Purpose: The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a major advance in the treatment of lung cancer, allowing sustained recovery in a significant proportion of patients. Nivolumab is a monoclonal anti–programmed death cell protein 1 antibody licensed for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after prior chemotherapy. In this study, we describe the demographic and clinical outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with nivolumab in the Korean expanded access program. Materials and Methods: Previously treated patients with advanced non-squamous and squamous NSCLC patients received nivolumab at 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks up to 36 months. Efficacy data including investigator-assessed tumor response, progression data, survival, and safety data were collected. Results: Two hundred ninety-nine patients were treated across 36 Korean centers. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 18% and 49%, respectively; the median progression-free survival was 2.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87 to 3.45), and the overall survival (OS) was 13.2 months (95% CI, 10.6 to 18.9). Patients with smoking history and patients who experienced immune-related adverse events showed a prolonged OS. Cox regression analysis identified smoking history, presence of immune-related adverse events as positive factors associated with OS, while liver metastasis was a negative factor associated with OS. The safety profile was generally comparable to previously reported data. Conclusion This real-world analysis supports the use of nivolumab for pretreated NSCLC patients, including those with an older age.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to demonstrate reduction in stroke symptoms by analyzing the changes in respiratory function and activities of daily living (ADL) after respiratory muscle strengthening exercise in patients who had a stroke and thereby, propose an efficient exercise method. METHODS: Twenty patients with hemiplegic stroke were divided into two groups, with 10 patients in each. The control group (CG) received the traditional exercise therapy, and the experimental group (EG) received the traditional exercise therapy combined with expiratory muscle strengthening training. The training continued for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) were measured with a spirometer, SpO₂ was measured with a pulse oximeter, and ADL were assessed by using the modified Barthel index (MBI). A paired t test was applied to compare the differences before and after the intervention, and an independent t test was used to compare the differences between the groups. The level of statistical significance was set as α=0.05. RESULTS: The changes in the FVC and FEV1 values within the group showed significant differences only in the EG (p<0.01). The between-group difference was statistically significant only for FVC and FEV1 in the EG (p<0.01). The changes in SpO₂ and MBI within the group showed significant differences only in the EG and CG (p<0.01). Between-group differences were statistically significant only for SpO₂ and MBI in the EG (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The interventions with active patient involvement and combined breathing exercises had a positive impact on all the functions investigated in this study.
Activities of Daily Living* ; Breathing Exercises ; Exercise Therapy ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Methods ; Patient Participation ; Respiratory Muscles* ; Stroke* ; Vital Capacity

OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder showing many neuropsychological deficits. Many environmental risk factors have been thought to increase the risk for the disorder. We examined blood iron levels in children with ADHD and a control group to find an association between iron deficit and diagnosis, neuropsychological characteristics and clinical features. METHODS: An ADHD group (n=50) and control group (n=45) of children 6-12 years of age were recruited. Both groups were diagnosed by semi-structured interview, and they were evaluated using the Korean version of the ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS), Korean version of IOWA Conner's Rating Scale (K-IOWA), intelligence quotient (IQ), and neurocognitive function tests (continuous performance test, children's color trails test, Stroop color-word test). Iron levels in blood were determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrument. Independent t-test and correlation were used to determine the relation of blood iron levels with symptom ratings and neurocognitive function. Logistic regression was performed to determine the diagnostic value of blood iron levels. RESULTS: Blood iron levels were significantly lower in ADHD than in control and showed negative correlation with K-ARS and K-IOWA scores. Blood iron levels showed positive association with IQ and Stroop color-word test results and negative association with results of continuous performance testing. Low blood iron levels predicted the diagnosis of ADHD. CONCLUSION: Lower levels of blood iron were associated with ADHD symptom severity, IQ, and frontal lobe-mediated neurocognitive function. As blood iron levels may influence ADHD, measurement of iron levels in blood may be useful for evaluation of symptoms and neurocognitive function in ADHD.
Child* ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Iowa ; Iron* ; Logistic Models ; Mass Spectrometry ; Plasma ; Risk Factors

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes for surgical treatment with those for medical treatment of GB dyskinesia. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records and telephone interviews of 67 patients diagnosed with GB dyskinesia was done at Pohang St. Mary's Hospital between January 2004 and December 2009. Group 1 (n=18) patients received laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Group 2 (n=49) patients received medical treatment. GB dyskinesia was the diagnosis if the patient had typical biliary colic symptoms without GB stones or other GI disease, and if the ejection fraction was less than 35% on Tc-99m-DISIDA scans. RESULTS: The average age of patients diagnosed with GB dyskinesia was 45.8 years old. The sex ratio was 15:52 (male:female). The average symptom duration was 25.4 days. All had RUQ and, or epigastric pain. There were no significant between group differences in age, sex ratio, symptom duration, symptoms, follow up period, and ejection fraction. In group 1, patient symptoms improved after treatment in 16 cases (88.9%); in group 2, patient symptoms improved in 19 cases (38.8%). Surgical treatment was significantly more effective than medical treatment. The reasons for choosing medical treatment were predominantly the preference of the doctors. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment is a more effective treatment for GB dyskinesia than medical treatment. Therefore, laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be considered as the 1st line treatment of choice for GB dyskinesia.
Biliary Dyskinesia ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Colic ; Dyskinesias ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gallbladder ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Ratio

No abstract available.
Toll-Like Receptors*

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing a pulmonary embolism is difficult because its presenting symptoms are nonspecific and there are limitations with all of the objective tests. The D-dimer is known to be a marker of the lysis of intravascular cross-linked fibrin as a result of the activation of the endogenous fibrinolytic pathways, and the D-dimer assay is these an objective method for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism. This study assessed the benefits of the D-dimer test for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism using semiquantitative latex agglutination. METHODS: The latex agglutination results of 185 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The D-dimer test was performed at the time a pulmonary embolism was suspected. Ninety patients(group I) were diagnosis with PE through spiral chest CT or a chest CT angiogram, perfusion/ventilation scans, and/or pulmonary angiogram. Ninety-five patients (group II) were found not to have a pulmonary embolism through the above tests. RESULTS: The male to female ratio and mean age in groups I and II was 37:55, and 57 years old to 50:45 and 52 years old, respectively. When the cut off value for a positive D-dimer assay was set to 500 microgram, the sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and specificity was 86.7%, 61.4%, 79.3%, and 48.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The semiquantitative latex agglutination method in the D-dimer test has a lower sensitivity and negative predictive value than the well known ELISA test particularly for small emboli. Therefore, this test is not a suitable screening test for excluding a pulmonary embolism.
Agglutination* ; Diagnosis ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Fibrin ; Humans ; Latex* ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Embolism* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Post-traumatic fat embolism was first reported by Zenker in 1862, Von Bergmann reported the first clinical diagnosis of the fat embolism syndrome in 1873. Fat embolism has been associated with traumatic or non-traumatic disorders. Fat embolization after long bone trauma is probably common as a subclinical event. The diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome is based on the patient's history, is supported by clinical signs of pulmonary, cerebral, and cutaneous dysfunction, and is confirmed by the demonstration of arterial hypoxemia in the abscence of other disorders. Two different mechanisms cause fat to embolize: direct entry of deposit fat into the blood stream and agglutination of endogenous or exogenous plasma fat. MRI can detect a cerebral fat embolism with a higher sensitivity than cerebral CT. We report a case of post-traumatic cerebral fat embolism without pulmonary involvement, and we present a review of the literature. A 16-year girl had a traffic accident and pelvic bone fracture. Forty eight hours later severe trauma become stuporous without a focal neurological deficit. The patient received supportive therapy, and her condition improved throughout her hospital course. She was discharged with good condition after a 30-day hospital stay.
Accidents, Traffic ; Agglutination ; Anoxia ; Diagnosis ; Embolism, Fat* ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pelvic Bones ; Plasma ; Rivers ; Stupor

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the protein/creatinine ratio of a spot urine specimen for early detection of proteinuria in the pregnancy induced hypertension and to suggest optimum cut-off value of that. STUDY DESIGN: A spot urine specimen and 24 hour urine collection for the proteinuria were ordered for 36 women admitted to obstetric unit for pregnancy induced hypertension and ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the protein/creatinine ratio of a spot urine specimen and to suggest optimum cut-off value. RESULT: The protein/creatinine ratio of spot urine positively correlated well with 24 hour urine proteinuria. (r=0.4322, p=0.0085) and the optimum cut-off value of the protein/creatinine ratio of a spot urine specimen to maximize the diagnostic accuracy was 5.0(Youden's index=0.66). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the protein / creatinine raio of a spot urine specimen may be a simple and inexpensive method for evaluation of proteinuria in the pregnancy induced hypertension when frequent determinations are necessary. This should improve clinical care, especially when managing hypertensive pregnant women as outpatients.
Creatinine* ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnant Women ; Proteinuria ; ROC Curve ; Urine Specimen Collection

PURPOSE: Effective hemodialysis for a patient with end-stage renal disease (ERDS) is dependent upon a durable, low-morbidity vascular access. Although It is generally agreed that the distal radiocephalic fistula originally discribed by Brescia and Cimino is the most effective primary access constrruction, no consensus exists regarding primary and secondary alternatives for patients with inadequate of failed rediocephalic prodedures. Many options are available, but the relative value of these alternative operations is unclear. Therefore the place of the basilic vein in secondary acccess construction needs to be assessed. We evaluated if the basilic vein can be used to construct a durable, low-morbidity access. METHODS: A native brachio-basilic arterio-venous fistula with superficial transposition has been performed, for lack of usuable vein on 54 forearm in 47 patients from August 1995 to October 1999 (Male: 15, female: 32) with mean age 51 years (26 to 70 years). RESULTS: The main cause of renal insufficiency were: diabetes 27 (57.4%), hypertensive 19 (40.4%), renal tuberculosis 2 (4.3%) and renal cyst 1 (2.1%). The waiting period before vascular access puncture has been 28 6 days. Eight (17.0%) stenosis has been detected and, forearm and/or hand edema occured in three (6.4%); thrombosis in two (4.3%); bleeding in two (4.3%); pseudoaneurysm in one. Through the follow-up periods of 50 months, the primary patency was 80.9% at 12 months and 78.7% at 24 months. CONCLUSION: The brachio-basilic fistula with superficial transposition of basilic vein is a valuable vascular access for diabetes, female old patients, and can remain an alternative method for even younger patients by avoiding the installation of artificial graft after failed forearm arteriovenous fistula.
Aneurysm, False ; Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Consensus ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Edema ; Female ; Fistula ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forearm ; Hand ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Ocimum basilicum* ; Punctures ; Renal Dialysis* ; Renal Insufficiency ; Thrombosis ; Transplants ; Tuberculosis, Renal ; Veins*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Eosinophil is a major inflammatory cell in allergic diseases and parasitic infestations. Various cytokines such as GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 are known to activate eosinophils and prolong their survival. Among them, IL-5 is the most potent stimulator of eosinophil survival. Recently, it was reported that increased expression of Bcl-2 is related to prolonged survival of IL-5 stimulated eosinophil. Theophylline is a useful drug in bronchial asthma, due not only to bronchial dilation but also to its anti-inflammatory effects. It has been suggested that anti inflammatory action of theophylline derives from the reduction of inflammatory cells in the airways which is mechated by stimulat on of apoptosis of inflammatory cells. In this study, we investigated, by measuring Bcl-2 expression of IL-5 stimulated eosinophil, the effect of theophylline on apoptosis as one of the anti-inflammatory action. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Peripheral eosinophils were isolated from atopic patients by using Perco- 11 discontinuous gradient and purified by negative selection technique using MACS. Eosinophil viability and apoptosis were measured by FACscan. Expression of Bcl-2 protein in eosinophils was detected by Western blot and ELISA. RESULTS: IL-5 increased the percentage of viable eosinophils and reduced the apoptosis of eosinophils in a dose dependent manner. The increased survival of IL-5 stimulated eosinophils was reduced by theophylline via activation of apoptosis. Bcl-2 was increased when eosinophils were cultured with IL-5 only, but when theophylline was cocultured, reduced Bcl-2 was seen with Western blot and ELISA. CONCLUSION: IL-5 increases the survival of eosinophil through the enhanced expression of Bcl- 2. Theophylline has counter action against IL-5 via inhibition of Bcl-2 induced by IL-5. Inhibiting the prolongation of eosinophil survival caused by IL-5 might be one possible mechanism of antiinflammatory effects of theophylline.
Apoptosis ; Asthma ; Blotting, Western ; Cytokines ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosinophils* ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Humans ; Interleukin-3 ; Interleukin-5 ; Theophylline*