Drug retention of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in Korean patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term retention rates of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in Korean patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: This study was conducted with 1,538 treatment courses of 1,063 patients, including adalimumab (n = 332), etanercept (n = 369), infliximab (n = 146), abatacept (n = 152), tocilizumab (n = 299), tofacitinib (n = 136), and baricitinib (n = 104), in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who started b/tsDMARD treatment between 2008 and 2020 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Discontinuation 1 and 3 years after the first prescription of each drug was investigated. Kaplan- Meier estimates of time to discontinuation were calculated to compare the difference in drug retention rate for each drug. Patient-level predictors of drug discontinuation were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The overall 1-year drug retention rate was from 60.1% for adalimumab to 90.0% for tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-naïve group, and from 55.2% for infliximab to 84.8% for tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-experienced group. The 3-year drug retention rate was from 36.9% for infliximab to 86.5% for tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-naïve group, and from 31.0% for infliximab to 65.4% for tocilizumab in the b/tsDMARD-experienced group. Drug discontinuation appeared to be affected by specific types of b/tsDMARDs. Conclusions: Tocilizumab and tofacitinib are less commonly discontinued compared to tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors at 1 and 3 years. Specifically, tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-naïve group and tocilizumab in the b/tsDMARD-experienced group showed the highest 3-year retention rates.

Integrated Identification and Genetic Diversity of Potentially Invasive Clearwing Moths (Lepidoptera: Cossoidea: Sesiidae) in Korea.

The populations of clearwing moth borers in Korea have recently caused extensive and severe damage to pin oaks (Quercus palustris Munchh.). We conducted field monitoring and molecular analyses to identify them in an integrated manner. Morphological examination and molecular analyses of the COI gene, based on intra- and interspecific genetic divergences (GDs), revealed that the borers were identified as two invasive species, Sphecodoptera sheni and Paranthrenella pinoakula sp. nov. The maximum intraspecific GD was found to be 1.9%, whereas the minimum interspecific GD was confirmed as 8.1%, indicating a distinct barcoding gap. Both the MJ network and NJ tree also showed that 18 haplotypes (Hs) were detected from the 52 COI sequences. The borers revealed a total of 17 Hs: (i) H1-H7 were detected in all seven regions with S. sheni; (ii) Wonju and Goyang populations of S. sheni revealed more than three Hs; (iii) H7 was closely connected with H8 of the Chinese population of S. sheni; (iv) H9-H10 were detected in other samples from the Wonju population with P. pinoakula sp. n. and were closely located with congeneric species. A maximum likelihood tree also revealed that P. pinoacula sp. n. nested within the congeneric species, genetically separating from S. sheni.

Changes in the cholesterol profile of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biologics or Janus kinase inhibitors.

Objective: To assess the effects of biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on lipid profiles in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: This retrospective single-center observational study included patients with RA taking a tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor (TNFi), abatacept, tocilizumab, or a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) for at least 6 months. Changes in lipid profile were assessed at 6 months after the start of treatment, and associations between changes in lipid profiles and clinical efficacy, concomitant medications, and comorbidities were evaluated. Results: This study included 114 patients treated with TNFi, 81 with abatacept, 103 with tocilizumab, and 89 with JAKi. The mean percentage change (from baseline to 6 months) in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-HDL-C levels was higher in those taking tocilizumab and JAKi than in those taking TNFi and abatacept. A significant change in non-HDL-C was associated with JAKi (versus TNFi odds ratio [OR], 3.228; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.536~6.785), tocilizumab (versus TNFi OR, 2.203; 95% CI, 1.035~4.689), and statins (OR, 0.487; 95% CI, 0.231~1.024). However, changes in disease activity in 28 joints were not associated with a significant change in non-HDL-C. Conclusion: Tocilizumab- and JAKi-associated increases in serum non-HDL-C levels were observed regardless of changes in disease activity. Statins are recommended for RA patients showing a significant increase in cholesterol levels after initiating biological and targeted synthetic DMARDs.

Predictors for future development of systemic lupus erythematosus in Korean Sjögren's syndrome patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the impact of demographic factors, clinical manifestations, disease activity, and serological tests at baseline on future SLE development in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed 1,082 SS patients without other autoimmune diseases at baseline who visited our hospital between January 2012 and March 2021. We analyzed demographic features, extra-glandular manifestations (EGMs), clinical indices, and laboratory values at baseline between the two groups divided per future SLE development (SS/SLE group vs SS group). The probability and predictors of SLE development in SS patients were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 1083.5 days. Forty-nine patients (4.5%) developed SLE that met the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics or 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria. The baseline EULAR SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) score was significantly higher in the SS/SLE group (p < .001). The SS/SLE group had more lymphadenopathy and renal involvement (p = .015 and p = .017, respectively). Shorter SS disease duration (<3 years) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.12, p = .0328), high ESSDAI (HR = 8.24, p < .0001), leukopenia (HR = 4.17, p = .0005), thrombocytopenia (HR = 3.38, p = .0059), hypocomplementemia (HR = 29.06, p<.0001), and positive for anti-dsDNA (HR = 13.70, p < .0001), anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) (HR = 3.82, p = .0027), and anti-ribosomal P (HR = 6.70, p = .0002) at baseline were SLE development predictors in SS patients. CONCLUSION: Shorter disease duration and higher disease activity of SS at baseline may be risk factors for future SLE development. Serologic predictors of SLE development are hypocomplementemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and positivity for anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, and anti-ribosomal P antibodies. If the above factors are observed, close monitoring will be necessary during the follow-up period, considering the possibility of future SLE development.

Inflammatory Cytokines in Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding Pathogenesis and Implications for Treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a persistent, inflammatory disease that affects individuals with psoriasis, arthritis, and enthesitis. Research has demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) play a pivotal role in both the onset and progression of PsA. These cytokines are generated by activated immune cells and stimulate the attraction of inflammatory cells to the synovium and joint tissues, resulting in the deterioration of cartilage and bone. The blocking of these cytokines has become a successful treatment strategy for PsA, as biological drugs that inhibit TNF-α, IL-23, and IL-17 have demonstrated notable clinical benefits. The association between PsA and other types of inflammatory cytokines or chemokines, excluding TNF-α, IL-23, and IL-17, has been extensively investigated in numerous studies. These findings may provide a chance for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents targeting other molecules, distinct from the currently approved biologics and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the role of inflammatory cytokines in PsA pathogenesis and clinical implications of targeting these cytokines for PsA treatment.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Based Therapies in Systemic Rheumatic Disease: From Challenges to New Approaches for Overcoming Restrictions.

Systemic rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis, are chronic autoimmune diseases affecting multiple organs and tissues. Despite recent advances in treatment, patients still experience significant morbidity and disability. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy is promising for treating systemic rheumatic diseases due to the regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs. However, several challenges need to be overcome to use MSCs in clinical practice effectively. These challenges include MSC sourcing, characterization, standardization, safety, and efficacy issues. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of MSC-based therapies in systemic rheumatic diseases, highlighting the challenges and limitations associated with their use. We also discuss emerging strategies and novel approaches that can help overcome the limitations. Finally, we provide insights into the future directions of MSC-based therapies for systemic rheumatic diseases and their potential clinical applications.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Facet Joint Ankylosis in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of facet joint ankylosis in the whole spine in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), and to identify factors associated with facet joint ankylosis. METHODS: Whole spine LDCT images from 161 patients with axSpA were examined, and the presence of facet joint ankylosis was assessed (right and left, C2-S1) by 2 readers. Facet joint ankylosis was scored from 0 to 46. Structural damage of vertebral body was assessed using CT Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS). Factors associated with ankylosed facet joint scores for the whole spine were identified using a generalized linear model with a negative binomial distribution. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients (49%) and 70 patients (43%; reader 1 and reader 2, respectively) had ≥ 1 ankylosed facet joint. Facet joint ankylosis was most common in the thoracic spine. The mean score of facet joint ankylosis for the whole spine was 6.6 (SD 11.2) in reader 1 and 4.2 (SD 8.4) in reader 2. Whole spine facet joint ankylosis score positively correlated with Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and CTSS. In multivariable analysis, the ankylosed facet joint score was associated with ASDAS, sacroiliitis, CTSS, and a history of uveitis in both readers. Uveitis history, ASDAS, and CTSS were associated with whole spine facet joint ankylosis score in subgroup analysis of only radiographic axSpA. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ankylosed facet joints is high in axSpA, especially in the thoracic segment. The whole spine ankylosed facet joint score is significantly associated with a history of uveitis, ASDAS, sacroiliitis, and syndesmophyte score.

Historical review and occurrence records of Callipogon relictus Semenov, 1899 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in Gwangneung Forest, South Korea with suggestions for species conservation.

Biodiversity has been declining and extinction rates have been exponentially increasing because of land use changes, invasion of exotic species, nutrient enrichment and climate change. In this scenario, many international networks such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature have been making efforts to raise conservation awareness and preserve species and their habitats in many countries. The relict longhorn beetle Callipogon relictus Semenov, 1899 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is the largest coleopteran species in the Palearctic region and has a unique distribution compared to its congeneric species. Callipogon relictus has been protected by two Korean laws since it was designated as a Korean Natural Monument and an Endangered Species in 1968 and 2012, respectively. To improve the conservation of this species, ecological and biological data were obtained from studies performed during the last 12 years on its populations in Gwangneung Forest, the fourth UNESCO biosphere reserve in South Korea. Previously scattered distribution records of C. relictus from South Korea from 1932 to 2007 are therefore summarized and ecological features of adults observed during fields studies performed from 2008 to 2019 are presented. Based on the summarized data, we suggest different management measures and conservation efforts to maintain the size of C. relictus populations in South Korea, which can also be further used in the restoration of other endangered insects.

Flammable Substances in Korea Considering the Domino Effect: Assessment of Safety Distance.

Benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) are flammable substances used in a wide range of raw materials and products. Chemical accidents caused by flammable substances are different from leakage accidents of toxic materials. Initial explosions and fires may cause secondary or tertiary explosions, or fires with nearby flammable materials. This is called the domino effect. In cases of leakage accidents, it is possible to prevent accidents through early control of the leakage to the outside or by bypassing, but it is difficult to cope with explosions because they occur instantaneously. To prevent explosions due to the domino effect, a safety distance must be set. Safety distances vary widely by country. In the case of the United States (US) or the European Union (EU), safety distances are set in various ways depending on the chemical industry and the amount of flammable substances being handled. However, countries such as Korea, Taiwan, and Dubai have comprehensive regulation, and the safety distances are small. In this study, we simulated the range of overpressure at which other chemical equipment could explode when an explosion occurs in a flammable BTX storage tank. There are three types of analysis methods of vapor cloud explosion. PHAST (Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool) and ALOHA (Areal Location of Hazardous Atmosphere) were selected to model explosions using three methods (trinitrotoluene equivalence method, the Netherlands Organization multi-energy method, and Baker-Strehlow-Tang method). The results indicated that the safety distances in the US and EU showed low probability of a domino effect, but those in Korea, Dubai, and Taiwan could lead to a secondary explosions. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a reasonable method to determine safety distances considering the amount and physicochemical characteristics of the flammable substances being used.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Dahlica (Dahlica) ochrostigma Roh and Byun, 2018 (Lepidoptera: Psychidae).

We, herein, report the complete mitochondrial genome of Dahlica (Dahlica) ochrostigma. This species' genome has a total length of 15,429 bp (GenBank accession number: MK890245), consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and an A + T rich control region. The nucleotide composition is 39.1% T, 42.8% A, 11.1% C, and 7.0% G. This is the first report of a complete mitochondrial genome of the subfamily Naryciinae, and this mitogenomic sequence can be used as a reference for phylogenetic studies on the family Psychidae.

Survey research on the habitation and biological information of Callipogonrelictus Semenov in Gwangneung forest, Korea and Ussurisky nature reserve, Russia (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Prioninae).

An investigation on the habitation of Callipogonrelictus Semenov, 1899 in Gwangneung forest was carried out, where the Korea National Arboretum is located. In an investigation spanning the last eleven years (2007-2017), 22 emergence holes, nine pupal chambers, six adults, and two larvae of C.relictus were identified. In this study, biological information about habitation of C.relictus is provided by comparing and combining the results of this investigation with a survey conducted in Ussurisky Nature Reserve, Russia, in 2015. The distribution is also reviewed to include the Korean Peninsula and a new location of South Korea is added to the distribution for C.relictus.

Retrospective Genetic Analysis of 200 Cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Its Relationship with Long QT Syndrome in Korea.

BACKGROUND: There has been a campaign by the National Education on Sleeping Habits and Living Environment, to reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, more than 100 infants die suddenly and unexplainably before the age of 1 year in Korea. Long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inheritable cardiac disease, has been reported to likely be associated with up to 14% of SIDS cases. However, genetic studies of the association between SIDS and LQTS have not yet been conducted in Korea. METHODS: We conducted genetic analysis using genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 200 SIDS cases autopsied between 2005 and 2013. We analyzed the following genetic mutations associated with LQTS, KCNQ1, SCN5A, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNJ2, and CAV3. RESULTS: Of the 200 SIDS cases, 58% involved male infants (116 male and 84 female infants, respectively), the mean age was 140 days (median, 107 days; range, 24-270 days), and they were all of Asian-Korean ethnicity. SIDS IA category criteria comprised 45 cases (22.5%) while the rest were SIDS IB. Fifteen infants (7.5%) had R1193Q in SCN5A, of doubtful pathogenicity, and no pathogenic LQTS variants were observed. CONCLUSION: This genetic investigation of LQTS in SIDS showed a low diagnostic yield. These findings suggest that LQTS molecular autopsy could be cautiously conducted in selected cases with family involvement to improve the available genetic counseling information. Meanwhile, a national SIDS registry should be established to document and evaluate the genetic risk of SIDS in Korea.

Characteristics of sauna deaths in Korea in relation to different blood alcohol concentrations.

Although the benefits of sauna bathing have been demonstrated in epidemiological studies, sauna deaths have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and forensic characteristics associated with different blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) in sauna deaths in Korea. In this retrospective analysis, data were collected from a nationwide pool in Korea between January 2008 and December 2015 to determine the role of alcohol intoxication in sauna deaths based on the subjects' BAC and to evaluate the demographic and forensic characteristics associated with different BACs. One hundred and three deaths were classified into 2 groups: the non-intoxication (NI) group (BAC,<0.08%; n = 27) and the intoxication (I) group (BAC,≥0.08%; n = 76). Demographic and forensic characteristics were compared between the groups using a multinomial logistic regression analysis. The proportions of decedents who were male (odds ratio: 17.4, 95.0% confidence interval: 3.8-79.8) and in a prone position at the scene of death (odds ratio: 11.3, 95.0% confidence interval: 2.1-60.1) were significantly higher (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, retrospectively) in the I group than in the NI group. However, no significant differences were observed with respect to obesity, coronary artery narrowing, and liver pathology. Sauna deaths exhibited different characteristics according to BACs detected at autopsy. The differences in sauna deaths between the I and NI groups may have implications for the targeted prevention of sauna deaths associated with alcohol consumption.

A comparative synteny analysis tool for target-gene SNP marker discovery: connecting genomics data to breeding in Solanaceae.

It is necessary for molecular breeders to overcome the difficulties in applying abundant genomic information to crop breeding. Candidate orthologs would be discovered more efficiently in less-studied crops if the information gained from studies of related crops were used. We developed a comparative analysis tool and web-based genome viewer to identify orthologous genes based synteny as well as sequence similarity between tomato, pepper and potato. The tool has a step-by-step interface with multiple viewing levels to support the easy and accurate exploration of functional orthologs. Furthermore, it provides access to single nucleotide-polymorphism markers from the massive genetic resource pool in order to accelerate the development of molecular markers for candidate orthologs in the Solanaceae. This tool provides a bridge between genome data and breeding by supporting effective marker development, data utilization and communication.Database URL: http://tgsol.seeders.co.kr/scomp/.

Two new species of the genus Dahlica Enderlein (Lepidoptera, Psychidae) from Korea.

The genus Dahlica Enderlein, 1912 is reported for the first time from Korea with two new species: Dahlica (Dahlica) somae Roh & Byun, sp. n. and Dahlica (Dahlica) ochrostigma Roh & Byun, sp. n. Adults and genitalia are illustrated, and DNA barcodes for precise identification of the species are also provided.

Transient midventricular ballooning syndrome with thrombus post pericardiocentesis in a patient with malignant breast cancer.

One day after pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion in a patient with malignant breast cancer, the clinical and echocardiographic examination for recurrent dyspnea suggested stress cardiomyopathy with mid left ventricular ballooning and thrombus rather than pericardial decompression syndrome. Physicians should therefore pay attention to the possibility of ventricular dysfunction with thrombus post pericardiocentesis and to differences between stress cardiomyopathy and pericardial decompression syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:53-57, 2017.

Endoscopic Electrosurgery in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) undergoing endoscopic electrosurgery (EE) are at a risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI). We aimed to analyze the effects of EE in CIED patients. METHODS: Patients with CIED who underwent EE procedures such as snare polypectomy, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) were retrospectively analyzed. Postprocedural symptoms as well as demographic and outpatient follow-up data were reviewed through medical records. Electrical data, including preprocedural and postprocedural arrhythmia records, were reviewed through pacemaker interrogation, 24-hour Holter monitoring, or electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Fifty-nine procedures in 49 patients were analyzed. Fifty procedures were performed in 43 patients with a pacemaker, and nine were performed in six patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. There were one gastric and 44 colon snare polypectomies, five gastric and one colon ESDs, and eight ERCPs with EST. Fifty-five cases of electrical follow-up were noted, with two postprocedural changes not caused by EE. Thirty-one pacemaker interrogations had procedure recordings, with two cases of asymptomatic tachycardia. All patients were asymptomatic with no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports no adverse events from EE in patients with CIED, suggesting that this procedure is safe. However, because of the possibility of EMI, recommendations on EE should be followed.

Genomic Survey and Biochemical Analysis of Recombinant Candidate Cyanobacteriochromes Reveals Enrichment for Near UV/Violet Sensors in the Halotolerant and Alkaliphilic Cyanobacterium Microcoleus IPPAS B353.

Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs), which are exclusive to and widespread among cyanobacteria, are photoproteins that sense the entire range of near-UV and visible light. CBCRs are related to the red/far-red phytochromes that utilize linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophores. Best characterized from the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and the multicellular heterocyst forming filamentous cyanobacteria Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133 and Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, CBCRs have been poorly investigated in mat-forming, nonheterocystous cyanobacteria. In this study, we sequenced the genome of one of such species, Microcoleus IPPAS B353 (Microcoleus B353), and identified two phytochromes and seven CBCRs with one or more bilin-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, adenylyl cyclase and FhlA (GAF) domains. Biochemical and spectroscopic measurements of 23 purified GAF proteins from phycocyanobilin (PCB) producing recombinant Escherichia coli indicated that 13 of these proteins formed near-UV and visible light-absorbing covalent adducts: 10 GAFs contained PCB chromophores, whereas three contained the PCB isomer, phycoviolobilin (PVB). Furthermore, the complement of Microcoleus B353 CBCRs is enriched in near-UV and violet sensors, but lacks red/green and green/red CBCRs that are widely distributed in other cyanobacteria. We hypothesize that enrichment in short wavelength-absorbing CBCRs is critical for acclimation to high-light environments where this organism is found.

Investigation of bleeding focus in the intracranial vertebral artery with the use of posterior neck dissection method in traumatic basal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Traumatic basal subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by minor blunt trauma to the head or neck can lead to rapid collapse and death. The vertebral arteries are the vessels most commonly involved in such cases, but it is very difficult to find the bleeding focus in the vertebral arteries in routine autopsy because of the location of these vessels. Using the posterior neck dissection method, which is relatively easy and avoids artificial damage to the intracranial portion of the vertebral arteries, authors have identified tear sites in the intracranial artery in four out of five consecutive traumatic basal subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. In this report we show that this new method is useful for cases of traumatic basal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Genome sequence of the hot pepper provides insights into the evolution of pungency in Capsicum species.

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum), one of the oldest domesticated crops in the Americas, is the most widely grown spice crop in the world. We report whole-genome sequencing and assembly of the hot pepper (Mexican landrace of Capsicum annuum cv. CM334) at 186.6× coverage. We also report resequencing of two cultivated peppers and de novo sequencing of the wild species Capsicum chinense. The genome size of the hot pepper was approximately fourfold larger than that of its close relative tomato, and the genome showed an accumulation of Gypsy and Caulimoviridae family elements. Integrative genomic and transcriptomic analyses suggested that change in gene expression and neofunctionalization of capsaicin synthase have shaped capsaicinoid biosynthesis. We found differential molecular patterns of ripening regulators and ethylene synthesis in hot pepper and tomato. The reference genome will serve as a platform for improving the nutritional and medicinal values of Capsicum species.