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Original Articles
Molecular characteristics of drug-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates based on treatment duration
Eon-Min Ko, Jinsoo Min, Hyungjun Kim, Ji-A Jeong, Sungkyoung Lee, Seonghan Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(5):385-394.   Published online September 30, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0101
Funded: National Institute of Health research project, National Institute of Health research project
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
In this study, we performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB). The clinical isolates were categorized based on treatment duration: standard 6 months or >6 months.
Methods
Study participants were recruited from a 2016 to 2018 tuberculosis cohort, and clinical M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from the sputum of patients with tuberculosis. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the isolated M. tuberculosis.
Results
Genomic analysis revealed a specific non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in pe_pgrs9 and ppe34, exclusive to the group treated for >6 months. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of various virulence-associated protein family genes and decreased expression of ribosomal protein genes and ppe38 genes in the group treated for >6 months.
Conclusion
The identified genetic variation and gene expression patterns may influence treatment outcomes by modulating host immune responses, increasing virulence, and potentially contributing to persister cell formation in M. tuberculosis. This study provides insights into the genetic and transcriptomic factors associated with prolonged DS-TB treatment. However, our study identified molecular characteristics using a small sample size, and further detailed studies are warranted.
Methodology of comparative studies on the relative effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review
Erdenetuya Bolormaa, Jiae Shim, Young-Sook Choi, Donghyok Kwon, Young June Choe, Seung-Ah Choe
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(5):395-408.   Published online October 15, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0063
Funded: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study aimed to comprehensively outline the methodological approaches used in published research comparing the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted on June 13, 2024, to identify comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of mRNA versus non-mRNA and monovalent versus bivalent COVID-19 vaccines. We screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, collecting data on publication year, country, sample size, study population composition, study design, VE estimates, outcomes, and covariates. Studies that reported relative VE (rVE) were analyzed separately from those that did not.
Results
We identified 25 articles comparing rVE between mRNA and non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, as well as between monovalent and bivalent formulations. Among the studies assessing VE by vaccine type, 126 did not provide rVE estimates. Comparative VE studies frequently employed retrospective cohort designs. Among the definitions of rVE used, the most common were hazard ratio and absolute VE, calculated as (1−odds ratio)×100. Studies were most frequently conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States, and the most common outcome was infection. Most targeted the general population and assessed the VE of mRNA vaccines using the AstraZeneca vaccine as a reference. A small proportion, 7.3% (n=11), did not adjust for any variables. Only 3 studies (2.0%) adjusted for all core confounding variables recommended by the World Health Organization.
Conclusion
Few comparative studies of COVID-19 vaccines have incorporated rVE methodologies. Reporting rVE and employing a consistent set of covariates can broaden our understanding of COVID-19 vaccines.
Identifying risk factors for COVID-19 cluster infections in schools in the Republic of Korea: a case-control study
Jihyun Choi, Seongju Choi, Baigu Lee, Young-Joon Park, Sang Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):375-382.   Published online July 11, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0351
Funded: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
No study has yet analyzed risk factors to determine whether students with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections may affect students at neighboring schools. Therefore, this study aimed to determine risk factors for COVID-19 transmission among schools within a community in the Republic of Korea.
Methods
An epidemiological investigation was conducted among 696 students and school staff members at 3 schools where COVID-19 clusters began on October 15, 2021. Interviews, visit history surveys, a facility risk assessment, and closed-circuit television were used to identify risk factors. The statistical significance of risk factors was also evaluated.
Results
We confirmed 129 cases (18.5%) among the individuals exposed to COVID-19 at the 3 schools, many of whom had a history of visiting the same multi-use facilities. The odds ratio of having visited multi-use facilities such as karaoke rooms was 1.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.50); the number of visits to a karaoke room and the visit durations were significantly higher among confirmed cases than non-confirmed cases (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively).
Conclusion
Having a history of visiting karaoke rooms often and spending a long time there were risk factors for COVID-19 infection and inter-school transmission. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the status of multi-use facilities frequently visited by adolescents and consider incorporating them into the scope of school quarantine to prevent infectious diseases at schools in a community.
Impact of COVID-19 on human immunodeficiency virus tests, new diagnoses, and healthcare visits in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective study from 2016 to 2021
Yeonju Kim, Eonjoo Park, Yoonhee Jung, Koun Kim, Taeyoung Kim, Hwa Su Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):340-352.   Published online August 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0123
Funded: Veterans Health Service Medical Center Research Grant
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Public health workers have been at the forefront of treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and managing the pandemic. The redeployment of this workforce has limited or interrupted other public health services, including testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing and diagnosis in the Republic of Korea from 2016 to 2021, comparing data before and after the onset of COVID-19.
Methods
Annual HIV testing data were collected from each institution through direct communication or from open-source databases. The annual number of new HIV cases was obtained from the official report of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Data on healthcare visits for HIV diagnosis or treatment were extracted from the open-source database of the National Insurance Health Service of Korea. Interrupted time series regression was conducted, stratified by institution type.
Results
In 2020, HIV tests, diagnoses, and visits decreased. Notably, public health centers experienced a substantial reduction in 2020−2021 compared to previous years. The annual percentage change in HIV tests was −53.0%, while for HIV diagnoses, it was −31.6%. The decrease in visits for HIV was also most pronounced for public facilities: −33.3% in 2020 and −45.6% in 2021 relative to 2019.
Conclusion
The numbers of tests, diagnoses, and healthcare visits for HIV at public health centers in the Republic of Korea substantially decreased in 2020 and 2021. The impacts of these changes on the early diagnosis and treatment of HIV necessitate further monitoring.
Novel prophylactic and therapeutic multi-epitope vaccine based on Ag85A, Ag85B, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using an immunoinformatics approach
Muhammad Fikri Nugraha, Daniel Alexander Changestu, Rizky Ramadhan, Tasya Salsabila, Arsila Nurizati, Sari Eka Pratiwi, Ysrafil Ysrafil
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):286-306.   Published online July 26, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0026
Funded: Direktorat Pembelajaran dan Kemahasiswaan (Belmawa) Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Current tuberculosis (TB) control strategies face limitations, such as low antibiotic treatment compliance and a rise in multidrug resistance. Furthermore, the lack of a safe and effective vaccine compounds these challenges. The limited efficacy of existing vaccines against TB underscores the urgency for innovative strategies, such as immunoinformatics. Consequently, this study aimed to design a targeted multi-epitope vaccine against TB infection utilizing an immunoinformatics approach.
Methods
The multi-epitope vaccine targeted Ag85A, Ag85B, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 proteins. The design adopted various immunoinformatics tools for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), helper T lymphocyte (HTL), and linear B lymphocyte (LBL) epitope prediction, the assessment of vaccine characteristics, structure modeling, population coverage analysis, disulfide engineering, solubility prediction, molecular docking/dynamics with toll-like receptors (TLRs), codon optimization/cloning, and immune simulation.
Results
The multi-epitope vaccine, which was assembled using 12 CTL, 25 HTL, and 21 LBL epitopes associated with CpG adjuvants, showed promising characteristics. The immunoinformatics analysis confirmed the antigenicity, immunogenicity, and lack of allergenicity. Physicochemical evaluations indicated that the proteins were stable, thermostable, hydrophilic, and highly soluble. Docking simulations suggested high-affinity binding to TLRs, including TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9. In silico immune simulation predicted strong T cell (cytokine release) and B cell (immunoglobulin release) responses.
Conclusion
This immunoinformatics-designed multi-epitope vaccine targeting Ag85A, Ag85B, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 proteins showed promising characteristics in terms of stability, immunogenicity, antigenicity, solubility, and predicted induction of humoral and adaptive immune responses. This suggests its potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against TB.
A Mycobacterium bovis outbreak among exhibition animals at a zoo in the Republic of Korea: the first contact investigation of zoonotic tuberculosis
Hye Young Lee, Yunhyung Kwon, Sang-Eun Lee, Jieun Kim, Hoyong Choi
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(3):248-259.   Published online May 17, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0228
Funded: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Between July 2, 2021, and September 20, 2022, a Mycobacterium bovis outbreak occurred among exhibition animals at a zoo in the Republic of Korea. This study was conducted to assess the likelihood of M. bovis transmission to human contacts through a contact investigation and to implement preventive treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Methods: In this descriptive study, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency conducted a contact investigation, which included interviews, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) tests, and chest X-rays. Contacts underwent IGRA testing on 2 occasions: initial testing of 29 contacts (15 in the first cluster of infection and 14 in the second cluster) and follow-up testing of the 15 contacts in the first cluster. Results: The study included 29 participants, 18 of whom were male (62.1%) and 11 female (37.9%). The mean participant age was 37.3 years (standard deviation, 9.6 years). In the initial IGRA tests, 6 of the 29 participants tested positive, indicating a prevalence of 20.7%. Following prolonged exposure, 1 additional positive case was detected in follow-up testing, raising the prevalence of LTBI to 24.1%. None of the contacts had active tuberculosis. Among the 7 individuals with positive results, 2 (28.6%) underwent treatment for LTBI. Conclusion: This study faced challenges in confirming the transmission of M. bovis infection from infected animals to humans in the Republic of Korea. Nevertheless, adopting a One Health approach necessitates the implementation of surveillance systems and infection control protocols, particularly for occupational groups at high risk of exposure.
The association between living arrangements and health-related quality of life in Korean older people: a nationwide repeated cross-sectional study
Eunok Park, Philip Larkin, Zee-A Han
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(3):221-228.   Published online May 23, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0273
Funded: Jeju National University
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study investigated the association between living arrangements and healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) in older people. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted of 6,153 participants (aged ≥60 years) from the seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016 to 2018). HRQoL was measured using the 3-level version of the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire. The chi-square test, t-test, and multiple regression were used, applying sampling weights for the analysis. Results: The proportion of respondents living alone was 18.0%, with a higher prevalence among women and older age groups (p<0.001). The overall HRQoL was lower in groups living alone than in groups living with others (p<0.001). Older people living alone showed higher impairments in all dimensions of the 3-level version of the European Quality of Life 5-Dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) than those living with others, including mobility (p<0.001), self-care (p<0.001), usual activities (p<0.001), pain/discomfort (p<0.001), and depression/anxiety (p<0.001). Problems with mobility were most prevalent (42.8%), followed by pain/ discomfort (41.9%) in respondents living alone. Living alone was significantly associated with a lower HRQoL index score (b=–0.048, p<0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, education, exercise, perceived stress, and perceived health status. Conclusion: Living alone was negatively associated with HRQoL. Based on this study, future care planning for older people should consider their living arrangements. The need to strengthen and expand care programs targeting those living alone should also be addressed.
Prevalence and patterns of post-COVID-19 symptoms in recovered patients of Delhi, India: a population-based study
Nidhi Bhatnagar, Mongjam Meghachandra Singh, Hitakshi Sharma, Suruchi Mishra, Gurmeet Singh, Shivani Rao, Amod Borle, Tanu Anand, Naresh Kumar, Binita Goswami, Sarika Singh, Mahima Kapoor, Sumeet Singla, Bembem Khuraijam, Nita Khurana, Urvi Sharma, Suneela Garg
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(3):229-237.   Published online May 17, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0251
Funded: Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms were widely reported. However, data on post-COVID-19 conditions following infection with the Omicron variant remained scarce. This prospective study was conducted to understand the prevalence, patterns, and duration of symptoms in patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A prospective study was conducted across 11 districts of Delhi, India, among individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. Study participants were enrolled, and then returned for post-recovery follow-up at 3 months and 6 months interval. Results: The mean age of study participants was 42.07 years, with a standard deviation of 14.89 years. The majority of the participants (79.7%) reported experiencing post-COVID-19 symptoms. The most common symptoms included joint pain (36.0%), persistent dry cough (35.7%), anxiety (28.4%), and shortness of breath (27.1%). Other symptoms were persistent fatigue (21.6%), persistent headache (20.0%), forgetfulness (19.7%), and limb weakness (18.6%). The longest duration of symptom was observed to be anxiety (138.75±54.14 days), followed by fatigue (137.57±48.33 days), shortness of breath (131.89±60.21 days), and joint pain/swelling (131.59±58.76 days). At the first follow-up visit, 2.2% of participants presented with abnormal electrocardiogram readings, but no abnormalities were noticed during the second follow-up. Additionally, 4.06% of participants exhibited abnormal chest X-ray findings at the first followup, which decreased to 2.16% by the second visit. Conclusion: The most frequently reported post-COVID-19 symptoms were joint pain, dry cough, anxiety and shortness of breath. These clinical symptoms persisted for up to 6 months, with evidence of multi-system involvement. Consequently, findings highlighted the need for long-term follow-up during the post-COVID-19 period.
Effects of aquatic versus land-based exercise on irisin and fibroblast growth factor 21 expression and triiodothyronine and free fatty acid levels in elderly women
Du-Wang Kang, Su-Han Koh, Min-Kyo Kim, Do-Yeon Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(3):238-247.   Published online May 17, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0394
Funded: Pusan National University
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study investigated the impacts of exercise on irisin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) expression, as well as triiodothyronine (T3 ) and free fatty acid (FFA) levels in elderly women. Methods: Thirty women aged 65 to 70 years (10 per group) were randomly assigned to aquatic exercise, land exercise, and control groups. The aquatic and land groups engaged in 3 exercise sessions per week (60 min/session) for 16 weeks. The intensity was progressively increased every 4 weeks. Results: Irisin and FGF-21 levels significantly increased in the aquatic exercise group. In the posttest, the aquatic exercise group had the highest irisin levels. Significant findings were observed for irisin and FGF-21 for the main effect between aquatic and band exercise groups (p<0.05 for both), the main effect between measurement times (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively), and the interaction effect (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). The irisin level was significantly higher in the aquatic than in the land group 30 minutes after the last session (p<0.05). In both exercise groups, T3 levels were significantly higher 30 minutes after the final session (p<0.05) than before the program. The FFA level was significantly higher in the aquatic exercise group than the others. In the aquatic group, FFA levels were significantly higher 30 minutes after both the first (p<0.01) and the last (p<0.001) session compared to pre-program values. Conclusion: Differences in exercise type and environment can promote fat metabolism by stimulating hormonal changes that induce brown fat activity and browning.
Brief Report
Replication kinetics and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant sublineages recovered in the Republic of Korea
Jeong-Min Kim, Dongju Kim, Jee Eun Rhee, Cheon Kwon Yoo, Eun-Jin Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(3):260-264.   Published online June 27, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0216
Funded: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
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  • 1 Crossref
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Objectives
We analyzed the correlation between the infectivity and transmissibility of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA. 2, BA.4, and BA.5. Methods: We assessed viral replication kinetics and infectivity at the cellular level. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens were obtained from patients with coronavirus disease 2019, confirmed using whole-genome sequencing to be caused by the Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, or BA.5. These specimens were used to infect Vero E6 cells, derived from monkey kidneys, for the purpose of viral isolation. Viral stocks were then passaged in Vero E6 cells at a multiplicity of infection of 0.01, and culture supernatants were harvested at 12-hour intervals for 72 hours. To evaluate viral replication kinetics, we determined the cycle threshold values of the supernatants using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and converted these values to genome copy numbers. Results: The viral load was comparable between BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5, whereas BA.1 exhibited a lower value. The peak infectious load of BA.4 was approximately 3 times lower than that of BA.2 and BA.5, while the peak load of BA.2 and BA.5 was about 7 times higher than that of BA.1. Notably, BA.1 demonstrated the lowest infectivity over the entire study period. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the global BA.5 wave may have been amplified by the higher viral replication and infectivity of BA.5 compared to other Omicron sublineages. These analyses could support the rapid assessment of the impact of novel variants on case incidence.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • 최근 코로나바이러스감염증-19 변이 바이러스 유행 현황 및 세포기반의 오미크론 세부계통 KP.3 감염성 분석
    정민 김, 진선 노, 동주 김, 지영 노, 채영 이, 상희 우, 남주 이, 지은 이, 일환 김, 은진 김
    Public Health Weekly Report.2024; 17(39): 1671.     CrossRef
Special Article
The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center: a cornerstone for strengthening safety evidence for COVID-19 vaccination in the Republic of Korea
Na-Young Jeong, Hyesook Park, Sanghoon Oh, Seung Eun Jung, Dong-Hyun Kim, Hyoung-Shik Shin, Hee Chul Han, Jong-Koo Lee, Jun Hee Woo, Jaehun Jung, Joongyub Lee, Ju-Young Shin, Sun-Young Jung, Byung-Joo Park, Nam-Kyong Choi
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(2):97-106.   Published online April 4, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0343
Funded: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
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  • 103 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Committee (CoVaSC) was established in November 2021 to address the growing need for independent, in-depth scientific evidence on adverse events (AEs) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This initiative was requested by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and led by the National Academy of Medicine of Korea. In September 2022, the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center was established, strengthening CoVaSC’s initiatives. The center has conducted various studies on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. During CoVaSC’s second research year, from September 29, 2022 to July 19, 2023, the center was restructured into 4 departments: Epidemiological Research, Clinical Research, Communication & Education, and International Cooperation & Policy Research. Its main activities include (1) managing CoVaSC and the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center, (2) surveying domestic and international trends in AE causality investigation, (3) assessing AEs following COVID-19 vaccination, (4) fostering international collaboration and policy research, and (5) organizing regular fora and training sessions for the public and clinicians. Causality assessments have been conducted for 27 diseases, and independent research has been conducted after organizing ad hoc committees comprising both epidemiologists and clinical experts on each AE of interest. The research process included protocol development, data analysis, interpretation of results, and causality assessment. These research outcomes have been shared transparently with the public and healthcare experts through various fora. The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center plans to continue strengthening and expanding its research activities to provide reliable, high-quality safety information to the public.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • SARS-CoV-2-Vaccine-Related Endocrine Disorders: An Updated Narrative Review
    Avraham Ishay, Kira Oleinikov, Elena Chertok Shacham
    Vaccines.2024; 12(7): 750.     CrossRef
  • Active Surveillance for Safety Monitoring of XBB.1.5-Containing COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Korea
    Bomi Park, Hye Ah Lee, Yeonjae Kim, Chung Ho Kim, Hyunjin Park, Seunghee Jun, Hyelim Lee, Seunghyun Lewis Kwon, Yesul Heo, Hyungmin Lee, Hyesook Park
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
Data Profile
Establishment of a registry of clinical data and bioresources for rare nervous system diseases
Dayoung Kim, Sooyoung Kim, Jin Myoung Seok, Kyong Jin Shin, Eungseok Oh, Mi Young Jeon, Joungkyu Park, Hee Jin Chang, Jinyoung Youn, Jeeyoung Oh, Eunhee Sohn, Jinse Park, Jin Whan Cho, Byoung Joon Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(2):174-181.   Published online April 30, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0353
Funded: National Institute of Health research
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Rare diseases are predominantly genetic or inherited, and patients with these conditions frequently exhibit neurological symptoms. Diagnosing and treating many rare diseases is a complex challenge, and their low prevalence complicates the performance of research, which in turn hinders the advancement of therapeutic options. One strategy to address this issue is the creation of national or international registries for rare diseases, which can help researchers monitor and investigate their natural progression. In the Republic of Korea, we established a registry across 5 centers that focuses on 3 rare diseases, all of which are characterized by gait disturbances resulting from motor system dysfunction. The registry will collect clinical information and human bioresources from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxia, and hereditary spastic paraplegia. These resources will be stored at ICreaT and the National Biobank of Korea. Once the registry is complete, the data will be made publicly available for further research. Through this registry, our research team is dedicated to identifying genetic variants that are specific to Korean patients, uncovering biomarkers that show a strong correlation with clinical symptoms, and leveraging this information for early diagnosis and the development of treatments.
Original Articles
The value of CDC42 effector protein 2 as a novel prognostic biomarker in liver hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive data analysis
Hye-Ran Kim, Choong Won Seo, Jongwan Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2023;14(6):451-467.   Published online December 15, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0229
Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea
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Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
The prognostic significance of CDC42 effector protein 2 (CDC42EP2) and its association with tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) have not been explored in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). This study aims to assess the potential prognostic value of CDC42EP2 by conducting a comprehensive analysis of online databases pertaining to LIHC. Methods: We evaluated the potential of CDC42EP2 as a prognostic biomarker by utilizing online databases such as TIMER, GEPIA2, KM, OSlihc, HPA, and LinkedOmics. Results: In LIHC, we observed that the mRNA and protein expression of CDC42EP2 were upregulated compared to normal tissues. Upregulated CDC42EP2 expression was associated with a worse prognosis based on the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with LIHC. Furthermore, CDC42EP2 was positively associated with TIICs. In the co-expression and functional enrichment analyses of CDC42EP2, 11,416 genes showed positive associations with CDC42EP2 while 8,008 genes showed negative associations. CDC42EP2-related co-expression genes were involved in protein localization to the endoplasmic reticulum, translational initiation, and RNA catabolic processes in gene set enrichment analysis-Gene Ontology (GSEAGO), and regulated the ribosome, spliceosome, and primary immune deficiency in the GSEAKyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. In a survival map, 23 and 17 genes that exhibited positive associations with CDC42EP2 showed a significant hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival and disease-free survival, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that CDC42EP2 is a novel prognostic biomarker and a potential tumor immune therapeutic target in patients with LIHC.
Risk factors for transmission in a COVID-19 cluster infection in a high school in the Republic of Korea
Jin-Hwan Jeon, Su Jin Kang, Se-Jin Jeong, Hyeon-Cheol Jang, Young-Joon Park, Sang-Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2023;14(4):252-262.   Published online July 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0125
Funded: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
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  • 204 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the scale, characteristics, risk factors, and modes of transmission in a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak at a high school in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Methods
An epidemiological survey was conducted of 1,118 confirmed cases and close contacts from a COVID-19 outbreak at an educational facility starting on May 31, 2021. In-depth interviews, online questionnaires, flow evaluations, and CCTV analyses were used to devise infection prevention measures. Behavioral and spatial risk factors were identified, and statistical significance was tested.
Results
Among 3rd-year students, there were 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases (9.6%). Students who used a study room in the annex building showed a statistically significant 4.3-fold elevation in their relative risk for infection compared to those who did not use the study room. Moreover, CCTV facial recognition analysis confirmed that 17.8% of 3rd-year students did not wear masks and had the lowest percentage of mask-wearers by grade. The air epidemiological survey conducted in the study room in the annex, which met the 3 criteria for a closed space, confirmed that there was only 10% natural ventilation due to the poor ventilation system.
Conclusion
To prevent and manage the spread of COVID-19 in educational facilities, advance measures that consider the size, operation, and resources of each school are crucial. In addition, various survey methodologies should be used in future studies to quickly analyze a wider range of data that can inform an evidence-based quarantine response.

Citations

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  • Detection of a cluster of Omicron's BA.4 sublineage in Northern Senegal and identification of the first XAS recombinant variant in Senegal
    Martin Faye, Modeste Name Faye, Babacar Ndiaye, Moussa Moïse Diagne, Safietou Sankhe, Ndeye Marième Top, Amadou Diallo, Cheikh Loucoubar, Ndongo Dia, Amadou Alpha Sall, Ousmane Faye
    Virus Research.2024; 339: 199259.     CrossRef
Increased viral load in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant in the Republic of Korea
Jeong-Min Kim, Dongju Kim, Nam-Joo Lee, Sang Hee Woo, Jaehee Lee, Hyeokjin Lee, Ae Kyung Park, Jeong-Ah Kim, Chae Young Lee, Il-Hwan Kim, Cheon Kwon Yoo, Eun-Jin Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2023;14(4):272-278.   Published online July 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0024
Funded: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
  • 2,179 View
  • 120 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic owing to the rapid spread of the causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Its Delta and Omicron variants are more transmissible and pathogenic than other variants. Some debates have emerged on the mechanism of variants of concern. In the COVID-19 wave that began in December 2021, the Omicron variant, first reported in South Africa, became identifiable in most cases globally. The aim of this study was to provide data to inform effective responses to the transmission of the Omicron variant.
Methods
The Delta variant and the spike protein D614G mutant were compared with the Omicron variant. Viral loads from 5 days after symptom onset were compared using epidemiological data collected at the time of diagnosis.
Results
The Omicron variant exhibited a higher viral load than other variants, resulting in greater transmissibility within 5 days of symptom onset.
Conclusion
Future research should focus on vaccine efficacy against the Omicron variant and compare trends in disease severity associated with its high viral load.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
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    Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

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