BackgroundSimian virus 40 (SV40), a polyomavirus, was discovered as a contaminant of a human polio vaccine in the 1960s. It is known that malignant mesothelioma (MM) is associated with SV40, and that the virus works as a cofactor to the carcinogenetic effects of asbestos. However, the reports about the correlation between SV40 and MM have not been consistent. The purpose of this study is to identify SV40 in MM tissue in Korea through detection of SV40 protein and DNA.MethodsWe analyzed 62 cases of available paraffin-blocks enrolled through the Korean Malignant Mesothelioma Surveillance System and performed immunohistochemistry for SV40 protein and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SV40 DNA.ResultsOf 62 total cases, 40 had disease involving the pleura (64.5%), and 29 (46.8%) were found to be of the epithelioid subtype. Immunostaining demonstrated that all examined tissues were negative for SV40 protein. Sufficient DNA was extracted for real-time PCR analysis from 36 cases. Quantitative PCR of these samples showed no increase in SV40 transcript compared to the negative controls.ConclusionsSV40 is not associated with the development of MM in Korea.

This study aimed to provide basic data in order to develop effective intervention plans to improve the health-related quality of life of older haenyeos (professional female free divers). The study's participants consisted of older haenyeos (≥65 years old) from seven fishing villages on Jeju Island, Korea. Data were collected using a questionnaire-based survey method, and the responses of 149 participants were analyzed. The participants' mean pain score was 2.43 out of 5 points and their mean score for health-related quality of life was 61.18 out of 100 points. Depression was the strongest factor influencing health-related quality of life; other influencing factors included pain, the number of drug side effects, number of drugs prescribed, age, and diving time. Intervention plans for chronic-disease management and self-management programs tailored to the characteristics of older haenyeos are needed for the effective control of depression, pain, and improvement in their health-related quality of life.

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The 64-year-old female patient with cough and intermittent hemoptysis of six months duration visited our hospital. On chest computed tomography, a small, ovoid, 1.3cm sized and well enhanced lesion was detected on the distal trachea. Two multiple lobulated lesions on the sigmoid and transverse colon were revealed on the colonoscopy. The histological findings showed small and medium sized lymphocytes infiltration, CD20 and CD79a positive staining and multiple lymphoepithelial lesions on the distal trachea and colon tissues. Herein, a case of primary MALT lymphoma, with involvement of the trachea and colon, which was treated with rituximab (CD20 anti-monoclonal antibody), cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP regimen), is reported.