The Effects of a Genetic Counseling Educational Program on Hereditary Breast Cancer for Korean Healthcare Providers / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Systematic educational programs and genetic counseling certification courses for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) have not yet been introduced in Korea. We provided and evaluated the effects of genetic counseling education on Korean healthcare providers' knowledge, awareness, and counseling skills for patients at high risk of HBOC. METHODS: A 3-day educational program was conducted for healthcare providers who were interested in genetic counseling for patients at high risk of HBOC. Participants who completed a knowledge test and satisfaction questionnaire were included in the present sample. Pre-post comparisons were conducted to determine the effects of the intervention. RESULTS: Significant differences between preprogram and postprogram knowledge scores were observed (p=0.002). Awareness (p<0.001) and confidence (p<0.001) regarding genetic counseling significantly increased after the training. Doctors and participants with fewer years of work experience performed well on the knowledge test. Previous educational experience was correlated with increased confidence in knowledge and counseling skills. CONCLUSION: Genetic counseling education regarding HBOC improved knowledge and awareness of HBOC and enhanced confidence in the counseling process. The effects varied according to occupation and participants' previous education. The implementation of systematic educational programs that consider participant characteristics may improve the effects of such interventions.

beta ig-h3-Mediated Adhesion of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: beta ig-h3 is an extracellular matrix protein, which is overexpressed in synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) similar to adhesive glycoproteins. We sought to evaluate the compensatory role of beta ig-h3 with adhesive glycoproteins in mediating the adhesion of fibroblast- like synoviocytes (FLS) and to confirm the inhibitory effect of YH18 peptide of the 2nd fas-1 domain in beta ig-h3-mediated adhesion. METHODS: The adhesion of FLS isolated from synovial tissues of RA, was evaluated in 96 well microtiter plate coated with matrix proteins. Inhibitory effect of YH18 peptides from the 2nd and 4th fas-1 domains was estimated in beta ig-h3-mediated adhesion of FLS. RESULTS: The adhesion of FLS on beta ig-h3 was weaker than that of fibronectin and vitronectin. The beta ig-h3-mediated adhesion was enhanced by the stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), but not by cytokines and growth factors. Combination of fibronectin with beta ig-h3 synergistically enhanced the adhesion of FLS, in contrast to the additive effect of vitronectin combined with beta ig-h3. YH18 peptide of the 2nd fas-1 domain did not block the beta ig-h3-mediated adhesion of FLS. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that beta ig-h3 may regulate the adhesion of FLS through the interaction with adhesive glycoproteins and confirm that the essential motifs mediating adhesion on beta ig-h3 are different according to the type of cells.