Mosaic receptor-binding domain nanoparticles induce protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 challenges

Recurrent spillovers of - and {beta}-coronaviruses (CoV) such as acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and possibly human CoV (NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1) have caused serious morbidity and mortality worldwide. Six receptor binding domains (RBDs) derived from - and {beta}-CoV that are considered to have originated from animals and cross-infected humans were linked to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) heterotrimeric subunits, PCNA1, PCNA2, and PCNA3. These were used to form a scaffold-based mosaic multivalent antigen, 6RBD-np. Electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic images show a ring-shaped disk with six protruding RBDs, like jewels in a crown, with a size of 40 nm. Prime-boost immunizations with 6RBD-np in BALB/c mice elicited strong, dose-dependent antibody responses. In human angiotensin converting enzyme 2-transgenic mice, the same immunization induced full-protection against SARS-CoV-2 wild type and Delta challenges, resulting in a 100% survival rate. The mosaic 6RBD-np provides a potential platform for developing a pan-CoV vaccine against newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and future CoV spillovers. SignificanceDespite the arsenal of COVID-19 vaccines, hospitalization and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 (acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) variants remain high. There is an urgent need to develop next-generation COVID vaccines that provide broad protection against diseases by current and newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this study, six receptor binding domains (RBDs) derived from - and {beta}-CoV were linked to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) heterotrimeric scaffolds. They assemble to create a stable mosaic multivalent nanoparticle, 6RBD-np, displaying a ring-shaped disk with six protruding antigens. The prime-boost immunization in BALB/c and human angiotensin converting enzyme 2-transgenic mice with the 6RBD-np elicited strong, dose-dependent antibody responses and induced full-protection against both the SARS-CoV-2 wild type (WT) and Delta challenges. This study provides proof-of-concept that the mosaic 6RBD-np induces 100% protection against SARS-CoV-2 WT and Delta. It provides the potential of co-displaying heterologous antigens for novel vaccine designs, which can be deployed countering future pandemics.

Recognition of Nutritional Labeling and Intake Status of Processed Foods and Snacks among High School Students in Incheon

This study sought to analyze the need for nutritional education to enhance the selection of desirable foods by adolescents. A total of 480 high school students in Incheon were surveyed and their responses were analyzed for the recognition of nutrition labeling and their consumption of processed foods and snacks. Almost all the students (93.1%) recognized nutrition labeling, but 54.6% rarely checked the nutrition labeling. The nutrients recognized as important in the nutrition label of processed foods were total fat/saturated fat/trans fat (3.75 out of 5), calories (3.68), and sodium (3.67) in that order. The recognition of the importance of calories was significantly higher in female students compared to male students (3.78 vs. 3.58, P＜0.05). The information identified as important were the date of manufacture and expiration (4.21 out of 5), price (4.14), and the nutrition label (3.15). The preference for processed foods was highest in the order of beverages (4.03 out of 5), noodles (4.02), and frozen desserts (3.97), and the preference of females for processed foods was significantly higher than males (P＜0.001). The time when snacks were most frequently consumed were before going to the academy (21.0%), after school (19.4%), and after attending private institutes (15.0%). The main reasons for using processed foods as snacks were taste (44.4%), ‘no time to eat a meal’ (26.4%), and low price (17.7%). In conclusion, while students mostly recognized nutrition labeling, the actual usage rate was low, and snacks were selected and consumed instead of meals for reasons such as attending academic institutes after school. Thus, to encourage the choice of proper processed foods and snacks for adolescents, practical nutrition education using nutrition labeling is needed.

Cutaneous Scalp Metastasis from Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

A Case of Rowell's Syndrome / 대한피부과학회지

Rowell's syndrome is a rare entity consisting of lupus erythematosus with associated erythema multiforme-like lesions and characteristic immunological findings, and it was first described by Rowell et al. in 1963. Because of the clinical similarities between subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and Rowell's syndrome, it is difficult to clinically distinguish between the annular-polycyclic type of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and Rowell's syndrome. We report a case of 18-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented erythema multiforme-like eruptions on both thighs. Simultaneously, she developed urticarial-like rashes on her trunk consistent with atypical skin lesion of lupus erythematosus. She also developed a positive antinuclear antibody with speckled pattern and positive anti-Ro antibody.

Huge Cutaneous Involvement of Multiple Myeloma / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

A Case of Pityriasis Versicolor Atrophicans / 대한의진균학회지

We report a case of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans in a 20-year-old woman who presented with chronic multiple brownish atrophic macules and patches on chest and back. The lesions had developed six years ago and the patient had used topical medication including steroid ointments for the last two years prior to visiting our clinic. KOH examination was positive, so skin biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans was made. Since our patient had applied topical steroids for some time, it was difficult to rule out steroid-induced atrophy in a common tinea versicolor. Also, differential diagnosis was performed with respect to other skin diseases manifesting with cutaneous atrophy including anetoderma.

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome following cholestatic hepatitis A: a case report / 대한간학회지

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections occur predominantly in children, and are usually self-limiting. However, 75-95% of the infections in adults are symptomatic (mostly with jaundice), with the illness symptoms usually persisting for a few weeks. Atypical manifestations include relapsing hepatitis, prolonged cholestasis, and complications involving renal injury. Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe, drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction characterized by skin rash, fever, lymph-node enlargement, and internal organ involvement. We describe a 22-year-old male who presented with acute kidney injury and was diagnosed with prolonged cholestatic hepatitis A. The patient also developed DRESS syndrome due to antibiotic and/or antiviral treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of histopathologically confirmed DRESS syndrome due to antibiotic and/or antiviral treatment following HAV infection with cholestatic features and renal injury.

Occurring Scarring Alopecia after Appropriate Treatments of Kerion Celsi / 대한의진균학회지

Kerion celsi is an inflammatory dermatophytosis of the scalp which is characterized by an acute suppurative process caused mainly by zoophilic dermatophytes. Systemic corticosteroid can be added to systemic antifungal treatment for reducing scarring alopecia, but focal cicatricial changes are unavoidable in a severe case. We report a case of kerion celsi caused by T. mentagrophytes, zoophilic dermatophyte, in a 7-year-old girl. This patient had localized painful erythematous crusted plaques with multiple inflammatory pustules on the scalp. Although she was initially treated with antifungal agent and systemic corticosteroid, focal scarring alopecia occurred eventually. Eventually, the cicatricial change was corrected surgically after two and a half years in spite of timely and appropriate treatment.

A Case of Hyperthyroidism Associated with Symptomatic Hypercalcemia / 대한내분비학회지

Two of the common causes of hypercalcemia are malignancy and primary hyperparathyroidism. These disorders are easily diagnosed by the clinical manifestations and measurement of the serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is an uncommon cause of hypercalcemia. The diagnosis of hypercalcemia associated with hyperthyroidism can only be made by excluding the common causes of hypercalcemia and by observing the improvement of the hypercalcemia and its associated symptoms with normalizing the thyroid function. Herein we reported our experience with a 67 year-old woman who presented with nausea and vomiting. She showed elevated serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Serum intact PTH level was 1.1 pg/mL (normal range; 10~65). The results of the thyroid function test were compatible with hyperthyroidism. After resolution of the thyrotoxicosis with combination treatment of methimazol and Lugol's solution, the patient's serum calcium and phosphorus levels were normalized and the symptoms were improved.