Showing papers by "Woo Joo Kim published in 2022"
TL;DR: In this article , a diverse, multidisciplinary panel of 386 academic, health, non-governmental organization, government and other experts in COVID-19 response from 112 countries and territories to recommend specific actions to end this persistent global threat to public health.
Abstract: Despite notable scientific and medical advances, broader political, socioeconomic and behavioural factors continue to undercut the response to the COVID-19 pandemic1,2. Here we convened, as part of this Delphi study, a diverse, multidisciplinary panel of 386 academic, health, non-governmental organization, government and other experts in COVID-19 response from 112 countries and territories to recommend specific actions to end this persistent global threat to public health. The panel developed a set of 41 consensus statements and 57 recommendations to governments, health systems, industry and other key stakeholders across six domains: communication; health systems; vaccination; prevention; treatment and care; and inequities. In the wake of nearly three years of fragmented global and national responses, it is instructive to note that three of the highest-ranked recommendations call for the adoption of whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches1, while maintaining proven prevention measures using a vaccines-plus approach2 that employs a range of public health and financial support measures to complement vaccination. Other recommendations with at least 99% combined agreement advise governments and other stakeholders to improve communication, rebuild public trust and engage communities3 in the management of pandemic responses. The findings of the study, which have been further endorsed by 184 organizations globally, include points of unanimous agreement, as well as six recommendations with >5% disagreement, that provide health and social policy actions to address inadequacies in the pandemic response and help to bring this public health threat to an end.
60 citations
TL;DR: A randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded phase 1/2 study was conducted to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of GBP510 adjuvanted with or without AS03 in adults aged 19-85 years at 14 hospital sites in Korea as discussed by the authors .
31 citations
TL;DR: In a recent systemic literature review, Walsh et al. as mentioned in this paper reported that viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) peaks around symptom onset, and becomes undetectable about two weeks after symptom onset.
7 citations
TL;DR: In Korea, six vaccines, including a domestically developed recombinant vaccine, have been approved by the FDA as mentioned in this paper , and they have been proven to be safe and highly effective in Korea, but rare serious adverse events and breakthrough infections have undermined public trust in the vaccines, even while the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Abstract: Since its first emergence in late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has claimed more than 6.5 million lives worldwide and continues to infect hundreds of thousands of people daily. To combat this once-in-a-century disaster, several vaccines have been developed at unprecedented speeds. Novel vaccine platforms (messenger ribonucleic acid vaccines and adenoviral vector vaccines) have played a major role in the current pandemic. In Korea, six vaccines, including a domestically developed recombinant vaccine, have been approved. As in other countries, vaccines have been proven to be safe and highly effective in Korea. However, rare serious adverse events and breakthrough infections have undermined public trust in the vaccines, even while the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. The rise of the omicron variant and the subsequent increase in excess mortality demonstrated that while vaccines are a key component of the pandemic response, it alone can fail without non-pharmaceutical interventions like masking and social distancing. The pandemic of coronavirus disease has revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of our healthcare system and pandemic preparedness. When the next pandemic arrives, improved risk communication and vaccine development should be prioritized. To enable timely vaccine development, it is essential to make strategic and sufficient investments in vaccine research and development.
6 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that samples for SARS-CoV-2 tests can be collected in a noninvasive, quick, and easy method by simply submitting worn masks from subjects, which can significantly reduce the hassle of waiting at airports or public places and concerns about cross-infection.
Abstract: Face masks are used to protect the wearer from harmful external air and to prevent transmission of viruses from air exhaled by potentially infected wearers to the surrounding people. In this study, we examined the potential utility of masks for collecting viruses contained in exhaled breath and detected the collected viruses via various molecular tests. Using KF94 masks, the inner electrostatic filter was selected for virus collection, and an RNA extraction protocol was developed for the face mask. Virus detection in worn mask samples was performed using PCR and rolling circle amplification (RCA) tests and four different target genes (N, E, RdRp, and ORF1ab genes). The present study confirmed that the mask sample tests showed positive SARS-CoV-2 results, similar to the PCR tests using nasopharyngeal swab samples. In addition, the quantity of nucleic acid collected in the masks linearly increased with wearing time. These results suggest that samples for SARS-CoV-2 tests can be collected in a noninvasive, quick, and easy method by simply submitting worn masks from subjects, which can significantly reduce the hassle of waiting at airports or public places and concerns about cross-infection. In addition, it is expected that miniaturization technology will integrate PCR assays on face masks in the near future, and mask-based self-diagnosis would play a significant role in resolving the pandemic situation.
5 citations
TL;DR:
Abstract: Abstract A prospective cohort study was conducted for adults with a diagnosis of with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Convalescent blood samples were obtained 4, 6, and 11 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The seropositivity of anti-spike antibody was maintained in all patients (100%) until 11 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. Neutralizing antibody levels against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 gradually decreased but remained positive in >50% of patients 11 months after diagnosis: in 98.5% (67 of 68) at 4 months, 86.8% (46 of 53) at 6 months, and 58.8% (40 of 68) at 11 months. However, cross-neutralizing activity against the Beta and Delta variants was attenuated 2.53-fold and 2.93-fold, respectively, compared with the wild-type strain.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the vaccination rates in patients with various chronic medical conditions by examining the national health insurance claims data and the national immunization registry and found that patients with chronic conditions, especially those of higher severity, had vaccination rates approximately 10-20% lower than those of the general population.
Abstract: As most individuals acquire immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, South Korea declared a return to normalcy a few months ago. However, epidemic waves continue because of endlessly emerging variants and waning immunity. Health authorities are focusing on those at high risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 to minimize damage to public health and the economy. In this regard, we investigated the vaccination rates in patients with various chronic medical conditions by examining the national health insurance claims data and the national immunization registry. We found that patients with chronic medical conditions, especially those of higher severity, such as malignancy, had vaccination rates approximately 10–20% lower than those of the general population. Public health authorities and healthcare providers should try to vaccinate these patients to avoid preventable morbidity and mortality.
3 citations
TL;DR: In the base case analysis (older adults aged ≥65 years), HD-QIV was superior, with the lowest cost and highest utility, and the introduction of the influenza NIP was cost-effective or even cost-saving for the remaining targeted gr3oups, regardless of TIV or QIV.
Abstract: The high disease burden of influenza in elderly and chronically ill adults may be due to the suboptimal effectiveness and mismatch of the conventional trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV). This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent (QIV), adjuvanted trivalent (ATIV), and high-dose quadrivalent (HD-QIV) vaccines versus TIV used under the current Korean National Immunization Program (NIP) in older adults aged ≥65 years. We also evaluated the cost-effectiveness of programs for at-risk adults aged 19–64 and adults aged 50–64. A one-year static population model was used to compare the costs and outcomes of alternative vaccination programs in each targeted group. Influenza-related parameters were derived from the National Health Insurance System claims database; other inputs were extracted from the published literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were assessed from a societal perspective. In the base case analysis (older adults aged ≥65 years), HD-QIV was superior, with the lowest cost and highest utility. Compared with TIV, ATIV was cost-effective (ICER $34,314/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]), and QIV was not cost-effective (ICER $46,486/QALY). The cost-effectiveness of HD-QIV was robust for all parameters except for vaccine cost. The introduction of the influenza NIP was cost-effective or even cost-saving for the remaining targeted gr3oups, regardless of TIV or QIV.
3 citations
TL;DR: Systemic adverse events resulting from the first ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 dose may be associated with proinflammatory cytokine responses rather than humoral immune responses.
Abstract: Evaluation of the safety and immunogenicity of new vaccine platforms is needed to increase public acceptance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Here, we evaluated the association between reactogenicity and immunogenicity in healthy adults following vaccination by analyzing blood samples before and after sequential two-dose vaccinations of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Outcomes included anti-S IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody responses, adverse events, and proinflammatory cytokine responses. A total of 59 and 57 participants vaccinated with BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, respectively, were enrolled. Systemic adverse events were more common after the first ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 dose than after the second. An opposite trend was observed in BNT162b2 recipients. Although the first ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 dose significantly elevated the median proinflammatory cytokine levels, the second dose did not, and neither did either dose of BNT162b2. Grades of systemic adverse events in ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 recipients were significantly associated with IL-6 and IL-1β levels. Anti-S IgG and neutralizing antibody titers resulting from the second BNT162b2 dose were significantly associated with fever. In conclusion, systemic adverse events resulting from the first ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 dose may be associated with proinflammatory cytokine responses rather than humoral immune responses. Febrile reactions after second BNT162b2 dose were positively correlated with vaccine-induced immune responses rather than with inflammatory responses.
3 citations
TL;DR: There was no significant difference in age, sex, and vaccination doses between the survived and fatal groups, and NEWS, CCI, and dyspnea were predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
3 citations
TL;DR: In response to the continued emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and the time-dependent decline in neutralizing antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination, various strategies for repeated vaccination have been adopted as discussed by the authors .
TL;DR: Compared with the 2-dose primary series vaccination, booster vaccination with mRNA vaccine showed moderate VE, but in multivariate analysis including the time elapsed after vaccination, the significant VE disappeared, reflecting the impact of recent vaccination rather than the third dose itself.
Abstract: The omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known to have high infectivity and is more likely to evade vaccine immunity. However, booster vaccination is expected to strengthen cross-reactive immunity, thereby increasing the vaccine effectiveness (VE). This study aimed to evaluate the relative VE of the 3-dose (booster) vaccination compared with the 2-dose primary series vaccination in healthcare workers during omicron variant-dominant periods. During the omicron-dominant period from February 1, 2022 to February 28, 2022, a 1:1 matched case-control study was conducted. Healthcare workers with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results were classified as positive cases, whereas those with negative results served as controls. Compared with the 2-dose primary series vaccination, booster vaccination with mRNA vaccine showed moderate VE (53.1%). However, in multivariate analysis including the time elapsed after vaccination, the significant VE disappeared, reflecting the impact of recent vaccination rather than the third dose itself.
TL;DR: The present study showed that the effectiveness of ChEI and nootropics combination on cognition may appear differently according to the dementia type, and emphasizes the need for well-controlled studies to generalize the effectiveness in various clinical settings.
Abstract: The clinical benefits of nootropics in the treatment of cognitive decline has been either limited or controversial. This study aimed to observe the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) and nootropics combination in the treatment of cognitive impairment in dementia. Data were based on electronic medical records in a university health system. Patients with mild-to-moderate dementia and no history of prior cognitive enhancer use were included (n = 583). The subjects were categorized into the ChEI only group and the ChEI and nootropics combination group. The primary outcome measure was the change in cognitive function, as assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) from baseline to 300–400 days after the first ChEI prescription. Subsequent analyses were conducted in consideration of the dementia type, medical adherence, and type of nootropics. The changes in MMSE scores from baseline to endpoint were not significantly different between the two groups. In Alzheimer’s dementia, the combination group showed significantly less deterioration in MMSE language subscale scores compared to the ChEI only group (F = 6.86, p = 0.009), and the difference was consistent in the highly adherent subjects (F = 10.16, p = 0.002). The choline alfoscerate and the ginkgo biloba extract subgroups in Alzheimer’s dementia showed more significant improvements in the MMSE language subscale scores compared to the other nootropics subgroup (F = 7.04, p = 0.001). The present study showed that the effectiveness of ChEI and nootropics combination on cognition may appear differently according to the dementia type. This emphasizes the need for well-controlled studies to generalize the effectiveness of nootropics across various clinical settings.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the vaccination rate in patients admitted to chronic pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer wards in the third week of April 2022 to determine the immunity level of these vulnerable groups.
Abstract: We investigated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rate in patients admitted to chronic pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer wards in the third week of April 2022 to determine the immunity level of these vulnerable groups. Compared to the general population, our study subjects had lower vaccination rates, except for higher percentages of boosted individuals in patients with chronic pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease. This tendency was most pronounced in cancer patients, less than half of whom were boosted. Patients with cancer should be encouraged to complete their COVID-19 vaccination.
TL;DR: Hospital-acquired pneumonia showed higher rates of P. aeruginosa and MRSA infections than CAP and empirical antipseudomonal therapy should be considered in the treatment of HCAP.
Abstract: Background Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) lies in the intersection of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Although HCAP is excluded from the revised HAP guideline, reassessment for HCAP is needed considering its heterogeneous characteristics. Methods The microbiological distribution, antibiotic resistance, and clinical outcomes in CAP, HCAP, and HAP were studied retrospectively. The susceptibility to standard CAP regimens (β-lactams plus macrolide or fluoroquinolone monotherapy) and rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections were evaluated in the CAP group and HCAP subgroups. Results In total, 933 cases were included (CAP, n = 557; HCAP, n = 264; HAP, n = 112). In the CAP and HCAP cases, Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.4% vs. 5.7%) and P. aeruginosa (9.2% vs. 18.6%) were the most common gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant, 2.7%; methicillin-susceptible, 2.4%) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (20.5%) were the most common Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens in the HAP group, respectively. Higher susceptibility to levofloxacin was observed in CAP and HCAP isolates than that to β-lactam agents. However, levofloxacin non-susceptibility was significantly higher in long-term care facility (LTCF)-onset HCAP compared to community-onset HCAP (43.6% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.014). Conclusion HCAP showed higher rates of P. aeruginosa and MRSA infections than CAP. Empirical antipseudomonal therapy should be considered in the treatment of HCAP. Prior isolation of P. aeruginosa was the most important risk factor for P. aeruginosa infection.
TL;DR: In this paper , the SARS-CoV-2 B.1 strain has been replaced by Omicron BA.4 and BA.1.5 subvariants, which are highly transmissible, and more immune-evading from vaccines.
TL;DR: The CoV2-001 phase I randomized trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the GLS-5310 bi-cistronic DNA vaccine through 48 weeks of follow-up as mentioned in this paper .
TL;DR: A prospective multicenter IPD surveillance study was conducted for adults aged ≥ 19 years from July 2019 to June 2021 as discussed by the authors , where serotyping was taken for 116 available pneumococcal isolates.
TL;DR: NAb titer and S-specific T-cell immunity peak at 5–8 weeks and rather decrease at 10–12 weeks after vaccination, and single-dose Ad26.COV2.S was safe and immunogenic.
Abstract: 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/106 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.
TL;DR: A close evaluation of insomnia and frailty in older adults provides a basis for improving the health of people in the aged society and explains the psychoneuroendocrinological mechanism of the relationship between insomnia andFrailty.
Abstract: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome with increased risk for poor health outcomes, including falls, cognitive impairment, hospitalization, and mortality. In previous studies, associations between frailty and sleep-related factors or sleep disorders have been investigated. We examined the relationship between frailty and insomnia, which are both common condition in older adults. Hormonal changes with aging and/or lifestyle changes all affect sleep physiology, which are vulnerable to the risk of insomnia. As the severity of frailty decreases the quality of sleep, and the long/short sleep duration is related to the risk of frailty, it can be assumed that frailty and sleep are reciprocally related. The association between frailty and insomnia has been variously proven in epidemiological studies conducted around the world. A close evaluation of insomnia and frailty in older adults provides a basis for improving the health of people in the aged society. There are few related studies in Korea, and in the future, not only basic epidemiological studies but also studies explaining the psychoneuroendocrinological mechanism of the relationship between insomnia and frailty should be performed together.
TL;DR: Clinical characteristics and possible risk factors of sleep disturbances in people living with HIV (PLWH) are examined and further investigation of the underlying pathophysiology of sleep disturbance and association with immunological changes for early diagnosis and treatment ofSleep disturbance in PLWH is suggested.
Abstract: Objective: This study aims to examine clinical characteristics and to identify possible risk factors of sleep disturbances in people living with HIV (PLWH).Methods: All research data of patients who were first diagnosed with HIV/AIDS from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021 and complained of sleep disturbance at least once were retrospectively reviewed by the Severance Clinical Research Analysis Portal (SCRAP) service of Severance hospital. The presence of sleep disturbance was evaluated based on whether insomnia disorder diagnosis code was included or whether insomnia medication was prescribed. The patients were divided into either the group with sleep disturbance within 3 months (SDW3) and the group with after 3 months (SDA3). All data were reported using descriptive statistics.Results: Of the 674 patients diagnosed with HIV during the period, 56 patients experienced sleep disturbances at least once and approximately 50% of patients have experienced sleep disturbance in the first 3 months after HIV diagnosis. CD4+ cell count at the time of first onset of sleep disturbance was significantly lower (p=0.03) and HIV viral load at the time of first onset of sleep disturbance was significantly higher (p<0.001) in SDW3 group. SDW3 patients showed higher rates of opportunistic infections compared to SDA3 patients.Conclusion: The current study suggests that further investigation of the underlying pathophysiology of sleep disturbance and association with immunological changes for early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disturbance in PLWH.
TL;DR:
Abstract: A prospective cohort study was conducted for adults diagnosed with COVID-19. Convalescent blood was obtained at 4, 6, and 11 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The seropositivity of anti-spike antibody was maintained in all patients (100%) until 11 months after COVID-19. Neutralizing antibody levels against the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 gradually decreased but remained positive in more than 50% of patients 11 months after diagnosis: 98.5% (67/68) at 4 months, 86.8% (46/53) at 6 months, and 58.8% (40/68). However, cross-neutralizing activity against the Beta and Delta variants was attenuated 2.53-fold and 2.93-fold, respectively, compared to the wild-type strain.