Validation and Reliability of the Cataract-related Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ)

Purpose@#To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Cataract-related Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ). @*Methods@#A prospective cross-sectional study of 141 cataract patients was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The questionnaire was created based on a literature review and advice from an expert panel. This study determined its construct validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. @*Results@#The CVFQ consists of 15 items distributed among five categories: overall visual quality, overall visual function, distance vision, near vision, and glare. In the exploratory factor analysis of validity, the first three principal components explained 77.8% of the variance. The p-values in the Spearman correlation test comparing the pre- and postoperative total CVFQ score and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 0.006 and 0.004, respectively. In the reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha was > 0.9 for internal consistency and the p-values of each subcategory were all significant in the analysis of test-retest reliability. @*Conclusions@#Our results indicate that the CVFQ is useful for measuring the visual quality and visual function of cataract patients in Korea.

A portrait drawing of the 17th century Korean scholar based on craniofacial reconstruction / 대한해부학회지

As a technique mainly hiring in forensic investigation field to identify the descents, craniofacial reconstruction (CFR) is also used in archaeology to create the faces from ancient or medieval human remains, when there is little information about his/her appearance. Eung-Cheok Ko (1531–1605) was a writer and scholar in the mid Joseon period. In January of 2019, His mummified body was found at Gumi, Kyeonsangbuk-do, Korea. The remains were anthropologically examined, and archaeological CFR was also requested for this case. This report reveals the case’s facial reconstruction process and his portrait that is drawn based on the 3-dimensional CFR result.

Morus Nigra Extract Attenuates Cognition Impairment and GABAergic Interneuron Degeneration in Aged Rat Brain

Purpose@#Aging process comes with cognitive impairment due to decreased neuronal cell number, activity, and neuronal circuit. Alteration of inhibitory neurons contributes to cognitive impairment in normal aging and is responsible for disrupting the excitation/ inhibition balance by reducing the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Morus nigra (Mulberry) is a natural physiologically active substance that has been proven to have anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects through many studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the mulberry extract (ME) on cognitive function through anti-oxidant enzyme and GABAergic neuronal activity in aged rat brain. @*Methods@#Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned as the young group (8 weeks, n = 8), aging group (67 weeks, n = 8), and aging + mulberry extract group (67 weeks, n = 8). The aging + mulberry extract group was orally administered 500 mg/kg/d mulberry extract for 6 weeks. @*Results@#The aging + mulberry extract group improved spatial and short-term memory. The antioxidant potential of ME increased the expression of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Also, the aging + mulberry extract group significantly increased the expression of GABAergic interneuron in hippocampus cornu ammonis1 (CA1) compared to the aging group. @*Conclusion@#The number of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons was deceased and memory functions in the aging process, but those symptoms were improved and restored by mulberry extract administration.

A Case of Autoimmune Pancreatitis Presenting as a Deterioration in Glycemic Control in a Patient with Pre-Existing Type 2 Diabetes / 임상당뇨병

The present article demonstrates an unusual case of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), focusing on the cause of deterioration in glycemic control and weight loss in a patient with pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A 67-year-old man was diagnosed with type 2 DM 23 years prior and presented with weight loss of approximately 6 kg over a period of 3 months and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 9.1%. His carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level was elevated to 158.54 U/mL (normal, 0~37 U/mL). Considering these findings, we needed to rule out hidden malignancy. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed diffuse swelling of the pancreas uncinated process. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) level was elevated to 2,418 mg/dL (normal, 700~1,600 mg/dL), and IgG4 level was elevated to 1,115.0 mg/dL (normal range, 3.9~86.4 mg/dL). This case highlights that AIP should be considered as a cause of significant weight loss and a deterioration in glycemic control in patients with DM. Furthermore, a pancreatic imaging study should be considered in clinical practice to differentiate pancreatic cancer and AIP.

The Effects of College Students’ Dual Use of Electronic Cigarette and Conventional Cigarette on Depression

Purpose@#This study was conducted to find out the association between dual-use of the electronic cigarette (EC) and conventional cigarette (CC) and depression among undergraduate students. Methods: The participants of this study were 225 undergraduate students who were attending two universities located in Ulsan metropolitan city. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were conducted to analyze the data. @*Results@#Nicotine dependence and depression were significantly higher in the dual-use group than in the single-use group. Dual-use of the EC and CC was significantly associated with depression among undergraduate students. In addition, quality of sleep was significantly associated with depression among undergraduate students. @*Conclusion@#In order to prevent depression among undergraduate students, it is necessary to improve the awareness of the danger of dual use of the EC and CC.

Preischemic Treadmill Exercise Ameliorates Memory Impairment and Microvasculature Damage in Rat Model of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) in the brain is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and plays a neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders. The effect of preischemic treadmill exercise on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH)-induced spatial learning memory impairment, microvascular injury, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in relation with SIRT1 expression was evaluated. @*Methods@#Prior to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) surgery, the rats in the exercise groups performed low-intensity treadmill running for 30 minutes once daily during 8 weeks. BCCAO surgery was performed on male Wistar rats at 12 weeks of age. Spatial learning memory was measured using the Morris water maze test. Neuronal nuclear antigen, SIRT1, and rat endothelial cells antigen 1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta was determined by immunofluorescence. @*Results@#Preischemic treadmill exercise ameliorated spatial learning memory impairment and enhanced SIRT1 expression in the BCCAO rats. Preischemic treadmill exercise ameliorated BCCAO-induced damage to microvasculature and pericytes that make up the BBB. The effect of preischemic treadmill exercise was lost with sirtinol treatment. @*Conclusions@#These results can apply treadmill exercise prior to cerebral ischemia as a rational preventive and therapeutic intervention strategy to improve cognitive dysfunction in CCH patients.

AR-mTOR-SRF Axis Regulates HMMR Expression in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

The elevated expression of the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) is known to be highly associated with tumor progression in prostate cancer, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of HMMR expression remain unclear. Here, we report that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of HMMR expression, for which its kinase activity is required. Pharmacological inhibitors of mTOR, such as rapamycin and Torin2, markedly suppressed the mRNA level as well as the protein level of HMMR in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Our data demonstrate that such regulation occurs at the transcription level.HMMR promoter reporter assays revealed that the transcription factor SRF is responsible for the mTOR-mediated transcriptional regulation of HMMR gene. Consistently, the suppression of HMMR expression by Torin2 was noticeably reversed by the overexpression of SRF. Moreover, our findings suggest that the SRF binding sites responsible for the transcriptional regulation of HMMR through the mTOR-SRF axis are located in HMMR promoter sequences carrying the first intron, downstream of the translational start site. Furthermore, the upregulation of HMMR by DHT was abolished by stimulation with rapamycin, prior to DHT treatment, suggesting that mTOR activity is required for the induction of HMMR expression by androgen. Collectively, our study provides new mechanistic insights into the role of mTOR/SRF/AR signaling in HMMR regulation in prostate cancer cells.

Who are at high risk of mortality and morbidity among children with congenital heart disease undergoing noncardiac surgery?

With advances in the development of surgical and medical treatments for congenital heart disease (CHD), the population of children and adults with CHD is growing. This population requires multiple surgical and diagnostic imaging procedures. Therefore, general anesthesia is inevitable. In many studies, it has been reported that children with CHD have increased anesthesia risks when undergoing noncardiac surgeries compared to children without CHD. The highest risk group included patients with functional single ventricle, suprasystemic pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular outflow obstruction, and cardiomyopathy. In this review, we provide an overview of perioperative risks in children with CHD undergoing noncardiac surgeries and anesthetic considerations in patients classified as having the highest risk.

Comparison of the effect of removing artificial dental plaque depending on various interdental cleaning products on the interdental surface of zirconia crowns / 대한치과보철학회지

Purpose@#The purpose of this study is to compare five interdental cleansing products' effectiveness on removing artificial dental plaque on the interdental space of zirconia crowns. @*Materials and Methods@#A model with abutments on the right mandibular second premolar and first molar were prepared. 10 zirconia crowns for each abutment were fabricated. After applying artificial dental plaque between the zirconia crowns, a single clinician attempted to remove the plaque with five products: interdental toothbrush, end-tuft toothbrush, dental floss, Easypick, Water pik. They were conducted 10 times per group. The aspect and area of removed surfaces were analyzed using images taken with a digital camera. One factor analysis of variance was performed as a statistical analysis, and a post-hoc test was performed using the Scheffé method (P < .05). @*Results@#There were differences in the area and the pattern according to the characteristics of the products. The largest area, including the marginal portion, was removed in the dental floss group. Interdental toothbrush group was the most effective in removing the dental plaque at the marginal portion. Easypick was less effective than the interdental toothbrush. The end-tuft toothbrush showed better results than other products in cleansing mesiobuccal and distobuccal area, but could not cleanse the area directly below the contact point. In Water pik group, artificial dental plaque was scarcely removed. The removal rate of artificial dental plaque was in the order of floss (69.47%), end-tuft toothbrush (49.36%), interdental toothbrush (44.20%), Easy pick (13.04%), and Water pik (0.59%). @*Conclusion@#Dental floss showed the highest removal rate in the interdental space restored with zirconia crowns, while interdental toothbrush was the most effective in removing the dental plaque at the marginal portion.

Ameliorative Effects of NXP031 on MPTP-Induced Neurotoxicity

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of NXP031, an inhibitor of oxidation by specifically binding to the complex of DNA aptamer/vitamin C, on dopaminergic neurons loss and the reaction of microglia in an animal model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced subchronic Parkinson’s disease (PD). @*Methods@#A subchronic PD mouse model was induced via an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MPTP 30 mg/kg per day for five days. NXP031 (vitamin C/aptamer at 200 mg/4 mg/kg) and vitamin C at 200 mg/kg were administered via IP injections at one hour after performing MPTP injection. This process was performed for five days. Motor function was then evaluated with pole and rotarod tests, after which an immunohistochemical analysis was performed. @*Results@#NXP031 administration after MPTP injection significantly improved motor functions (via both pole and rotarod tests) compared to the control (MPTP injection only) (p < .001). NXP031 alleviated the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum caused by MPTP injection. It was found to have a neuroprotective effect by reducing microglia activity. @*Conclusion@#NXP031 can improve impaired motor function, showing neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in the SN and striatum of MPTP-induced subchronic Parkinson’s disease mouse model. Results of this study suggest that NXP031 has potential in future treatments for PD and interventions for nerve recovery.

The Role of Sex-specific Long Non-coding RNAs in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

The functions of a large number of non-coding genes in human DNA have yet to be accurately identified. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) measuring 10 kb or less in length regulates transcription or post-transcriptional events. The lncRNAs have attracted increased attention of researchers in recent years. In this review, we summarize the recently published lncRNAs which are known to influence cancer development and progression. We also discuss recent studies investigating tumor-specific lncRNA expression. These lncRNAs provide very useful information that allows prediction of the degree of malignancy and a survival rate in cancer patients as clinically relevant biomarkers. Because symptoms and progression of cancer differ from onset to death between males and females, it is important to consider the gender of the patient when diagnosing cancer and predicting the progression. Considering the importance of gender difference, we also examine the influence of sex hormones involved in the expression and regulation of lncRNAs as biomarkers. Many of the lncRNAs examined in this review have been studied in cancers occurring in the female or male reproductive organs, but the association between lncRNAs and sex hormones has also been reported in common organs such as the lung, renal and colon. Although lncRNAs have not yet been widely used as definitive cancer indicators, recent studies have demonstrated the potential role of lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets reflecting sex-specificity in a number of different cancers.

Comparison of the effect of removing artificial dental plaque depending on various interdental cleaning products on the interdental surface of zirconia crowns / 대한치과보철학회지

Purpose@#The purpose of this study is to compare five interdental cleansing products' effectiveness on removing artificial dental plaque on the interdental space of zirconia crowns. @*Materials and Methods@#A model with abutments on the right mandibular second premolar and first molar were prepared. 10 zirconia crowns for each abutment were fabricated. After applying artificial dental plaque between the zirconia crowns, a single clinician attempted to remove the plaque with five products: interdental toothbrush, end-tuft toothbrush, dental floss, Easypick, Water pik. They were conducted 10 times per group. The aspect and area of removed surfaces were analyzed using images taken with a digital camera. One factor analysis of variance was performed as a statistical analysis, and a post-hoc test was performed using the Scheffé method (P < .05). @*Results@#There were differences in the area and the pattern according to the characteristics of the products. The largest area, including the marginal portion, was removed in the dental floss group. Interdental toothbrush group was the most effective in removing the dental plaque at the marginal portion. Easypick was less effective than the interdental toothbrush. The end-tuft toothbrush showed better results than other products in cleansing mesiobuccal and distobuccal area, but could not cleanse the area directly below the contact point. In Water pik group, artificial dental plaque was scarcely removed. The removal rate of artificial dental plaque was in the order of floss (69.47%), end-tuft toothbrush (49.36%), interdental toothbrush (44.20%), Easy pick (13.04%), and Water pik (0.59%). @*Conclusion@#Dental floss showed the highest removal rate in the interdental space restored with zirconia crowns, while interdental toothbrush was the most effective in removing the dental plaque at the marginal portion.

Ameliorative Effects of NXP031 on MPTP-Induced Neurotoxicity

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of NXP031, an inhibitor of oxidation by specifically binding to the complex of DNA aptamer/vitamin C, on dopaminergic neurons loss and the reaction of microglia in an animal model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced subchronic Parkinson’s disease (PD). @*Methods@#A subchronic PD mouse model was induced via an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MPTP 30 mg/kg per day for five days. NXP031 (vitamin C/aptamer at 200 mg/4 mg/kg) and vitamin C at 200 mg/kg were administered via IP injections at one hour after performing MPTP injection. This process was performed for five days. Motor function was then evaluated with pole and rotarod tests, after which an immunohistochemical analysis was performed. @*Results@#NXP031 administration after MPTP injection significantly improved motor functions (via both pole and rotarod tests) compared to the control (MPTP injection only) (p < .001). NXP031 alleviated the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum caused by MPTP injection. It was found to have a neuroprotective effect by reducing microglia activity. @*Conclusion@#NXP031 can improve impaired motor function, showing neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in the SN and striatum of MPTP-induced subchronic Parkinson’s disease mouse model. Results of this study suggest that NXP031 has potential in future treatments for PD and interventions for nerve recovery.

The Role of Sex-specific Long Non-coding RNAs in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

The functions of a large number of non-coding genes in human DNA have yet to be accurately identified. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) measuring 10 kb or less in length regulates transcription or post-transcriptional events. The lncRNAs have attracted increased attention of researchers in recent years. In this review, we summarize the recently published lncRNAs which are known to influence cancer development and progression. We also discuss recent studies investigating tumor-specific lncRNA expression. These lncRNAs provide very useful information that allows prediction of the degree of malignancy and a survival rate in cancer patients as clinically relevant biomarkers. Because symptoms and progression of cancer differ from onset to death between males and females, it is important to consider the gender of the patient when diagnosing cancer and predicting the progression. Considering the importance of gender difference, we also examine the influence of sex hormones involved in the expression and regulation of lncRNAs as biomarkers. Many of the lncRNAs examined in this review have been studied in cancers occurring in the female or male reproductive organs, but the association between lncRNAs and sex hormones has also been reported in common organs such as the lung, renal and colon. Although lncRNAs have not yet been widely used as definitive cancer indicators, recent studies have demonstrated the potential role of lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets reflecting sex-specificity in a number of different cancers.

The Alleviating Effects of Sweet Drinks on Restraint Stress-Induced Anxiety and Depressive Behavior in Adolescent Rats

Purpose@#Some of the adolescent drinks more sugar-sweetened beverages. However, there is little evidence on the effect of eating behavior on emotional state and neurochemical changes under stress, especially on the levels of typical inhibitory neurotransmitters and gamma-aminobutyric acid. This article demonstrates that sucrose or saccharin drink reduces stress-related behavior responses and GABAergic deficits in adolescent rats. @*Methods@#We randomly assigned 7-weeks-old Sprague-Dawley male rats to three groups:control group (Control), restraint stress only group (Stress), and restraint stress with unrestricted access to saccharin solution (Saccharin) and sucrose solution (Sucrose) as a positive control. We evaluated both anxious and depressive moods using an open field test and forced swim test, respectively. Using western blot analyses, the expression of a GABA-synthesizing enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase-67 (GAD67) and GABAergic markers, including calbindin and parvalbumin was assessed in the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. @*Results@#We found that both the drinks alleviated anxiety and depressive moods, induced significant attenuation in GAD67 level, and reduced calbindin level under stress in the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. @*Conclusion@#The results provide an understanding of the effect of sucrose or saccharin drink on stress-related responses. We propose the consumption of sweet drinks as a plausible strategy to alleviate stress-related alterations in adolescents.

Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels and Cancer-related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors: Effects of an Exercise Adherence Program / 한국유방암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to determine the effect of an exercise intervention on subjective cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in breast cancer survivors (BCS). @*Methods@#BCS with greater than moderate CRF (≥ 4) were recruited and randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The experimental group participated in a 12-week exercise adherence program (Better Life after Cancer - Energy, Strength, and Support; BLESS). Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were determined at 3 time points (M1: baseline, M2: post-intervention, and M4: 6 months after intervention). Subjective fatigue was measured using the Korean version of the revised Piper Fatigue Scale. @*Results@#In this analysis of participants with physiological fatigue measures available (19 experimental, 21 control), there were no statistically significant differences in IL-6 (F = 1.157, p = 0.341), TNF-α levels (F = 0.878, p = 0.436), and level of fatigue (F = 2.067, p = 0.118) between the 2 groups at baseline. Fatigue in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement compared to the control only at M2 (p = 0.022). There was no significant relationship between subjective and physiological fatigue at the 3 measurement points. @*Conclusion@#The BLESS intervention improved CRF in BCS immediately at post-intervention, and this study presents clinical feasibility for the management of CRF in BCS in the early survivorship phase who are already experiencing fatigue.

Sex-Biased Molecular Signature for Overall Survival of Liver Cancer Patients

Sex/gender disparity has been shown in the incidence and prognosis of many types of diseases, probably due to differences in genes, physiological conditions such as hormones, and lifestyle between the sexes. The mortality and survival rates of many cancers, especially liver cancer, differ between men and women. Due to the pronounced sex/gender disparity, considering sex/ gender may be necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. By analyzing research articles through a PubMed literature search, the present review identified 12 genes which showed practical relevance to cancer and sex disparities. Among the 12 sex-specific genes, 7 genes (BAP1, CTNNB1, FOXA1, GSTO1, GSTP1, IL6, and SRPK1) showed sex-biased function in liver cancer. Here we summarized previous findings of cancer molecular signature including our own analysis, and showed that sexbiased molecular signature CTNNB1High , IL6High , RHOAHigh and GLIPR1Low may serve as a female-specific index for prediction and evaluation of OS in liver cancer patients. This review suggests a potential implication of sex-biased molecular signature in liver cancer, providing a useful information on diagnosis and prediction of disease progression based on gender.

Child Abuse Awareness and Reporting Intention among Nursing and Education Students / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate child abuse awareness and reporting intention among nursing and education students and correlations among the variables involved. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by administering an online questionnaire to 70 nursing college students and 70 education college students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-squared test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson's correlation in SPSS 21.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: The mean score of child abuse awareness was 3.61±0.32 for nursing students and 3.60±0.36 for education students. The mean score of reporting intention was 5.65±0.90 for nursing students and 5.38±1.03 for education students. Females presented higher scores than males in the awareness of sexual abuse. The awareness of emotional abuse was higher in students who knew of reporting obligations or who had experienced abuse. Child abuse awareness and reporting intention were significantly positively correlated. Also, the number of times having received child abuse education was correlated with reporting intention in both mild and severe cases of abuse. CONCLUSION: Reporting intention is not only related to having received education, but also to the frequency of that education. Child abuse education is important to increase reporting intention and should be delivered repeatedly.

An Unusual Case of Bilateral Peripheral Edema in a Male with Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / 임상당뇨병

The present article demonstrates an unusual case of bilateral lower extremity edema caused by neurogenic areflexic bladder as the first physical symptom of diabetes. A 52-year-old man presented to the emergency department because of massive edema of his lower limbs. The edema had been present for 2 weeks, was symmetrical, and was progressively covering the lower limbs up to the inguinal area, scrotal bag, and penis and was accompanied by dysuria and an interrupted urine stream. Laboratory findings revealed a serum glucose level of 657 mg/dL and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 15.6%. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis revealed marked enlargement of the bladder with bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter. In addition, CT demonstrated bilateral compression of the iliac veins caused by the enlarged bladder. This case highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for patients with diabetes and extensive peripheral edema. Neurogenic bladder should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even in newly diagnosed diabetic patients.

Interventions to Reduce the Problems of Abused Children and Adolescents in Residential Facilities in South Korea: An Integrative Review

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the literature on intervention studies for abused children and adolescent in residential facilities in South Korea (ACARF-K). The goal was to understand the problems they experience, to evaluate the content and effectiveness of interventions applied to them, and to develop evidence-based nursing intervention programs. METHODS: We used four electronic databases to search for relevant articles. 18 studies according to Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method to synthesize the literature. RESULTS: The ACARF-K experienced problems in biophysical, psychological, and sociocultural domains related to attachment impairment. Effective intervention strategies were building trust through empathy and fulfillment of needs, encouraging ACARF-K to express themselves and helping them to clarify emotions in an unthreatening environment, and improving their self-concept through activities in which they experienced achievement. CONCLUSION: Interventions are needed to help restore attachment damage among ACARF-K. The interventions in this study utilized emotional, cognitive, relational, and behavioral therapeutic tools to improve their psychological and social capacities. Future intervention programs for ACARF-K should include these key elements.