The Relationships between Particulate Matter Risk Perception, Knowledge, and Health Promoting Behaviors among College Students

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the relationships between particulate matter risk perception, knowledge, and perceived barriers and health-promoting behaviors among college students. METHODS: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from September 1 to 30, 2017. The study sample consisted of 85 students from a university, Seoul. Students not living in the Seoul metropolitan area during the spring 2017 semester were excluded from participation. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to identify relationships among study variables. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation existed between particulate matter risk perception and health-promoting behaviors related to particulate matter (r=.51, p < .001). Among the risk perception subdomains, attention (r=.47, p < .001) and health effect (r=.55, p < .001) showed strong positive relationships with health-promoting behaviors. No significant relationships were found between knowledge (r=.12, p=.288) or perceived barriers (r=−.12, p=.264) and health-promoting behaviors related to particulate matter. CONCLUSION: Based on the study results, strategies for enhancing particulate matter risk perception are needed to increase the level of health-promoting behaviors related to particulate matter among college students.

Magnetic resonance angiographic screening of aneurysms in migraine

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to screen the prevalence of aneurysms in migraineurs; to differentiate presenting features in migraineurs with and without aneurysm; and also to correlate the locations of aneurysm to the clinical features of migraine. Methods: A total of 4,416 subjects were interviewed and completed self-reported questionnaires on headache. Of these, 1,773 subjects diagnosed to have migraines based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders II (ICHD-II) criteria were screened for aneurysm by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). When aneurysm was suspected, further investigation with trans femoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) or three dimensional computerized tomography (CT) angiography was performed. Based upon MRA findings, subjects were grouped into unruptured aneurysm migraine patients (UAMP) and no aneurysm migraine patients (NAMP). Results: The prevalence of aneurysm was 3.6% (63 of 1,773) with the mean age of 56.0 years, which were not different from those of general population. There was no difference in migraine subtypes between UAMP and NAMP. Aggravation of headache by estrogen replacement therapy during menopause (p=.039), history of migraine in young age (p= .021), diplopia (p=.026), and retroauricular pain (p=.025) were significantly associated with presence of aneurysm. Although aneurysms were detected more in anterior circulation, there was no correlation between aneurysm site and headache location. The average size of aneurysm was 3.5 ± 2.1 mm and none were ruptured. Interventional therapy of aneurysm did not alter the feature of migraine. Conclusions: The incidence of aneurysm was not different in migraine patients as compared to the general population. Some features which significantly differentiate whether migrainuers have aneurysm or not warrant further study to have a predictive and localizing value.

The Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Exposure to Traumatic Events in Male Firefighters / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the relationship between alcohol consumption and exposure to traumatic events in male firefighters. METHODS: Data was collected from a sample of 584 firefighters at urban fire stations. We surveyed the firefighters using self-administered questionnaires including sociodemographic and job-related characteristics such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Life Event Checklist (LEC), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF), Impacted Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Stait Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: There were significant differences in smoking, traumatic events (LEC), post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (IES-R), and anxiety (STAI-T) between the two drinking groups (p<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression, smoking (OR=2.084, 95% CI=1.172-3.705), LEC (OR=1.163, 95% CI=1.010-1.339) and IES-R (OR=1.024, 95% CI=1.002-1.046) were significant predictors for AUDIT (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that an appropriate intervention about the exposure to traumatic events should play a useful role in preventing firefighter alcohol problems.

Distribution Patterns of Calbindin-D28K and NADPH-Diaphorase Positive Neurons in the Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray of the Rabbit / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: We attempted to compartmentalize the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of the rabbit in terms of the different distribution patterns between NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd)- and calbindin D28K (CB)-positive neurons. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent labelling for CB and histochemistry for NADPHd were carried out on coronally-sectioned midbrain slices of the rabbit. RESULTS: NADPHd-positive neurons were selectively localized in the dorsolateral (DL), the middle one-third of the lateral (L), the dorsal half of the ventrolateral (VLd) PAG, and the supraoculomotor cap nucleus (Su3C). Clusters of CB-immunoreactive perikarya marked the dorsal half of DL (DLd), Su3C, the ventral one-third of L, and the ventral half of the ventrolateral (VLv) PAG. Double labelling for NADPHd and CB revealed that two markers labelled different neuronal groups in DLd and Su3C subdivisions. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that NADPHd and CB can be regarded as reliable neurochemical markers to reveal the longitudinally-columnar organization within the PAG and to subdivide each columnar area.

Direct Vascular Actions of Indapamide in Aorta from Renal Hypertensive Rats / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Thiazide diuretics exert their hypotensive efficacy through a combined vasodilator and diuretic effect. The present study was conducted to assess the inhibitory effect of thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, and the thiazide-like diuretics, indapamide and chlorthalidone on contractile responses to norepinephrine and arginine vasopressin in aortic rings from 2K1C renal hypertensive and sham-clipped normotensive rats. METHODS: 2K1C hypertension was made by clipping the left renal artery and age-matched control rats received a sham treatment. Changes in the tension of aortic ring preparations were measured isometrically. RESULTS: Indapamide inhibits the contractile responses to norepinephrine and vasopressin in aortic rings from 2K1C rats, while it did not modify in control rats. The inhibitory effect of indapamide was abolished by endothelium removal. Hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone did not affect the vasoconstriction induced by norepinephrine and vasopressin either in sham or in 2K1C hypertensive rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that indapamide inhibits the contractile responses to norepinephrine and vasopressin via an endothelium-dependent mechanism in 2K1C renal hypertension.

5-Hydroxytryptamine Generates Tonic Inward Currents on Pacemaker Activity of Interstitial Cells of Cajal from Mouse Small Intestine

In this study we determined whether or not 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has an effect on the pacemaker activities of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from the mouse small intestine. The actions of 5-HT on pacemaker activities were investigated using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) analysis, and RT-PCR in ICC. Exogenously-treated 5-HT showed tonic inward currents on pacemaker currents in ICC under the voltage-clamp mode in a dose-dependent manner. Based on RT-PCR results, we found the existence of 5-HT2B, 3, 4, and 7 receptors in ICC. However, SDZ 205557 (a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist), SB 269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist), 3-tropanylindole - 3 - carboxylate methiodide (3-TCM; a 5-HT3 antagonist) blocked the 5-HT-induced action on pacemaker activity, but not SB 204741 (a 5-HT2B receptor antagonist). Based on [Ca2+]i analysis, we found that 5-HT increased the intensity of [Ca2+]i. The treatment of PD 98059 or JNK II inhibitor blocked the 5-HT-induced action on pacemaker activity of ICC, but not SB 203580. In summary, these results suggest that 5-HT can modulate pacemaker activity through 5-HT3, 4, and 7 receptors via [Ca2+]i mobilization and regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Simultaneous Herpes Simplex and Candida Esophagitis in Renal Transplant Patients / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Infectious esophagitis usually occurs in immunocompromised patients with AIDS, malignancy and those receiving immunosuppresive therapy. Common pathogens causing esophagitis include Candida, Herpes simplex virus and Cytomegalovirus. However simultaneous esophageal infection with both Candida and Herpes simplex virus has rarely been reported. The endoscopic findings of Herpes simplex esophagitis combined with Candida infection does not show typical findings due to diffuse whitish or yellowish plaques; hence, accurate diagnosis can be delayed. We observed concomitant infection of Herpes simplex virus and Candida causing esophagitis in a 45-year-old renal transplant patient who had been receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The patient showed marked reductions in clinical symptoms and in endoscopic findings after anti-fungal and acyclovir therapy.

The Role of Oxygen-Derived Free Radicals in Vascular Relaxations to Pinacidil in Renal Hypertensive Rats / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Evidence has emerged that oxygen-derived free radicals may induce vascular relaxations via ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels and the level of free radicals is increased in animal models of hypertension. The present study was conducted to determine whether relaxations to an K(ATP) channel opener, pinacidil, are increased in the aorta from two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats and whether free radial scavengers reduce these relaxations. METHODS: 2K1C hypertension was induced by clipping the left renal artery and age-matched control rats received a sham treatment. Rings of aortae without endothelium were suspended for isometric force recording. RESULTS: Relaxations to pinacidil (10(-8) to 10(-5) M), which are abolished by glibenclamide (10(-5) M), were augmented in the aorta from 2K1C rats, compared to those from control rats. In the aorta from 2K1C rats, catalase (1,200 U/mL), but neither superoxide dismutase (150 U/mL) nor deferoxamine (10(-4) M), reduced relaxations to pinacidil, whereas in the aorta from control rats, the free radical scavengers did not affect these relaxations. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in 2K1C hypertension, vasorelaxation to an KATP channel opener is augmented and that hydrogen peroxide in smooth muscle cells may partly contribute to these relaxations.

A Case Report on Successful Nonsurgical Treatment Using Antibiotics Alone in Aortic Stent Infection Diagnosed by Positron Emission Tomography

Aortic stent infection is a rare problem, but severe sequelae such as stent occlusion, aortic necrosis and rupture, and life-threatening sepsis can occur. Surgical removal and antibiotic therapy has been the mainstay of treatment, but the management of stent infection still remains controversial as to the time of removal operation or the prognosis regarding the use of antibiotics alone as the treatment modality. Recently, we experienced a case of delayed aortic stent infection that was treated with antibiotics alone. A 68-year-old man presented with unexplained fever of several days' duration. The patient had a history of having had an aortic stent inserted 8 years ago due to traumatic aortic rupture. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and positron emission tomography revealed focal intense nodular uptake at medial and inferior aspect of the aortic arch. He was therefore diagnosed with aortic stent infection due to Staphylococcus aureus and was successfully treated with name of antibiotics alone without recourse to surgery.

The Effect of Compressive Dressubg ib tge Amount of Postoperrative Bleeding after Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty

Purpose: Compressive hip dressings have been used to decrease the amount of postoperative bleeding after total hiparthroplasty. However, there is no data showing that a compressive dressing is effective. This study evaluated the effect of compressive dressings on the level of postoperative bleeding after total replacement arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trail included 80 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties in 72 patients. The 80 hips were randomly assigned to a compressive dressing group or a non-compressive dressing group using a table of random numbers. Forty-two hips in 37 patients were treated using the compressive dressing and the remaining 38 hips in 35 patients were treated using a non-compressive dressing. The patients were followed up for an average of 10.3 months. In all patients, a hemovac suction drain was inserted postoperatively. Results: The mean level of bleeding was 626.6 mL in the compressive group and 693.8 mL in the non-compressive group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P=0.416). Moreover, the incidence of postoperative complications including dislocation, nerve injury, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and heterotopic ossification was similar in both groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that the compressive dressing has no significant effect on the amount of postoperative bleeding and clinical results after total hip arthroplasty.

The Relationship between Expression of the Sodium/iodide Symporter Gene and the Status of Hormonal Receptors in Human Breast Cancer Tissue / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: It has been reported that the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) gene is expressed in several breast cancer tissues, suggesting the possibility of radionuclide imaging and therapy. However, the regulatory mechanism of NIS gene expression in breast cancer is not yet understood. To assess the relationship between the hormonal status and the NIS expression in breast cancer tissue, we investigated the NIS expression and correlated it to the expression of the thyrotropin receptor (thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, TSH-R), the estrogen receptor (ER) and the progesterone receptor (PR) in human breast cancer tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Breast cancer tissues were obtained from 44 patients. Pathological examination showed 2 cases of Grade I, 17 of Grade II, 22 of Grade III, and 3 of unknown grade. We measured the expression of NIS and TSH-R genes by using RT-PCR and we measured the status of ER and PR by using immunohisto-chemistry. RESULTS: The NIS gene was expressed in 15 (34%) of the 44 breast cancer tissues. The NIS gene was expressed in 32% of the cases with TSH-R gene expression. The NIS gene was expressed in 40% of the breast cancer tissues with a positive PR and in 31% with a negative PR (p>0.05). It was positive for PR in 18% of the cases and negative for PR in 39% of the cases (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The NIS gene is expressed in approximately one-third of the human breast cancer tissues. Its expression was not related to the presence of the TSH-R gene or hormonal receptors, ER and PR.

Effects of Hand Massage and Hand Holding on the Anxiety in Patients with Local Infiltration Anesthesia / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to examine the effects of hand massage and hand holding as nursing interventions on the anxiety in patients with local infiltration anesthesia. METHOD: The design of this study was a nonequivalent, control group, non- synchronized design. The subjects of this study consisted of 15 patients for the hand group, 15 patients for the hand holding group and 17 patients for the control group awaiting surgery in the operation room of a general hospitalin Daegu. As an experimental treatment, hand massage was carried out by the Hand Massage Protocol developed by Snyder(1995) and interpreted by Cho(1998) and hand holding developed by Cho(1998). The data were analyzed by SPSS/WIN, T-test, ANOVA, Cronbach's alpha, and the Scheffe test. RESULTS: The hand massage group and hand holding group were more effective than the control group in reducing anxiety, VAS score, systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. CONCLUSION: Hand massage and hand holding are effective nursing interventions that alleviates the psychological and physiological anxiety of patients with local infiltration anesthesia. In particular, the simple contact of hand holding is regarded as an effective and easily accessible nursing intervention in the operating room.