• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.521-525
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• 2006

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.4
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• pp.312-320
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• 2020

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) involves multiple organ systems and has the highest mortality among connective tissue diseases. Interstitial lung disease is the most common cause of death among SSc patients and requires closer studies and follow-ups. This study aimed to identify lung function changes and predictors of progressive disease in systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Methods: A retrospective study extracted SSc patients from an electronic database January 2002-July 2019. Eligible cases were SSc patients >age 15 diagnosed with SSc-ILD. Factors associated with progressive disease were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Seventy-eight SSc-ILD cases were enrolled. Sixty-five patients (83.3%) were female, with mean age of 44.7±14.4, and 50 (64.1%) were diffuse type SSc-ILD. Most SSc-ILD patients had crackles (75.6%) and dyspnea on exertion (71.8%), and 19.2% of the SSc-ILD patients had no abnormal respiratory symptoms but had abnormal chest radiographic findings. The most common diagnosis of SSc-ILD patients was non-specific interstitial pneumonia (43.6%). The lung function values of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and DLCO per unit alveolar volume declined in progressive SSc-ILD during a 12-month follow-up. Male and no previous aspirin treatment were the two significant predictive factors of progressive SSc-ILD with adjusted odds ratios of 5.72 and 4.99, respectively. Conclusion: This present study showed that short-term lung function had declined during the 12-month follow-up in progressive SSc-ILD. The predictive factors in progressive SSc-ILD were male sex and no previous aspirin treatment. Close follow-up of the pulmonary function tests is necessary for early detection of progressive disease.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.628-635
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• 1999

Background : Maximal expiratory flow rate is determined by the size of airway, elastic recoil pressure and the collapsibility of airway in the lung. The obstruction of expiratory flow is one of the major functional impairments of emphysema, which represents COPD. Nevertheless, expiratory narrowing of upper airway may be recruited as a mechanism for minimizing airway collapse, and maintaining lung volume and hyperinflation by an endogenous positive end-expiratory pressure in patients with airflow obstruction. We investigated the physiologic role of trachea in respiration in emphysema. Method : We included 20 patients diagnosed as emphysema by radiologic and physiologic criteria from January to August in 1997 at Seoul Municipal Boramae Hospital. Chest roentgenogram, high resolution computed tomography(HRCT), and pulmonary function tests including arterial blood gas analysis and body plethysmography were taken from each patient. Cross-sectional area of trachea was measured according to the respiratory cycle on the level of aortic arch by HRCT and calibrated with body surface area. We compared this corrected area with such parameters of pulmonary function tests as $PaCO_2$, $PaO_2$, airway resistance, lung compliance and so on. Results : Expiratory cross-sectional area of trachea had significant correlation with $PaCO_2$ (r=-0.61, p<0.05), $PaO_2$ (r=0.6, p<0.05), and minute ventilation (r=0.73, p<0.05), but inspiratory cross-sectional area did not (r=-0.22, p>0.05 with $PaCO_2$, r=0.26, p>0.05 with $PaO_2$, and r=0.44, p>0.05 with minute ventilation). Minute ventilation had significant correlation with tidal volume (r=0.45, p<0.05), but it had no significant correlation with respiratory frequency (r=-0.31, p>0.05). Cross-sectional area of trachea had no significant correlation with other parameters of pulmonary function including $FEV_1$, FVC, $FEV_1$/FVC, peak expiratory flow, residual volume, diffusing capacity, airway resistance, and lung compliance, whether the area was expiratory or inspiratory. Conclusion : Cross-sectional area of trachea narrowed during expiration in emphysema, and its expiratory area had significant correlation with $PaCO_2$, $PaO_2$, and minute ventilation.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.117-125
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between early treatment response to definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and survival outcome in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients with LS-SCLC who received definitive CRT between January 2009 and December 2012. Patients were treated with systemic chemotherapy regimen of etoposide/carboplatin (n = 15) or etoposide/cisplatin (n = 32) and concurrent thoracic radiotherapy at a median dose of 54 Gy (range, 46 to 64 Gy). Early treatment volume reduction rate (ETVRR) was defined as the percentage change in gross tumor volume between diagnostic computed tomography (CT) and simulation CT for adaptive RT planning and was used as a parameter for early treatment response. The median dose at adaptive RT planning was 36 Gy (range, 30 to 43 Gy), and adaptive CT was performed in 30 patients (63.8%). Results: With a median follow-up of 27.7 months (range, 5.9 to 75.8 months), the 2-year locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 74.2% and 56.5%, respectively. The mean diagnostic and adaptive gross tumor volumes were 117.9 mL (range, 5.9 to 447 mL) and 36.8 mL (range, 0.3 to 230.6 mL), respectively. The median ETVRR was 71.4% (range, 30 to 97.6%) and the ETVRR >45% group showed significantly better OS (p < 0.0001) and LRPFS (p = 0.009) than the other group. Conclusion: ETVRR as a parameter for early treatment response may be a useful prognostic factor to predict treatment outcome in LS-SCLC patients treated with CRT.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.334-338
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• 2012

Objective : We compared the survival time between patients with multiple gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and patients with a single GKRS plus whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), in patients with multiple metachronous brain metastases from lung cancer. Methods : From May 2006 to July 2010, we analyzed 31 patients out of 112 patients who showed multiple metachronous brain metastases. 20 out of 31 patients underwent multiple GKRS (group A) and 11 patients underwent a single GKRS plus WBRT (group B). We compared the survival time between group A and B. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards were used to analyze relationship between survival and 1) the number of lesions in each patient, 2) the average volume of lesions in each patient, 3) the number of repeated GKRS, and 4) the interval of development of new lesions, respectively. Results : Median survival time was 18 months (range 6-50 months) in group A and 6 months (range 3-18 months) in group B. Only the average volume of individual lesion (over 10 cc) was negatively related with survival time according to Kaplan-Meier method. Cox-proportional hazard ratio of each variable was 1.1559 for the number of lesions, 1.0005 for the average volume of lesions, 0.0894 for the numbers of repeated GKRS, and 0.5970 for the interval of development of new lesions. Conclusion : This study showed extended survival time in group A compared with group B. Our result supports that multiple GKRS is of value in extending the survival time in patients with multiple metachronous brain metastases, and that the number of the lesions and the frequency of development of new lesions are not an obstacle in treating patients with GKRS.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2019

Background: Despite growing concern over occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) such as grain dust and diesel exhaust, information about the exposure level and health implications among workers in small-scale milling enterprises in developing countries like Nigeria has not been adequately documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust and effect on lung function among grain millers in food markets in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design with a comparative approach. Sixteen grain milling shops each were randomly selected from two major food markets in Ibadan metropolis for indoor $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ monitoring. Seventy-two respondents each were proportionately selected from grain millers and shop owners for forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate tests. Results: The $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations for both market locations ranged between 1,269.3 and $651.7{\mu}g/m^3$, while $PM_{10}$ concentrations were between 1,048.2 and $818.1{\mu}g/m^3$. The recorded concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization guideline limit of $50{\mu}g/m^3$ and $25{\mu}g/m^3$ for $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$, respectively. As compared with control group (2.1 L), significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second value (1.61 L) was observed among the exposed group (p < 0.05). Likewise, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate value (186.7 L/min) was recorded among the exposed group than the control group (269.51 L/min) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust accentuated respiratory disorders with declines in lung functions amongst grain millers. Improved milling practices and engaging cleaner milling facilities should be adopted to minimize exposure and related hazards.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.15
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• pp.6779-6782
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• 2015

Background: Chemoradiotherapy is an important treatment modality for lung cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in, as well as the interrelationship between, lung function and quality of life of patients receiving chemoradiotherapy due to locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) limited to the thorax. Materials and Methods: The study included patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy for lung carcinoma. The respiratory function of the patients was assessed by measuring forced expiratory volume in 1 s per unit (FEV1) and forced expiratory volume in 1s per unit of vital capacity (FEV1/VC) before, in the middle of and after treatment. During the study, EORTC QLQ C30 and LC13 questionnaires developed by the Committee of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were employed to evaluate the quality of life on the same day as respiratory function tests (RFT). Findings: The study included 23 patients in total: 19 (82.6%) diagnosed with NSCLC and 4 (17.4%) with SCLC. The average percentage FEV1 was $55.6{\pm}21.8%$ in the pre-treatment period, $56.2{\pm}19.2%$ in the middle of treatment and $60.4{\pm}22%$ at the end of treatment. The improvement in functional scores, symptom scores and general health scores during treatment was not statistically significant (P= 0.568, P= 0.734, P= 0.680, P=0.757 respectively). Conclusions: Although this study showed an improvement in respiratory function and quality of life of patients during treatment with thoracic chemoradiotherapy, no statistically significant results were obtained. While evaluating the effectiveness of treatments for lung carcinoma, the effects of treatment on respiratory function and quality of life should be considered.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate dosimetry results of three different techniques for whole breast irradiation after conservative surgery of large pendulous breast patient. Materials and Methods: Planning computed tomography (CT) scans for three techniques were performed on a GE Hi-speed advantage CT scanner in the supine (SP), supine with breast supporting Device (SD) and prone position on a custom prone mattress (PP). Computed tomography images were acquired at 5 mm thickness. The clinical target volumes (CTV), ipsilateral lung and heart were delineated to evaluate the dose statistic, and all techniques were planned with the tangential photon beams (Pinnacle$^3$, Philips Medical System, USA). The prescribed dose was 50 Gy delivered in 25 fractions. To evaluate the dose coverage for CTV, we analysed percent volume of CTV receiving minimum of 95%, 100%, 105%, and 110% of prescription dose ($V_{95}$, $V_{100}$, $V_{105}$, and $V_{110}$) and minimal dose covering 95% ($D_{95}$) of CTV. The dosimetric comparison for heart and ipsilateral lung was analysed using the minimal dose covering 5% of each organs ($D_5$) and the volume that received >18 Gy for the heart and >20 Gy for the ipsilateral lung. Results: Target volume coverage ($V_{95}$ and $V_{100}$) was not significantly different for all technique. The V105 was lower for PP (1.2% vs. 4.4% for SP, 11.1% for SD). Minimal dose covering 95% ($D_{95}$) of target was 47.5 Gy, 47.7 Gy and 48 Gy for SP, SD and PP. The volume of ipsilateral lung received >20 Gy was 21.7%, 11.6% and 4.9% for SP, SD and PP. The volume of heart received >18 Gy was 17.0%, 16.1% and 9.8% for SP, SD and PP. Conclusion: Prone positioning of patient for large pendulous breast irradiation enables improving dose uniformity with minimal heart and lung doses.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 2016

Objectives: Lung cancer remains a deadly disease with unsatisfactory overall survival. Cisplatin, a standard platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapeutic agent, has the potential to inhibit the growth of lung cancer. Its use, however, is occasionally limited by severe organ toxicity. However, until now, no systematic study has been conducted to verify its efficacy with proper experimental support in vivo. Therefore, we examined whether biosynthesized Pt nanoparticles (NPs) inhibited human lung cancer in vitro and in vivo to validate their use in alternative and complementary medicine. Methods: We evaluated the in vitro and the in vivo anticancer efficiencies of biosynthesized Pt NPs in a subcutaneous xenograft model with A549 cells. Severe combined immune deficient mice (SCID) were divided into four groups: group 1 being the vehicle control group and groups 2, 3 and 4 being the experimental groups. Once the tumor volume had reached $70-75mm^3$, the progression profile of the tumor growth kinetics and the body weights of the mice were measured every week for 6 weeks after oral administration of Pt NPs. Doses of Pt NPs of 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of body weight were administered to the experimental groups and a dose of honey was administered to the vehicle control group. The efficacy was quantified by using the delay in tumor growth following the administration of Pt NPs of A549 human-lung-cancer xenografts growing in SCID mice. Results: The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation indicated that Pt NPs, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited the growth of A549 cells, and the in vivo evaluation showed that Pt NPs at the mid and high doses effectively inhibited and delayed the growth of lung cancer in SCID mice. Conclusion: These findings confirm the antitumor properties of biosynthesized Pt NPs and suggest that they may be a cost-effective alternative for the treatment of patients with lung cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.4
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• pp.311-318
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• 2019

Background: Although physical activity is known to be beneficial to lung function, few studies have been conducted to investigate the correlation between physical activity and lung function in dusty areas. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between physical activity and lung function in a Korean cohort including normal and COPD-diagnosed participants. Methods: Data obtained from the COPD in dusty areas (CODA) cohort was analyzed for the following factors: lung function, symptoms, and information about physical activity. Information on physical activity was valuated using questionnaires, and participants were categorized into two groups: active and inactive. The evaluation of the mean lung function, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea grade scores, and COPD assessment test scores was done based on the participant physical activity using a general linear model after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, pack-years, height, and weight. In addition, a stratification analysis was performed based on the smoking status and COPD. Results: Physical activity had a correlation with high forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$) among CODA cohort (p=0.03). While the active group exhibited significantly higher $FEV_1$ compared to one exhibited by the inactive group among past smokers (p=0.02), no such correlation existed among current smokers. There was no significant difference observed in lung function after it was stratified by COPD. Conclusion: This study established a positive correlation between regular physical activity in dusty areas and lung function in participants.