Purpose: Outcome analysis of urachal cancer (UraC) is limited due to the scarcity of cases and different staging methods compared to urothelial bladder cancer (UroBC). We attempted to assess survival outcomes of UraC and compare to UroBC after stage-matched analyses. Materials and Methods: Total 203 UraC patients from a multicenter database and 373 UroBC patients in single institution from 2000 to 2018 were enrolled (median follow-up, 32 months). Sheldon stage conversion to corresponding TNM staging for UraC was conducted for head-to-head comparison to UroBC. Perioperative clinical variables and pathological results were recorded. Stage-matched analyses for survival by stage were conducted. Results: UraC patients were younger (mean age, 54 vs. 67 years; p < 0.001), with 163 patients (80.3%) receiving partial cystectomy and 23 patients (11.3%) radical cystectomy. UraC was more likely to harbor ≥ pT3a tumors (78.8% vs. 41.8%). While 5-year recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival were comparable between two groups (63.4%, 67%, and 62.1% in UraC and 61.5%, 75.9%, and 67.8% in UroBC, respectively), generally favorable prognosis for UraC in lower stages (pT1-2) but unfavorable outcomes in higher stages (pT4) compared to UroBC was observed, although only 5-year CSS in ≥ pT4 showed statistical significance (p=0.028). Body mass index (hazard ratio [HR], 0.929), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.921), pathologic T category (HR, 3.846), and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.993) were predictors of CSS for all patients. Conclusion Despite differing histology, UraC has comparable prognosis to UroBC with relatively favorable outcome in low stages but worse prognosis in higher stages. The presented system may be useful for future grading and risk stratification of UraC.

Background: Targeted risk population has been highly vaccinated against pneumococcal diseases in South Korea. Despite this, the pneumococcal serotype distribution is evolving, which impedes efficient roll-out of vaccines. Methods: This prospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 19 years with communityacquired pneumonia (CAP) from five university hospitals in South Korea between September 2018 and July 2021. The outcomes of interest were the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with CAP, pneumococcal serotype distribution, and risk factors of 30-day mortality in patients with pneumococcal CAP (pCAP). Considering the high seroprevalence, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of serotype 3 pCAP. Results: A total of 5,009 patients hospitalized with CAP was included (mean age ± standard deviation, 70.3 ± 16.0 years; 3,159 [63.1%] men). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the leading causative agent of CAP (11.8% overall, 17.7% in individuals aged < 65 years with chronic medical conditions). Among the 280 serotyped Streptococcus pneumococcus, serotype 3 was the most common (10.0%), followed by serotypes 19A (8.9%), 34 (8.9%), and 35B (8.9%).Non-vaccine serotypes (serotype 35B [13.9%] and 34 [12.0%]) were the most prevalent in 108 individuals vaccinated with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).Serotype 3 was prevalent, irrespective of PPSV23 vaccination status, and more common in individuals with chronic lung disease (P = 0.008). Advanced age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.040; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011–1.071), long-term care facility residence (aOR, 2.161; 95% CI, 1.071–4.357), and bacteremia (aOR, 4.193; 95% CI, 1.604–10.962) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with pCAP. PPSV23 vaccination reduced the risk of mortality (aOR, 0.507; 95% CI, 0.267–0.961). Conclusion Serotype 3 and 19A were still the most common serotypes of pCAP in South Korea despite the national immunization program of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine in children and PPSV23 in old adults. PPSV23 vaccination might reduce the risk of mortality in patients with pCAP.

The mutational and epigenetic landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has become increasingly well understood in recent years, informing on biological targets for precision medicine. Among the most notable findings was the recognition of mutational hot-spots in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes. In this review, we provide an overview on the IDH1/2 mutation landscape in Korean AML patients, and compare it with available public data. We also discuss the role of IDH1/2 mutations as biomarkers and drug targets.Taken together, occurrence of IDH1/2 mutations is becoming increasingly important in AML treatment, thus requiring thorough examination and follow-up throughout the clinical course of the disease.

Hospital-based surveillance for adverse events was conducted on healthcare workers after they received the first dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Among the two new platform vaccines (messenger RNA- and adenoviral vector-based vaccines), the rates of systemic adverse events were significantly higher among adenovirus-vectored vaccine recipients. Fatigue (87.6% vs. 53.8%), myalgia (80.8% vs. 50.0%), headache (72.0% vs.28.8%), and fever (≥ 38.0°C, 38.7% vs. 0%) were the most common adverse events among adenovirus-vectored vaccine recipients, but most symptoms resolved within 2 days. Both types of COVID-19 vaccines were generally safe, and serious adverse events rarely occurred.

Hospital-based surveillance for adverse events was conducted on healthcare workers after they received the first dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Among the two new platform vaccines (messenger RNA- and adenoviral vector-based vaccines), the rates of systemic adverse events were significantly higher among adenovirus-vectored vaccine recipients. Fatigue (87.6% vs. 53.8%), myalgia (80.8% vs. 50.0%), headache (72.0% vs.28.8%), and fever (≥ 38.0°C, 38.7% vs. 0%) were the most common adverse events among adenovirus-vectored vaccine recipients, but most symptoms resolved within 2 days. Both types of COVID-19 vaccines were generally safe, and serious adverse events rarely occurred.

In November 2021, 14 international travel-related severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant of concern (VOC) patients were detected in South Korea. Epidemiologic investigation revealed community transmission of the omicron VOC. A total of 80 SARS-CoV-2 omicron VOC-positive patients were identified until December 10, 2021 and 66 of them reported no relation to the international travel.There may be more transmissions with this VOC in Korea than reported.

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term ophthalmic side effects of bilateral same-day intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab injection in both eyes on the same day from January 2015 to June 2019. The patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after the injection. Results: A total of 281 patients (153 males and 128 females) and 562 eyes were included in the study, and 950 bilateral same-day intravitreal bevacizumab injections were performed. The mean age of patients was 58.87 ± 13.44 years. The most common cause of bilateral injection was that of complications due to diabetic retinopathy, which accounted for 66.3%, followed by age-related macular degeneration at 22.2%, retinal vein occlusion at 5.1%, and central serious chorioretinopathy at 2.1%. There were 0 cases of endophthalmitis after 950 injections, 13 cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage, and 17 patients with a temporary elevation of intraocular pressure. There were 11 patients with acute intraocular inflammation after bilateral injection, but none in both eyes. Patients with acute intraocular inflammation were followed up at short-term intervals until they improved. All patients showed complete improvement within 2 weeks after injection. Comparing the patients’ condition before and after injection, visual acuity improved (p < 0.001). Conclusions In terms of the frequency of short-term ophthalmic adverse events, bilateral same-day intravitreal bevacizumab injection is a safe procedure with fewer side effects and is more convenient for both the patient and the doctor.

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term ophthalmic side effects of bilateral same-day intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab injection in both eyes on the same day from January 2015 to June 2019. The patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after the injection. Results: A total of 281 patients (153 males and 128 females) and 562 eyes were included in the study, and 950 bilateral same-day intravitreal bevacizumab injections were performed. The mean age of patients was 58.87 ± 13.44 years. The most common cause of bilateral injection was that of complications due to diabetic retinopathy, which accounted for 66.3%, followed by age-related macular degeneration at 22.2%, retinal vein occlusion at 5.1%, and central serious chorioretinopathy at 2.1%. There were 0 cases of endophthalmitis after 950 injections, 13 cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage, and 17 patients with a temporary elevation of intraocular pressure. There were 11 patients with acute intraocular inflammation after bilateral injection, but none in both eyes. Patients with acute intraocular inflammation were followed up at short-term intervals until they improved. All patients showed complete improvement within 2 weeks after injection. Comparing the patients’ condition before and after injection, visual acuity improved (p < 0.001). Conclusions In terms of the frequency of short-term ophthalmic adverse events, bilateral same-day intravitreal bevacizumab injection is a safe procedure with fewer side effects and is more convenient for both the patient and the doctor.