10-minute inhalation of the radioaerosol on sitting position. The scans were analyzed and correlated with the results of pulmonary function studies and chest radiographs. Also lung perfusion scan with $^{99m}Tc-MAA$ was performed in 12 patients. In five patients, we performed follow-up scans for the evaluation of the effects of a bronchodilator. Based on the X-ray findings and clinical symptoms, pulmonary emphysema was classified into four types: centrilobular (3 patients), panlobular (4 patients), intermediate (10 patients), and combined (4 patients). RII findings were patternized according to the type, extent, and intensity of the aerosol deposition in the central bronchial and bronchopulmonary system and lung parenchyma. 10 controls, normal five non-smokers and three asymptomatic smokers revealed homogeneous parenchymal deposition in the entire lung fields without central bronchial deposition. The remaining two of asymptomatic smokers revealed mild central airway deposition. The great majority of the patients showed either central (9/21) or combined type (10/21) of bronchopulmonary deposition and the remaining two patients peripheral bronchopulmonary deposition. Parenchymal aerosol deposition in pulmonary emphysema was diffuse (6/21), discrete(6/21), intermediate (3/21), or combined (6/21). In 12 patients studied also with perfusion scans, perfusion defects matched closely with ventilation defects in location and configuration. But the size of the ventilation defects was generally larger than the perfusion defects. In all four patients treated with bronchodilators, the follow-up study demonstrated decrease in abnormal of radioaerosol deposition in the central airway with improvement of ventilation defects. RII was useful technique for the evaluation of regional ventilatory abnormality and the effects of treatment with bronchodilators in pulmonary emphysema.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.249-258
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• 2015

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are the representative sleep disordered breathings, caused by the temporary and repetitive constriction or obstruction of upper airway during sleep. They present with excessively vibratory noise and repetitive cease of respiration. These disorders commonly result in sleep disturbance and the subsequent daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue. Furthermore, they can cause the serious and extensive complications including increased risk of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accident, neurocognitive disturbance, traffic and occupational accidents, type II diabetes, childhood growth interruption, awakening headache and finally, relatively increased mortality rate. Because appropriate therapeutic intervention is best way for patients to relieve their symptoms and prevent their possible complications, it is very important for dentists to recognize their own role and responsibility in diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. For this, the present article provides the understanding of the clinical features, possible complications, various treatment modalities, and suitable treatment strategies for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.58-63
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• 2021

Asthma is a chronic obstructive lung disease characterized by recurrent episodes of bronchoconstriction and wheezing. Conventional asthma treatment involves the suppression of airway inflammation or improving airway flow. Rosmarinus officialis, also known as rosemary, is a Mediterranean plant that is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Carnosol, a diterpenoid found in rosemary extracts, has been known to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidant effects. The effect of carnosol on allergic responses has not been tested yet. The effect of carnosol on a murine allergic asthma model were investigated. Carnosol inhibited the degranulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells. Carnosol treatment inhibited the increase in the number of eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of mice treated with ovalbumin. Carnosol treatment also inhibited inflammatory responses and mucin production in histologic studies. Carnosol treatment inhibited the increases of IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines expression in both BALF and the lungs. These results suggest that carnosol may have a potential for allergic asthma therapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.4
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• pp.326-335
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• 2015

Background: Asian dust is known to have harmful effects on the respiratory system. Respiratory conditions are also influenced by environmental conditions regardless of the presence of pollutants. The same pollutant can have different effects on the airway when the air is dry compared with when it is humid. We investigated hospital visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in relation to the environmental conditions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database of patients who visited hospitals in Chuncheon between January 2006 and April 2012. Asian dust, haze, mist, and fog days were determined using reports from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Hospital visits for asthma or COPD on the index days were compared with the comparison days. We used two-way case-crossover techniques with one to two matching. Results: The mean hospital visits for asthma and COPD were $59.37{\pm}34.01$ and $10.04{\pm}6.18$ per day, respectively. Hospital visits for asthma significantly increased at lag0 and lag1 for Asian dust (relative risk [RR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.19; p<0.05) and haze (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.22; p<0.05), but were significantly lower on misty (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99; p<0.05) and foggy (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.93; p<0.05) days than on control days. The hospital visits for COPD also significantly increased on days with Asian dust (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.59; p<0.05), and were significantly lower at lag4 for foggy days, compared with days without fog (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.97; p<0.05). Conclusion: Asian dust showed an association with airway diseases and had effects for several days after the exposure. In contrast to Asian dust, mist and fog, which occur in humid air conditions, showed the opposite effects on airway diseases, after adjusting to the pollutants. It would require more research to investigate the effects of various air conditions on airway diseases.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.215-221
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• 2019

The respiratory medical device is a medical device that delivers optimal oxygen or a certain amount of humidification to a patient by delivering artificial respiration to a patient through a machine when the patient has lost the ability to breathe spontaneously. These include respirators for use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anesthesia or emergency situations, and positive airway pressure devices for treating sleep apnea, and as the population of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and elderly people worldwide surge, the market for the respiratory medical devices it is getting bigger. As the demand for both airway pressure devices, there is a problem that the ventilator standard is applied because the reference standard has not been established. Therefore, the boundaries between the items are blurred due to the purpose, intended use, and method of use overlapping similar items in a respiratory medical device. In addition, for both airway pressure devices, there is a problem that the ventilator standard is applied because the reference standard has not been established. Therefore, in this study, we propose clear classification criteria for the respiratory medical devices according to the purpose, intended use, and method of use and provide safety and performance evaluation guidelines for those items to help quality control of the medical devices. And to contribute to the rapid regulating and improvement of public health. This study investigated the safety and performance test methods through the principles of the respiratory medical device, national and international standards, domestic and international licensing status, and related literature surveys. The results of this study are derived from the safety and performance test items in the individual ventilator(ISO 80601-2-72), the International Standard for positive airway pressure device (ISO 80601-2-70), The safety and performance of humidifiers (ISO 80601-2-74) and the safety evaluation items related to home healthcare environment (IEC 60601-1-11), In addition, after reviewing the guidelines drawn up through expert consultation bodies including manufacturers and importers, certified test inspection institutions, academia, etc., the final guidelines were established through revision and supplementation. Therefore, in this study, we propose guidelines for evaluating the safety and performance of the respiratory medical device in accordance with growing technology development.