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In South Korea, a combined vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b invasive infections (DTaP-IPV/Hib) is available since 2018 for vaccination of infants from the age of 2 months. This prospective, observational, non-comparative, post-marketing study evaluated the real-world safety of DTaP-IPV/Hib primary vaccination in eligible South Korean infants from the age of 2 months between 2018 and 2022. Infants were followed up for 30 days after each vaccine dose to assess the proportion of infants experiencing any adverse event (AE), including adverse drug reactions (ADRs), unexpected AEs, and serious AEs/serious ADRs (SAEs/SADRs). Of 660 infants vaccinated during the study period, 646 were included in the total safety cohort. A total of 194 AEs were reported in 143 (22.1%) infants; 158 AEs occurred after the first dose in 130 (20.1%) infants, 21 after the second dose in 20 (13.4%) infants, and 11 after the third dose in ten (8.1%) infants. The most frequent AEs by Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Preferred Terms terminology were pyrexia (13.3%), injection site swelling (5.1%), and irritability (1.7%). Most of the AEs were mild, resolved without a medical visit, and were classified as possibly related to vaccination. The incidence proportions of ADRs, unexpected AEs, and SAEs/SADRs were 19.4%, 4.3%, and 0.9%, respectively. All SAEs/SADRs resolved after hospitalization or emergency room visit, and one event was possibly related to vaccination. These results are in line with the approved label and other national/international studies, confirming the acceptable safety profile of DTaP-IPV/Hib in the South Korean pediatric population.

ABSTRACTThere is an ongoing burden of pneumococcal disease in children despite the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). This phase 3, open-label, single-arm, multisite, descriptive study was designed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a 3 + 1 regimen of V114 (VAXNEUVANCE™), a 15-valent PCV, in South Korean infants and toddlers. Adverse events (AEs) were reported for 14 d following any vaccination, and throughout the study period for serious AEs. Serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response rates (proportion of participants meeting an IgG threshold value of ≥0.35 μg/mL) and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) for the 15 serotypes at 30 d postdose 3 (PD3) and at 30 d postdose 4 (PD4) were evaluated as endpoints. Healthy infants enrolled at 42–90 d after birth were vaccinated with V114 (N = 57). The most commonly reported AEs were those solicited in the trial. The majority of reported AEs were transient and of mild or moderate intensity. Few serious AEs were reported; none were vaccine related. No participants died nor discontinued the study vaccine because of an AE. V114 was immunogenic for all 15 serotypes contained in the vaccine, as assessed by IgG response rates at 30 d PD3 and IgG GMCs at 30 d PD3 and at 30 d PD4. V114 was well tolerated and immunogenic when administered as a 3 + 1 regimen in healthy South Korean infants and toddlers.

Varicella (chickenpox) is an infectious disease caused by the highly contagious varicella zoster virus with a secondary attack rate greater than 90%. From this perspective, we aimed to establish the basis for a national varicella vaccine policy by reviewing vaccination programs and policies of countries that have introduced universal varicella vaccinations. As a result of the spread of varicella, an increasing number of countries are providing 2-dose vaccinations and universally expanding their use. In practice, the efficacy and effectiveness of vaccination differ among vaccines and vaccination programs. Optimized vaccination strategies based on each country’s local epidemiology and health resources are required. Accordingly, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of varicella vaccines in different settings. Given the short-term and fragmented vaccine effectiveness evaluation in Korea, it is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness at the national level and determine its schedule based on the evidence generated through these studies.

Abstract Background Despite high vaccination coverage, measles outbreaks have been reported in measles elimination countries, especially among healthcare workers in their 20 and 30 s. This study was designed to identify measles-susceptible individuals and to evaluate whether primary or secondary vaccine failure occurred during measles outbreak response immunization (ORI) activities. Methods The study population was divided into three groups as follows: natural immunity group (Group 1), vaccine-induced immunity group (Group 2), and vaccine failure group (Group 3). We evaluated the immunogenicity of measles among healthcare workers using three methods—enzyme-linked immunoassays, plaque reduction neutralization tests, and avidity assays. The results were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks after, and 6 months after the completion of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination. Results In total, 120 subjects were enrolled, with 40 subjects in each group. The median age of Group 3 was 29 years, which was significantly lower than that of the other groups. The baseline negative measles virus (MeV) IgG in Group 3 increased to a median value of 165 AU/mL at 4 weeks after ORI and was lower than that in Groups 1 and 2. The median neutralizing antibody titer was highest in Group 1, and this was significantly different from that in Group 2 or Group 3 at 4 weeks (944 vs. 405 vs. 482 mIU/mL, P = 0.001) and 6 months (826 vs. 401 vs. 470, P = 0.011) after ORI. The rates of high MeV avidity IgG were highest in Group 2, and these were significantly different from those in Groups 1 or 3 at 4 weeks (77.5 vs. 90% vs. 88.6%, P = 0.03) and 6 months (81 vs. 94.8 vs. 82.1%, P = 0.01) after ORI. Conclusions Considering the MeV-neutralizing antibodies and IgG avidity after MMR vaccination in measles-susceptible group, vaccine failure is inferred as secondary vaccine failure, and further data regarding the maintenance of immunogenicity are needed based on long-term data. The MeV-neutralizing antibody levels were highest in the natural immunity group, and the primary vaccine-induced immunity group showed the highest rates of high MeV IgG avidity.

In April 2020, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety licensed a hexavalent combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP), inactivated poliovirus (IPV), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugated to tetanus protein, and hepatitis B (HepB) (recombinant DNA) vaccine, DTa-PIPV-Hib-HepB (Hexaxim, Sanofi Pasteur), for use as a 3-dose primary series in infants aged 2, 4, and 6 months. The DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine is highly immunogenic and safe and provides a long-term immune response based on studies performed in a variety of settings in many countries, including Korea. This report summarizes the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the Korean Pediatric Society guidelines for the use of this newly introduced hexavalent combination vaccine.

A concerning development during the coronavirus disease pandemic has been multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Reports of this condition in East Asia have been limited. In South Korea, 3 cases were reported to the national surveillance system for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. All case-patients were hospitalized and survived with no major disease sequelae.

Background: This study explores the association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios with the 3-month treatment response and persistence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blockers in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: This retrospective cohort study investigated 279 AS patients who were newly initiated on TNF-α blockers between April 2004 and October 2019 and 171 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Response to TNF-α blockers was defined as a reduction in the Bath AS Disease Activity Index of ≥50% or 20 mm, and persistence referred to the time interval from the initiation to discontinuation of TNF-α blockers. Results: Patients with AS had significantly increased NLR, MLR, and PLR ratios as compared to controls. The frequency of non-response at 3 months was 3.7%, and TNF-α blockers’ discontinuation occurred in 113 (40.5%) patients during the follow-up period. A high baseline NLR but not high baseline MLR and PLR showed an independently significant association with a higher risk of non-response at 3 months (OR = 12.3, p = 0.025) and non-persistence with TNF-α blockers (HR = 1.66, p = 0.01). Conclusions: NLR may be a potential marker for predicting the clinical response and persistence of TNF-α blockers in AS patients.

The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the Korean Pediatric Society recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents aged 18 years or younger in the 9th (2018) edition of Immunization guideline. This report provides the revised recommendations made by the committee and summarizes several changes from the 2015 guideline. National immunization program (NIP) launched a human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization for girls aged 12 years in 2016. NIP has also expanded age indication for inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) to 12 years of age in the 2018-2019 season. Quadrivalent IIVs with a full dose (0.5 mL) are approved for all children of 6 months or older. Recommendations of live attenuated influenza vaccine were removed. For inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine, first 2 doses are considered as the primary series. Recommendations for use of newly introduced vaccines (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis/inactivated poliovirus/Haemophilus influenzae type b, 9-valent HPV, new varicella vaccine, new quadrivalent IIV, and attenuated oral typhoid vaccine) were added. Lastly, monitoring system for adverse events following immunization was updated. Other changes can be found in the 9th edition of Immunization guideline in detail.

Infanrix-IPV (GSK, Belgium) is a diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliovirus combination vaccine (DTaP-IPV) licensed in many countries including Korea. In accordance with Korean regulations, we conducted a post-marketing surveillance (PMS) to evaluate the safety of DTaP-IPV administered to Korean children in routine immunization schedules. Children aged

Background: To investigate the diagnostic performance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in subjects with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (UIA). Methods: This retrospective cohort study investigated 201 female patients with UIA (≥1 swollen joint) and 280 age-matched, healthy female controls. “Clinical RA” was defined based on the clinical judgment of a rheumatologist and “disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) RA” was defined as a case of initiating DMARDs treatment within 6 months after the first visit. “Classified RA” was defined as fulfilling the 2010 classification criteria for RA. Receiver operating characteristics were used to determine the optimal cut-off value. Results: UIA patients had a significantly higher NLR, PLR, and MLR than the controls. Among the 201 UIA patients, 65 (32.3%), 63 (31.3%), and 61 (30.3%) subjects were classified as clinical RA, DMARDs RA, and classified RA, respectively. At a cut-off of 0.24, MLR showed moderate accuracy for the diagnosis of DMARDs RA (sensitivity, 65.1%; specificity, 62.3%; area under the curve [AUC], 0.701; p < 0.001). However, the diagnostic accuracies of NLR and PLR were low. Conclusions: MLR may be used as a complementary diagnostic indicator for RA diagnosis in patients with UIA.

Background and Objectives: We investigated whether nutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphoycte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are associated with the presence of osteoporosis (OP) and vertebral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 413 postmenopausal patients with RA and 200 healthy controls who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) between January 2005 and December 2017. DEXA examination data were defined as the index date, and all laboratory values were measured within one month from the index date. OP was defined as a T-score < −2.5, and incident vertebral fractures were defined as the first occurrence of non-traumatic fractures after the index date. NLR, PLR, and MLR measures were dichotomized by a median split (low vs. high). Results: The median NLR, PLR, and MLR in RA patients were significantly higher than those in controls. The frequencies of OP of the lumbar spine, hip, and either site in postmenopausal patients with RA were 24.7%, 15.5%, and 32%, respectively, and were significantly higher than those in controls. After adjusting for confounding factors, a high baseline NLR was significantly associated with OP at either site (OR = 1.61, p = 0.041). In addition, high baseline NLR (OR = 2.11, p = 0.025) and PLR (OR = 2.3, p = 0.011) were related with the presence OP at hip. During the follow-up period, 53 (12.8%) patients with RA developed vertebral fractures incidentally. In multivariable Cox regression models, a high baseline NLR (HR = 4.72, p < 0.001), PLR (HR = 1.96, p = 0.024), and MLR (HR = 2.64, p = 0.002) were independently associated with a higher risk of incidental vertebral fractures. Conclusions: Our data suggest that NLR, PLR, and MLR can be used as potential markers of systemic bone loss among individuals with RA.

The high disease burden of influenza in elderly and chronically ill adults may be due to the suboptimal effectiveness and mismatch of the conventional trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV). This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent (QIV), adjuvanted trivalent (ATIV), and high-dose quadrivalent (HD-QIV) vaccines versus TIV used under the current Korean National Immunization Program (NIP) in older adults aged ≥65 years. We also evaluated the cost-effectiveness of programs for at-risk adults aged 19–64 and adults aged 50–64. A one-year static population model was used to compare the costs and outcomes of alternative vaccination programs in each targeted group. Influenza-related parameters were derived from the National Health Insurance System claims database; other inputs were extracted from the published literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were assessed from a societal perspective. In the base case analysis (older adults aged ≥65 years), HD-QIV was superior, with the lowest cost and highest utility. Compared with TIV, ATIV was cost-effective (ICER $34,314/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]), and QIV was not cost-effective (ICER $46,486/QALY). The cost-effectiveness of HD-QIV was robust for all parameters except for vaccine cost. The introduction of the influenza NIP was cost-effective or even cost-saving for the remaining targeted gr3oups, regardless of TIV or QIV.

Abstract Background Understanding the population genetics of pneumococci will allow detection of changes in the prevalence of circulating genotypes and evidence for capsular switching. We aimed to analyze the genetic structure of invasive pneumococcal isolates obtained from children before and after the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in Korea. Methods A total of 285 invasive pneumococcal isolates were analyzed using serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We classified the isolation year to pre-PCV7 (1995–2003; n = 70), post-PCV7 (2004–2010; n = 142), and post-PCV13 (2011–2013; n = 73) periods. Results Of the 10 clonal complexes (CCs), antibiotic-resistant international clones, CC320 (31.6%), CC81 (14.7%), and CC166 (6.7%) were the main complexes. Serotype 19A was the main serotype of CC320 throughout the periods. Serotypes of CC81 mainly comprised of 23F (53.3%) in pre-PCV7 period and replaced by non-vaccine types (NVTs; 6C [10%], 13 [30%], 15A [40%], and 15B/C [20%]) in post-PCV13 period. The main serotype responsible for CC166 also changed from 9 V (80%) in pre-PCV7 to NVT 11A (50%) in post-PCV13 periods. Non-susceptibility to penicillin (42.3%) was the highest in CC320, increasing from 0 to 76%. Conclusion The genetic structures of invasive pneumococcal isolates in Korean children have changed concomitantly with serotype after the implementation of PCVs.

Yukmijihwang-tang (YJ) has been used to treat diabetes mellitus, renal disorders, and cognitive impairment in traditional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-osteoporotic effect of YJ on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in a rat and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). YJ reduced the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (MNCs) in an osteoclast/osteoblast co-culture system by regulating the ratio of RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) by osteoblasts. Overall, YJ reduced TRAP-positive cell formation and TRAP activity and F-actin ring formation. Analysis of the underlying mechanisms indicated that YJ inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos, resulting in the suppression of osteoclast differentiation-related genes such as TRAP, ATPase, H+ transporting, lysosomal 38 kDa, V0 subunit d2, osteoclast-associated receptor, osteoclast-stimulatory transmembrane protein, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein, matrix metalloproteinase-9, cathepsin K, and calcitonin receptor. YJ also inhibited the nuclear translocation of NFATc1. Additionally, YJ markedly inhibited RANKL-induced phosphorylation of signaling pathways activated in the early stages of osteoclast differentiation including the p38, JNK, ERK, and NF-κB. Consistent with these in vitro results, the YJ-administered group showed considerably attenuated bone loss in the OVX-mediated rat model. These results provide promising evidence for the potential novel therapeutic application of YJ for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

This report includes the recommended immunization schedule table for children and adolescents based on the 8th (2015) and revised 7th (2012) Immunization Guidelines released by the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the Korean Pediatric Society (KPS). Notable revised recommendations include: reorganization of the immunization table with a list of vaccines on the vertical axis and the corresponding age on the horizontal axis; reflecting the inclusion of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and hepatitis A vaccine into the National Immunization Program since 2012; addition of general recommendations for 2 new Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccines and their interchangeability with existing JE vaccines; addition of general recommendations for quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines and scope of the recommended targets for vaccination; and emphasizing catch-up immunization of Tdap vaccine. Detailed recommendations for each vaccine may be obtained from the full KPS 8th Immunization Guidelines.

OBJECTIVES:Despite a high vaccine uptake rate of over 80% in South Korea, the disease burden of influenza is still high among the elderly, which may be due to low effectiveness of vaccines. Therefore, the cost-effectiveness of use among the elderly was analyzed in order to compare the current trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) with a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) or MF59-adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (ATIV). METHODS:A static lifetime Markov model was used. It was assumed that the model would be repeated until individuals reached the age of 100. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed across three age groups (65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥85 years), and the at-risk group was studied. RESULTS:Compared to the TIV, the QIV was expected to reduce the number of influenza infections by 342,873, complications by 17,011, hospitalizations by 8,568, and deaths by 2,031. The QIV was highly cost-effective when compared to the TIV, with a base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) estimated at USD 17,699/QALY (1USD = 1,151KRW), and the ICER decreased with age and was USD 3,431/QALY in the group aged 85 and above. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the ICER was sensitive to the QIV price, the proportion of influenza B, and vaccine mismatching. On the other hand, the ATIV was expected to reduce the number of influenza cases and complications by 1,812,395 and 89,747, respectively, annually, yielding cost-saving among all ages. ATIV price and vaccine efficacy were the most influential parameters for the ICER of ATIV. CONCLUSIONS:The QIV and ATIV strategies were considered more cost-effective in comparison to the TIV for vaccination strategies implemented for the elderly. However, owing to a lack of data on the effectiveness of ATIV among the elderly, a large-scale effectiveness study is required.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of root bark of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (ES) on osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, we found that ES significantly inhibited the RANKL-induced formation of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts and osteoclastic bone resorption without cytotoxic effects. ES markedly downregulated the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1); c-Fos; and osteoclast-related marker genes, such as TRAP, osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), calcitonin receptor, cathepsin K, the 38 kDa d2 subunit of the vacuolar H+-transporting lysosomal ATPase (Atp6v0d2), dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), and osteoclast-stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP). These effects were achieved by inhibiting the RANKL-mediated activation of MAPK signaling pathway proteins, including p38, ERK, and JNK. In vivo, ES attenuated OVX-induced decrease in bone volume to tissue volume ratio (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and bone mineral density, but increased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) in the femur. Collectively, our findings showed that ES inhibited RANKL-activated osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages and prevented OVX-mediated bone loss in rats. These findings suggest that ES has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Ephedra sinica Stapf (EH) exert toxic effects, such as excitability, cardiac arrhythmia, and others. On the contrary, in traditional herbal medicine, EH and gypsum (GF) are used most often to treat symptoms caused by external stressors. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in thermal homeostasis. Inflammatory response in the hypothalamus by thermal stressors may affect thermal and energy homeostasis. This study investigates the effect of EH and GF against heat-induced mouse model. Mice were divided into four groups: saline, saline plus heat, EH plus heat, and GF plus heat treated groups. Heat stress was fixed at 43 °C for 15 min once daily for 3 days. Weight and ear and rectal temperature measurements were made after terminating heat stress. Hypothalamus tissue was collected to evaluate the HSP70, nuclear factor kappa-Β (NF-kB), and interleukin (IL)-1β protein expression levels. EH and GF treatment suppressed the increased body temperature. EH significantly ameliorated heat-induced body weight loss, compared to gypsum. Regulatory effects of EH and GF for body temperature and weight against heat stress were mediated by IL-1β reduction. EH showed significant HSP70 and NF-kB inhibition against heat stress. EH and GF contribute to the inhibition of heat-induced proinflammatory factors and the promotion of hypothalamic homeostasis.

Group D streptococci are known to cause newborn septicemia and meningitis, but the Streptococcus bovis group strains rarely cause serious neonatal infections in Korea. Central nervous system (CNS) complications of neonatal S. bovis group infection have rarely been reported. In adults, S. bovis group strains cause bacteremia and endocarditis, and are associated with gastrointestinal malignancy. However, only a few studies have reported meningitis and septicemia in infants. Here, we describe a case of bacteremia and meningitis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus with a delayed CNS complication in an infant. A 28-day-old male infant was admitted to the hospital with a 1-day history of fever. Cultures of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine showed the presence of S. bovis group strain-S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. He was discharged after 21 days of intravenous ampicillin and cefotaxime administration. Two weeks later, he was readmitted with a fever and short episodes of tonic-clonic movements. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed marked bilateral frontal subdural effusion. He was discharged after 31 days of antibiotic therapy, and no neurological sequelae were observed at the 9-month follow-up. In conclusion, we present a rare case of neonatal S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus infection causing urinary tract infection, septicemia, meningitis, and delayed CNS complications. This case emphasizes the need for physicians to be aware of S. bovis infection in infants.

PurposeAdministration of antiretroviral drugs to mothers and infants significantly decreases mother-to-child human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission; cesarean sections and discouraging breastfeeding further decreases this risk. The present study confirmed the HIV status of babies born to mothers infected with HIV and describes the characteristics of babies and mothers who received preventive treatment.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed medical records of nine infants and their mothers positive for HIV who gave birth at Korea University Ansan Hospital, between June 1, 2003, and May 31, 2013. Maternal parameters, including HIV diagnosis date, CD4+ count, and HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA) copy number, were analyzed. Infant growth and development, HIV RNA copy number, and HIV antigen/antibody test results were analyzed.ResultsEight HIV-positive mothers delivered nine babies; all the infants received antiretroviral therapy. Three (37.5%) and five mothers (62.5%) were administered single- and multidrug therapy, respectively. Intravenous zidovudine was administered to four infants (50%) at birth. Breastfeeding was discouraged for all the infants. All the infants were negative for HIV, although two were lost to follow-up. Third trimester maternal viral copy numbers were less than 1,000 copies/mL with a median CD4+ count of 325/µL (92-729/µL). Among the nine infants, two were preterm (22.2%) and three had low birth weights (33.3%).ConclusionThis study concludes that prophylactic antiretroviral therapy, scheduled cesarean section, and prohibition of breastfeeding considerably decrease mother-to-child HIV transmission. Because the number of infants infected via mother-to-child transmission may be increasing, studies in additional regions using more variables are necessary.

Gagam-whanglyun-haedoktang (GWH) is a newly designed herbal drug formula based on the traditional oriental pharmacological knowledge for the purpose of treating tumorous diseases. Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved suicide program residing in cells. In the present study, apoptosis inducing activities of the decocted water extract of GWH were studied. Results of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that GWH had a strong cytotoxic effect on HL-60 cells. The number of live cells was less than 20% after exposure to 1 mg/ml GWH for 48 h. GWH increased cytotoxicity of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The percentage of apoptotic cells by flow cytometric analysis of the DNA-stained cells increased to 28%, 31%, and 37% at 24 h and to 37%, 44%, and 81% at 48 h after treatment with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/ml GWH, respectively. DNA fragmentation also occurred in apoptosis and was characterized by a ladder pattern on agarose gel. In addition, GWH increased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α. GWH-induced apoptosis was accompanied by activation of caspase-3. These results suggest that GWH induces activation of caspase-3 and eventually leads to apoptosis. Keywords:: gagam-whanglyun-haedoktang, apoptosis, cancer, human leukemia cell, caspase-3

"Through-year assessments" are assessments that are administered in multiple parts and at different times over the course of a school year that also produce summative scores that can be used with state accountability systems (Lorié et al., 2021; Dadey & Gong, 2023). These assessments are alternatively known as instructionally embedded, through-course, or periodic assessments. There are a number of possible through-year assessment models, and they have recently been the subject of much policy interest as they have the potential to inform subsequent instruction, be more closely aligned with and responsive to curricula and instruction, provide more proximal measures of learning, and be a more sensitive measure of student progress or growth than typical year-end summative assessments (Clark & Karvonen, 2021; Gong, 2021; NWEA, 2021; Wise, 2011). More research is needed, however, to substantiate these potential uses.

Neuronal accumulation of mis-folded tau is the pathological hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Distinct from amyloid plaques, which appear simultaneously throughout the brain, tau pathology develops first in a specific brain region and then propagates to neuroanatomically connected brain regions, exacerbating the disease. Due to the implication in disease progression, prevention of tau transmission is recognized as an important therapeutic strategy that can halt disease progression in the brain. Recently, accumulating studies have demonstrated diverse cellular mechanisms associated with cell-to-cell transmission of tau. Once transmitted, mis-folded tau species act as a prion-like seed for native tau aggregation in the recipient neuron. In this review, we summarize the diverse cellular mechanisms associated with the secretion and uptake of tau, and highlight tau-trafficking receptors, which mediate tau clearance or cell-to-cell tau transmission.

This article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of a two-dose varicella vaccination strategy in preventing varicella (chickenpox) infection. The analysis included 25 studies with a total of 49,265 participants. The results showed that the two-dose strategy was highly effective in reducing the risk of varicella infection compared to no vaccination or a one-dose strategy. The study suggests that a two-dose varicella vaccination is recommended for public health, but acknowledges limitations in the study design. [Extracted from the article]

In eukaryotes, a primary protein quality control (PQC) process involves the destruction of conformationally misfolded proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Because approximately one-third of eukaryotic proteomes fold and assemble within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) before being sent to their destinations, the ER plays a crucial role in PQC. The specific functions and biochemical roles of several E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in ER-associated degradation in mammals, on the other hand, are mainly unknown. We identified 2 E3 ligases, ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component Nrecognin 1 (UBR1) and ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N-recognin 2 (UBR2), which are the key N-recognins in the Ndegron pathway and participate in the ER stress response in mammalian cells by modulating their stability. Cells lacking UBR1 and UBR2 are hypersensitive to ER stress-induced apoptosis. Under normal circumstances, these proteins are polyubiquitinated through Lys48-specific linkages and are then degraded by the 26S proteasome. In contrast, when cells are subjected to ER stress, UBR1 and UBR2 exhibit greater stability, potentially as a cellular adaptive response to stressful conditions. Although the precise mechanisms underlying these findings require further investigation, our findings show that cytoplasmic UBR1 and UBR2 have anti-ER stress activities and contribute to global PQC in mammals. These data also reveal an additional level of complexity within the mammalian ER-associated degradation system, implicating potential involvement of the N-degron pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case study of a rare occurrence in which a 7-day-old infant in South Korea developed a severe skin and soft tissue infection caused by a specific type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The infant experienced symptoms such as fever, swelling, and tenderness, and was diagnosed with a serious condition called necrotizing fasciitis. The infection was successfully treated through a combination of antibiotics and surgical drainage, and the infant recovered without any complications. The case emphasizes the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment for severe infections in newborns, as well as the need for measures to prevent the recurrence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the community. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study conducted in South Korea that examines the challenge of distinguishing between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and Kawasaki disease (KD) in children. The study found that 0.56% of KD cases were initially misdiagnosed as UTIs, with the highest percentage occurring in infants under 12 months old. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering KD as a potential diagnosis in infants with UTIs, as incomplete forms of KD are more prevalent in this age group. The findings suggest that further investigation may be necessary in cases of UTIs with pyuria in infants. [Extracted from the article]