Production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in Macrophages by Mycobacterial Protein Antigens

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterial antigens released as PIM, LM, LAM, lipoproteins and other cellular factors may contribute to macrophage and dendritic cell activation through pattern recognition receptors such as TLRs. In this study, we assessed cytokine production and ERK activation with stimulation of several major mycobacterial antigens. METHODS: Purified mycobacterial antigens (10, 22, 30, 38kappaDa) and recombinant antigens (6, 16, 19, 38kappaDa, Ag85A antigen) were studied. The production of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-12, IL-6) was measured by ELISA. The ERK activation was detected by western blotting. The expression of TLR2 or TLR4 was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Among purified antigens only 30kappaDa antigen induced production of IL-6 or TNF-alpha in THP-1 macrophage cells. When THP-1 macrophage cells were treated with 30kappaDa antigen, phosphorylation of ERK was detected. ERK activation also occurred in TLR2 transfectant HEK293 cells with 30kappaDa antigen stimulation. CONCLUSION: 30kappaDa antigen is one of the major mycobacterial antigens inducing cytokine production and MAP kinases phosphorylation in macrophages.

The Analysis for Behavior Model and Effectiveness of Education of Breast Self Examination / 성인간호학회지

The purpose of this study was to test the fitness and explainable power of TPB-SE model to the behavior of breast self examination and it was to examine effectiveness of education for Intention and behavior of breast self examination. The subjects were 122 womens under baby sitting teachers' training programs at "S"college on Po Hang city, Kyung Pook province from May 10, 1998 through October 17, 1998. Among 122 subjects, 61 were placed in experimental group and 61 in control group. The experimental group was treated by researcher who administered booklet, slide and breast model. Collected data were analyzed through x2-test, t-test, MANOVA, ANCOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient via SPSS/PC and applied LISREL 8.0 programs to test TPB-SE model. The result of this study was summarized as follows: 1. TPB-SE model with additions of self efficacy from TPB fits well for predictive factors of behavior of breast self examination and it also fits well for data (GFI=.91, R2=.45). 2. Behavior score of breast self examination in the experimental group with already educated with breast self examination was significantly higher than that of control group (Wilks's value=.711, p=000). Through the results of this study, TPB-SE model with additions of self efficacy from TPB fits well for predictive factors of behavior of breast self examination and the education of breast self examination was effective to improving intention and behavior of breast self examination. I herewith reached final conclusions that the behavior of breast self examination should be regarded as one of health behavior for all women and the health education to women for breast self examination will be important job role for all nurses. In addition to above, the intervention through effective education designed for improving attitude, subjective norm, perceived control, self efficacy and intentions will be necessary step for any improvement of women' health behavior.

A Study for the Development of a Problem-based Learning Package for Patients with Perception-Adjustment Disorder / 성인간호학회지

The purpose of this study is to present an actual example for procedures for developing a PBL package based on philosophical backgrounds derived from Problem-based learning. To perform a systemic study on the operations of an intergrated curricula under multi-disciplines, a research team made up of several professors with different academic backgrounds was formed. Among the four situations for the patients with perception-adjustment disorder, especially a procedure for the development of PBL package which can be used in the emergency room situation has been proposed. The little(2000)'s PBL package model has been applied for this study. Tha package includes course objectives, learning objectives, concept map, situation scenario, tutor guide, and evaluation method. It is believed that learning objectives achievement procedures designed as a part of a problem-based learning package development procedures for the nursing of patients with perception-adjustment can be achieved at the same level as the learning objectives for the science of nursing founded by the Korean Nurses Association.