Purpose: Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer in men globally, representing a significant cause of cancer-related mortality. Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs, remains a major challenge in managing prostate cancer. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is implicated in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis, emerging as a potential player in various cancers. However, its role in prostate cancer remains unclear. This study aims to analyze PDK4 expression in prostate cancer cells and human samples, and to explore the gene's clinical significance. Materials and Methods: PDK4 expression was detected in cell lines and human tissue samples. Migration ability was analyzed using Matrigel-coated invasion chambers. Human samples were obtained from the Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital. Results: PDK4 expression was elevated in prostate cancer cell lines compared to normal prostate cells, with particularly high levels in DU145 and LnCap cell lines. PDK4 knockdown in these cell lines suppressed their invasion ability, indicating a potential role of PDK4 in prostate cancer metastasis. Furthermore, our results revealed alterations in epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers and downstream signaling molecules following PDK4 suppression, suggesting its involvement in the modulation of invasion-related pathways. Furthermore, PDK4 expression was increased in prostate cancer tissues, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancer, compared to normal prostate tissues, with PSA and PDK4 expression showing a significantly positive correlation. Conclusions PDK4 expression in prostate cancer is associated with tumor invasion and castration status. Further validation is needed to demonstrate its effectiveness as a therapeutic target.

Background: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is the leading cause of hospitalization and is associated with in-hospital mortality. This study aimed to elucidate the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of ARF. Methods: We retrospectively screened patients admitted to three hospitals in South Korea between January 2018 and December 2022. We included individuals aged 18 years, diagnosed with either type 1 ARF (arterial oxygen partial pressure [PaO2] <60 mm Hg) or type 2 ARF (arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) >45 mm Hg) with a pH of <7.35, or diagnosed with the combined-type ARF. Results: Among the 768,700 hospitalized patients, 33,278 (4.3%) developed ARF. The most common cause of ARF was sepsis (15,757 patients, 47.3%), and the most frequent comorbidity was malignancy (15,403 patients, 43.6%). Among ARF patients, 15,671 (47.1%) required intensive care unit transfer, while 8,980 (27.0%) experienced in-hospital mortality. Over 5 years, the proportion of ARF patients aged 80 years and older has shown a consistent annual increase (coefficient, 0.085 and Ptrend <0.001). Concurrently, the in-hospital mortality rate exhibited an upward trend, increasing from 25.5% in 2018 to 29.3% in 2022 (coefficient, 1.017 and Ptrend<0.001). Among the respiratory support methods used for patients with ARF over the 5-year period, high-flow nasal cannula usage steadily increased (coefficient, 4.137 and Ptrend<0.001), whereas the use of invasive mechanical ventilation declined (coefficient, –0.983 and Ptrend<0.001). Conclusions ARF frequency and in-hospital mortality rates are increasing, driven by various etiologies. Despite these trends, research on the epidemiology and individualized treatments for older patients is limited, highlighting the need for nationwide prospective multicenter studies.

Sensitive skin (SS) is increasingly recognized as a complex syndrome characterized by discomfort and heightened sensitivity to otherwise harmless stimuli, such as environmental changes, physical contact, and cosmetic products. This condition poses challenges in both diagnosis and treatment due to its variable presentation and subjective nature. The pathophysiological features of SS include neurogenic inflammation and small fiber neuropathy, largely driven by the hyperactivation of sensory nerves. This hyperactivation is closely associated with transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, particularly TRPV1, which contribute to the exaggerated sensory responses seen in SS. Furthermore, psychological factors like stress and anxiety, along with environmental stressors such as pollution and ultraviolet exposure, play significant roles in exacerbating symptoms. The diverse and individualized responses to stimuli make it difficult to establish standardized diagnostic criteria for SS, necessitating a combination of subjective diagnostic tools (e.g., the Sensitive Scale-10) and objective assessments (e.g., transepidermal water loss and lactic acid sting test) to accurately identify and assess SS. This paper provides a comprehensive review of SS, covering its definition, prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies, and highlights the importance of personalized care in effectively managing SS and improving patient quality of life.

Objectives: . Microorganisms are likely present in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in daily use. Given the potential risk of infection among CPAP users, we aimed to compare the microbiomes of CPAP devices with those of nasal mucosa samples obtained from patients using these devices. Methods: . We conducted a prospective cohort study at multiple tertiary medical institutions. Samples were collected from the tubes and filters of CPAP devices and the nasal mucosa of device users. Microbiomes and mycobiomes were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. The results were compared according to sampling site and usage duration for each patient. Results: . Overall, 27 paired samples of human nasal mucosa and CPAP components were analyzed. Bacteria were detected in 7 of the 27 tubes (25.9%) and in 22 of the 27 filters (81.5%). Fungi were found in 2 tubes (7.4%) and 16 filters (59.3%). The most prevalent bacterial phyla across all samples were Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Fungi were not detected in any nasal mucosa samples. However, fungi were identified in the CPAP filters and tubes, with the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota phyla predominating. No significant associations were identified according to sampling site or duration of CPAP use. Conclusion . Some bacteria or fungi are detectable in CPAP samples, even after a short period of CPAP usage. However, the association between respiratory infections and these microbiomes or mycobiomes was not investigated. Further research is required to clarify the risk posed by CPAP devices as a microbial contamination source.

Lymphoma is an uncommon type of breast malignancy, with low prevalence. The ultrasonographic findings of breast lymphoma have been described as nonspecific. Breast lymphoma most commonly appears as a solitary hypoechoic mass on US, and usually shows hypervascularity on color Doppler US. Herein, we report an unusual case of breast lymphoma that presented as multiple bilateral hyperechoic nodules on US.

Objectives: . Microorganisms are likely present in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in daily use. Given the potential risk of infection among CPAP users, we aimed to compare the microbiomes of CPAP devices with those of nasal mucosa samples obtained from patients using these devices. Methods: . We conducted a prospective cohort study at multiple tertiary medical institutions. Samples were collected from the tubes and filters of CPAP devices and the nasal mucosa of device users. Microbiomes and mycobiomes were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. The results were compared according to sampling site and usage duration for each patient. Results: . Overall, 27 paired samples of human nasal mucosa and CPAP components were analyzed. Bacteria were detected in 7 of the 27 tubes (25.9%) and in 22 of the 27 filters (81.5%). Fungi were found in 2 tubes (7.4%) and 16 filters (59.3%). The most prevalent bacterial phyla across all samples were Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Fungi were not detected in any nasal mucosa samples. However, fungi were identified in the CPAP filters and tubes, with the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota phyla predominating. No significant associations were identified according to sampling site or duration of CPAP use. Conclusion . Some bacteria or fungi are detectable in CPAP samples, even after a short period of CPAP usage. However, the association between respiratory infections and these microbiomes or mycobiomes was not investigated. Further research is required to clarify the risk posed by CPAP devices as a microbial contamination source.

Lymphoma is an uncommon type of breast malignancy, with low prevalence. The ultrasonographic findings of breast lymphoma have been described as nonspecific. Breast lymphoma most commonly appears as a solitary hypoechoic mass on US, and usually shows hypervascularity on color Doppler US. Herein, we report an unusual case of breast lymphoma that presented as multiple bilateral hyperechoic nodules on US.

Lymphoma is an uncommon type of breast malignancy, with low prevalence. The ultrasonographic findings of breast lymphoma have been described as nonspecific. Breast lymphoma most commonly appears as a solitary hypoechoic mass on US, and usually shows hypervascularity on color Doppler US. Herein, we report an unusual case of breast lymphoma that presented as multiple bilateral hyperechoic nodules on US.

Objectives: . Microorganisms are likely present in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in daily use. Given the potential risk of infection among CPAP users, we aimed to compare the microbiomes of CPAP devices with those of nasal mucosa samples obtained from patients using these devices. Methods: . We conducted a prospective cohort study at multiple tertiary medical institutions. Samples were collected from the tubes and filters of CPAP devices and the nasal mucosa of device users. Microbiomes and mycobiomes were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. The results were compared according to sampling site and usage duration for each patient. Results: . Overall, 27 paired samples of human nasal mucosa and CPAP components were analyzed. Bacteria were detected in 7 of the 27 tubes (25.9%) and in 22 of the 27 filters (81.5%). Fungi were found in 2 tubes (7.4%) and 16 filters (59.3%). The most prevalent bacterial phyla across all samples were Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Fungi were not detected in any nasal mucosa samples. However, fungi were identified in the CPAP filters and tubes, with the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota phyla predominating. No significant associations were identified according to sampling site or duration of CPAP use. Conclusion . Some bacteria or fungi are detectable in CPAP samples, even after a short period of CPAP usage. However, the association between respiratory infections and these microbiomes or mycobiomes was not investigated. Further research is required to clarify the risk posed by CPAP devices as a microbial contamination source.

The prevalence of thyroid cancer in pregnant women is unknown; however, given that thyroid cancer commonly develops in women, especially young women of childbearing age, new cases are often diagnosed during pregnancy. This recommendation summarizes the follow-up and treatment when thyroid cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy and when a woman with thyroid cancer becomes pregnant. If diagnosed in the first trimester, surgery should be postponed until after delivery, and the patient should be monitored with ultrasound. If follow-up before 24–26 weeks of gestation shows that thyroid cancer has progressed, surgery should be considered. If it has not progressed at 24–26 weeks of gestation or if papillary thyroid cancer is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy, surgery should be considered after delivery.