Effects of a virtual reality simulation integrated with problem-based learning on nursing students' critical thinking ability, problem solving ability, and self-efficacy: a non-randomized trial.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the effects of virtual reality simulation-based problem-based learning on nursing students' critical thinking ability, problem-solving ability, and self-efficacy in the nursing care of women undergoing induction of labor. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pretest and posttest design was employed. The study participants included 52 nursing students (24 in the experimental group and 28 in the control group). The experimental group took a problem-based learning (PBL) class in the first week, and then engaged in self-directed learning using virtual reality simulation. In the second week, lectures about emergency nursing care for induction of labor and drug administration were given. The control group participated in PBL in the first week and lectures in the second week. The study was conducted from April 17 to May 19, 2023. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher exact test, analysis of variance, and the independent t-test. RESULTS: Before-and-after differences between the two groups were statistically significant in problem solving ability (t=-5.47, p<.001) and self-efficacy (t=-5.87, p<.001). Critical thinking ability did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The score for satisfaction with the virtual reality simulation program was 3.64±5.88 out of 5 in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: PBL education using a virtual reality simulation was found to be an effective way of teaching. Although convenience sampling was used, PBL education using virtual reality can be used as an educational strategy to enhance nursing students' problem-solving ability and self-efficacy.

The influence of eHealth literacy, reproductive health knowledge, and self-esteem on health-promoting behaviors in early adult women: a cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of eHealth literacy, reproductivehealth knowledge, and self-esteem on early adult women's health-promoting behaviors (HPB). Thisstudy was based on Pender's health promotion model as a theoretical underpinning. METHODS: Early adult women aged 18 to 35 years (n=165) were recruited by posting advertisements on social network sites for a student club and a faith-based community in Ansan, Korea. Willing individuals were invited to participate in the online survey from June 1 to June 30, 2022. Standardized instruments were used to measure HPB, eHealth literacy, reproductive health knowledge,and self-esteem. General characteristics included income level, perceived subjective health, and internet usage time. The collected data were analyzed using the independent t-test, one-way analysisof variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 21.97±3.87 years. The total HPB score was 120.69,corresponding to a moderate level; and the total scores for eHealth literacy (30.24), knowledge ofreproductive health (23.04), and self-esteem (35.62) were higher than the midpoint. The model explained 53.3% of variance in HPB, and self-esteem (ß=.48, p<.001) was the most influential factor.Other influential factors were, in descending order, higher economic level, higher subjective healthstatus, greater eHealth literacy, and less internet use time (<2 hours/day). CONCLUSION: In order to promote the health of early adult women, counseling or programs that positively improve self-esteem appear promising, and eHealth literacy should be considered as a way topromote HPB using information technology.

[Effects of integrative simulation practice on nursing knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and immersion in problem-based learning among nursing students]. / ë¬¸ì œì¤‘ì‹¬í•™ìŠµ 통합 ì‹œë®¬ë ˆì´ì ˜êµìœ¡ì´ 간호대학생의 간호지식, ë¹„íŒì  ì‚¬ê³ ì„±í–¥, ë¬¸ì œ 해결 ëŠ¥ë ¥ 및 ìˆ˜ì— ëª°ìž ë„ì— 미치는 효과.

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of problem-based learning-integrative simulation practice (PBL-ISP) on nursing knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and immersion among nursing students. Methods: The study used a nonequivalent control group post-test design. A PBL-ISP educational program was provided to the experimental group, and hands-on practice using a high-fidelity simulator (HFS) was administered to the control group. There were 42 subjects in the experimental group and 40 in the control group. Data were collected during the fall semester of 2019. Using SPSS for Windows version 23.0, data were analyzed in terms of frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, the chi-square test, t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found in nursing knowledge (t=3.67, p<.001), critical thinking (t=3.40, p=.001), problem-solving ability (t=3.52, p=.001) and immersion (t=4.44, p<.001). Conclusion: PBL-ISP was more effective in improving nursing knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and immersion than was hands-on practice using an HFS.

#DeleteFacebook: Antecedents of Facebook Fatigue.

Despite the trend of leaving Facebook (#DeleteFacebook campaign), investigation on both the social and psychological factors affecting Facebook fatigue is limited. This study aims to explore the social and psychological antecedents of Facebook fatigue and identify the effects of the antecedents on overall Facebook fatigue. A total of 327 Facebook users participated in an online survey. Respondents were recruited from a major online panel in Korea. The results from the principal component analysis suggest that there are six social and psychological antecedents: impression management, unwanted posts, reputation concern, personal relative deprivation, privacy concern, and relationship concern. In addition, the results show that personal relative deprivation, privacy concern, impression management, and relationship concern positively predicted overall Facebook fatigue. This research not only sheds light on the antecedents of social networking services (SNS) fatigue that influence overall Facebook fatigue but also suggests practical implications for the everexpanding SNS market.

[Health Promoting Behavior in Pregnant Couples: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Analysis].

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the actor and partner effects of self-efficacy, marital adjustment, and social support on the health promoting behavior of Korean pregnant couples. METHODS: Participants were 132 couples who met the eligibility criteria. Data were collected from June to November, 2016 at a community health center. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was used for analyzing the actor and partner effects of self-efficacy, marital adjustment, and social support on health promoting behavior. RESULTS: The fitness indices for the model were GFI=0.90, NFI=0.92, CFI=0.91, TLI=0.90, and RMSEA=0.04, which satisfied the criteria. Self-efficacy had actor and partner effect on health promoting behavior of wives, but had only actor effect of on health promoting behavior of husbands. Marital adjustment showed actor and partner effect on the health promoting behavior of pregnant couples. Social support only had an actor effect on the health promoting behavior of wives. And, marital adjustment and social support had a mutual effect. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the partner involvement is needed to develop health promotion programs for pregnant couples.

Effect of Simulation-based Practice by applying Problem based Learning on Problem Solving Process, Self-confidence in Clinical Performance and Nursing Competence.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of simulation-based maternity nursing practice by applying problem based learning (PBL) on the problem solving process, self-confidence in clinical performance and nursing competence of nursing students. METHODS: This study was one group pre-posttest design, with 123 third year nursing students. Data were collected from March 19 to May 29, 2013 as the students completed their simulation practice class. Students completed a survey about their problem solving process, self-confidence, and nursing competence at the beginning and the end of the class. RESULTS: Students' problem solving process, self-confidence, and nursing competence showed significant improvements after the simulation-based maternity nursing practice. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is recommended that current maternity nursing curriculum should be reviewed and improved, and the students should be provided variety of simulation-based education and maternity nursing skills.

AIDS-related gastrointestinal kaposi sarcoma in Korea: a case report and review of the literature.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm, which is fairly prevalent in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Mucocutaneous and lymph node involvements are characteristic features of KS in AIDS patients. The involvement of gastrointestinal tract occurs in 40% of KS patients and leads to significant morbidity and mortality. In the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, the rate of AIDS related KS has fallen with control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viremia. However, it is still recognized as the primary AIDS-defining illness, and the proportion of AIDS diagnoses made due to KS ranged from 4.1% to 7.5%. In Korea, AIDS-related KS has been report in low rate incidence. Its gastrointestinal involvements are rarely reported. To date, five cases have been recorded in Korea. Herein, we present an additional case of gastrointestinal KS as the AIDS-defining illness and review of the Korean medical literature.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV-1) gene and patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Korean populations.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) plays a crucial role in pain perception and its expression is up-regulated in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of the TRPV-1 gene and patients with IBS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We chose to focus on three SNPs in the human TRPV1 coding region (rs222749, rs9894618 and rs222747) in 80 healthy controls and 103 IBS patients. We developed the high resolution melting (HRM) method to determine the genotyping of rs222747 and rs9894618 and the genotyping of rs222749 was also determined by direct sequencing method. RESULTS: The CG genotype of rs222747 was 58.8% in controls and 45.6% in the IBS group. The GG genotype of rs222747 was 15.0% in controls and 20.4% in the IBS group. The CT genotype of rs222749 was 313% in controls and 32.0% in the IBS group. The CC genotype of rs9894618 was 98.8% in controls and 100.0% in the IBS group. There was no significant difference in allele frequency of these three SNPs of the TRPV1 gene between controls and the IBS group. Also, no significant difference was observed between the IBS subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the SNPs of the TRPV1 gene may not be associated with IBS in Korean populations. Further studies with large cases are needed to validate the results of the present study.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Inhibits LPS-Induced NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the primary catechin in green tea, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The aim of the current study was to characterize the impact of EGCG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced innate signaling in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) isolated from ICR mice. METHODS: The effect of EGCG on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: EGCG inhibited accumulation of LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-6, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA in BMMs. EGCG blocked LPS-induced IκBα degradation and RelA nuclear translocation. EGCG blocked the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 was inhibited by EGCG. U0126 (an inhibitor of MEK-1/2) suppressed the LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-6, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 mRNA accumulation in BMMs. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that EGCG may prevent LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression through blocking NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in BMMs.

RON is associated with tumor progression via the inhibition of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer.

The recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in epithelial cancers, including gastric cancer. The aims of the present study were to evaluate whether RON affects tumor cell behaviors and oncogenic signaling pathways, and to document the relationship of its expression with various clinicopathological parameters in gastric cancer. The biological role of RON in tumor cell behaviors and oncogenic signaling pathways was investigated by using small interfering RNA in gastric cancer cell lines including AGS and MKN28. The expression of RON in gastric cancer tissues was investigated by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Knockdown of RON suppressed tumor cell migration and invasion in AGS and MKN28, induced apoptosis through modulation of anti-apoptotic and pre-apoptotic genes and induced cell cycle arrest by decreasing cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK4, and by inducing p21 and p27 expression. Signaling cascades, including Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), were significantly blocked by knockdown of RON. Expression of RON was significantly associated with tumor size, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, tumor stage and poor survival. These results indicate that RON is associated with tumor progression via the inhibition of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer.

Knockdown of RON inhibits AP-1 activity and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through the modulation of Akt/FoxO signaling in human colorectal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Altered Recepteur d'Origine nantais (RON) expression transduces signals inducting invasive growth phenotype that includes cell proliferation, migration, matrix invasion, and protection of apoptosis in human cancer cells. The aims of the current study were to evaluate whether RON affects tumor cell behavior and cellular signaling pathways including activator protein-1 (AP-1) and Akt/forkhead box O (FoxO) in human colorectal cancer cells. METHODS: To study the biological role of RON on tumor cell behavior and cellular signaling pathways in human colorectal cancer, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown RON gene expression in human colorectal cancer cell line, DKO-1. RESULTS: Knockdown of RON diminished migration, invasion, and proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. Knockdown of RON decreased AP-1 transcriptional activity and expression of AP-1 target genes. Knockdown of RON activated cleaved caspase-3, -7, -9, and PARP, and down-regulated the expression of Mcl-1, survivin and XIAP, leading to induction of apoptosis. Knockdown of RON induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase of cancer cells by an increase of p27 and a decrease of cyclin D3. Knockdown of RON inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt/FoxO signaling proteins such as Ser473 and Thr308 of Akt and FoxO1/3a. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that knockdown of RON inhibits AP-1 activity and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through the modulation of Akt/FoxO signaling in human colorectal cancer cells.

Black tea extract prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB signaling and attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND: Black tea has been shown to elicit anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties. In this study, we investigated the impact of black tea extract (BTE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB signaling in bone marrow derived-macrophages (BMM) and determined the therapeutic efficacy of this extract on colon inflammation. METHODS: The effect of BTE on LPS-induced NF-κB signaling and pro-inflammatory gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The in vivo efficacy of BTE was assessed in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The severity of colitis was measured by weight loss, colon length and histologic scores. RESULTS: LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-23p19, IL-6 and IL-1ß mRNA expressions were inhibited by BTE. LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65 were blocked by BTE. BTE treatment blocked LPS-induced DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. BTE-fed, DSS-exposed mice showed the less weight loss, longer colon length and lower histologic score compared to control diet-fed, DSS-exposed mice. DSS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65 were blocked by BTE. An increase of cleaved caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in DSS-exposed mice was blocked by BTE. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that BTE attenuates colon inflammation through the blockage of NF-κB signaling and apoptosis in DSS-induced experimental colitis model.

Small interfering RNA-directed targeting of RON alters invasive and oncogenic phenotypes of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

The recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase is highly expressed in various cancers including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and involved in tumor progression. The aims of the current study were to evaluate whether RON affects tumor cell behavior and oncogenic signaling cascades in HCC cells. We investigated the biologic role of RON on tumor cell behavior and oncogenic signaling cascades including Akt, c-Raf and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) by using the small interfering RNA (siRNA) in HCC cell lines, chang, HepG2 and Huh7. Knockdown of RON suppressed tumor cell migration and invasion in all tested HCC cell lines. The proportion of apoptotic cells induced by knockdown of RON was greater than that induced by transfection of the scramble siRNA in all tested HCC cell lines. Knockdown of RON resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase of chang and Huh7 cells, and sub G1 phase of HepG2 cells. Knockdown of RON activated cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and survivin, leading to induction of apoptosis in all tested cell lines. Knockdown of RON negatively regulates the progression of the cell cycle by decreasing cyclin D1 and D3, and increasing p21 and p27 in all tested cell lines. The phosphorylation of Akt, c-Raf and ERK1/2 signal proteins was significantly blocked by knockdown of RON in all tested cell lines. These results suggest that RON is associated with invasive and oncogenic phenotypes such as tumor cell migration, invasion, resistance to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through the modulation of Akt, c-Raf and ERK signaling cascades in HCC cells.

[Effects of laughter therapy on postpartum fatigue and stress responses of postpartum women].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of laughter therapy on postpartum fatigue and stress responses of postpartum women. METHODS: The research design was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. The participants were 67 postpartum women who agreed to participate in this study, selected by convenience sampling: (experiment group-33 and control group-34). The data were collected from August 5 to September 30, 2010. The experimental group received laughter therapy from a laughter therapy expert for 60 min, twice a week for 2 weeks, a total of 4 sessions. To evaluate the effects of laughter therapy, postpartum fatigue by self-report questionnaire and cortisol concentration in breast milk were measured. The data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 13.0 Program. RESULTS: The first hypothesis that "the degree of postpartum fatigue in the experimental group participating in laughter therapy would be lower than that of the control group" was accepted. These findings indicate that laughter therapy has a positive effect on decreasing postpartum fatigue. CONCLUSION: The finding provides evidence for use of complementary and alternative nursing in Sanhujori facilities and obstetric units to reduce postpartum women's fatigue.

Nanostructured films as a novel substrate for chondrocytes growth.

We fabricated a large area silica nano-particle monolayer on glass substrates for the cell growth by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. A thin film of 300 nm sized mono-dispersed silica particles was constructed on the air-water interface and transferred onto a glass substrate. Chondrocytes were cultured on nano-structured substrates and bare glass substrates for 8 days. The characterizations of chondrocytes on nano-structured substrate were conducted on 3rd and 6th day using confocal laser microscopy and with MTT assay for 8 days. The chondrocytes cultured on nano-structured substrate showed podia like spike and their size was larger than that formed on bare glass substrate. The metabolic activity of chondrocytes on nano-structured substrate was lower than that on bare glass substrate at early-stage, but it was recovered after 4 days.

Fabrication of nano-structured SPR chip for sensitivity enhancement.

We used the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method for preparation of large area, defect-free monolayer silica particle film as a template for the fabrication of nano-structure Au pattern on a conventional Au substrate for Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). Well organized, trigonal pyramid shaped Au nano-structures were able to construct on 34 separate chips in one fabrication process. The dimensions of trigonal pyramid nano-structures were precisely controlled by changing the particle size of the silica LB template. The nano-structure Au patterned SPR chips provides the enhancement of sensitivity in SPR analysis. The sensitivity enhancement of nano-structure patterned chips was evaluated by comparison with conventional flat Au chips. The nano-structure patterned substrate demonstrated a sensitivity enhancement up to 120% compared to a conventional SPR chip when ethanol solution was used as an analyte.

Expression of KITENIN in human colorectal cancer and its relation to tumor behavior and progression.

KAI1 COOH-terminal interacting tetraspanin (KITENIN) contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis in various cancers. The aim of current study was to evaluate whether KITENIN affects tumor cell invasion and prognosis in human colorectal cancers. We investigated the biologic role of KITENIN on tumor cell invasion by using small interfering RNA in Caco2, DLD1, and SW480. We evaluated the expression of KITENIN and activator protein-1 (AP-1) target genes in human colorectal cancer tissues. The tumor cell invasion was decreased by knockdown of KITENIN in three tested cell lines. The mRNA expression of cyclin D1 and COX-2 was decreased in KITENIN knockdown Caco2 and the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and COX-2 was decreased in KITENIN knockdown DLD1 and SW480. The extracellular-signal protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation was decreased in KITENIN knockdown in three tested cell lines. Expression of KITENIN and AP-1 target genes was significantly increased in human colorectal cancer tissues. The ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 phosphorylations were increased in human colorectal cancer tissues. Expression of KITENIN was significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, tumor stage and poor survival. These results indicate that KITENIN is associated with human colorectal cancer progression including invasion and metastasis.

A Comparison of clinical characteristics between medically-treated patients and surgically-treated patients with ischemic colitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ischemic colitis (IC) is usually a self-limiting disease. But, it can cause necrosis that requires urgent surgical treatment. We sought to evaluate clinical difference in IC patients between medical and surgical treatment groups, and to identify prognostic factors for adverse outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics in patients with IC treated in Chonnam National University Hospital between May 2001 and April 2010. A total of 81 patients with IC were enrolled. We classified the patients into two groups-a medical treatment group and a surgical treatment group-and evaluated their clinical features, treatment outcomes and mortality. RESULTS: Absence of hematochezia, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, abdominal rebound tenderness, heart rate over 90 beats/min, systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg, hyponatremia and increased LDH or serum creatinine level were observed more frequently in surgically-treated patients (p<0.05). Most cases in the medically-treated group resolved without complications (98.3%). But, about half of the cases (52.4%) of the surgically-treated group resolved and the mortality rate was 47.6%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ischemic colitis, several clinical factors are associated with surgical treatment. Although IC is often selflimited, our data suggests that special attention and aggressive therapy is warranted in treating these patients.

Black tea polyphenol theaflavin suppresses LPS-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression via blockage of NF-κB and JNK activation in intestinal epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the black tea polyphenol, theaflavin, on the expression of adhesion molecules and activation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced innate signaling in rat intestinal epithelial (RIE) cells. METHODS: The effect of theaflavin on neutrophil adhesion, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was examined by neutrophil adhesion assay, RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS: Theaflavin suppressed adhesion of neutrophils to LPS-stimulated RIE cells. LPS-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions were inhibited by theaflavin. LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65 were blocked by theaflavin. Also, theaflavin blocked NF-κB DNA-binding activity in EMSA. LPS-induced phosphorylation of JNK was inhibited by theaflavin. Bay11-7082 (a NF-κB inhibitor) and SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) suppressed the LPS-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA accumulations. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that black tea polyphenol theaflavin suppresses LPS-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions through blockage of NF-κB and JNK activation in intestinal epithelial cells.

Primary Shewanella algae bacteremia mimicking Vibrio septicemia.

Shewanella algae infections are rare in humans. Previously reported cases of S. algae have mainly been associated with direct contact with seawater. We report a case of primary S. algae bacteremia occurring after the ingestion of raw seafood in a patient with liver cirrhosis that presented a fulminent course of necrotizing fasciitis.