Purpose: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) predominantly manifests in East Asia and Latin America. Despite shared intrinsic factors, such as ethnic and genetic backgrounds, the progression of ENKTL can be influenced by extrinsic factors related to changing lifestyle patterns. Materials and Methods: This study collected stool samples from newly diagnosed (ND)–ENKTL patients (n=40) and conducted whole genome shotgun sequencing. Results: ND-ENKTL revealed reduced alpha diversity in ND-ENKTL compared to healthy controls (HCs) (p=0.008), with Enterobacteriaceae abundance significantly contributing to the beta diversity difference between ENKTL and HCs (p < 0.001). Functional analysis indicated upregulated aerobic metabolism and degradation of aromatic compounds in ND-ENKTL. Enterobacteriaceae were associated not only with clinical data explaining disease status (serum C-reactive protein, stage, prognosis index of natural killer cell lymphoma [PINK], and PINK-E) but also with clinical outcomes (early relapse and short progression-free survival). The relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae at the family level was similar between ENKTL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (p=0.140). However, the ENKTL exhibited a higher abundance of Escherichia, in contrast to the prevalence of Enterobacter and Citrobacter in DLBCL. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between Escherichia abundance and programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) levels in tissue samples (p=0.025), whereas no correlation with PD-L1 was observed for Enterobacteriaceae at the family level (p=0.571). Conclusion ND-ENKTL exhibited an abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and a dominant presence of Escherichia. These microbial characteristics correlated with disease status, treatment outcomes, and PD-L1 expression, suggesting the potential of the ENKTL microbiome as a biomarker and cause of lymphomagenesis, which warrants further exploration.

Purpose: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) predominantly manifests in East Asia and Latin America. Despite shared intrinsic factors, such as ethnic and genetic backgrounds, the progression of ENKTL can be influenced by extrinsic factors related to changing lifestyle patterns. Materials and Methods: This study collected stool samples from newly diagnosed (ND)–ENKTL patients (n=40) and conducted whole genome shotgun sequencing. Results: ND-ENKTL revealed reduced alpha diversity in ND-ENKTL compared to healthy controls (HCs) (p=0.008), with Enterobacteriaceae abundance significantly contributing to the beta diversity difference between ENKTL and HCs (p < 0.001). Functional analysis indicated upregulated aerobic metabolism and degradation of aromatic compounds in ND-ENKTL. Enterobacteriaceae were associated not only with clinical data explaining disease status (serum C-reactive protein, stage, prognosis index of natural killer cell lymphoma [PINK], and PINK-E) but also with clinical outcomes (early relapse and short progression-free survival). The relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae at the family level was similar between ENKTL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (p=0.140). However, the ENKTL exhibited a higher abundance of Escherichia, in contrast to the prevalence of Enterobacter and Citrobacter in DLBCL. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between Escherichia abundance and programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) levels in tissue samples (p=0.025), whereas no correlation with PD-L1 was observed for Enterobacteriaceae at the family level (p=0.571). Conclusion ND-ENKTL exhibited an abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and a dominant presence of Escherichia. These microbial characteristics correlated with disease status, treatment outcomes, and PD-L1 expression, suggesting the potential of the ENKTL microbiome as a biomarker and cause of lymphomagenesis, which warrants further exploration.

Purpose: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) predominantly manifests in East Asia and Latin America. Despite shared intrinsic factors, such as ethnic and genetic backgrounds, the progression of ENKTL can be influenced by extrinsic factors related to changing lifestyle patterns. Materials and Methods: This study collected stool samples from newly diagnosed (ND)–ENKTL patients (n=40) and conducted whole genome shotgun sequencing. Results: ND-ENKTL revealed reduced alpha diversity in ND-ENKTL compared to healthy controls (HCs) (p=0.008), with Enterobacteriaceae abundance significantly contributing to the beta diversity difference between ENKTL and HCs (p < 0.001). Functional analysis indicated upregulated aerobic metabolism and degradation of aromatic compounds in ND-ENKTL. Enterobacteriaceae were associated not only with clinical data explaining disease status (serum C-reactive protein, stage, prognosis index of natural killer cell lymphoma [PINK], and PINK-E) but also with clinical outcomes (early relapse and short progression-free survival). The relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae at the family level was similar between ENKTL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (p=0.140). However, the ENKTL exhibited a higher abundance of Escherichia, in contrast to the prevalence of Enterobacter and Citrobacter in DLBCL. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between Escherichia abundance and programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) levels in tissue samples (p=0.025), whereas no correlation with PD-L1 was observed for Enterobacteriaceae at the family level (p=0.571). Conclusion ND-ENKTL exhibited an abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and a dominant presence of Escherichia. These microbial characteristics correlated with disease status, treatment outcomes, and PD-L1 expression, suggesting the potential of the ENKTL microbiome as a biomarker and cause of lymphomagenesis, which warrants further exploration.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have suggested an association between hearing loss and anemia. Hearing loss has also been linked to rhinitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and sinus mucosa. Few studies have concurrently explored the relationships between hearing loss, anemia, and rhinitis. This study was conducted to investigate the association between hearing loss and anemia and to further analyze the potential role of rhinitis in this relationship. METHODS: Data were collected from the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hearing loss was measured with an audiometer in a soundproof booth and was defined as at least moderate impairment (as indicated by a pure-tone average of ≥41 dB in the better-hearing ear). The association between hearing loss and anemia was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The combined effect of anemia and rhinitis on hearing loss was assessed with an interaction term. RESULTS: Among the 2,772 participants, 477 (17.2%) exhibited hearing loss. Participants with anemia were more likely to experience hearing loss than those without anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 2.33). Furthermore, the odds of hearing loss were greater in participants with both anemia and rhinitis (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.93 to 7.43) relative to those without either condition. CONCLUSIONS Anemia was associated with hearing loss in individuals aged 40 years and older. Based on the analysis of combined effects, participants with anemia and chronic rhinitis were more likely to experience hearing loss than individuals without these conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have suggested an association between hearing loss and anemia. Hearing loss has also been linked to rhinitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and sinus mucosa. Few studies have concurrently explored the relationships between hearing loss, anemia, and rhinitis. This study was conducted to investigate the association between hearing loss and anemia and to further analyze the potential role of rhinitis in this relationship. METHODS: Data were collected from the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hearing loss was measured with an audiometer in a soundproof booth and was defined as at least moderate impairment (as indicated by a pure-tone average of ≥41 dB in the better-hearing ear). The association between hearing loss and anemia was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The combined effect of anemia and rhinitis on hearing loss was assessed with an interaction term. RESULTS: Among the 2,772 participants, 477 (17.2%) exhibited hearing loss. Participants with anemia were more likely to experience hearing loss than those without anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 2.33). Furthermore, the odds of hearing loss were greater in participants with both anemia and rhinitis (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.93 to 7.43) relative to those without either condition. CONCLUSIONS Anemia was associated with hearing loss in individuals aged 40 years and older. Based on the analysis of combined effects, participants with anemia and chronic rhinitis were more likely to experience hearing loss than individuals without these conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have suggested an association between hearing loss and anemia. Hearing loss has also been linked to rhinitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and sinus mucosa. Few studies have concurrently explored the relationships between hearing loss, anemia, and rhinitis. This study was conducted to investigate the association between hearing loss and anemia and to further analyze the potential role of rhinitis in this relationship. METHODS: Data were collected from the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hearing loss was measured with an audiometer in a soundproof booth and was defined as at least moderate impairment (as indicated by a pure-tone average of ≥41 dB in the better-hearing ear). The association between hearing loss and anemia was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The combined effect of anemia and rhinitis on hearing loss was assessed with an interaction term. RESULTS: Among the 2,772 participants, 477 (17.2%) exhibited hearing loss. Participants with anemia were more likely to experience hearing loss than those without anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 2.33). Furthermore, the odds of hearing loss were greater in participants with both anemia and rhinitis (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.93 to 7.43) relative to those without either condition. CONCLUSIONS Anemia was associated with hearing loss in individuals aged 40 years and older. Based on the analysis of combined effects, participants with anemia and chronic rhinitis were more likely to experience hearing loss than individuals without these conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have suggested an association between hearing loss and anemia. Hearing loss has also been linked to rhinitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and sinus mucosa. Few studies have concurrently explored the relationships between hearing loss, anemia, and rhinitis. This study was conducted to investigate the association between hearing loss and anemia and to further analyze the potential role of rhinitis in this relationship. METHODS: Data were collected from the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hearing loss was measured with an audiometer in a soundproof booth and was defined as at least moderate impairment (as indicated by a pure-tone average of ≥41 dB in the better-hearing ear). The association between hearing loss and anemia was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The combined effect of anemia and rhinitis on hearing loss was assessed with an interaction term. RESULTS: Among the 2,772 participants, 477 (17.2%) exhibited hearing loss. Participants with anemia were more likely to experience hearing loss than those without anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 2.33). Furthermore, the odds of hearing loss were greater in participants with both anemia and rhinitis (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.93 to 7.43) relative to those without either condition. CONCLUSIONS Anemia was associated with hearing loss in individuals aged 40 years and older. Based on the analysis of combined effects, participants with anemia and chronic rhinitis were more likely to experience hearing loss than individuals without these conditions.

Purpose: Chronic diseases and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been independently linked to poorer cancer outcomes. This study investigated whether gastric cancer patients with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia have higher mortality if diagnosed with CVD in the past year before cancer diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance database for 2002 to 2019. The study population consisted of gastric cancer patients with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. The outcome measure was 5-year mortality in relation to incident status of CVD within 1 year before cancer diagnosis. A survival analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to age, economic status, and type of hospital first visited for cancer treatment. Results: Of a total of 6458 individuals, 2123 (32.7%) were diagnosed with CVDs in the past year before cancer diagnosis. Compared to participants without a history of CVD, those who were diagnosed with CVD showed a higher risk of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio 1.259, 95% confidence interval 1.138–1.394). The extent to which the mortality risk differed between those with and without CVD was greater for individuals of low economic status and in those receiving their initial cancer treatment in a general hospital. Conclusion Patients with gastric cancer and hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia diagnosed with CVD within 1 year before their cancer diagnosis had a higher mortality risk, emphasizing the importance of managing cancer patients with chronic disease and subsequent incidence of CVDs.

Purpose: Chronic diseases and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been independently linked to poorer cancer outcomes. This study investigated whether gastric cancer patients with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia have higher mortality if diagnosed with CVD in the past year before cancer diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance database for 2002 to 2019. The study population consisted of gastric cancer patients with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. The outcome measure was 5-year mortality in relation to incident status of CVD within 1 year before cancer diagnosis. A survival analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to age, economic status, and type of hospital first visited for cancer treatment. Results: Of a total of 6458 individuals, 2123 (32.7%) were diagnosed with CVDs in the past year before cancer diagnosis. Compared to participants without a history of CVD, those who were diagnosed with CVD showed a higher risk of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio 1.259, 95% confidence interval 1.138–1.394). The extent to which the mortality risk differed between those with and without CVD was greater for individuals of low economic status and in those receiving their initial cancer treatment in a general hospital. Conclusion Patients with gastric cancer and hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia diagnosed with CVD within 1 year before their cancer diagnosis had a higher mortality risk, emphasizing the importance of managing cancer patients with chronic disease and subsequent incidence of CVDs.

OBJECTIVES: Unexpected changes in daily routines caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may affect psychological health. This study investigated the association between various types of COVID-19-related fear and the subjective level of disturbance in daily activities experienced by individuals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used the Korea Community Health Survey conducted from August through November 2020. COVID-19-related fear included fear of infection, death, public criticism, family members getting infected, and economic loss. The subjective level of disruption in daily activities was measured using a 0-100 numeric rating scale developed by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the associations between the independent and dependent variables. A subgroup analysis was performed based on income level. RESULTS: Participants who reported fear of infection (β=-3.37, p<0.001), death (β=-0.33, p=0.030), public criticism (β=-1.63, p<0.001), a family member getting infected (β=-1.03, p<0.001), and economic loss (β=-3.52, p<0.001) experienced more disturbances in daily activities. The magnitude of this association was most significant in the lowest-income group. CONCLUSIONS Individuals reporting COVID-19-related fear experienced higher levels of subjective disruption in daily activities.