Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Personal Exposure to Total VOC Is Associated With Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis in Schoolchildren.
The urinary levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) metabolites provide individual exposure levels compared to data obtained by measuring these compounds in ambient air. We aimed to investigate the association between personal urinary concentrations of VOC metabolites and symptoms of atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren. ⋯ Personal exposure to VOCs, as indicated by urinary levels of VOC metabolites, was associated with presence of atopic dermatitis and the SCORAD index value.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.
In patients with early-stage breast cancer, the treatment results of hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) and conventional RT are evaluated in efficacy and cost. ⋯ Hypofractionated RT showed good IBTR and DFS, which were compatible to those in conventional RT in breast cancer. Hypofractionated RT is expected to be used more widely because of its low cost and convenience.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Kinetics of Neutralizing Antibody Responses Against SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Patients Infected at the Beginning of the Pandemic.
We investigated the kinetics of the neutralizing antibody responses to the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 delta variant over the course of 1 year in 16 patients infected at the beginning of the pandemic. In patients with severe disease, neutralizing responses to the delta variant were detectable, albeit at lower levels than responses to the wild type. Neutralizing responses to the delta variant were undetectable, however, in asymptomatic persons. This finding implies that the vaccination strategy for persons with past natural infection should depend on the severity of the previous infection.
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2) are key proteins mediating viral entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although gene expressions of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 have been analyzed in various organs and diseases, their soluble forms have been less studied, particularly in asthma. Therefore, we aimed to measure circulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the serum of asthmatics and examine their relationship with clinical characteristics. ⋯ The levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were differently expressed according to age, ICS use, and several inflammatory markers. These findings suggest variable susceptibility and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection among asthmatic patients.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Case ReportsA Case Report of Varicella Zoster Meningitis as Co-Infection With Breakthrough COVID-19 in an Immunocompetent Patient.
There are several previous reports that infection or reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) can occur after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Herein, we report a rare case of VZV meningitis in breakthrough COVID-19. An 18-years-old male visited the emergency room, presenting with a headache and fever of up to 38.4°C for 5 days. ⋯ His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed an elevated opening pressure of 27 cm H2O, 6/µL red blood cells, 234/µL white blood cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes 3%, lymphocytes 83%, and other 14%), 43.9 mg/dL protein, and 59 mg/dL glucose, and CSF polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was positive for VZV. Also, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-PCR examining upper and lower respiratory tract. We administered intravenous acyclovir for 12 days, and he was discharged without any neurologic complication.