Background: Inconclusive SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription-PCR (rRT-PCR) test results, which are positive for one or more target genes but not all, are problematic in clinical laboratories. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cause and clinical relevance of such inconclusive results. Methods: rRT-PCR was performed using the Allplex 2019-nCoV assay kit (Seegene Inc., Korea) targeting the following three genes: E, RdRp, and N. For all inconclusive test results reported from March to June 2020, the frequency per kit, lot number, specimen type, cycle threshold (Ct) and peak values of the amplification curves, positive target genes, and results of repeated or consecutive tests were analyzed. Results: A total of 43,268 tests were conducted, of which 93 (0.21%) were inconclusive—49 from 11 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and 44 from non-COVID-19 patients.In COVID-19 patients, the results were inconclusive 11.9 ± 4.7 days after diagnosis and were negative 8.8 ± 5.5 days after the inconclusive results were reported. However, in nonCOVID-19 patients, they were all negative upon retest and 81.8% of them were identified to have yielded in 2 out of 8 lots. The most frequently positive target genes were N (55.4%) in COVID-19 and RdRp (61.2%) in non-COVID-19 patients, respectively. No difference was observed in the Ct or peak values of the amplification curves for inconclusive samples between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases. Conclusion Inconclusive test results should be reported neither positive nor negative. Such results can be reported as inconclusive without retesting in COVID-19 patients; however, they should certainly be confirmed by a retest in non-COVID-19 patients or newly diagnosed cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify immunohistochemical evidence of lymph-node micrometastasis in histologic node-negative gastric cancer patients and to evaluate the prognostic significance of lymph-node micrometastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 50 gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resections from October 1990 to November 1994 was performed. Two consecutive sections were prepared: one for ordinary hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the other for immunohistochemical staining with Pan cytokeratin antibody (Novocastra, UK). In the univariate analysis, the survival rate was calculated using the Life Table Method, and the multivariate analysis was determined using a Cox Proportional Hazards Model. The statistical analyses of the relationships between the clinicopathologic factors and micrometastases were performed by using a Chi-square test. RESULTS: Of 2522 harvested lymph nodes, 81 (4.1%) nodes and 19 (38%) of 50 patients were identified as having lymph- node micrometastases by using immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin. The incidence of lymph-node micrometastases was significantly higher in diffuse type carcinomas (54%, P=0.024) and in patients with serosal invasion (52.2%, P=0.05). For patients with lymph-node micrometastases (n=19), the 5-year survival rate was significantly decreased (73.7%, P=0.015). The Lauren's classification (P= 0.021) and the depth of invasion (P=0.035) were shown by multivariate analysis to have a significant relationship with the presence of micrometastases. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph-node micrometastasis was independently correlated with survival in histologic node-negative gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of cytokeratin detected lymph-node micrometastases correlates with the worse prognosis for patients with histologic node-negative gastric cancer.
Classification ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Hematoxylin ; Humans ; Incidence ; Keratins ; Life Tables ; Lymph Nodes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Micrometastasis* ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Survival Rate*

PURPOSE: Anomalies in the thyroglossal duct are the most common midline, or paramedian cervical lesions of congenital origin. Presenting as a thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) or a thyroglossal duct sinus (TGDS), they are found in all age groups. This clinical study was intended to elucidate the clinical characteristics, and the outcomes, of surgical treatment of these anomalies. METHODS: Between January 1992 and May 2002, 91 patients underwent surgery for a TGDC or a TGDS at 4 hospitals affiliated to Hallym University. The demographics of the patients, the clinical characteristics of the lesions, and the outcomes of the treatments were retrospectively evaluated. These characteristics were evaluated according to age groups; younger than 15 (38 patients) and older than 15 (53 patients) years. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 1.67: 1 (It is better to give the actual figures.), with the first decade showing the highest incidence in the age distribution (33%). Painless masses (83.6%) were the most common presenting symptom, with most symptoms having been manifest for less than 1 year (67%). TGDCs were 90% and TGDSs were 10%. There were 62 cases of infrahyoid and 18 of suprahyoid lesions, with 80 cases on the midline and 11 on the paramedian within 2 cm from the midline. Of the paramedian lesions, 2 cases were in the younger group and 9 were in the older group. This tendency of laterality in the location by age group showed no statistical significance (p=0.172). All the patients underwent a Sistrunk operation, and one experienced a recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study justified the Sistrunk operation as the treatment of choice for anomalies of the thyroglossal duct. The lateral lesions occurred in the old age groups more frequently. A careful approach is needed with paramedian cervial lesions in adults to avoid the loss of the proper treatment of possible hidden congenital lesions.
Adult ; Age Distribution ; Demography ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroglossal Cyst*

BACKGROUND: Once the diagnosis of operable breast cancer has been made, the single most predictive factor is lymph node status. Although patients with lymph node initially reported as histologically negative have a relatively good prognosis, the relapse rate is still considerable. In an effort to detect micrometastases in the axillary nodes, various antibodies have been used that recognize membrane and cytokeratin antigens. Cytokeratin antigens are expressed by epithelial tumors and are not expressed by normal lymphoid tissues. This study uses an immunohistochemical method to examine the incidence and the prognostic significance of such micrometastases in a series of patients with "node-negative" breast cancer. METHODS: The study population consisted of a retrospective series of 150 patient who were treated at Soonchunhyang University Hospital for breast cancer between March 1992 and February 1998. Based on the original pathologic examination, patients had negative axillary nodes. Pan-cytokeratin, a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies to cytokeratin (58 kd, 56 kd, 52 kd, 45 kd), and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase- complex technique were used to detect micrometastases in paraffin embedded lymph nodes. RESULTS: Micrometastases were detected in 16 (10.7%) patients. The recurrence rate for patients with micrometastases was 6.3% (1/16), and the recurrence rate for patients without micrometastases was 1.5% (2/134). Micrometastases correlated with the histological type (P=0.026) and were seen more frequently with larger tumor size, higher anaplastic nuclear grade, and overexpression of p53.
Antibodies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Diagnosis ; Fibrinogen ; Humans ; Incidence ; Keratins ; Lymph Nodes* ; Lymphoid Tissue ; Membranes ; Neoplasm Micrometastasis* ; Paraffin ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

The Committee of Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Korean Diabetes Association (KDA) updated the previous clinical practice guidelines for Korean adults with diabetes and prediabetes and published the seventh edition in May 2021. We performed a comprehensive systematic review of recent clinical trials and evidence that could be applicable in real-world practice and suitable for the Korean population. The guideline is provided for all healthcare providers including physicians, diabetes experts, and certified diabetes educators across the country who manage patients with diabetes or the individuals at the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The recommendations for screening diabetes and glucose-lowering agents have been revised and updated. New sections for continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump use, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with diabetes mellitus have been added. The KDA recommends active vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with diabetes during the pandemic. An abridgement that contains practical information for patient education and systematic management in the clinic was published separately.

The Committee of Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Korean Diabetes Association (KDA) updated the previous clinical practice guidelines for Korean adults with diabetes and prediabetes and published the seventh edition in May 2021. We performed a comprehensive systematic review of recent clinical trials and evidence that could be applicable in real-world practice and suitable for the Korean population. The guideline is provided for all healthcare providers including physicians, diabetes experts, and certified diabetes educators across the country who manage patients with diabetes or the individuals at the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The recommendations for screening diabetes and glucose-lowering agents have been revised and updated. New sections for continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump use, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with diabetes mellitus have been added. The KDA recommends active vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with diabetes during the pandemic. An abridgement that contains practical information for patient education and systematic management in the clinic was published separately.