INTRODUCTION: Risk-based screening (RBS) has emerged as a promising alternative to age-based cancer screening. However, evidence regarding real-world implementation outcomes remains fragmented. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the implementation metho-dologies and outcomes of RBS programmes across different cancer types. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus were systematically searched from their respective dates of inception up to 8 July 2024. Prospective and rando-mised controlled trials (RCTs), which implement the RBS of cancer in an asymptomatic population, or studies retrospectively evaluating the outcomes of the same were included. Geographic distribution, population characteristics, RBS methodology, diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes were narratively synthesised. RESULTS: Among the 33 included studies (i.e. 21 prospective cohort, 8 RCTs, 3 retrospective and 1 non-RCT), sample sizes ranged from 102 to 1,429,890 participants. Most RBS trials were conducted in China (n=7, 21.2%), followed by the Netherlands (n=4, 12.1%) then the US, Australia and Sweden (n=3, 9.8%). Studies predominantly examined colorectal (27.3%), breast (21.2%) and prostate cancer (18.2%). Three main stratification approaches emerged: algorithmic (48.5%), validated risk models (39.4%) and physician assessment (9.1%). Implementation outcomes showed higher uptake in moderate-risk (75.4%) compared to high-risk (71.3%) and low-risk groups (67.9%). Five studies demonstrated cost-effectiveness with increased quality-adjusted life years, while 12 studies showed superior or non-inferior cancer detection rates compared to traditional screening. CONCLUSION The RBS of cancer has the potential to optimise healthcare resource allocation while minimising harm and increasing receptiveness for patients. More work is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes prior to the scaling of RBS programmes.
Humans ; Early Detection of Cancer/methods* ; Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Risk Assessment ; Mass Screening/methods*

Background: Chromosomal alterations serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers in acute leukemia. Given the evolving landscape of chromosomal abnormalities in acute leukemia, we previously studied these over two periods. In this study, we investigated the frequency of these abnormalities and clinical trends in acute leukemia in Korea across three time periods. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 1,787 patients with acute leukemia (319 children and 1,468 adults) diagnosed between 2006 and 2020. Conventional cytogenetics, FISH, and multiplex quantitative PCR were used for analysis. The patient groups were divided according to the following three study periods: 2006–2009 (I), 2010–2015 (II), and 2016–2020 (III). Results: Chromosomal aberrations were detected in 92% of patients. The PML::RARA translocation was the most frequent. Over the 15-yr period, chromosomal aberrations showed minimal changes, with specific fusion transcripts being common among patients.ALL was more prevalent in children than in adults and correlated significantly with the ETV6::RUNX1 and RUNX1::RUNX1T1 aberrations. The incidence of ALL increased during the three periods, with PML::RARA remaining common. Conclusions The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in acute leukemia has changed subtly over time. Notably, the age of onset of adult AML has continuously increased. Our results may help in establishing diagnoses and clinical treatment strategies and developing various molecular diagnostic platforms.

Background: This study aimed to investigate changes in gene expression related to matrix synthesis in individuals with fullthickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and normal tendon tissues. The study also aimed to examine the differences in gene expression according to 4 distinct tear sizes. Methods: A total of 12 patients with full-thickness RCTs were included in the study, all of whom underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The RCTs were stratified by size into small, medium, large, and massive. Tendon samples were harvested from the midpoint between the lateral end of the torn tendon and the musculotendinous junction. Subsequent analysis of the tissue samples revealed the mRNA expression levels of 11 collagen types, 6 proteoglycans, and 8 glycoproteins through real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. For control purposes, supraspinatus tendon tissue was sourced from 3 patients who had proximal humerus fractures but did not present with RCTs. Results: Among the 11 collagens and 14 non-collagenous protein (NCP) genes examined in this study, COL3A1 and COL10A1 showed a significant increase, whereas COL4A1 and COL14A1 showed a tendency to decrease compared to those in the normal group. ACAN significantly increased by 8.92-fold (p < 0.001) compared to that in the normal group, whereas DCN and LUM showed a tendency to decrease. FN1 and TNC increased significantly by 3.47-fold (p = 0.003) and 5.38-fold (p = 0.005), respectively, and the genes ELN, LAMA2, and THBS1 were all significantly reduced compared to those in the normal group. In the NCPs, almost all the genes with increased expression levels had the highest level in small size RCTs, and gene expression decreased as the size increased. The 3 proteoglycans (ACAN, BGN, and FMOD) showed the highest levels of expression in small size RCTs compared to those in the normal group, and 5 glycoproteins (COMP, FBN1, FN1, HAPLN1, and TNC) also showed the highest expression in small size RCTs. Conclusions We confirmed that most of the detected extracellular matrix gene expression changes were related to the size of the full-thickness RCTs. In NCPs, gene expression was increased in small-size tears, and gene expression levels were significantly reduced when the size increased.

Colonoscopy, a widely used procedure for diagnosing and treating colonic diseases, induces transient gastrointestinal symptoms and alterations in the gut microbiota. This review comprehensively examines the evidence on alterations in the gut microbiota following colonoscopy and their possible mechanisms. Factors such as rapid colonic evacuation, increased osmolality, and mucus thinning caused by bowel preparation and exposure to oxygen during the procedure contribute to these alterations. Typically, the alterations revert to the baseline within a short time. However, their long-term implications remain unclear, necessitating further investigation. Split-dose bowel preparation and CO2 insufflation during the procedure result in fewer alterations in the gut microbiota. Probiotic administration immediately after colonoscopy shows promise in reducing alterations and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the widespread use of probiotics remains controversial due to the transient nature of both the symptoms and gut microbial alterations following a colonoscopy. Probiotics may offer greater benefits to individuals with preexisting gastrointestinal symptoms. Thus, probiotic administration may be a viable option for selected patients.

Background: This study aimed to investigate changes in gene expression related to matrix synthesis in individuals with fullthickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and normal tendon tissues. The study also aimed to examine the differences in gene expression according to 4 distinct tear sizes. Methods: A total of 12 patients with full-thickness RCTs were included in the study, all of whom underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The RCTs were stratified by size into small, medium, large, and massive. Tendon samples were harvested from the midpoint between the lateral end of the torn tendon and the musculotendinous junction. Subsequent analysis of the tissue samples revealed the mRNA expression levels of 11 collagen types, 6 proteoglycans, and 8 glycoproteins through real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. For control purposes, supraspinatus tendon tissue was sourced from 3 patients who had proximal humerus fractures but did not present with RCTs. Results: Among the 11 collagens and 14 non-collagenous protein (NCP) genes examined in this study, COL3A1 and COL10A1 showed a significant increase, whereas COL4A1 and COL14A1 showed a tendency to decrease compared to those in the normal group. ACAN significantly increased by 8.92-fold (p < 0.001) compared to that in the normal group, whereas DCN and LUM showed a tendency to decrease. FN1 and TNC increased significantly by 3.47-fold (p = 0.003) and 5.38-fold (p = 0.005), respectively, and the genes ELN, LAMA2, and THBS1 were all significantly reduced compared to those in the normal group. In the NCPs, almost all the genes with increased expression levels had the highest level in small size RCTs, and gene expression decreased as the size increased. The 3 proteoglycans (ACAN, BGN, and FMOD) showed the highest levels of expression in small size RCTs compared to those in the normal group, and 5 glycoproteins (COMP, FBN1, FN1, HAPLN1, and TNC) also showed the highest expression in small size RCTs. Conclusions We confirmed that most of the detected extracellular matrix gene expression changes were related to the size of the full-thickness RCTs. In NCPs, gene expression was increased in small-size tears, and gene expression levels were significantly reduced when the size increased.

Background: This study aimed to investigate changes in gene expression related to matrix synthesis in individuals with fullthickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and normal tendon tissues. The study also aimed to examine the differences in gene expression according to 4 distinct tear sizes. Methods: A total of 12 patients with full-thickness RCTs were included in the study, all of whom underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The RCTs were stratified by size into small, medium, large, and massive. Tendon samples were harvested from the midpoint between the lateral end of the torn tendon and the musculotendinous junction. Subsequent analysis of the tissue samples revealed the mRNA expression levels of 11 collagen types, 6 proteoglycans, and 8 glycoproteins through real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. For control purposes, supraspinatus tendon tissue was sourced from 3 patients who had proximal humerus fractures but did not present with RCTs. Results: Among the 11 collagens and 14 non-collagenous protein (NCP) genes examined in this study, COL3A1 and COL10A1 showed a significant increase, whereas COL4A1 and COL14A1 showed a tendency to decrease compared to those in the normal group. ACAN significantly increased by 8.92-fold (p < 0.001) compared to that in the normal group, whereas DCN and LUM showed a tendency to decrease. FN1 and TNC increased significantly by 3.47-fold (p = 0.003) and 5.38-fold (p = 0.005), respectively, and the genes ELN, LAMA2, and THBS1 were all significantly reduced compared to those in the normal group. In the NCPs, almost all the genes with increased expression levels had the highest level in small size RCTs, and gene expression decreased as the size increased. The 3 proteoglycans (ACAN, BGN, and FMOD) showed the highest levels of expression in small size RCTs compared to those in the normal group, and 5 glycoproteins (COMP, FBN1, FN1, HAPLN1, and TNC) also showed the highest expression in small size RCTs. Conclusions We confirmed that most of the detected extracellular matrix gene expression changes were related to the size of the full-thickness RCTs. In NCPs, gene expression was increased in small-size tears, and gene expression levels were significantly reduced when the size increased.

Colonoscopy, a widely used procedure for diagnosing and treating colonic diseases, induces transient gastrointestinal symptoms and alterations in the gut microbiota. This review comprehensively examines the evidence on alterations in the gut microbiota following colonoscopy and their possible mechanisms. Factors such as rapid colonic evacuation, increased osmolality, and mucus thinning caused by bowel preparation and exposure to oxygen during the procedure contribute to these alterations. Typically, the alterations revert to the baseline within a short time. However, their long-term implications remain unclear, necessitating further investigation. Split-dose bowel preparation and CO2 insufflation during the procedure result in fewer alterations in the gut microbiota. Probiotic administration immediately after colonoscopy shows promise in reducing alterations and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the widespread use of probiotics remains controversial due to the transient nature of both the symptoms and gut microbial alterations following a colonoscopy. Probiotics may offer greater benefits to individuals with preexisting gastrointestinal symptoms. Thus, probiotic administration may be a viable option for selected patients.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone mineral density due to an imbalance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity, poses significant challenges in bone healing, particularly in postmenopausal women. Current treatments, such as bisphosphonates, are effective but associated with adverse effects like medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, necessitating safer alternatives. METHODS: This study investigated the use of L-serine-incorporated gelatin sponges for bone regeneration in calvarial defects in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis. Thirty rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a group treated with a gelatin sponge containing an amino acid mixture, and a group treated with a gelatin sponge containing L-serine. Bone regeneration was assessed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analyses. RESULTS: The L-serine group showed a significant increase in bone volume (BV) and bone area compared to the control and amino acid groups. The bone volume to total volume (BV/TV) ratio was also significantly higher in the L-serine group.Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that L-serine treatment suppressed the expression of cathepsin K, a marker of osteoclast activity, while increasing serine racemase activity. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that L-serine-incorporated gelatin sponges not only enhance bone formation but also inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, providing a promising and safer alternative to current therapies for osteoporosis-related bone defects. Further research is needed to explore its clinical applications in human patients.

Idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (iNSIP) is recognized as a distinct entity among various types of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. It is identified histologically by the nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern. A diagnosis of iNSIP is feasible once secondary causes or underlying diseases are ruled out. Usually presenting with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough, iNSIP has a subacute or chronic course. It predominantly affects females aged 50 to 60 years who are non-smokers. Key imaging findings on chest high-resolution computed tomography include bilateral reticular opacities in lower lungs, traction bronchiectasis, reduced lung volumes and, ground-glass opacities. Abnormalities are typically diffuse across both lungs with subpleural distributions. Treatment often involves systemic steroids, either alone or in combination with other immunosuppressants, although evidence supporting effectiveness of these treatments is limited. Prognosis is generally more favorable for iNSIP than for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with many studies reporting a 5-year survival rate above 70%. Antifibrotic agents should be considered in a condition, termed progressive pulmonary fibrosis, where pulmonary fibrosis progressively worsens.

This review article explores the multifaceted relationship between air pollution and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), particularly focusing on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most severe form of fibrotic ILD. Air pollutants are mainly composed of particulate matter, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). They are recognized as risk factors for several respiratory diseases. However, their specific effects on ILDs and related mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied yet. Emerging evidence suggests that air pollutants may contribute to the development and acute exacerbation of ILDs. Longitudinal studies have indicated that air pollution can adversely affect the prognosis of disease by decreasing lung function and increasing mortality. Lots of in vitro, in vivo , and epidemiologic studies have proposed possible mechanisms linking ILDs to air pollution, including inflammation and oxidative stress induced by exposure to air pollutants, which may induce mitochondrial dysfunction, promote cellular senescence, and disrupt normal epithelial repair processes. Despite these findings, effective interventions to mitigate effects of air pollution on ILD are not well established yet. This review emphasizes the urgent need to address air pollution as a key environmental risk factor for ILDs and calls for further studies to clarify its effects and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies.