Unleashing the Power of Undifferentiated Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Bioprinting: Current Progress and Future Prospects

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has revolutionized various fields, including stem cell research, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. The evolution of iPSC-based models has transitioned from conventional two-dimensional systems to more physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) models such as spheroids and organoids.Nonetheless, there still remain challenges including limitations in creating complex 3D tissue geometry and structures, the emergence of necrotic core in existing 3D models, and limited scalability and reproducibility. 3D bioprinting has emerged as a revolutionary technology that can facilitate the development of complex 3D tissues and organs with high scalability and reproducibility. This innovative approach has the potential to effectively bridge the gap between conventional iPSC models and complex 3D tissues in vivo. This review focuses on current trends and advancements in the bioprinting of iPSCs. Specifically, it covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of bioprinting and bioink design, reviews recent progress in iPSC bioprinting research with a specific focus on bioprinting undifferentiated iPSCs, and concludes by discussing existing limitations and future prospects.

Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Thrombolysis in the 3- to 4.5-hour Window in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Who Have Both Diabetes Mellitus and History of Prior Stroke

Background@#For acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with history of prior stroke (PS) and diabetes mellitus (DM), intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) therapy in the 3- to 4.5-hour window is off-label in Korea. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of IV-tPA in these patients. @*Methods@#Using data from a prospective multicenter stroke registry between January 2009 and March 2021, we identified AIS patients who received IV-tPA in the 3- to 4.5-hour window, and compared the outcomes of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), 3-month mortality, 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-1 and 3-month mRS distribution between patients with both PS and DM (PS/DM, n=56) versus those with neither PS nor DM, or with only one (non-PS/DM, n=927). @*Results@#The PS/DM group versus the non-PS/DM group was more likely to have a prior disability, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease and less likely to have atrial fibrillation. The PS/DM and the non-PS/DM groups had comparable rates of SICH (0% vs. 1.7%; p>0.999) and 3-month mortality (10.7% vs. 10.2%; p=0.9112). The rate of 3-month mRS 0-1 was non-significantly lower in the PS/DM group than in the non-PS/DM group (30.4% vs. 40.7%; adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.81 [0.41-1.59]). @*Conclusions@#In the 3- to 4.5-hour window, AIS patients with PS/DM, as compared to those with non-PS/DM, might benefit less from IV-tPA. However, given the similar risks of SICH and mortality, IV-tPA in the late time window could be considered in patients with both PS and DM.

Effects of Communication Empowerment Program Based on Situated Learning Theory for Nursing Students

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the effects of a communication empowerment program based on situated learning theory for nursing students. METHODS: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The study participants were 61 nursing students (31 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group) from G city. Data were collected from November 3, 2015 to December 10, 2015. The experimental group received eight sessions of the program, which were scheduled twice a week, with each session lasting two hours. The data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and an independent t-test using SPSS/WIN 20.0. RESULTS: There were significant increases in self-efficacy for communication (t=2.62, p=.011), emotional intelligence (t=2.66, p=.010), and interpersonal communication competence (t=2.87, p=.006) in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, our study suggests a need to include content from communication curricula or clinical communication training programs for improving undergraduate nursing students' communication skills in practice settings.

Genetic and morphometric characteristics of Korean wild mice (KWM/Hym) captured at Chuncheon, South Korea / 한국실험동물학회지

Laboratory inbred mice are used widely and commonly in biomedical research, but inbred mice do not have a big enough gene pool for the research. In this study, genetic and morphometric analyses were performed to obtain data on the characteristics of a newly developing inbred strain (KWM/Hym) captured from Chuncheon, Korea. All of five Korean wild male mice have the zinc-finger Y (ZfY) gene. Also, all of 19 Korean wild mice used in this analysis have the AKV-type murine leukemia virus gene, indicating that Korean wild mice might be Mus musculus musculus. To identify the genetic polymorphism in KWM/Hym, SNP analysis was performed. In a comparison with 28 SNP markers, there was a considerable difference between KWM/Hym and several inbred strains. The homogeneity between KWM/Hym and the inbred strains was as follows: C57BL/6J (39.3%), BALB/c AJic (42.9%), and DBA/2J (50%). KWM/Hym is most similar to the PWK/PhJ inbred strain (96.4%) derived from wild mice (Czech Republic). To identify the morphometric characteristics of KWM/Hym, the external morphology was measured. The tail ratio of male and female was 79.60±3.09 and 73.55±6.14%, respectively. KWM/Hym has short and agouti-colored hairs and its belly is white with golden hair. Taking these results together, KWM/Hym, a newly developing inbred mouse originated from wild mouse, might be use as new genetic resources to overcome the limitations of the current laboratory mice.

Over-expression of myosin7A in cochlear hair cells of circling mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Circling mouse (C57BL/6J-cir/cir) deleted the transmembrane inner ear (Tmie) gene is an animal model for human non-syndromic recessive deafness, DFNB6. In circling mouse, hair cells in the cochlea have degenerated and hair bundles have become irregularity as time goes on. Tmie protein carries out a function of the mechanoelectrical transduction channel in cochlear hair cells. Myosin7a (MYO7A) protein has key roles in development of the cochlear hair bundles as well as in the function of cochlear hair cells. To find whether Tmie protein interacts with MYO7A proteins in the cochlea postnatal developmental stage, we investigated expression of the MYO7A proteins in the cochlear hair cells of circling mice by western blot analysis and whole mount immunofluorescence at postnatal day 5 (P5). The expression of MYO7A showed statistically significant increase in the cochlea of C57BL/6J-+/cir and C57BL/6J-cir/cir mice than that of C57BL/6J-+/+ mice. The MYO7A intensity of the cochlear hair cells also increased in C57BL/6J-+/cir and C57BL/6J-cir/cir mice compared with those of C57BL/6J-+/+ mice. Taken together, the results indicate that Tmie protein may have an important role with MYO7A protein in the development and maintenance of the stereociliary bundles during postnatal developmental stage of the cochlea.

Inhibitory Effects of Methanol Extract from Nardostachys chinensis on 27-hydroxycholesterol-induced Differentiation of Monocytic Cells

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol) has been reported to induce differentiation of monocytic cells into a mature dendritic cell phenotype. We examined the effect of methanol extract of Nardostachys chinensis (Nard) on 27OHChol-induced differentiation using THP-1, a human monocytic cell line. Treatment of monocytic cells with methanol extract of Nard resulted in decreased transcription and surface expression of CD80, CD83, and CD88 elevated by 27OHChol in a dose-dependent manner. Surface levels of MHC class I and II molecules elevated by 27OHChol were also reduced to basal levels by treatment with the Nard extract. Decreased endocytosis activity caused by 27OHChol was recovered by treatment with the Nard extract. CD197 expression and cell attachment were attenuated by the Nard extract. In addition, levels of transcription and surface expression of CD molecules involved in atherosclerosis, such as CD105, CD137, and CD166 upregulated by 27OHChol were significantly decreased by treatment with methanol extract of Nard. These results indicate that methanol extract of Nard down-regulates 27OHChol-induced differentiation of monocytic cells into a mature dendritic cell phenotype and expression of CD molecules associated with atherosclerosis. The current study suggests that biological activity of oxygenated cholesterol derivatives can be inhibited by herbal medication.

The Effects of a Positive Psychology Program on Nursing Students' Positive Thinking, Ego Resilience and Stress Coping / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine effects of a positive psychology program for improving positive thinking, ego resilience and stress coping of in nursing students. METHODS: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The subjects for the study were 78 students in G city(experimental group=41, control group=37). The positive psychology program was provided for 4 weeks (8 sessions, 16 hours). Positive thinking, ego resilience, and stress coping were measured with using self-report structured questionnaires. This study collected data between November 23, 2014 and January 9, 2015, and which were analyzed using SPSSWIN 20.0. RESULTS: The positive psychology program was effective in increasing positive thinking, ego resilience and stress coping. CONCLUSION: The results of this study should contribute as baseline data for positive intervention strategies and planning ability of potentials and strengths in nursing students.

2 Cases of Reduction of Orbital Floor Fracture Using Fibrin Glue for Securing Bioresorbable Panel

Many surgical methods for the reconstruction of orbital floor fractures have been reported, and theseinclude transorbital, transantral and transnasal endoscopic approaches, among others. The choice of surgical approach and materials for the reduction of orbital blowout fractures depends on the surgeon's experience and preference. For the cases of large orbital floor fractures, reduction has beenperformed most frequently through the transantral approach, and the herniated orbital tissue generally has been supported by asilastic block, silastic tube or urethral balloon catheter. However, the transantral approach has significant drawbacks that includethe requirement of removal surgery, displacement of materials, and inflammation of the maxillary sinus. To overcome these negative effects, the authors used fibrin glue tosecure the reduction through the transantral approach in two cases of patients with orbital floor fractures.

Action Research for Parent Empowerment of Married Immigrant Women / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: In this action research mixed research methods combining quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to examine a parent empowerment program for married immigrant women. METHODS: Data were collected from 14 women who participated in the action research. The 1st and 2nd sessions consisted of problem definition, planning, observation . evaluation and reflection. The parent empowerment program for married immigrant women was developed through theses steps, and quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed in order to examine the effects of the program and the participant' empowerment experiences. Quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test, and qualitative data using content analysis. RESULTS: The parent empowerment program was effective in enhancing married immigrant women's parenting efficacy and parenting attitude. The results of the qualitative analysis showed that, participants' empowerment experiences were: "learn information on parenting", "live stately with assertion my of opinions", "become confident in giving care", "as learner appreciating that children also try to be nice" and "family relations have improved". CONCLUSION: These results indicate the program is effective in enabling married immigrant women to find a 'positive I' so that they become aware of their identity as parents and help in their roles as parents.

A Case of Atypical Maxillary Sinusitis Accompanied with Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma and periodontitis and occuring with an estimated incidence of 1-4 cases per million. Patients with PLS are highly susceptible to infection. The etiology of an infective susceptibility is unknown; however, an association with defects in neurophil dysfunction, insufficient lymphocyte response to pathogens, defects in monocyte functions and impairment of NK cell cytotoxic function has been suggested. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of atypical maxillary sinusitis accompanied by PLS, and we represent the case with a review of the related literatures.