Hepatic dysregulation of lipid metabolism exacerbates inflammation and enhances the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). STAT3 has been linked to lipid metabolism and inflammation. Jolkinolide B (JB), derived from Euphorbia fischeriana, is known for its pharmacological anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Therefore, this study investigated whether JB affects MASLD prevention by regulating STAT3 signaling. JB attenuated steatosis and inflammatory responses in palmitic acid (PA)-treated hepatocytes. Additionally, JB treatment reduced the mRNA expression of de-novo lipogenic genes, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. Interestingly, JB-mediated reduction in inflammation and lipogenesis was dependent on STAT3 signaling. JB consistently modulated mitochondrial dysfunction and the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting PA-induced JAK/STAT3 activation. This study suggests that JB is a potential therapeutic agent to prevent major stages of MASLD through inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes.

Hepatic dysregulation of lipid metabolism exacerbates inflammation and enhances the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). STAT3 has been linked to lipid metabolism and inflammation. Jolkinolide B (JB), derived from Euphorbia fischeriana, is known for its pharmacological anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Therefore, this study investigated whether JB affects MASLD prevention by regulating STAT3 signaling. JB attenuated steatosis and inflammatory responses in palmitic acid (PA)-treated hepatocytes. Additionally, JB treatment reduced the mRNA expression of de-novo lipogenic genes, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. Interestingly, JB-mediated reduction in inflammation and lipogenesis was dependent on STAT3 signaling. JB consistently modulated mitochondrial dysfunction and the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting PA-induced JAK/STAT3 activation. This study suggests that JB is a potential therapeutic agent to prevent major stages of MASLD through inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes.

Hepatic dysregulation of lipid metabolism exacerbates inflammation and enhances the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). STAT3 has been linked to lipid metabolism and inflammation. Jolkinolide B (JB), derived from Euphorbia fischeriana, is known for its pharmacological anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Therefore, this study investigated whether JB affects MASLD prevention by regulating STAT3 signaling. JB attenuated steatosis and inflammatory responses in palmitic acid (PA)-treated hepatocytes. Additionally, JB treatment reduced the mRNA expression of de-novo lipogenic genes, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. Interestingly, JB-mediated reduction in inflammation and lipogenesis was dependent on STAT3 signaling. JB consistently modulated mitochondrial dysfunction and the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting PA-induced JAK/STAT3 activation. This study suggests that JB is a potential therapeutic agent to prevent major stages of MASLD through inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes.

In the 2023–2024 season, the influenza epidemic in South Korea peaked earlier than in recent years. In this study, we aimed to estimate the interim vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the influenza vaccination to prevent influenza during the early season. From November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, we enrolled 2,632 subjects with influenza-like illness from eight hospitals participating in hospital-based influenza morbidity and mortality surveillance. A retrospective test-negative case-control study was conducted to estimate the VE. The results showed an adjusted VE of 22.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6 to 35.8) for the total population. The adjusted VE was 22.3% (95% CI, 6.1 to 35.7) for influenza A and 9.4% (95% CI, −51.3 to 45.7) for influenza A/H1N1. Full results of the analysis will be reported.

Background: In Korea, there are no surveillance programs for vaccines that are not included in the national immunization program (NIP), and vaccine safety monitoring in the adult population is inadequate. This study aimed to establish a safety monitoring system for nonNIP vaccines in adults. Methods: Frequently administered non-NIP vaccines were selected. Individuals were included if they received at least one of the selected vaccines at a participating institution and provided informed consent. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events were monitored using questionnaires sent through text messages on days 1, 3, 7, 28, and 90 post-vaccination.Selected adverse events of special interest (AESIs) were monitored monthly by retrospective review of electronic medical records. Causality was assessed according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency guidelines. Results: Four vaccines (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis [Tdap], pneumococcal conjugate 13-valent [PCV13], live zoster vaccine [ZVL], and recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV]) were selected, and their safety profiles were monitored at four tertiary hospitals and 10 primary care clinics. The response rates of the questionnaires on post-vaccination days 1, 7, 28, and 90 were 99.2%, 93.6%, 81.0%, and 48.7%, respectively. Of 555 AESI identified over 10 months, 10 cases received one of the selected non-NIP vaccines within 90 days of the event. Conclusion We are establishing the first safety monitoring system for selected non-NIP vaccines in Korea since September 2022 and report its progress as of July 2023. However, continuous government support is essential for its maintenance and improvement.

Background: Bivalent booster mRNA vaccines containing the omicron-variant strains have been introduced worldwide in the autumn of 2022. Nevertheless, the omicron subvariants evoked another large coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave in late 2022 and early 2023. Methods: A retrospective, test-negative, case-control study was conducted to estimate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in 8 university hospitals between January and February 2023. The case and control groups were divided based on nasopharyngeal COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction results and matched based on age, sex, hospital, and date (week) of the test performed. The VE of the BA.1- or BA.4/BA.5-based mRNA vaccines were estimated. VE was calculated using the 1−adjusted odds ratio from multivariable logistic regression. Results: In total, 949 patients and 947 controls were enrolled in this study. VE for the BA.4/ BA.5-based bivalent mRNA vaccine was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17, 61%). In subgroup analysis based on age and underlying medical conditions, BA.4/BA.5-based bivalent mRNA vaccine was effective against old adults aged ≥ 65-years (VE, 55%; 95% CI, 23, 73%) and individuals with comorbidities (VE, 54%; 95% CI, 23, 73%). In comparison, the BA.1-based bivalent mRNA vaccine did not demonstrate statistically significant effectiveness (VE, 25%; 95% CI, −8, 49%). Conclusion The BA.4/BA.5-based bivalent mRNA booster vaccine provided significant protection against COVID-19 in the Korean adults, especially in the older adults aged ≥ 65 years and in individuals with underlying medical conditions.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate cumulative incidence and risk factors associated with chronic pulmonary infection (CPI) development after radiotherapy for lung cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,872 patients with lung cancer who received radiotherapy for lung cancer from 2010-2014, had a follow-up period of ≥ 3 months after radiotherapy, and did not have CPI at the time of radiotherapy. CPI was defined as pulmonary tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, or pulmonary actinomycosis. The cumulative incidence of CPI and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with CPI development. Results: The median follow-up period was 2.3 years with OS rates of 55.6% and 37.6% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. CPI developed in 59 patients at a median of 1.8 years after radiotherapy, with cumulative incidence rates of 1.1%, 3.4%, 5.0%, and 6.8% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. A lower body mass index, interstitial lung disease, prior pulmonary tuberculosis, larger clinical target volume, history of lung cancer surgery or radiation pneumonitis, and use of inhaled corticosteroids were independent risk factors for CPI development. Conclusion The long-term survival rate of lung cancer patients receiving radiotherapy was not low, but the cumulative incidence of CPI gradually increased to 6.8% at 7 years after radiotherapy. Therefore, close monitoring of CPI development is required in surviving patients with risk factors.

Objective: The study’s aim was to evaluate the validity of the Korean version of the University of California San Diego Performance-based Skills Assessment, Validation of Intermediate Measures (K-UPSA-2-VIM) in patients with dementia (D), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and cognitive normal control group (CN). Methods: Study participants were 25 patients with D, 43 patients with MCI, and 111 controls with CN group, respectively. For cognitive assessment, Mini Mental State Examination, Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease neuropsychological battery, and Clinical Dementia Rating were used. For functional assessment, Barthel-Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Dementia Screening questionnaire, and K-UPSA-2-VIM were used. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in all subdomains and total score of the K-UPSA-2-VIM among three cognitive groups. K-UPSA-2-VIM demonstrated 75.7% of sensitivity and 65.1% of specificity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.731 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.641-0.821, p<0.001) in discriminating between CN and MCI groups. In discriminating between MCI and D groups, 76.7% of sensitivity and 64.0% of specificity, with an AUC of 0.706 (95% CI: 0.580-0.833, p=0.005) were demonstrated. Conclusion The K-UPSA-2-VIM is useful to evaluate activities of daily living function in Korean patients with D and MCI.

Background/Aims: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a major cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rituximab (RTX) in patients with idiopathic MN (iMN) who have a high risk of progression. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of 13 patients with iMN, who received RTX treatments from January 2014 to July 2020. RTX was indicated in patients with iMN with severe proteinuria and decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the previous 6 months despite other immunosuppressive therapies. Results: The patients were predominantly males (n = 11) and with a mean age of 55.3 years; median eGFR, 37.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (interquartile range [IQR], 26.3 to 66.5); serum albumin level, 2.6 g/dL (IQR, 1.9 to 3.1); and spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio at baseline, 6.6 g/g (IQR, 5.7 to 12.9). In a median follow-up of 22 months, eight patients (61.5%) achieved complete or partial remission. In responder group (n = 8), median eGFR increased from 31.5 to 61.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.049) and serum albumin level increased from 2.3 to 4.2 g/dL (p = 0.017) from RTX initiation to last follow-up. Antiphospholipase A2 receptor antibody (anti-PLA2R-Ab) was positive in six among seven tested patients, which markedly decreased in the responder group. There were no adverse events after RTX. Conclusions This study suggests that RTX is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with iMN who have a high risk of progression. Individualized therapy based on anti-PLA2R-Ab titer would be needed for better outcomes.

Background: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, there are concerns regarding waning immunity and the emergence of viral variants. The immunogenicity of Ad26.COV2.S against wild-type (WT) and variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) needs to be evaluated.Method: This prospective cohort study was conducted between June 2021 and January 2022 at two university hospitals in South Korea. Healthy adults who were scheduled to be vaccinated with Ad26.COV2.S were enrolled in this study. The main outcomes included anti-spike (S) IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody responses, S-specific T-cell responses (interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay), solicited adverse events (AEs), and serious AEs. Results: Fifty participants aged ≥ 19 years were included in the study. Geometric mean titers (GMTs) of anti-S IgG were 0.4 U/mL at baseline, 5.2 ± 3.0 U/mL at 3–4 weeks, 55.7 ± 2.4 U/mL at 5–8 weeks, and 81.3 ± 2.5 U/mL at 10–12 weeks after vaccination. GMTs of 50% neutralizing dilution (ND50) against WT SARS-CoV-2 were 164.6 ± 4.6 at 3-4 weeks, 313.9 ± 3.6 at 5–8 weeks, and 124.4 ± 2.6 at 10–12 weeks after vaccination. As for the S-specific T-cell responses, the median number of spot-forming units/10 6 peripheral blood mononuclear cell was 25.0 (5.0–29.2) at baseline, 60.0 (23.3–178.3) at 5-8 weeks, and 35.0 (13.3–71.7) at 10–12 weeks after vaccination. Compared to WT SARS-CoV-2, ND50 against Delta and Omicron variants was attenuated by 3.6-fold and 8.2-fold, respectively. The most frequent AE was injection site pain (82%), followed by myalgia (80%), fatigue (70%), and fever (50%). Most AEs were grade 1–2, and resolved within two days. Conclusion Single-dose Ad26.COV2.S was safe and immunogenic. NAb titer and S-specific T-cell immunity peak at 5–8 weeks and rather decrease at 10–12 weeks after vaccination.Cross-reactive neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant was negligible.