Seropositivity of Varicella zoster virus in vaccinated Korean children and MAV vaccine group

Choi, Ui Yoon,Huh, Dong Ho,Kim, Jong Hyun,Kang, Jin Han Landes Bioscience 2016 Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Vol.12 No.10

<P>In 2005, a single-dose varicella vaccination was incorporated into the national immunization program in Korea. Although the Oka strain is the most commonly circulating Varicella zoster virus (VZV) genotype in Korea, a domestically manufactured vaccine based on the MAV strain is widely distributed in Korea. High vaccination coverage was achieved, but breakthrough infections were frequently reported. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the maintenance of immunity after single-dose vaccination and to compare the immunity provided by the MAV and Oka vaccines. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of samples from 715 vaccinated Korean children were used to assess seropositivity rates against VZV. Additionally, fluorescent-antibody-to-membrane-antigen (FAMA) tests were performed in 35 individuals in the MAV vaccine group, and seropositivity rates against the Oka strain were determined. The progressive decrease of the seropositivity rate was demonstrated from ages 1 to 4 as follows: 65% in age 1, 59% in age 2, 53% in age 3, 49% in age 4. It then increased to 62% in age 5 and 70% in age 6. Both the MAV and Oka vaccine groups showed a progressive decrease of the seropositivity rate from the age of 1 to 4years, but the MAV vaccine group had higher seropositivity rates. In FAMA test, the MAV group demonstrated 71% seropositivity against the Oka strain. This study indicates that immunity wanes after single-dose varicella vaccination and that the MAV vaccine is not inferior to the Oka vaccine in providing immunity against VZV. The MAV vaccine also induced cross-immunity against circulating Oka strain.</P>

Regional differences in phylogenetic group of Escherichia coli strains isolated from children with urinary tract infection in Korea

Choi, Ui-Yoon,Han, Seung Beom,Lee, Soo Young,Kang, Jin Han,Kim, Sun Mi,Ma, Sang Hyuk The Korean Pediatric Society 2012 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.55 No.11

Purpose: We phylogenetically analyzed the Escherichia coli strains isolated from children with urinary tract infection (UTI) in 2 regions of Korea. Virulence factors (VFs) and antibiotic resistance of the strains were also determined to compare the possible differences. Methods: A total of 138 E. coli strains were collected from the 2 regions; Gyeongin (78 strains) and Gyeongnam (60 strains). The phylogenetic groups were determined using the triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and multiplex PCRs were used to detect 7 VFs genes (fimH, papC, iutA, hlyA, sfa/focDE, afa/draBC, and kpsMT II). We also tested for antibiotic resistance. Results: Phylogenetic groups, B2 (61.6%) and D (26.8%), comprised the majority of all isolated strains. Regional comparisons revealed that more B2 strains and fewer non-B2 (A+B1+D) strains were found in Gyeongnam, than in the Gyeongin region (P=0.033), and certain VFs were predominantly detected in Gyeongnam (P<0.05). Neither regional nor phylogenetic differences, in antibiotic resistance of the strains, were significant. Conclusion: We were able to confirm that the geographic location is an important determinant of the distribution of the phylogenetic groups and VFs among the E. coli strains that cause UTI in children.

Analysis of a COVID-19 Prescreening Process in an Outpatient Clinic at a University Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Choi Ui Yoon,Jung Seung Eun,Kim Mi Sook,Oh Hyang Sook,Kwon Young Mi,Lee Jehoon,Choi Jung-Hyun 대한의학회 2021 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.36 No.42

Background: To minimize nosocomial infection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), most hospitals conduct a prescreening process to evaluate the patient or guardian of any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or exposure to a COVID-19 patient at entrances of hospital buildings. In our hospital, we have implemented a two-level prescreening process in the outpatient clinic: an initial prescreening process at the entrance of the outpatient clinic (PPEO) and a second prescreening process is repeated in each department. If any symptoms or epidemiological history are identified at the second level, an emergency code is announced through the hospital's address system. The patient is then guided outside through a designated aisle. In this study, we analyze the cases missed in the PPEO that caused the emergency code to be applied. Methods: All cases reported from March 2020 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. We calculated the incidence of cases missed by the PPEO per 1,000 outpatients and compared the incidence between first-time hospital visitors and those visiting for the second time or more; morning and afternoon office hours; and days of the week. Results: During the study period, the emergency code was applied to 449 cases missed by the PPEO. Among those cases, 20.7% were reported in otorhinolaryngology, followed by 11.6% in gastroenterology, 5.8% in urology, and 5.8% in dermatology. Fever was the most common symptom (59.9%), followed by cough (19.8%). The incidence of cases per 1,000 outpatients was significantly higher among first-time visitors than among those visiting for the second time or more (1.77 [confidence interval (CI), 1.44–2.10] vs. 0.59 [CI, 0.52–0.65], respectively) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Fever was the most common symptom missed by the PPEO, and otorhinolaryngology and gastroenterology most frequently reported missed cases. Cases missed by the PPEO were more likely to occur among first-time visitors than returning visitors. The results obtained from this study can provide insights or recommendations to other healthcare facilities in operating prescreening processes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional differences in phylogenetic group of Escherichia coli strains isolated from children with urinary tract infection in Korea

Ui Yoon Choi,한승범,이수영,강진한,Sun Mi Kim,Sang Hyuk Ma 대한소아청소년과학회 2012 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.55 No.11

Purpose: We phylogenetically analyzed the Escherichia coli strains isolated from children with urinary tract infection (UTI) in 2 regions of Korea. Virulence factors (VFs) and antibiotic resistance of the strains were also determined to compare the possible differences. Methods: A total of 138 E. coli strains were collected from the 2regions; Gyeongin (78 strains) and Gyeongnam (60 strains). The phylogenetic groups were determined using the triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and multiplex PCRs were used to detect 7 VFs genes (fimH, papC, iutA, hlyA, sfa/focDE, afa/draBC, and kpsMT II). We also tested for antibiotic resistance. Results: Phylogenetic groups, B2 (61.6%) and D (26.8%), comprised the majority of all isolated strains. Regional comparisons revealed that more B2 strains and fewer non-B2 (A+B1+D) strains were found in Gyeongnam, than in the Gyeongin region (P=0.033), and certain VFs were predominantly detected in Gyeongnam (P<0.05). Neither regional nor phylogenetic differences, in antibiotic resistance of the strains, were significant. Conclusion: We were able to confirm that the geographic location is an important determinant of the distribution of the phylogenetic groups and VFs among the E. coli strains that cause UTI in children.

Immunogenicity and Safety of a Newly Developed Tetanus-Diphtheria Toxoid (Td) in Healthy Korean Adolescents: a Multi-center, Randomized, Double-blind, Active-Controlled Phase 3 Trial

Choi Ui Yoon,Kim Ki Hwan,Lee Jin,Eun Byung Wook,Kim Hwang Min,Lee Kyung-Yil,Kim Dong Ho,Ma Sang Hyuk,Lee Jina,Kim Jong-Hyun 대한의학회 2021 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.36 No.49

Background: Although the combination tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is recommended at adolescence in developed countries, the tetanus and diphtheria toxoid vaccine (Td), which is less costly, is recommended instead in some parts of the world. A new Td, BR-TD-1001, was developed by a Korean manufacturer for distribution to endemic regions and for use in the initial step of novel Tdap development. Methods: This phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multi-center trial, conducted in Korea, aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of BR-TD-1001. Healthy children aged 10 to 12 years were randomized 1:1 to receive either BR-TD-1001 or the control Td (Td-pur, GlaxoSmithKline). Antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A total of 218 subjects (BR-TD-1001, n = 108; control, n = 110) were enrolled and included in the safety analysis. Vaccine-mediated antibody responses were similar in both groups. We confirmed the non-inferiority of BR-TD-1001 against the control, Td; 100% of both groups achieved seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between groups in the proportion of participants who demonstrated boost responses against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. The incidence of solicited local and systemic adverse events (AEs), unsolicited AEs, and serious AEs did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: The BR-TD-1001 satisfied the immunological non-inferiority criterion against diphtheria and tetanus, with a clinically acceptable safety profile.

Clinical manifestations of CNS infections caused by enterovirus type 71

Choi, Cheol-Soon,Choi, Yun-Jung,Choi, Ui-Yoon,Han, Ji-Whan,Jeong, Dae-Chul,Kim, Hyun-Hee,Kim, Jong-Hyun,Kang, Jin-Han The Korean Pediatric Society 2011 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.54 No.1

Purpose: Enterovirus 71, one of the enteroviruses that are responsible for both hand-foot-and-mouth disease and herpangina, can cause neural injury. During periods of endemic spread of hand-foot-andmouth disease caused by enterovirus 71, CNS infections are also frequently diagnosed and may lead to increased complications from neural injury, as well as death. We present the results of our epidemiologic research on the clinical manifestations of children with CNS infections caused by enterovirus 71. Methods: The study group consisted of 42 patients admitted for CNS infection by enterovirus 71 between April 2009 and October 2009 at the Department of Pediatrics of 5 major hospitals affiliated with the Catholic University of Korea. We retrospectively reviewed initial symptoms and laboratory findings on admission, the specimen from which enterovirus 71 was isolated, fever duration, admission period, treatment and progress, and complications. We compared aseptic meningitis patients with encephalitis patients. Results: Of the 42 patients (23 men, 19 women), hand-foot-and-mouth disease was most prevalent (n=39), followed by herpangina (n=3), upon initial clinical diagnosis. Among the 42 patients, 15 (35.7%) were classified as severe, while 27 (64.3%) were classified as mild. Factors such as age, fever duration, presence of seizure, and use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) were statistically different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Our results indicate that patients with severe infection caused by enterovirus 71 tended to be less than 3 years old, presented with at least 3 days of fever as well as seizure activity, and received IVIG treatment.

다발성 기형을 동반한 1형 치사성 이형성증

최의윤 ( Ui Yoon Choi ),이정현 ( Jung Hyun Lee ),이정수 ( Jung Soo Lee ) 대한주산의학회 2008 Perinatology Vol.19 No.1

Thanatophoric dysplasia (TD) is a lethal inherited skeletal disorder characterized by extremely short limbs, narrow chest, skull deformity and underdeveloped lungs. TD is divided into two types, depending primarily upon whether the bone in the upper leg (the femur) is curved or straight. We experienced two case of TO type I that were confirmed by clinical and radiological features after birth. Unlike previously reported cases of TD in our country, the multiple anomalies of CNS, kidney and cardiovascular system were identified in one of these cases.

Enhanced post-germinative growth of encapsulated somatic embryos of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) by carbohydrate addition to the encapsulation matrix.

Su-Jin Jung,Ui-Soo Yoon,Yong-Eui Choi 한국육종학회 2015 한국육종학회 심포지엄 Vol.2015 No.07

This experiment was carried out to enhance plantlet conversion and ex vitro survival of encapsulated somatic embryos of Siberian ginseng. Cotyledonary somatic embryos were encapsulated with 3.0% sodium alginate and 96% of conversion rate in terms of plantlet with well-developed epicotyl marked when the encapsulated embryos were placed on perlite soils wetted with sucrose solution as for carbon source. However, post-germinative growth of encapsulated embryos was suppressed in case of sucrose did not added. Instead of sucrose alone, the addition of both sucrose and starch to the sodium alginate enhanced the post-germinative growth of the embryos. In sodium alginate matrix with 2% sucrose, the survival rate of the encapsulated embryos was more than twice (23.5%) that of ones without sucrose (10.0%). Embryos encapsulated with both 2% sucrose and 1% starch showed the highest percentage (42.1%) of survival rate was shown. In analysis of Iodine staining and starch content in the sodium alginate matrix, the starch component was decomposed when the embryos started to germinte. This result indicated that the carbohydrate treatments (starch and sucrose) in the encapsulation matrix enhanced the survival rate of post-germinative growth of encapsulated embryos in Siberian ginseng.

MR Imaging in Endometrial Carcinoma as a Diagnostic Tool for the Prediction of Myometrial Invasion and Lymph Node Metastasis

Ui Nam Ryoo,Chel Hun Choi,Ji Yeong Yoon,Soo Kyung Noh,Heeseok Kang,Woo Young Kim,Boh Hyun Kim,Tae-Joong Kim,Jeong-Won Lee,Je-Ho Lee,Byoung-Gie Kim,Duk-Soo Bae 대한암학회 2007 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.39 No.4

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that are associated with the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for predicting myometrial invasion and lymph node metastasis in women with endometrial carcinoma.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and preoperative MR imaging reports of 128 women who had pathologically proven endometrial carcinoma. We compared the MR imaging and the histopathology findings.Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for identifing any myometrial invasion (superficial or deep) were 0.81, 0.61 and 0.74, respectively; these values for deep myometrial invasion were 0.60, 0.94 and 0.86, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MR imaging for detecting lymph node metastasis were 50.0%, 96.6% and 93.0%, respectively. The patients who were older, had more deliveries and a larger tumor size more frequently had incorrect prediction of deep myometrial invasion (p=0.034, p=0.044, p=0.061, respectively). A higher tumor grade, a histology other than the endometrioid type, myometrial invasion on MR findings and a larger tumor size were associated with a more frequent false-negative prediction of lymph node metastasis (p=0.018, p=0.017, p=0.002, p=0.047, respectively). A larger tumor size was also associated with more frequent false-positive results (p=0.009).Conclusions:There are several factors that make accurate assessment of myometrial invasion or lymph node metastasis difficult with using MRI; therefore, the patients with these factors should have their MR findings cautiously interpreted. (Cancer Res Treat. 2007;39:165-170)

Species Composition and Characteristics of the Distribution of Ichthyoplankton off Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island in the East Sea

Ui Cheol Shin,Sang Chul Yoon,Jae Hyeong Yang,Jung Jin Kim,Hyung Kee Cha,Kwang Ho Choi,Hwan Sung Ji 한국수산해양기술학회(구 한국어업기술학회) 2017 한국수산해양기술학회 학술발표대회 Vol.2017 No.11