Background/Aims: Achieving rapid reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels below 55 mg/dL in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be challenging with statins alone. This single-center, retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of single-dose injection of evolocumab 140 mg on LDL-C levels during the peri-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) period in patients with AMI. Methods: A total of 95 patients with AMI who underwent PCI were divided into the evolocumab (n = 50) and non-evolocumab (n = 45) groups. Results: The percentage change of LDL-C level at 1–3 weeks from baseline was 78.4 ± 13.4% reduction in the evolocumab group versus 45.6 ± 22.6% in the non-evolocumab group, with a mean difference of -33.5% between the groups (95% CI: -42.6 to -24.5%; p < 0.001). The achievement rate of LDL-C levels below 55 mg/dL at 1–3 weeks was significantly higher in the evolocumab group than in the non-evolocumab group (97.7% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Patients with AMI who received single-dose injection of evolocumab 140 mg during the peri-PCI period had a significantly greater LDL-C reduction and higher proportion of patients achieved the target LDL-C level in the early phase AMI than those who did not receive evolocumab.

Background: The increasing prevalence of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) necessitates a reliable assessment of bone quality. Central bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the lumbar spine and hip, is conventionally used to estimate bone quality. However, its effectiveness in predicting the actual bone strength at the knee, which is crucial for cementless TKA, is under scrutiny. This study investigated the relationship between central BMD and actual bone strength at the knee. Methods: This prospective study included 191 knees undergoing standard posterior-stabilized TKA between November 2021 and March 2023. Central BMD was assessed 3 months before TKA, and the failure load of bone fragments collected during box preparation was directly measured using an indentation test. Relationships between central BMD and failure load as a measure of the actual bone strength at the knee were analyzed. Results: Linear regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between central BMD and the actual bone strength at the knee (R 2= 0.146 in all patients; < 0.001 in osteoporosis group; 0.126 in non-osteoporosis group). The correlation suggested by the regression models was particularly insignificant in the osteoporosis subgroup, showing that central BMD is not a reliable predictor of bone strength for cementless TKA. Conclusions Central BMD measurements have limited utility in accurately predicting the real bone strength at the knee for cementless TKA. This study highlights the need for more specific and direct methods of assessing bone quality at the knee to ensure the success of cementless TKA.

Background: The increasing prevalence of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) necessitates a reliable assessment of bone quality. Central bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the lumbar spine and hip, is conventionally used to estimate bone quality. However, its effectiveness in predicting the actual bone strength at the knee, which is crucial for cementless TKA, is under scrutiny. This study investigated the relationship between central BMD and actual bone strength at the knee. Methods: This prospective study included 191 knees undergoing standard posterior-stabilized TKA between November 2021 and March 2023. Central BMD was assessed 3 months before TKA, and the failure load of bone fragments collected during box preparation was directly measured using an indentation test. Relationships between central BMD and failure load as a measure of the actual bone strength at the knee were analyzed. Results: Linear regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between central BMD and the actual bone strength at the knee (R 2= 0.146 in all patients; < 0.001 in osteoporosis group; 0.126 in non-osteoporosis group). The correlation suggested by the regression models was particularly insignificant in the osteoporosis subgroup, showing that central BMD is not a reliable predictor of bone strength for cementless TKA. Conclusions Central BMD measurements have limited utility in accurately predicting the real bone strength at the knee for cementless TKA. This study highlights the need for more specific and direct methods of assessing bone quality at the knee to ensure the success of cementless TKA.

Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that carries high socioeconomic and medical burdens and is caused by diverse respiratory illnesses. To improve clinical outcomes, early recognition, active treatment of exacerbations, and prevention of further exacerbations are essential. However, evidence for the treatment and prevention of acute exacerbation of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, especially in children, is lacking. Therefore, the evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for medical and nonmedical treatment strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents were developed by the Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease using the methods recommended by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group with evidence published through July 2, 2020. This guideline encompasses evidence-based treatment recommendations as well as expert opinions, addressing crucial aspects of the treatment and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children. This includes considerations for antibiotics and airway clearance strategies, particularly in areas where evidence may be limited. Large, well-designed, and controlled studies are required to accumulate further evidence of management strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents.

Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that carries high socioeconomic and medical burdens and is caused by diverse respiratory illnesses. To improve clinical outcomes, early recognition, active treatment of exacerbations, and prevention of further exacerbations are essential. However, evidence for the treatment and prevention of acute exacerbation of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, especially in children, is lacking. Therefore, the evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for medical and nonmedical treatment strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents were developed by the Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease using the methods recommended by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group with evidence published through July 2, 2020. This guideline encompasses evidence-based treatment recommendations as well as expert opinions, addressing crucial aspects of the treatment and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children. This includes considerations for antibiotics and airway clearance strategies, particularly in areas where evidence may be limited. Large, well-designed, and controlled studies are required to accumulate further evidence of management strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents.

Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that carries high socioeconomic and medical burdens and is caused by diverse respiratory illnesses. To improve clinical outcomes, early recognition, active treatment of exacerbations, and prevention of further exacerbations are essential. However, evidence for the treatment and prevention of acute exacerbation of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, especially in children, is lacking. Therefore, the evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for medical and nonmedical treatment strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents were developed by the Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease using the methods recommended by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group with evidence published through July 2, 2020. This guideline encompasses evidence-based treatment recommendations as well as expert opinions, addressing crucial aspects of the treatment and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children. This includes considerations for antibiotics and airway clearance strategies, particularly in areas where evidence may be limited. Large, well-designed, and controlled studies are required to accumulate further evidence of management strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents.

Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that carries high socioeconomic and medical burdens and is caused by diverse respiratory illnesses. To improve clinical outcomes, early recognition, active treatment of exacerbations, and prevention of further exacerbations are essential. However, evidence for the treatment and prevention of acute exacerbation of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, especially in children, is lacking. Therefore, the evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for medical and nonmedical treatment strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents were developed by the Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease using the methods recommended by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group with evidence published through July 2, 2020. This guideline encompasses evidence-based treatment recommendations as well as expert opinions, addressing crucial aspects of the treatment and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children. This includes considerations for antibiotics and airway clearance strategies, particularly in areas where evidence may be limited. Large, well-designed, and controlled studies are required to accumulate further evidence of management strategies for noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents.

Background: The increasing prevalence of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) necessitates a reliable assessment of bone quality. Central bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the lumbar spine and hip, is conventionally used to estimate bone quality. However, its effectiveness in predicting the actual bone strength at the knee, which is crucial for cementless TKA, is under scrutiny. This study investigated the relationship between central BMD and actual bone strength at the knee. Methods: This prospective study included 191 knees undergoing standard posterior-stabilized TKA between November 2021 and March 2023. Central BMD was assessed 3 months before TKA, and the failure load of bone fragments collected during box preparation was directly measured using an indentation test. Relationships between central BMD and failure load as a measure of the actual bone strength at the knee were analyzed. Results: Linear regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between central BMD and the actual bone strength at the knee (R 2= 0.146 in all patients; < 0.001 in osteoporosis group; 0.126 in non-osteoporosis group). The correlation suggested by the regression models was particularly insignificant in the osteoporosis subgroup, showing that central BMD is not a reliable predictor of bone strength for cementless TKA. Conclusions Central BMD measurements have limited utility in accurately predicting the real bone strength at the knee for cementless TKA. This study highlights the need for more specific and direct methods of assessing bone quality at the knee to ensure the success of cementless TKA.

Background: The increasing prevalence of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) necessitates a reliable assessment of bone quality. Central bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the lumbar spine and hip, is conventionally used to estimate bone quality. However, its effectiveness in predicting the actual bone strength at the knee, which is crucial for cementless TKA, is under scrutiny. This study investigated the relationship between central BMD and actual bone strength at the knee. Methods: This prospective study included 191 knees undergoing standard posterior-stabilized TKA between November 2021 and March 2023. Central BMD was assessed 3 months before TKA, and the failure load of bone fragments collected during box preparation was directly measured using an indentation test. Relationships between central BMD and failure load as a measure of the actual bone strength at the knee were analyzed. Results: Linear regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between central BMD and the actual bone strength at the knee (R 2= 0.146 in all patients; < 0.001 in osteoporosis group; 0.126 in non-osteoporosis group). The correlation suggested by the regression models was particularly insignificant in the osteoporosis subgroup, showing that central BMD is not a reliable predictor of bone strength for cementless TKA. Conclusions Central BMD measurements have limited utility in accurately predicting the real bone strength at the knee for cementless TKA. This study highlights the need for more specific and direct methods of assessing bone quality at the knee to ensure the success of cementless TKA.

Purpose: Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in females. Numerous drug-targetable biomarkers and predictive biomarkers have been developed. Some researchers have expressed doubts about the need for next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies in daily practice. This study analyzed the results of NGS studies on breast cancer at a single institute and evaluated the real-world applications of NGS data to precision medicine for breast cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected the results of NGS studies and analyzed the histopathologic features and genetic profiles of patients treated for breast cancer from 2010 to 2021. Seventy cases had data from CancerSCAN, a customized panel of 375 cancer-associated genes, and 110 cases had data from TruSight Oncology 500. Results: The most frequently detected single nucleotide variant was the TP53 mutation (123/180, 68.3%), followed by PIK3CA muta-tions (51/180, 28.3%). Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutation was detected in 11 patients (6.1%), of whom 10 had hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer, and two had no history of prior endocrine therapy. Based on their NGS study results, 13 patients (7.2%) received target therapy. Among them, four patients had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutation, and nine patients had a PIK3CA mutation. Conclusion NGS can provide information about predictive biomarkers and drug-targetable biomarkers that can enable treatment and participation in clinical trials based on precision medicine. Further studies should be conducted to excavate novel drug-targetable biomarkers and develop additional target therapies.