1.Real-Time Assessment of Black Carbon Peaks Among Workers Exposed to Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions
Ju-Hyun PARK ; Sangjun CHOI ; Kyung Ehi ZOH ; Seung Won KIM ; Dong-Hee KOH ; Won KIM ; Dong-Uk PARK
Safety and Health at Work 2026;17(1):142-150
Background:
Workers are commonly exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE) from diesel-powered engines and vehicles (DEVs), which contain harmful particulates such as black carbon (BC). This study aimed to characterize the peak BC exposures of workers operating or working near DEVs.
Methods:
BC levels were recorded every minute from workers driving or working near DEVs using a portable aethalometer and were categorized by job type and activity. Peak BC levels were characterized using the occupational exposure limits for DEE (measured as elemental carbon) of 10 μg/m 3 and 50 μg/ m3 as cut-off values.
Results:
Forklift operators, garbage collectors, and machine operators showed peak BC exposure levels surpassing 20 μg/m 3 , with average levels above 10 μg/m 3 . Despite their short exposure durations (<1 hour), these peaks contributed significantly (>60%) to the daily average BC exposure. The daily contribution rate of peak exposures above 10 μg/m 3 to the average daily BC exposure often exceeded 50%. The ratio of peak levels above 10 μg/m 3 and 50 μg/m 3 to the arithmetic mean was negatively correlated with exposure duration, the proportion of exposure duration, and the daily contribution of peak levels.
Conclusion
Drivers of diesel-engine vehicles often experienced significant spikes in BC exposure, highlighting the need for real-time monitoring, which is recommended as a best-practice approach to identify and mitigate short-term peak exposures.
2.Factors Associated with Postoperative Recurrence in Stage I to IIIA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation: Analysis of Korean National Population Data
Kyu Yean KIM ; Ho Cheol KIM ; Tae Jung KIM ; Hong Kwan KIM ; Mi Hyung MOON ; Kyongmin Sarah BECK ; Yang Gun SUH ; Chang Hoon SONG ; Jin Seok AHN ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jae Hyun JEON ; Chi Young JUNG ; Jeong Su CHO ; Yoo Duk CHOI ; Seung Sik HWANG ; Chang Min CHOI ; Seung Hun JANG ; Jeong Uk LIM ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):83-94
Purpose:
Recent development in perioperative treatment of resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have changed the landscape of early lung cancer management. The ADAURA trial has demonstrated the efficacy of adjuvant osimertinib treatment in resectable NSCLC patients; however, studies are required to show which subgroup of patients are at a high risk of relapse and require adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. This study evaluated risk factors for postoperative relapse among patients who underwent complete resection.
Materials and Methods:
Data were obtained from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R), a database created using a retrospective sampling survey by the Korean Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) and the Lung Cancer Registration Committee.
Results:
A total of 3,176 patients who underwent curative resection was evaluated. The mean observation time was approximately 35.4 months. Among stage I to IIIA NSCLC patients, the EGFR-mutant subgroup included 867 patients, and 75.2%, 11.2%, and 11.8% were classified as stage I, stage II, and stage III, respectively. Within the EGFR-mutant subgroup, 44 (5.1%) and 121 (14.0%) patients showed early and late recurrence, respectively. Multivariate analysis on association with postoperative relapse among the EGFR-mutant subgroup showed that age, pathologic N and TNM stages, pleural invasion status, and surgery type were independent significant factors.
Conclusion
Among the population that underwent complete resection for early NSCLC with EGFR mutation, patients with advanced stage, pleural invasion, or limited resection are more likely to show postoperative relapse.
3.Factors Associated with Postoperative Recurrence in Stage I to IIIA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation: Analysis of Korean National Population Data
Kyu Yean KIM ; Ho Cheol KIM ; Tae Jung KIM ; Hong Kwan KIM ; Mi Hyung MOON ; Kyongmin Sarah BECK ; Yang Gun SUH ; Chang Hoon SONG ; Jin Seok AHN ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jae Hyun JEON ; Chi Young JUNG ; Jeong Su CHO ; Yoo Duk CHOI ; Seung Sik HWANG ; Chang Min CHOI ; Seung Hun JANG ; Jeong Uk LIM ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):83-94
Purpose:
Recent development in perioperative treatment of resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have changed the landscape of early lung cancer management. The ADAURA trial has demonstrated the efficacy of adjuvant osimertinib treatment in resectable NSCLC patients; however, studies are required to show which subgroup of patients are at a high risk of relapse and require adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. This study evaluated risk factors for postoperative relapse among patients who underwent complete resection.
Materials and Methods:
Data were obtained from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R), a database created using a retrospective sampling survey by the Korean Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) and the Lung Cancer Registration Committee.
Results:
A total of 3,176 patients who underwent curative resection was evaluated. The mean observation time was approximately 35.4 months. Among stage I to IIIA NSCLC patients, the EGFR-mutant subgroup included 867 patients, and 75.2%, 11.2%, and 11.8% were classified as stage I, stage II, and stage III, respectively. Within the EGFR-mutant subgroup, 44 (5.1%) and 121 (14.0%) patients showed early and late recurrence, respectively. Multivariate analysis on association with postoperative relapse among the EGFR-mutant subgroup showed that age, pathologic N and TNM stages, pleural invasion status, and surgery type were independent significant factors.
Conclusion
Among the population that underwent complete resection for early NSCLC with EGFR mutation, patients with advanced stage, pleural invasion, or limited resection are more likely to show postoperative relapse.
4.Factors Associated with Postoperative Recurrence in Stage I to IIIA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation: Analysis of Korean National Population Data
Kyu Yean KIM ; Ho Cheol KIM ; Tae Jung KIM ; Hong Kwan KIM ; Mi Hyung MOON ; Kyongmin Sarah BECK ; Yang Gun SUH ; Chang Hoon SONG ; Jin Seok AHN ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jae Hyun JEON ; Chi Young JUNG ; Jeong Su CHO ; Yoo Duk CHOI ; Seung Sik HWANG ; Chang Min CHOI ; Seung Hun JANG ; Jeong Uk LIM ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):83-94
Purpose:
Recent development in perioperative treatment of resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have changed the landscape of early lung cancer management. The ADAURA trial has demonstrated the efficacy of adjuvant osimertinib treatment in resectable NSCLC patients; however, studies are required to show which subgroup of patients are at a high risk of relapse and require adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. This study evaluated risk factors for postoperative relapse among patients who underwent complete resection.
Materials and Methods:
Data were obtained from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R), a database created using a retrospective sampling survey by the Korean Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) and the Lung Cancer Registration Committee.
Results:
A total of 3,176 patients who underwent curative resection was evaluated. The mean observation time was approximately 35.4 months. Among stage I to IIIA NSCLC patients, the EGFR-mutant subgroup included 867 patients, and 75.2%, 11.2%, and 11.8% were classified as stage I, stage II, and stage III, respectively. Within the EGFR-mutant subgroup, 44 (5.1%) and 121 (14.0%) patients showed early and late recurrence, respectively. Multivariate analysis on association with postoperative relapse among the EGFR-mutant subgroup showed that age, pathologic N and TNM stages, pleural invasion status, and surgery type were independent significant factors.
Conclusion
Among the population that underwent complete resection for early NSCLC with EGFR mutation, patients with advanced stage, pleural invasion, or limited resection are more likely to show postoperative relapse.
5.TP53 Mutation Status in Myelodysplastic Neoplasm and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Impact of Reclassification Based on the 5th WHO and International Consensus Classification Criteria: A Korean Multicenter Study
Hyun-Young KIM ; Saeam SHIN ; Jong-Mi LEE ; In-Suk KIM ; Boram KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM ; Yu Jeong CHOI ; Byunggyu BAE ; Yonggoo KIM ; Eunhui JI ; Hyerin KIM ; Hyerim KIM ; Jee-Soo LEE ; Yoon Hwan CHANG ; Hyun Kyung KIM ; Ja Young LEE ; Shinae YU ; Miyoung KIM ; Young-Uk CHO ; Seongsoo JANG ; Myungshin KIM
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2025;45(2):160-169
Background:
TP53 mutations are associated with poor prognosis in myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) and AML. The updated 5th WHO classification and International Consensus Classification (ICC) categorize TP53-mutated MDS and AML as unique entities. We conducted a multicenter study in Korea to investigate the characteristics of TP53-mutated MDS and AML, focusing on diagnostic aspects based on updated classifications.
Methods:
This study included patients aged ≥ 18 yrs who were diagnosed as having MDS(N = 1,244) or AML (N = 2,115) at six institutions. The results of bone marrow examination, cytogenetic studies, and targeted next-generation sequencing, including TP53, were collected and analyzed.
Results:
TP53 mutations were detected in 9.3% and 9.2% of patients with MDS and AML, respectively. Missense mutation was the most common, with hotspot codons R248/ R273/G245/Y220/R175/C238 accounting for 25.4% of TP53 mutations. Ten percent of patients had multiple TP53 mutations, and 78.4% had a complex karyotype. The median variant allele frequency (VAF) of TP53 mutations was 41.5%, with a notable difference according to the presence of a complex karyotype. According to the 5th WHO classification and ICC, the multi-hit TP53 mutation criteria were met in 58.6% and 75% of MDS patients, respectively, and the primary determinants were a TP53 VAF > 50% for the 5th WHO classification and the presence of a complex karyotype for the ICC.
Conclusions
Collectively, we elucidated the molecular genetic characteristics of patients with TP53-mutated MDS and AML, highlighting key factors in applying TP53 mutation-related criteria in updated classifications, which will aid in establishing diagnostic strategies.
6.Decisional Trade-offs in Localized Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study of Radical Prostatectomy, Radiation Therapy, and Active Surveillance
Hyunho HAN ; Youngdeuk CHOI ; Woong Kyu HAN ; Jihee JUNG ; Ayoung YOO ; Hyunji YOON ; Siyeong LEE ; Changhwa HYUN ; Woong Sub KOOM ; Ik Jae LEE ; Chan Woo WEE ; Jeongmi LEE ; Jae Young JEONG ; Hyung Ho LEE ; Young Ae KIM ; Jung Eun KIM ; Songhee EUN ; Sung Uk LEE ; Jinha JEONG ; Moonsoo RA
Journal of Urologic Oncology 2025;23(2):112-118
Purpose:
To evaluate patient‐reported experiences of 3 primary treatments for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer—radical prostatectomy (RP), radiation therapy (RT), and active surveillance (AS)—based on cross‐sectional data from a prospective registry, and to explore how these findings can inform a structured shared decision making (SDM) framework.
Materials and Methods:
Men with clinical stage cT3aN0M0 or lower were enrolled. Those who underwent RP or RT were surveyed 6–24 months posttreatment; men on AS had 6–60 months of follow‐up. All participants completed the EORTC QLQ‐PR25 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Prostate Cancer Module), capturing urinary, bowel, hormonal, and sexual function. The Kruskal‐Wallis test evaluated group differences, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
Among 542 patients, 435 underwent RP, 73 received RT (43% with androgen deprivation therapy), and 34 were on AS. RP patients reported higher rates of urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, whereas RT patients had more severe urinary irritative and bowel symptoms. AS generally preserved baseline sexual function but still involved some urinary complaints and anxiety regarding disease progression. These findings underscore the distinct trade‐offs among the 3 management strategies, emphasizing the importance of individualized SDM that accounts for functional priorities and patient values.
Conclusion
Each treatment modality poses unique impacts on quality of life. Incorporating these patient‐reported data into SDM discussions can improve alignment between clinical recommendations and patient preferences, potentially reducing decisional regret and enhancing long‐term outcomes.
7.Clinical outcome and safety of holmium laser prostate enucleation after transrectal prostate biopsies for benign prostatic hyperplasia
See Min CHOI ; Chang Seok KANG ; Dae Hyun KIM ; Jae Hwi CHOI ; Chunwoo LEE ; Seong Uk JEH ; Sung Chul KAM ; Jeong Seok HWA ; Jae Seog HYUN
Investigative and Clinical Urology 2024;65(2):148-156
Purpose:
This study aimed to assess the clinical outcome and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TR biopsy) in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data from 556 patients who underwent HoLEP between 2014 and 2021. The patients were categorized into six groups: Group 1-A (n=45) underwent HoLEP within four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-B (n=94) underwent HoLEP more than four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-C (n=120) underwent HoLEP after a single TR biopsy. Group 1-D (n=19) underwent HoLEP after two or more TR biopsies. Group 1-total (n=139, group 1-A+group 1-B or group 1-C+group 1-D) underwent HoLEP post TR biopsy. Group 2 (control group, n=417) underwent HoLEP without prior TR biopsy. We examined perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes.
Results:
The age, body mass index, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and comorbid diseases between group 1-total and group 2 were comparable. However, group 1-total exhibited significantly elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and larger prostate volumes (p<0.01). Perioperative factors like enucleation time, enucleation weight, and catheterization duration were notably higher in group 1-total (p<0.01). All groups showed significant improvements in IPSS, postvoid residual urine, and maximum flow rate during the 1-year postoperative period (p<0.05). The rates of postoperative complications were similar between group 1-total and group 2.
Conclusions
Enucleation time and catheterization duration were significantly longer in the TR biopsy group. However, postoperative complications were not significantly different between TR biopsy and non-TR biopsy groups.
8.Correlation between urine cytology results on the day after overnight continuous saline irrigation following transurethral resection of bladder tumor and bladder tumor recurrence
Dae Hyun KIM ; Min Sung CHOI ; Jae Hwi CHOI ; Chunwoo LEE ; Seong Uk JEH ; Sung Chul KAM ; Jeong Seok HWA ; Jae Seog HYUN ; See Min CHOI
Investigative and Clinical Urology 2024;65(3):279-285
Purpose:
To investigate the relationship between urine cytology results after overnight continuous saline irrigation (OCSI) following transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and bladder tumor recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with NMIBC between 2016 and 2020 after undergoing TURBT at our hospital. All patients received OCSI following TURBT and had urine cytology test at postoperative 1 day.Urine cytology was classified into three groups: Negative, low-grade urothelial neoplasm (LGUN)+atypical urothelial cells (AUC), and suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC)+high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) in each group was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate independent prognostic factors.
Results:
A total of 172 patients were included in this study. Based on urine cytology group (after OCSI), RFS did not reach the median value in the Negative group. In the LGUN+AUC group, the median RFS was 615.00 days. In the SHGUC+HGUC group, the median RFS was 377.00 days. In survival analysis, the Negative group had a longer RFS than the SHGUC+HGUC group (p=0.013).However, Cox regression analysis showed that SHGUC+HGUC was not an independent prognostic factor for recurrence.
Conclusions
Urine cytology results after OCSI following TURBT in NMIBC were associated with bladder tumor recurrence. Specifically, SHGUC or HGUC in urine cytology after OCSI showed earlier recurrence than negative cases. However, further research is needed to accurately determine whether it is an independent prognostic factor.
9.Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Emphysematous Prostatic Abscess Accompanied by a Spinal Cord Infarction: Case Report
Seong Uk JEH ; Min Sung CHOI ; Chang Seok KANG ; Dae Hyun KIM ; Jae Hwi CHOI ; See Min CHOI ; Sung Chul KAM ; Jeong Seok HWA ; Jae Seog HYUN
Urogenital Tract Infection 2024;19(3):104-108
Various strains can be found in emphysematous prostatic abscesses (EPAs), but the most frequent causative organism is Klebsiella pneumoniae . Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae can disseminate to distant sites by forming a muco-polysaccharide network outside the capsule. Here, we present the first case of K. pneumoniae in an EPA accompanied by a spinal cord infarction. A 65-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to sudden-onset paraplegia after a 5-day history of fever, myalgia, and voiding difficulty. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a collection of air pockets in the prostate, and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal intensity in the thoracic spinal cord. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage. On the third hospital day, therapeutic heparin was added after discussion with a neurologist. The patient had no inflammatory symptoms, experienced some improvement in paraplegia, and was discharged on the 14th hospital day. This study adhered to the case report guidelines.
10.Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Emphysematous Prostatic Abscess Accompanied by a Spinal Cord Infarction: Case Report
Seong Uk JEH ; Min Sung CHOI ; Chang Seok KANG ; Dae Hyun KIM ; Jae Hwi CHOI ; See Min CHOI ; Sung Chul KAM ; Jeong Seok HWA ; Jae Seog HYUN
Urogenital Tract Infection 2024;19(3):104-108
Various strains can be found in emphysematous prostatic abscesses (EPAs), but the most frequent causative organism is Klebsiella pneumoniae . Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae can disseminate to distant sites by forming a muco-polysaccharide network outside the capsule. Here, we present the first case of K. pneumoniae in an EPA accompanied by a spinal cord infarction. A 65-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to sudden-onset paraplegia after a 5-day history of fever, myalgia, and voiding difficulty. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a collection of air pockets in the prostate, and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal intensity in the thoracic spinal cord. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage. On the third hospital day, therapeutic heparin was added after discussion with a neurologist. The patient had no inflammatory symptoms, experienced some improvement in paraplegia, and was discharged on the 14th hospital day. This study adhered to the case report guidelines.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail