Annals of Laboratory Medicine最新文献

{"title":"First Report of Concurrent Infective Endocarditis and Spondylitis Caused by <i>Lactococcus petauri</i>.","authors":"Kyeong Seon Ryu, Taek Soo Kim, Sue Shin, Jae Hyeon Park","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0592","DOIUrl":"10.3343/alm.2025.0592","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"354-356"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13071267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146177632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Letter to the Editor on \"Clinical Characteristics and Mortality Risk Factors of Candida lusitaniae Candidemia: A Multicenter Study in Korea\".","authors":"Can Yan,Jinlin Liu","doi":"10.3343/alm.2026.0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2026.0027","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"200 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147753279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clade Differentiation of Candida auris (Candidozyma auris) Clinical Isolates from Korean Hospitals Using Multilocus Sequence Typing and Sequence-Based Identification.","authors":"Yong Jun Kwon,Seung A Byun,Seok Hoon Jeong,Dokyun Kim,Min Hyuk Choi,Eun Jeong Won,Tae Yeul Kim,Jeong Hwan Shin,Min Joong Jang,Min Ji Choi,Ga Yeong Lee,Soo Bin Lee,Soo Hyun Kim,Jong Hee Shin","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2025.0524","url":null,"abstract":"Candida auris (Candidozyma auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast with distinct phylogenetic clades that differ in their epidemiological characteristics. Rapid and practical methods for clade differentiation are needed for effective surveillance and infection control. We performed clade differentiation of C. auris clinical isolates collected in 32 Korean hospitals between 1996 and 2024 using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). All isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, with species confirmation via internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and D1/D2 region sequencing. We evaluated whether these sequencing methods could help reliably distinguish clade II from other clades. MLST helped classify 339 isolates into clade II (194 isolates from 16 hospitals, 1996-2024) and clade I (145 isolates from 22 hospitals, 2018-2024). All clade II isolates showed distinct ITS sequences compared to other clades (I, III-VI), supporting phylogenetic separation. In contrast, D1/D2 sequencing could not distinguish clade II from clade III. Nine clade II isolates from patients with candidemia were sporadically identified over time and across hospitals. In contrast, clusters of clade I candidemia cases, previously unreported in Korea, were identified at 11 hospitals (2022-2024), with isolates showing identical MLST and ITS/D1/D2 sequences. These findings suggest possible ongoing nosocomial transmission of clade I C. auris fungemia in Korea and demonstrate that ITS sequencing can aid in reliably differentiating endemic clade II from non-clade II C. auris isolates, offering a simpler alternative to MLST.","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147753278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating sustainability into ISO 15189.","authors":"Mark Lum","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0743","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2025.0743","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reply to Letter to the Editor on \"Clinical Characteristics and Mortality Risk Factors of <i>Candida lusitaniae</i> Candidemia: A Multicenter Study in Korea\".","authors":"Eun Jeong Won","doi":"10.3343/alm.2026.0089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2026.0089","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Laboratory Assessment and Clinical Outlook for Ex Vivo-Produced Human Platelets and Megakaryocytes from Stem Cell Sources.","authors":"Kyoung Mi Kim,Koudai I Albaira,Yong Gon Cho,Hyun Ok Kim,Hyung Jin Kim,Soon Sung Kwon,Jaecheol Lee,Dae-Hyun Ko,Sinyoung Kim,Seung Yeob Lee","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0687","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2025.0687","url":null,"abstract":"Platelet transfusions are essential for managing thrombocytopenia but have critical limitations, including a 5-7-day shelf-life causing wastage, alloimmune refractoriness in chronically transfused patients, and vulnerability to supply disruptions. Ex vivo platelet production from stem cells represents a transformative solution, evolving from initial hematopoietic stem cell approaches to induced pluripotent stem cell platforms with unlimited expansion and genetic tractability for universal platelet products. We critically reviewed the state and future trajectory of ex vivo platelet production, focusing on stem cell sources, manufacturing innovations, QC methods, and progression from laboratory concept to clinical reality. Key advances include immortalized megakaryocyte progenitor cell lines for scalable manufacturing; turbulence-based bioreactors that harness physiological shear stress to produce over 100 billion platelets/run; and comprehensive quality frameworks spanning cellular and molecular characterization, functional assays, and in vivo validation. We comparatively analyzed pioneering first-in-human clinical trials that collectively established the safety of iPSC-derived platelet transfusion and highlighted the translational challenges of achieving donor-comparable efficacy. We also highlighted the evolving corporate landscape, wherein companies pursue commercialization alongside national initiatives, including Korea's 15-yr artificial blood program. Convergence between biological insight, engineering innovation, and sustained investment suggests that ex vivo platelet production can transform transfusion medicine. Remaining challenges include reducing costs and optimizing in vivo circulation of platelet products. Initial implementation will likely focus on high-value applications, such as transfusion for alloimmunized patients, before broader adoption. The long-term goal is to replace the vulnerable donor-dependent system with on-demand production of standardized, pathogen-free, and universally compatible platelets.","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147751439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic Accuracy of Eight Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Equations for Assessing Kidney Function in Korean Pediatric Patients.","authors":"Hyorin Kim,Donghyeok Lee,Yuna Choi,Tae-Dong Jeong,Sollip Kim,Woochang Lee,Sail Chun","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0327","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2025.0327","url":null,"abstract":"BackgroundEstimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in children is typically calculated using the Schwartz equation. Recently developed equations, such as the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children Under 25 (CKiD U25) and the European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) formulas are increasingly used; however, validation studies in Korean pediatric populations remain limited. We compared the performance of eight eGFR equations (including the CKiD U25, EKFC, updated bedside Schwartz, and Schwartz cystatin C equations) using data from Korean children.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 221 pediatric patients (aged 2-18 yrs) who underwent 51Cr-EDTA-based measured GFR (mGFR) assessment, along with serum creatinine and cystatin C testing, at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, between 2010 and 2019. Eight eGFR equations were evaluated. Performance metrics assessed included bias, accuracy [mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and percentage of estimates within 30% (P30), 20% (P20), and 10% (P10) of mGFR], precision (root mean square error), correlation coefficients (r), and agreement (overall concordance rate and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient).ResultsBias (mL/[min · 1.73 m2]) was lowest for CKiD U25_cys (1.6), EKFC_cys (-1.8), and CKiD U25_cr-cys (2.3). EKFC_cr showed the highest P30 (81.0%); however, the combined equations (EKFC_cr-cys, 80.5%; CKiD U25_cr-cys, 74.7%) demonstrated comparable P30 values with lower bias and more consistent performance across subgroups. Under stricter accuracy thresholds (P10, P20, and MAPE), the combined equations outperformed the other formulas. Correlation and concordance with mGFR were also highest with the combined equations.ConclusionsCreatinine-cystatin C-based equations can aid in providing more accurate kidney function assessments in Korean children.","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147731479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First Case of Bloodstream Infection by Candida auris (Candidozyma auris) Resistant to Three Major Antifungal Classes in Korea.","authors":"Yong Jun Kwon,Hyun Soo Kim,So Jeong Kim,Jong Hee Shin,Soo Hyun Kim","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0664","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2025.0664","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147726069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in HLA and Non-HLA Immune Profiling: Integrating Next-Generation Sequencing and Artificial Intelligence in Transplantation.","authors":"Eunji Shin,Eun Young Song,Eun-Suk Kang,Minjeong Nam","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0636","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2025.0636","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding transplantation outcomes requires an integrated view of immunological, genetic, and clinical determinants that collectively shape graft function over time. Although HLA mismatches are primary drivers of graft injury, emerging evidence highlights the critical contributions of non-HLA antibodies and both T-cell-mediated and antibody-mediated rejections to acute and chronic allograft dysfunction. Advances in molecular immunology and high-resolution next-generation sequencing, including HLA typing, genome-wide variant analysis, and transcriptomic profiling, now enable comprehensive pre- and post-transplant assessment. Donor-derived cell-free DNA and RNA sequencing have further enhanced the ability to monitor graft injury dynamically and noninvasively. The integration of multi-omics data with artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches helps predict immune activation, refine risk stratification, and guide individualized immunosuppressive therapy. Together, these developments represent a transition from descriptive to predictive and personalized transplantation medicine aimed at improving long-term graft survival and patient outcomes following solid organ transplantation.","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147695249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caspase-1 Activation in Monocyte Subsets Is Associated with Monocyte Distribution Width.","authors":"Yin Liu,Fei Pei,Dong Wang","doi":"10.3343/alm.2025.0643","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2025.0643","url":null,"abstract":"BackgroundMonocyte distribution width (MDW) is a robust early sepsis biomarker. However, the mechanism underlying MDW elevation remains unclear. We evaluated the associations of MDW with monocyte subset proportions (based on CD14/CD16 expression) and caspase-1 activation levels.MethodsIn total, 98 adults (22 healthy controls, 25 patients with mild infection, 16 non-sepsis intensive care unit patients, and 35 patients with sepsis) were included in this prospective observational study. MDW was measured alongside routine complete blood count (CBC) using a UniCel DxH 800 analyzer (Beckman Coulter). Caspase-1 activity in monocyte subsets was assessed using flow cytometry with Fluorescent Labeled Inhibitor of Caspase- 1 (Immunochemistry Technologies) and quantified as geometric mean fluorescence intensity.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, all patient groups showed reduced classical monocyte frequencies and increased intermediate monocyte frequencies; these variations were moderately associated with elevated MDW. Caspase-1 activity was elevated in all three monocyte subsets across patient groups; patients with sepsis showed significantly higher non-classical monocyte activity than the other two patient cohorts. MDW correlated positively with caspase-1 activity in all subsets, with the strongest correlation in non-classical monocytes (Spearman's ρ=0.762, P <0.001).ConclusionsElevated MDW correlates with altered monocyte subset proportions and enhanced in vivo caspase-1 activation, with a particularly strong association with non-classical monocyte caspase-1 activity. Given that non-classical monocyte caspase-1 activity is markedly increased in patients with sepsis, our results suggest a potential clinically relevant association linking MDW to sepsis-associated monocyte dysfunction, which may inform the interpretation of MDW in clinical practice.","PeriodicalId":8421,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"94 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147695206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}