PURPOSE: This study (NCT00751348) evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine compared to co-administration of measles-mumps-rubella and varicella (MMR+V) vaccines in Korean children during their second year of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy children aged 11-24 months received one dose of MMRV or MMR+V. Antibody titers against measles, mumps and rubella were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and against varicella using an immunofluorescence assay. Parents/guardians recorded adverse events in diary cards for up to 43 days post-vaccination. The primary objective was to demonstrate non-inferiority of MMRV to MMR+V for all antigens in terms of seroconversion rates (SCRs), defined as a group difference with a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI)>-10%. RESULTS: Of 474 subjects enrolled, 458 (MMRV, 301; MMR+V, 157) were included in the according-to-protocol cohort. For measles (98.0% vs. 99.4%), rubella (99.7% vs. 100%) and varicella (98.9% vs. 100%) SCRs, the lower limits of the 95% CIs for group differences were greater than -10%; however, for mumps SCRs (88.8% vs. 94.2%), it was -10.40%. The primary objective of non-inferiority in mumps SCRs was therefore not met, although the observed group difference in a post-hoc analysis of anti-mumps antibodies using a plaque reduction neutralization assay was 0.39% with a 95% CI lower limit of -4.03%. Adverse events occurred at comparable frequencies for both groups, except for more frequent fever in MMRV recipients. CONCLUSION: Based on the pre-specified non-inferiority criterion, SCRs of the MMRV vaccine were non-inferior to that elicited by MMR+V vaccines for all antigens except mumps.
Antibodies ; Chickenpox ; Child* ; Cohort Studies ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fever ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Humans ; Korea ; Measles ; Mumps ; Rubella ; Vaccines

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of pseudolesions seen in the posterior aspect of segment IV of the liveron CT arterial portography(CTAP), and to evaluate the findings of CT hepatic arteriorgraphy(CTHA) and celiacangiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 450 cases of patients who had undergone CTHA,CTAP and celiac arteriorgraphy for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic lesion, and evaluated the incidence andimaging findings of pseudolesions in segment IV of the liver, as seen on CTAP, CTHA and celiac arteriography. RESULT: In 28 of 450 patients(6.2%), pseudolesions of focal perfusion defect were seen in segment IV on CTarterial portography. Pseudolesions were seen on CTAP on 39 different section slices ; these were wedge-shaped in41% of cases(16/39), rectangular in 30.8%(12/39), ovoid-shaped in 23.1%(9/39), and half moon-shaped in 5.1%(2/39); they were from 1 to 3cm(average, 1.5cm) in anteroposterior diameter, from 1 to 3cm(average, 1.9cm) in width, andfrom 1 to 4cm(average, 1.9cm) in craniocaudal diameter. Twenty-seven patients underwent CTHAs ; hyperattenuationwas seen in 13(48.2%), isoattenuation in 12(44.4%), and hypoattenuation in two(7.4%). In 19 of 28 celiacangiograms(67.9%), the right gastric artery was seen to arise from the hepatic artery, and aberrant right gastricveins directly draining into the left lobe of the liver were seen in three(10.7%). CONCLUSION: The incidence ofpseudolesion seen in segment IV of the liver on CTAP was 6.2% (28/450), and in 3 of 28 cases(10.7%), celiacangiography showed aberrant right gastric venous drainage. For pseudolesions, CTHA showed variable attenuation,and this modality is less sensitive than CTAP for the detection of pseudolesion.
Angiography ; Arteries ; Diagnosis ; Drainage ; Hepatic Artery ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver* ; Perfusion ; Portography* ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms ofX-ray repair crosscomplementing group 1 (XRCC1) codons 194, 280, and 399 and cervical neoplasm susceptibility.

METHODSA community-based nested case-control study was conducted. The study population consisted of women living in Chiayi City, located in southwestern Taiwan, who had received pap smear screening between October, 1999, and December, 2000 (n=32,466). The potential cases were women having lesions greater than cervical intraepithelium neoplasm II (C1N2) reconfirmed by cervical biopsy. The potential controls (case: control=1∶2) were age matched (±2 yrs) and residency matched women who had had normal pap smears. In total, 100 cases (39 C1N2, 12 C1N3, 46 carcinoma in situ (CIS), and 3 invasive cancer) and 196 controls had the information on both questionnaire and data ofXRCC1 polymorphisms.

RESULTSThe frequency ofArg/Arg, Arg/Gln, andGln/Gln in codon 399 among cases and controls was 54% (54/100), 38% (38/100), and 8% (8/100) and 58% (114/196), 37% (73/196), and 5% (9/196), respectively, which were not significantly different. No associations were also observed betweenXRCC1 codon 194 and 280 genotypes and cervical neoplasm. While dichotomized by age (<40 vs. ≥40 yrs), smoking status (active and passive smokers vs. non-smokers), and disease status (C1N2 and C1N3 vs. CIS and invasive cancer), the results remained insignificant.

CONCLUSIONSThe present findings suggest thatXRRC1 codon 194, 280 and 399 genotypes may not influence cervical neoplasm risk in the Taiwanese population.

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition.The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and anti resorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to anti resorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for in dividuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.