1.Higher Microbial Abundance and Diversity in Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphomas Than in Non-cancerous Lung Tissues
Jung Heon KIM ; Jae Sik KIM ; Noorie CHOI ; Jiwon KOH ; Yoon Kyung JEON ; Ji Hyun CHANG ; Eung Soo HWANG ; Il Han KIM
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):580-589
Purpose:
It is well known that the majority of the extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT lymphomas) are associated with microbiota, e.g., gastric MALT lymphoma with Helicobacter pylori. In general, they are very sensitive to low-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents. The microbiota profile is not clearly elucidated in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma, a rare type of MALT lymphoma in the lung. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation next-generation sequencing (NGS) method.
Materials and Methods:
DNAs were extracted from 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues obtained from BALT lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2016. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplicons were sequenced using a Nanopore platform. Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed to assess microbial profiles. For comparison, FFPE specimens from nine non-cancerous lung tissues were also analyzed.
Results:
Specific bacterial families including Burkholderiaceae, Bacillaceae, and Microbacteriaceae were associated with BALT lymphoma by a linear discriminant analysis effect size approach. Although the number of specimens was limited, BALT lymphomas exhibited significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity with distinct microbial composition patterns and correlation networks than non-cancerous lung tissues.
Conclusion
This study provides the first insight into intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation NGS method. A distinct microbial composition suggests the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment of BALT lymphoma.
2.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
3.Higher Microbial Abundance and Diversity in Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphomas Than in Non-cancerous Lung Tissues
Jung Heon KIM ; Jae Sik KIM ; Noorie CHOI ; Jiwon KOH ; Yoon Kyung JEON ; Ji Hyun CHANG ; Eung Soo HWANG ; Il Han KIM
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):580-589
Purpose:
It is well known that the majority of the extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT lymphomas) are associated with microbiota, e.g., gastric MALT lymphoma with Helicobacter pylori. In general, they are very sensitive to low-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents. The microbiota profile is not clearly elucidated in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma, a rare type of MALT lymphoma in the lung. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation next-generation sequencing (NGS) method.
Materials and Methods:
DNAs were extracted from 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues obtained from BALT lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2016. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplicons were sequenced using a Nanopore platform. Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed to assess microbial profiles. For comparison, FFPE specimens from nine non-cancerous lung tissues were also analyzed.
Results:
Specific bacterial families including Burkholderiaceae, Bacillaceae, and Microbacteriaceae were associated with BALT lymphoma by a linear discriminant analysis effect size approach. Although the number of specimens was limited, BALT lymphomas exhibited significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity with distinct microbial composition patterns and correlation networks than non-cancerous lung tissues.
Conclusion
This study provides the first insight into intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation NGS method. A distinct microbial composition suggests the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment of BALT lymphoma.
4.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
5.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
6.Higher Microbial Abundance and Diversity in Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphomas Than in Non-cancerous Lung Tissues
Jung Heon KIM ; Jae Sik KIM ; Noorie CHOI ; Jiwon KOH ; Yoon Kyung JEON ; Ji Hyun CHANG ; Eung Soo HWANG ; Il Han KIM
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):580-589
Purpose:
It is well known that the majority of the extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT lymphomas) are associated with microbiota, e.g., gastric MALT lymphoma with Helicobacter pylori. In general, they are very sensitive to low-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents. The microbiota profile is not clearly elucidated in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma, a rare type of MALT lymphoma in the lung. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation next-generation sequencing (NGS) method.
Materials and Methods:
DNAs were extracted from 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues obtained from BALT lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2016. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplicons were sequenced using a Nanopore platform. Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed to assess microbial profiles. For comparison, FFPE specimens from nine non-cancerous lung tissues were also analyzed.
Results:
Specific bacterial families including Burkholderiaceae, Bacillaceae, and Microbacteriaceae were associated with BALT lymphoma by a linear discriminant analysis effect size approach. Although the number of specimens was limited, BALT lymphomas exhibited significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity with distinct microbial composition patterns and correlation networks than non-cancerous lung tissues.
Conclusion
This study provides the first insight into intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation NGS method. A distinct microbial composition suggests the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment of BALT lymphoma.
7.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
8.Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
Dong-Wook LEE ; Inah KIM ; Jungho HWANG ; Sunhaeng CHOI ; Tae-Won JANG ; Insung CHUNG ; Hwan-Cheol KIM ; Jaebum PARK ; Jungwon KIM ; Kyoung Sook JEONG ; Youngki KIM ; Eun-Soo LEE ; Yangwoo KIM ; Inchul JEONG ; Hyunjeong OH ; Hyeoncheol OH ; Jea Chul HA ; Jeehee MIN ; Chul Gab LEE ; Heon KIM ; Jaechul SONG
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e9-
This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.
9.The association between transferrin saturation and all-cause mortality in chronic kidney disease: findings from Korean Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Eunmi JO ; Hyo Jin KIM ; Jayoun KIM ; Tae-Hyun YOO ; Yaeni KIM ; Soo Wan KIM ; Kook-Hwan OH ; Eun Young SEONG ; Sang Heon SONG
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2024;43(6):785-796
Transferrin saturation (TSAT) has been used as an indicator of iron deficiency. However, there is no consensus regarding its optimal range for patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to analyze the effect of TSAT on the prognosis of patients with non-dialysis CKD (NDCKD). Methods: From 2011 to 2016, 2157 NDCKD patients with baseline TSAT measurements were followed for 10 years. Patients were divided into three groups based on baseline TSAT values: <25%, ≥25% and <45%, and ≥45%. All-cause mortality and 4-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were analyzed using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Other iron biomarkers and mortality were also analyzed. Results: During a mean follow-up of 7.1 ± 2.9 years, 182 of a total of 2,157 patients (8.4%) died. Compared with the TSAT ≥25% and <45% group, the TSAT <25% group showed significantly increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–2.03; p = 0.04). The occurrence of 4-point MACE was significantly increased in univariable analysis in the TSAT <25% group (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02–2.15; p = 0.04), but it was not significant in the multivariable analysis (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.89–2.15; p = 0.15). Tertile comparisons of the iron-to-log-ferritin ratio showed increased mortality in the first tertile group. Conclusion: TSAT <25% is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with NDCKD and care should be taken to prevent TSAT values of <25%. Other indicators, such as serum iron and iron-to-log-ferritin ratio, may also be used to assess iron deficiency.
10.Blood Pressure Variability and Ocular Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials Are Independently Associated With Orthostatic Hypotension
Keun-Tae KIM ; Jeong-Heon LEE ; Jun-Pyo HONG ; Jin-Woo PARK ; Sun-Uk LEE ; Euyhyun PARK ; Byung-Jo KIM ; Ji-Soo KIM
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2024;20(6):571-579
Background:
and Purpose We delineated the association between otolithic dysfunction and blood pressure (BP) variability.
Methods:
We prospectively recruited 145 consecutive patients (age=71 [59–79] years, median [interquartile range]; 76 females) with orthostatic intolerance between December 2021 and December 2023 at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Each patient underwent evaluations of cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs), 24-h noninvasive ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), and a head-up tilt-table test using the Finometer device. As measures of BP variability, the standard deviations (SDs) of the systolic BP (SBP SD) and the diastolic BP were calculated based on serial ABPM recordings. Patients were divided into those with orthostatic hypotension (OH, n=68) and those with a normal head-up tilt-table test despite orthostatic intolerance (NOI, n=77) groups.
Results:
A multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that OH was associated with bilateral oVEMP abnormalities (p=0.021), SBP SD (p=0.012), and female sex (p=0.004). SBP SD was higher in patients with OH than in those with NOI (p<0.001), and was not correlated with n1–p1 amplitude (p=0.491) or normalized p13–n23 amplitude (p=0.193) in patients with OH.The sensitivity and specificity for differentiating OH from NOI were 72.1% and 67.5%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 12.7 mm Hg for SBP SD, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73.
Conclusions
Bilaterally deficient oVEMP responses may be associated with OH regardless of 24-h BP variability, reflecting the integrity of the otolith-autonomic reflex during orthostasis. Alternatively, 24-h BP variability is predominantly regulated by the baroreflex, which also participates in securing orthostatic tolerance complementary to the vestibulo-autonomic reflex.

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