Extracellular Hsp70 Is Involved in the CXCL12/CXCR4 Pathway in Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells: A Preliminary Study

Background and Objectives@#To date, no studies have been conducted on the interaction between extracellular heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in the upper airway. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between extracellular Hsp70 and CXCR4 and their role in the primary human nasal epithelium. @*Methods@#We cultured primary human nasal epithelial (HNE) cells in an air–liquid interface. Macrogen performed single-cell quantitative polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. We conducted western blot analysis for the CXCR4 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. @*Results@#Extracellular Hsp70 treatment significantly increased the genetic expression and protein levels of CXCR4 in primary HNE cells. Phospho-ERK expression was increased by cotreatment with Hsp70 and CXCL12, but inhibited by pretreatment with AMD3100, a CXCR4 inhibitor. Pretreatment with an anti-Hsp70 antibody reduced phospho-ERK expression upregulation induced by cotreatment with Hsp70 and CXCL12. @*Conclusion@#Extracellular Hsp70 participates in the activation of the CXCR4-dependent downstream signaling pathway in HNE cells. Further studies should evaluate the extracellular Hsp70-CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and the role of its components in the development of inflammatory diseases.

Subjective Gustatory Dysfunction Is Correlated With Subjective Olfactory Dysfunction in Geriatric Patients Regardless of Cognitive Function / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#Fewer studies are available on geriatric patients’ gustatory dysfunction than on their olfactory dysfunction. Here we aimed to evaluate the relationship between subjective gustatory dysfunction and subjective or objective olfactory dysfunction according to cognitive function in geriatric patients.Subjects and Method We prospectively enrolled patients who underwent both cognitive function test and olfactory function test between August 2018 and May 2019. The correlation between subjective gustatory dysfunction and subjective olfactory dysfunction or conventional olfactory function scores was evaluated for geriatric patients with or withhout cognitive dysfunction. Participants with a threshold-discrimination-identification (TDI) score (<21) on the YSK olfactory function test were diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction. Subjective gustatory function and olfactory function were evaluated using the visual analog scale. The Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Packet and Mini-Mental State Examination were administered to all participants. Overall, 120 patients (27 male, 93 female; mean age, 73.00±7.50 years) were enrolled. @*Results@#We found that the subjective gustatory function score did not correlate with the threshold, discrimination, identification, or the summation of TDI scores of the olfactory function test but was significantly associated with the subjective olfactory function score (p<0.001). Further, there was no significant correlation between the subjective gustatory function score and cognitive function. @*Conclusion@#The subjective olfactory function score was the only factor significantly correlated with the subjective gustatory function score. Based on these results, we suggest evaluating gustatory function in geriatric patients with olfactory dysfunction.

Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Low-rescue Suicide Attempts in Patients Visiting the Emergency Department after Attempting Suicide

Background@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may increase the total number of suicide attempts and the proportion of low-rescue attempts. We investigated the factors affecting low-rescue suicide attempts using the risk-rescue rating scale (RRRS) among patients who visited the emergency department (ED) after attempting suicide before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#We retrospectively investigated suicide attempts made by patients who visited our ED from March 2019 to September 2020. Patients were classified into two groups based on whether they attempted suicide before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on demographic variables, psychiatric factors, suicide risk factors and rescue factors were collected and compared. @*Results@#A total of 518 patients were included in the study, 275 (53.1%) of whom attempted suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of patients who made low-rescue suicide attempts differed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (37.1% vs. 28.8%) (P = 0.046). However, the proportions of patients who made high-risk suicide attempts and high-lethality suicide attempts did not significantly differ between the two periods.The independent risk factors for low-rescue suicide attempts were age and the COVID-19 pandemic (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.03; P = 0.006) (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.03–2.25; P = 0.034). @*Conclusion@#The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with low-rescue suicide attempts in patients visiting the ED after attempting suicide. Thus, we need to consider the implementation of measures to prevent low-rescue suicide attempts during similar infectious disease crises.

Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Low-rescue Suicide Attempts in Patients Visiting the Emergency Department after Attempting Suicide

Background@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may increase the total number of suicide attempts and the proportion of low-rescue attempts. We investigated the factors affecting low-rescue suicide attempts using the risk-rescue rating scale (RRRS) among patients who visited the emergency department (ED) after attempting suicide before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#We retrospectively investigated suicide attempts made by patients who visited our ED from March 2019 to September 2020. Patients were classified into two groups based on whether they attempted suicide before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on demographic variables, psychiatric factors, suicide risk factors and rescue factors were collected and compared. @*Results@#A total of 518 patients were included in the study, 275 (53.1%) of whom attempted suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of patients who made low-rescue suicide attempts differed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (37.1% vs. 28.8%) (P = 0.046). However, the proportions of patients who made high-risk suicide attempts and high-lethality suicide attempts did not significantly differ between the two periods.The independent risk factors for low-rescue suicide attempts were age and the COVID-19 pandemic (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.03; P = 0.006) (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.03–2.25; P = 0.034). @*Conclusion@#The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with low-rescue suicide attempts in patients visiting the ED after attempting suicide. Thus, we need to consider the implementation of measures to prevent low-rescue suicide attempts during similar infectious disease crises.

Factors Affecting Collaborations between a Tertiary-level Emergency Department and Community-based Mental Healthcare Centers for Managing Suicide Attempts

Background@#Community-based active contact and follow-up are known to be effective in reducing the risk of repeat suicide attempts among patients admitted to emergency departments after attempting suicide. However, the characteristics that define successful collaborations between emergency departments and community-based mental healthcare centers in this context are not well known. @*Methods@#This study investigated patients visiting the emergency department after suicide attempts from May 2017 to April 2019. Patients were classified in either the successful collaboration group or the failed collaboration group depending on whether or not they were linked to a community-based follow-up intervention. Clinical features and socioeconomic status were considered as independent variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the collaboration. @*Results@#Of 674 patients, 153 (22.7%) were managed successfully via the targeted collaboration. Completion of hospital-based psychological counseling (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 233.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.99–3,637.67), supported out-of-pocket expenses (aOR, 11.17; 95% CI, 3.03–41.03), Korean Triage and Acuity Scale 1–3 (aOR, 4.31;95% CI, 1.18–15.73), suicide attempt associated with mental disorder (aOR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04–0.52), and self-discharge against medical advice (aOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.70) were independent factors influencing the collaboration. @*Conclusion@#Completion of hospital-based psychological counseling was the most highly influential factor determining the outcome of the collaboration between the emergency department and community-based mental healthcare center in the management of individuals who had attempted suicide. Completion of hospital-based psychological counseling is expected to help reduce the risk of repeat suicide attempts.

The Influence of Grit on Turnover Intention of University Hospital Nurses: The Mediating Effect of Job Involvement / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to confirm the mediating effect of job involvement in the relationship between grit and turnover intention among nurses working at university hospitals. METHODS: Participants included 437 nurses from university hospitals located in C city, Gyeongnam. Data were collected from January 8 to 19, 2018, using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Scheffe's test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression, with the SPSS/22.0 program. A mediation analysis was performed according to the Baron and Kenny, and bootstrapping methods. RESULTS: There were significant relationships between grit and job involvement (r=.40, p<.001), grit and turnover intention (r=−.29, p<.001), and turnover intention and job involvement (r=−.52, p<.001). Job involvement showed partial mediating effects in the relationship between grit and turnover intention. CONCLUSION: Grit increased job involvement and lowered turnover intention. Therefore, to reduce nurses' turnover intention, it is necessary to develop a program and strategies to increase their grit.

The Influence of Grit on Turnover Intention of University Hospital Nurses: The Mediating Effect of Job Involvement

PURPOSE@#This study aimed to confirm the mediating effect of job involvement in the relationship between grit and turnover intention among nurses working at university hospitals.@*METHODS@#Participants included 437 nurses from university hospitals located in C city, Gyeongnam. Data were collected from January 8 to 19, 2018, using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Scheffe's test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression, with the SPSS/22.0 program. A mediation analysis was performed according to the Baron and Kenny, and bootstrapping methods.@*RESULTS@#There were significant relationships between grit and job involvement (r=.40, p<.001), grit and turnover intention (r=−.29, p<.001), and turnover intention and job involvement (r=−.52, p<.001). Job involvement showed partial mediating effects in the relationship between grit and turnover intention.@*CONCLUSION@#Grit increased job involvement and lowered turnover intention. Therefore, to reduce nurses' turnover intention, it is necessary to develop a program and strategies to increase their grit.

Survey of bovine norovirus infections from diarrheic calves in South Korea, 2015–2017 / 대한수의학회지

This study examined complex infections with various enteropathogens and the genetic diversity of bovine norovirus (BNoV) in 932 fecal samples from diarrheic calves in South Korea. Overall, seventeen (1.8%) of the samples tested positive for BNoV following RT-PCR examination. All BNoV-positive samples were co-infected with other intestinal pathogens, including bovine Rotavirus, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Escherichia coli. The genetic diversity of the BNoVs shared high nucleotide identity (98.1–99.5%) and amino acid homology (93.5–98.1%) with genotype 2 BNoV (GIII.2) strains. In conclusion, BNoV infections with GIII genotypes were detected in complex infections of diarrheic calves in South Korea.

Survey of bovine norovirus infections from diarrheic calves in South Korea, 2015–2017

This study examined complex infections with various enteropathogens and the genetic diversity of bovine norovirus (BNoV) in 932 fecal samples from diarrheic calves in South Korea. Overall, seventeen (1.8%) of the samples tested positive for BNoV following RT-PCR examination. All BNoV-positive samples were co-infected with other intestinal pathogens, including bovine Rotavirus, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Escherichia coli. The genetic diversity of the BNoVs shared high nucleotide identity (98.1–99.5%) and amino acid homology (93.5–98.1%) with genotype 2 BNoV (GIII.2) strains. In conclusion, BNoV infections with GIII genotypes were detected in complex infections of diarrheic calves in South Korea.

Detection and genetic characterization of porcine circovirus 3 from aborted fetuses and pigs with respiratory disease in Korea

A novel porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) was first detected in pigs showing porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, reproductive failure, and multisystemic inflammation in the USA. Herein, we report on PCV3 as a potential etiological agent of clinical signs, reproductive failure and respiratory distress on Korean pig farms, based on in situ hybridization, pathological, and molecular findings. Confirmation of the presence of PCV3 may increase co-infection with other causative agents of disease in Korean pig herds, indicating the need for further systemic investigation of pathogenicity and of multiple infections with PCV2 genotypes and bacteria, and the development of an effective PCV3 vaccine.

Isolation and characterization of Korean porcine deltacoronavirus strain KNU16-07

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) has emerged in several pig-raising countries and has been a causative pathogen associated with diarrheal diseases in South Korea since 2014. In the present study, we were able to isolate and cultivate a Korean PDCoV strain (KNU16-07) in cell culture and investigate its pathogenicity. PDCoV-inoculated piglets showed watery diarrhea accompanied by acute enteritis in the natural host. Sequencing analysis demonstrated the genetic stability of KNU16-07 for at least thirty serial passages.

Postoperative outcomes of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and conventional laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the differences in outcomes between natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (NAVH) and conventional laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who between July 2012 and September 2015, were diagnosed as having benign uterine disease such as uterine myoma, endometriosis, or adenomyosis and managed via NAVH or LAVH in a single-center (Eulji University Hospital). Data such as age, body weight, height, parity, operation time, intra/post-operative complications, and uterus weight were obtained from the clinical charts. NAVH and LAVH recipients were matched 1:3 in terms of baseline characteristics, and the 2 groups were compared regarding surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 160 patients with benign uterine disease included in the present study. Forty received NAVH and remaining 120 received LAVH. There were significant differences between the groups regarding operation time and hemoglobin change. Notably, although the operation time was shorter for LAVH, hemoglobin change was lower for NAVH. Additionally, although maximum hospitalization duration was shorter for LAVH, the average length of hospitalization was similar between NAVH and LAVH. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of other variables. CONCLUSION: NAVH may become a new alternative surgical method of choice for hysterectomy, as it represents a clinically feasible and safe approach; moreover is superior to LAVH in terms of bleeding loss.

Porcine ear necrosis syndrome by coinfection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Staphylococcus hyicus

Porcine ear necrosis syndrome is characterized by erosive and ulcerative lesions at the margin or tip of the pinna. Three growing pigs of different ages exhibited retarded growth accompanied by reddening and necrosis of ear prior to death. Gross examination showed reddening, swelling, black discoloration, scaling, and variable-sized yellowish materials and edema in ear cross section. Microscopically, thrombosis, abscess, ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia, and dermal pyogranulomatous inflammation with an intralesional bacterial colony were observed. Staphylococcus hyicus was isolated in all pigs' ears and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus was detected by PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Genetic analysis of env and gag gene fragments of bovine leukemia virus identified in cattle from Korea / 대한수의학회지

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. This study was conducted to clarify the molecular characteristics of BLVs obtained from a specific region in Korea. Proviral BLVs were detected in anti-BLV antibody-positive blood samples by PCR. Env and gag fragments were sequenced and compared to previously published reference sequences. Analysis of the env gene sequence revealed that the YI strain was highly similar to genotype 1, including United States and Japanese strains. The gag gene sequence had the highest degree of similarity with a Japanese strain.

Isolation and characterization of orf viruses from Korean black goats

Five cases of orf virus infection in Korean black goats were diagnosed in our laboratory between 2010 and 2011. One orf virus (ORF/2011) was isolated from an ovine testis cell line (OA3.Ts) for use as a vaccine candidate. Sequences of the major envelope protein and orf virus interferon resistance genes were determined and compared with published reference sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that orf viruses from Korean black goats were most closely related to an isolate (ORF/09/Korea) from dairy goats in Korea. This result indicates that the orf viruses might have been introduced from dairy goats into the Korean black goat population.

Small bowel hernia through 5 mm trocar site with drainage tube in situ and its reduction by laparoscopy: A case report / 대한산부인과학회지

The incisional hernia through trocar site is an uncommon complication of gynecologic laparoscopy. Its incidence is less than 1% and most of them are occurring through 10 mm trocar site. Small bowel herniation through 5 mm trocar site is very rare. Furthermore, 5 mm trocar site bowel herniation with drain tube in situ has not yet been reported. We present a case of small bowel herniation through 5 mm trocar site with drain tube in situ and its reduction by laparoscopy with a brief review of literature.

Risk Factors and Prognosis for Periventricular Leukomalacia According to Neuroimage in Preterm Infants

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis for the development of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in preterm infants according to the extent and site of the PVL. METHODS: The medical records of infants (under 36 weeks of gestational age) delivered from January 1999 to December 2008 were reviewed. Twenty-five preterm infants with were PVL were diagnosed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an addition 50 preterm infants with no brain lesions were enrolled in this study. The perinatal and neonatal risk factors for the development of PVL was determine in these infants. Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Indices (MDI, PDI) were assessed by a clinical psychologist using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. We compared the differences of the clinical characteristics and prognosis according to brain MRI findings. RESULTS: Maternal fever, young maternal age, extended oxygen use, hypotension within the first week of birth, use of inotropics within the first week of birth, and respiratory distress syndrome were the risk factors associated with PVL (P<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, maternal fever and extended oxygen use were statistically significant independent risk factors (P<0.05). The mean MDI and PDI scores of the PVL group (74.4+/-27.8 and 58.0+/-17.7) were significantly lower than those of the control group (103.5+/-8.9 and 101.7+/-16.1, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Maternal fever and extended oxygen use were independent risk factors for PVL. We should pay attention to infants who had the risk factors and follow them up closely by brain imaging study and Bayley Scales of Infant Development II.

Development and characterization of stable cell lines constitutively expressing the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus nucleocapsid protein

Despite global efforts to control porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection, the virus continues to cause economic problems in the swine industry worldwide. In this study, we attempted to generate and characterize a panel of stable BHK cell lines that constitutively express the nucleocapsid (N) protein of type 1 or type 2 PRRSV. The established BHK cell lines were found to react well with N-specific antibodies as well as the hyperimmune serum of pigs raised against each genotype of PRRSV. Taken together, the data implicate a potential usefulness for the newly generated stable cell lines as a diagnostic reagent for PRRSV serology.

Study for the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic myomectomy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and the clinical efficacy of the laparoscopic myomectomy through analyzing several operation factors. METHODS: There were 185 cases of laparoscopic myomectomy between January 2004 and December 2008 at the department of obstetrics and gynecology in Hanyang University Guri Hospital. Retrospectively many factors of the operation were analyzed. The factors include the size, number and type of the myoma, BMI (body mass index), operation method, operation time, and complication and the prognosis of the operation. RESULTS: For the type of myomas, 115 (62.2%) cases were intramural myomas, 38 (20.5%) cases were subserosal types and 32 (17.3%) cases were mixed types. The average diameter of the biggest myoma was 6.67+/-0.16 cm (range, 2.5~15 cm) and the average number of the myoma was 2.07+/-0.15 (range, 1~15). Previous operation history and pelvic adhesion did not show correlation with the operation time. The size, type and number of myoma and the operation methods showed correlation with the operation time. According to myoma size and number, we divided the cases into two groups, low risk group (122 cases) and high risk group (63 cases). The analysis showed that post-operation hemoglobin drop (2.89+/-0.10 g/dL vs. 4.03+/-0.23 g/dL) and blood transfusion amount (2.89+/-0.10 pints vs. 4.03+/-0.23 pints) as well as the operation time (137.58+/-4.37 min vs. 193.73+/-9.88 min) showed noticeable increase in the high risk group. CONCLUSION: This statistics show that laparoscopic myomectomy is now being applied to patients with larger and more myomas. Factors affecting operation time were the weight of myomas, number of myomas, type of myomas, number of trocars and methods of resected myomas removal. Also, operation time and post-operative hemoglobin drop increased in the high risk group.

Clinical efficacy on the use of colpotomy in laparoscopic myomectomy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Recently, laparoscopic operations are widely used for the resection of uterine myomas and the method for extraction of resected tissue leiomyoma is chiefly used with the morcellator or minilaparotomy. We investigated the feasiblity of colpotomy for the extraction of myoma tissue in the laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed from May 2004 to July 2007 after a review of the medical records of 75 patients who have undergone myomectomy utilizing colpotomy. The patients profiles characteristics included myoma size, operation time, amount of blood loss, and complications in the Hanyang University Guri Hospital. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were involved. The mean age of the patients was 40.5 (27-53) years, multiparity was found in 55 (73%) patients, the mean weight of the myomas was 204.3 (30-890) gm, the mean operation time was 2.47 (1.1-5.8) hours, the mean decrement of hemoglobin was 2.98 (0.2-5.9) gm/dL, the number of patients that needed transfusion was 8 (10.6%) and the number of the cases experiencing complications was one (0.01%). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that colpotomy for the extraction of myoma tissue in laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe procedure in aspects of risk and cosmetic outcome and on an individual basis, can be used as an alternative to the usage of morcellator or minilaparotomy.