The prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes has been determined in cancers of the lung, colon and breast, though there is no standardized method for using this prognostic indicator for lung cancer. We applied a modified version of the method proposed by the International Immuno-Oncology Biomarkers Working Group to primary lung adenocarcinoma, which uses histologic findings of hematoxylin and eosin sections. The study included a total cohort of 146 lung adenocarcinoma patients who underwent lobectomy with lymph node dissection at two hospitals between 2008 and 2012. The full-face sections of hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were reviewed, and we evaluated the level of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as a percentage of the area occupied out of the total intra-tumoral stromal area. Histopathologic factors include histologic grade, necrosis, extracellular mucin, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, level of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, tertiary lymphoid structures around the tumor, and the presence of a germinal center in tertiary lymphoid structures. The high level of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was found to be significantly correlated with the histologic grade (p = 0.023), necrosis (p = 0.042), abundance of tertiary lymphoid structures(p<0.001) and presence of a germinal center in tertiary lymphoid structures (p = 0.004). A high level of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was associated with better progression-free survival (p = 0.011) as well as overall survival (p = 0.049). On multivariable analysis, high tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte levels were a good independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (Hazard ratio: 0.389, 95% confidence interval: 0.161–0.941, p = 0.036). Histologic evaluation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes level in lung adenocarcinoma with H&E sections therefore has prognostic value in routine surgical pathology.

Tracheal resection and end-to end anastomosis (TRE) is known as standard treatment of tracheal stenosis (TS) and there are various methods to keep ventilation during operation. We reviewed ventilation methods and postoperative outcomes in patients with postintubational (PI) or posttracheostomy (PT) TS. From May 2006 to May 2013, 18 patients with PI or PTTS underwent TRE in our hospital. All patients' records were retrospectively reviewed. The mean duration of intubation and tracheostomy were 14.2 days (range: 2 to 27 days) and 114.9 days (range: 43 to 215 days). The location of stenosis was tube cuffs (n = 10), stoma (n = 6) and double stenosis involving cuff and stoma (n = 2). The mean diameter of stenotic lesion was 5.4 mm (range: 2 to 9 mm. ECMO (n = 4) was performed in critical stenosis. Of two cases with double stenosis, one underwent preoperative endotracheal balloon dilatation and the other underwent TRE with cricoplasty. The overall complication rate was 11.8%. The mean follow-up duration was 14.0 months (range: 0.9 to 56.3 months). Comparing with the literatures, TS treated by TRE in our hospital has shown satisfactory outcomes. To maintain appropriate ventilation for critical stenosis, ECMO could be one of safe methods.

Purpose: Information and communication technology (ICT)-based training devices for older adults’ care related to dementia are being developed to enhance older adults’ cognitive functions. Older adults who require bicycle training devices can improve muscle strength and balance of lower limbs by continuously contracting and relaxing lower-limb muscles and improving cognitive function to prevent dementia. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an ICT-based multicomponent program on body composition and cognitive function in older adults. Patients and Methods: In a randomized controlled intervention test on 20 people over the age of 60 (exercise group: n = 10; control: n = 10), the multicomponent program was applied to the exercise group twice per week, once per day for 12 weeks, at 30 min per session, whereas the control group was advised to maintain their usual daily activities. Results: Comparing body composition changes and cognitive function changes before and after intervention exhibited statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass (P=0.01) and modified Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale–cognitive score (P=0.01) between the two groups. Conclusion: It can be difficult to be engaged in a simple repetitive exercise program. Therefore, to meet older adults’ interests and expectations, a customized ICT-based multicomponent program, which can improve body composition and cognitive function in older adults and is believed to help prevent dementia, is recommended. Trial Registration: UMIN000042129 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/english/).

This study aimed to determine the relationship between sarcopenia and physical function, and the best method of diagnosing sarcopenia in healthy adults. Early prevention of sarcopenia is important; however, no studies have been conducted in healthy and relatively young adults. In addition, it remains unclear whether calf circumference is associated with sarcopenia-defined variables. A total of 85 healthy male participants were enrolled, and the mean standard deviation age of the participants was 59.76 (8.12) years. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed to measure muscle areas. All subjects were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups based on skeletal muscle mass index using computed tomography. Sarcopenia showed a tendency to be related to lower grip strength, five times sit-to-stand and timed up and go tests for physical function. This result shows that overweight and obesity in the sarcopenia group had fully adjusted odds ratios of 0.026 (95% CI: 0.002–0.317) and 0.008 (95% CI: 0.001–0.096), respectively. Calf circumference was higher specificity (71.43 and 64.86) better than bioelectrical impedance analysis-based skeletal mass index and had a similar sensitivity (72.09 and 82.35). In conclusion, calf circumference suggests the need to consider its use as a tool for assessing muscle mass in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Chylothorax is a disease that has various causes such as neoplasm, infection, post-surgery trauma, congenital, and venous thrombosis. In approximately 15% of cases of chylothorax, the exact cause is unknown. We report a case of delayed occurrence of right chylothorax in a patient who had multiple segmental ribs fracture on his left side. A 70-year-old Asian man had a “rollover” accident in which the cultivator he was driving overturned. He presented to our hospital with the main complaint of severe dyspnea. On chest computed tomography, multiple ribs fracture from the first to the eighth rib of the left side of his chest and left-sided hemopneumothorax were presented, but there was no evidence of fracture in the right side of his chest. After closed thoracostomy, an emergency operation for open reduction of fractured ribs was performed. On the fifth postoperative day, tubal feeding was performed. On the next day, a plain chest X-ray image showed pleural effusion of the right side of his chest. After insertion of a small-bore chest tube, 3390 ml of fluid for 24 hours was drained. The body fluid analysis revealed triglycerides levels of 1000 mg/dL, which led to a diagnosis of chylothorax. Although non-oral feeding and total parenteral nutrition were sustained, drain amount was increased on the fifth day. Surgical treatment (thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation and pleurectomy) was performed in the early phase. The right chest tube was removed on the 14th postoperative day after the effusion completely resolved and he was uneventfully discharged. In this case, as our patient was in old age and had multiple traumas, surgical treatment for chylothorax needed to be performed in the early phase.

Soojin Lee, M.D., Jeong Su Cho, M.D., Eunsoo Kim, M.D., Yeongdae Kim, M.D., Jonggeun Lee, M.D.. J Chest Surg 2022;55:30-6. https://doi.org/10.5090/jcs.21.119