Viral load and the duration of viral shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are important determinants of the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019.In this study, we examined the effects of viral doses on the lung and spleen of K18-hACE2 transgenic mice by temporal histological and transcriptional analyses. Approximately, 1×105 plaque-forming units (PFU) of SARS-CoV-2 induced strong host responses in the lungs from 2 days post inoculation (dpi) which did not recover until the mice died, whereas responses to the virus were obvious at 5 days, recovering to the basal state by 14 dpi at 1×102 PFU. Further, flow cytometry showed that number of CD8+ T cells continuously increased in 1×102 PFU-virusinfected lungs from 2 dpi, but not in 1×105 PFU-virus-infected lungs. In spleens, responses to the virus were prominent from 2 dpi, and number of B cells was significantly decreased at 1×105PFU; however, 1×102 PFU of virus induced very weak responses from 2 dpi which recovered by 10 dpi. Although the defense responses returned to normal and the mice survived, lung histology showed evidence of fibrosis, suggesting sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings indicate that specific effectors of the immune response in the lung and spleen were either increased or depleted in response to doses of SARS-CoV-2. This study demonstrated that the response of local and systemic immune effectors to a viral infection varies with viral dose, which either exacerbates the severity of the infection or accelerates its elimination.

Background: Various treatments exist for addressing volume loss in atrophic scars. Although laser therapy has gained traction in treating atrophic scars, it is associated with side effects, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or erythema. Additionally, not all types of atrophic scars respond optimally to laser therapy, even after multiple sessions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of punch elevation for atrophic scars that yielded unsatisfactory outcomes after repeated laser treatment sessions. Methods: Seven patients with atrophic scars on their facial area underwent punch elevation, concurrently supplemented by fractional CO2 laser application to the scar margins. Improvement in volume restoration of atrophic scars was assessed via investigator evaluation and 3-dimensional (3D) image analysis. Results: After 1 month, median volume (interquartile range) of depression improved from 4.39 mm3 (2.23∼9.90 mm3 ) to 1.97 mm3 (1.46∼7.50 mm3 ), indicating a statistically significant difference post-punch elevation (p=0.018). No serious adverse events were reported during follow-up. Conclusion The efficacy of the punch elevation was objectively evaluated. Punch elevation is a safe and effective therapeutic avenue for atrophic scars that exhibit resistance to laser or alternative interventions.

Background: As the number of large-scale studies involving multiple organizations producing data has steadily increased, an integrated system for a common interoperable format is needed. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a number of global efforts are underway to develop vaccines and therapeutics. We are therefore observing an explosion in the proliferation of COVID-19 data, and interoperability is highly requested in multiple institutions participating simultaneously in COVID-19 pandemic research. Results: In this study, a laboratory information management system (LIMS) approach has been adopted to systemically manage various COVID-19 non-clinical trial data, including mortality, clinical signs, body weight, body temperature, organ weights, viral titer (viral replication and viral RNA), and multiorgan histopathology, from multiple institutions based on a web interface. The main aim of the implemented system is to integrate, standardize, and organize data collected from laboratories in multiple institutes for COVID-19 non-clinical efficacy testings. Six animal biosafety level 3 institutions proved the feasibility of our system. Substantial benefits were shown by maximizing collaborative high-quality non-clinical research. Conclusions This LIMS platform can be used for future outbreaks, leading to accelerated medical product development through the systematic management of extensive data from non-clinical animal studies.

Aggressive digital papillary adenoma (ADPA) is a rare tumor of the sweat glands. They usually present as solitary masses, with or without pain, and are most commonly observed in the fingers. A 19-year-old man presented with a solitary, protruding lesion on the right big toe that had enlarged 6 months previously. The biopsy specimen revealed a well-marginated mass with papillary projections and tubular structures. On foot magnetic resonance imaging, there was no invasion, and chest radiography showed no metastasis. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as ADPA, and wide excision was performed. Herein, we report a rare sweat gland tumor on the toe that was diagnosed as an ADPA.

Currently, no vaccine or established therapeutic agents are available for coronavirus disease 2019. The sharp increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) necessitates an improvement in the protective efficacy of PPE. We evaluated the potential antimicrobial and antiviral effects of a surface-coating disinfectant (3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride, Si-QAC) when applied onto PPE. Si-QAC-pre-coated PPE was artificially contaminated with either influenza virus or Salmonella. The results showed significantly reduced influenza and Salmonella titers in Si-QAC-coated PPE; these antimicrobial effects lasted 7 days. This suggests that this surface-coating disinfectant effectively reduces pathogen contamination of PPE, enabling their safe and long-term use.

Currently, no vaccine or established therapeutic agents are available for coronavirus disease 2019. The sharp increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) necessitates an improvement in the protective efficacy of PPE. We evaluated the potential antimicrobial and antiviral effects of a surface-coating disinfectant (3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride, Si-QAC) when applied onto PPE. Si-QAC-pre-coated PPE was artificially contaminated with either influenza virus or Salmonella. The results showed significantly reduced influenza and Salmonella titers in Si-QAC-coated PPE; these antimicrobial effects lasted 7 days. This suggests that this surface-coating disinfectant effectively reduces pathogen contamination of PPE, enabling their safe and long-term use.

PURPOSE: It is controversial whether indoor pet exposure is either a risk or protective factor developing sensitization to pet allergens or asthma. Therefore, we investigated whether indoor pet ownership entails a risk for the development of asthma and sensitization in childhood. METHODS: The Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) is a general-population-based birth cohort study that recruited 2,078 mother-baby dyads in Korea between April and July of 2008. Among 1,577 children who were followed up in 2015, 559 underwent skin prick tests, spirometry and bronchial provocation tests using Provocholine. Having a cat or a dog and the prevalence of asthma were evaluated by using self-reported questionnaires and physicians’ medical records. RESULTS: During infancy, the rate of dog ownership was 4.5% (71 of 1,574) and that of cat ownership was 0.5% (8 of 1,574). Of the subjects, 7.9% (n=109) currently had at least 1 dog and 2.5% (n=34) had at least 1 cat. Pet ownership during infancy was associated with sensitization to cats or dogs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–13.98), wheezing within 12 months (aOR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.65–18.75) and current asthma (wheezing episode in the last 12 months+diagnosed asthma by physicians) (aOR, 6.36; 95% CI, 1.54–26.28). In contrast, pet ownership during the last 12 months was not associated with sensitization to cats or dogs or current asthma. CONCLUSION: Indoor pet exposure during infancy can be critical for developing sensitization to cats or dogs and asthma in childhood. Avoidance of pet exposure in early life may reduce sensitization to cats or dogs and development of asthma.
Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Cats ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Dogs ; Humans ; Infant ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Methacholine Chloride ; Odds Ratio ; Ownership ; Parturition ; Pets ; Prevalence ; Protective Factors ; Respiratory Sounds ; Risk Factors ; Skin ; Spirometry

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the nursing needs and satisfaction of pediatric cancer patient families during chemotherapy. METHODS: Data collection was conducted from April to July 2016 using the questionnaire of nursing needs and satisfaction developed by the researchers in 123 families of children who were diagnosed with pediatric cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANCOVA using the SPSS 22.0 program. RESULTS: Nursing needs and satisfaction were 4.27 ± 0.78 and 4.16 ± 0.57, respectively. Significant differences between nursing need and satisfaction were observed in the educational/informational domain (t=3.94, p=<.001) and community resources nursing domain (t=2.16, p=.032). Also, in terms of general characteristics, the nursing needs were significantly different depending on the elapsed time after diagnosis (t=1.98, p=.049), and the nursing satisfaction was significantly different depending on the type of treatment (F=4.02, p=.009). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, when caring for children who are receiving chemotherapy and their family, it is necessary to develop nursing interventions that meet the individualized nursing needs of those directly and indirectly affected.
Antineoplastic Agents ; Child ; Data Collection ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy* ; Humans ; Needs Assessment ; Nursing* ; Pediatric Nursing ; Personal Satisfaction

PURPOSE: The molecular subtype of breast cancer is an important predictive factor. Therefore, we investigated the effects of concurrent or serial radiotherapy and systemic therapy on metastatic brain lesions according to the molecular subtype of breast cancer. METHODS: The present retrospective study examined data from 66 patients with breast cancer and metastatic brain lesions, who were treated using radiotherapy between January 1990 and July 2014. Patients were classified into the following three subtypes based on their hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status: HR+/HER2− (luminal A, 13 patients), HR+/HER2+ (luminal B, 21 patients), HR−/HER2+ (HER2, 22 patients), or HR−/HER2− (triple negative, 10 patients). The brain lesions and their responses to treatment were evaluated using brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Progression of brain disease was defined by a ≥20% increase in the sum of the lesion's diameters or the development of a new brain lesion. Progression-free survival was calculated from the initiation of radiotherapy to the first instance of brain disease progression or last follow-up. RESULTS: Patients in the HER2 group who had received concur-rent radiotherapy and systemic therapy (mainly HER2-targeted therapy) exhibited significantly better progression-free survival than did patients who had received radiotherapy followed by systemic therapy (p=0.037). However, concurrent radiotherapy and systemic therapy did not significantly improve progression-free survival in the luminal A (p=0.527), luminal B (p=0.462), or triple negative (p=0.558) groups. CONCLUSION: Concurrent radiotherapy and mainly HER2-targeted systemic therapy significantly prolonged progression-free survival in the HER2 group.

BACKGROUND: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to yield alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) with production of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Dysfunctional IDH leads to reduced production of alpha-KG and NADH and increased production of 2-hydroxyglutarate, an oncometabolite. This results in increased oxidative damage and stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha, causing cells to be prone to tumorigenesis. METHODS: This study investigated IDH mutations in 61 Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs), using a pentose nucleic acid clamping method and direct sequencing. RESULTS: We identified four cases of ESFTs harboring IDH mutations. The number of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations was equal and the subtype of IDH mutations was variable. Clinicopathologic analysis according to IDH mutation status did not reveal significant results. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report IDH mutations in ESFTs. The results indicate that ESFTs can harbor IDH mutations in previously known hot-spot regions, although their incidence is rare. Further validation with a larger case-based study would establish more reliable and significant data on prevalence rate and the biological significance of IDH mutations in ESFTs.
Carcinogenesis ; Constriction ; Decarboxylation ; Humans ; Incidence ; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase ; NAD ; Prevalence ; Sarcoma, Ewing*