The gap in scientific knowledge and role of science communication in South Korea.

Using data from a national survey of South Koreans, this study explores the role of science communication in enhancing three different forms of scientific knowledge ( factual, procedural, and subjective). We first assess learning effects, looking at the extent to which citizens learn science from different channels of communication (interpersonal discussions, traditional newspapers, television, online newspapers, and social media). We then look into the knowledge gap hypothesis, investigating how different communication channels can either widen or narrow the gap in knowledge between social classes. Television was found to function as a "knowledge leveler," narrowing the gap between highly and less educated South Koreans. The role of online newspapers in science learning is pronounced in our research. Reading newspapers online indicated a positive relationship to all three measures of knowledge. Contrary to the knowledge-leveling effect of television viewing, reading online newspapers was found to increase, rather than decrease, the gap in knowledge. Implications of our findings are discussed in detail.

Optimal positive end-expiratory pressure during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Increased intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic surgery causes cephalad displacement of the diaphragm, resulting in the formation of atelectasis, which can be overcome by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the level of optimal PEEP to maintain adequate arterial oxygenation and hemodynamics during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing RLRP were randomly allocated to one of five groups (n = 20) (0, 3, 5, 7 and 10 cmH2O of PEEP). Hemodynamic variables and respiratory parameters were measured at baseline with the patient in the supine position; at 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h during CO2 insufflation with the patient in the post-Trendelenburg position; and after deflation in the supine position with increasing PEEP. RESULTS: The PaO2 levels and alveolar-arterial difference in oxygen tension (AaDO2) were improved in patients with PEEPs compared with patients in whom PEEP was not used. The application of PEEP (10 cmH2O) resulted in higher PaO2 levels compared to those with lower PEEP levels, but excessive peak airway pressure (PAP) was sometimes observed. The application of a PEEP of 7 cmH2O resulted in similar PaO2 levels without causing excessive PAP. There was a significant difference in central venous pressure between the groups, but there were no significant differences in heart rate, mean arterial pressure or minute ventilation between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A PEEP of 7 cmH2O is associated with the greater improvement of PaO2 and AaDO2 without causing excessive PAP during RLRP.

The effect of hand dominance on neuromuscular monitoring at the adductor pollicis muscle.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular blockade of the adductor pollicis muscle may be influenced by hand dominance resulting in conflicting results of several studies. The current study examined whether hand dominance could influence the measurements of neuromuscular blockade with acceleromyography at the adductor pollicis. METHODS: The acceleromyographic responses from 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium were monitored supramaximally in both hands in 31 patients after induction of anesthesia. Onset, maximum effect, and offset of rocuronium were measured and compared in both hands. The train-of-four (TOF) ratios to 0.9 were recorded in all patients. RESULTS: In total, 27 patients were right-handed and 4 patients were left-handed. The mean supramaximal threshold or initial TOF ratio was not different between dominant and nondominant hands. No statistically significant differences were found between 716 paired TOF ratios in both hands. A correlation was seen between the dominant and nondominant hand (Nondominant = 0.931·Dominant + 1.714, R = 0.929). The analysis by the Bland-Altman plot showed an excellent agreement with a bias of 1.6% and limits of agreement of -21.2 to 24.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Dominant and nondominant hands can be used interchangeably for neuromuscular monitoring at the adductor pollicis.

A comparison of the accuracy of ulnar versus median nerve stimulation for neuromuscular monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Inexperienced anesthesiologists are frequently unclear as to whether to stimulate the ulnar or median nerve to monitor the adductor pollicis. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether monitoring the adductor pollicis by positioning the stimulating electrodes over the median nerve is an acceptable alternative to applying electrodes over the ulnar nerve. METHODS: In 20 patients anesthetized with propofol and remifentanil, one pair of stimulating electrodes was positioned over the ulnar nerve. A second pair was placed over the median nerve on the other hand. The acceleromyographic response was monitored on both hands. Rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered. Single twitch (ST) and train-of-four (TOF) stimulations were applied alternatively to both sites. RESULTS: None of the patients showed a twitch response at either site after injection of rocuronium. There were no differences in the mean supramaximal threshold, mean initial TOF ratio, or mean initial ST ratio between the two sites. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias (limit of agreement) in the TOF and ST ratios over the median nerve of 7% (± 31%) and 26% (± 73%), respectively, as compared with the ulnar nerve. The median nerve TOF ratio was overestimated by 16.2%, as compared with that of the ulnar nerve value, and the median nerve ST ratio was overestimated by 72.9%, as compared to that of the ulnar nerve. CONCLUSIONS: The ulnar and median nerves cannot be used interchangeably for accurate neuromuscular monitoring.

Overexpression of p21, cyclin E and decreased expression of p27 in DMBA (7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene)-induced rat ovarian carcinogenesis.

Ovarian cancer is a common gynecological malignancy and a leading cause of death in women. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene and deregulation of cyclin E are frequent in human ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the expressions and roles of cyclin E, p21 and p27 in 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced ovarian tumors in rats. The expressions of cyclin E, p21 and p27 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. The expressions of cyclin E and p21 in ovarian tumors was higher than that in normal ovarian surface epithelium. In contrast, the expression of p27 in ovarian tumors was lower than that in normal ovarian surface epithelium. But there were no differences among the cancer types. Positive correlation was present between cyclin E and p21. p27 was negatively correlated with cyclin E and p21. These results suggest that the increased expression of cyclin E and p21, and the decreased expression of p27, occur in DMBA-induced rat ovarian carcinogenesis and result in tumor progression.

[Studies on the current epidemiological situation of brugian filariasis in endemic areas of Korea]

An epidemiological study on brugian filariasis was carried out in endemic areas including Cheju Island in Korea, with a brief review of literatures.The results showed that the incidence among residents has remarkably decreased in Cheju Island, which was the main endemic area. Reviewing available informations on the prevalence of filariasis reported in recent years and also judging from the present socio-economic conditions which enable people to practice personal protection against mosquitos, it can be said with confidence that filariasis has almost disappeared from Cheju Island and inland areas. The disease is considered to remain at a low level of endemicity in Hugsan Islands. Certainly mass diethylcarbamazine (DEC) treatment carried out in Cheju Island in the 1960s and 1970s and remarkable economic growth followed by improved living standard and altered life-style of inhabitants could all have combined effects on the disappearance of this mosquito-borne diseae in this island. If the present trends go on, the possibility of resurgence of filariasis in Cheju Island is hardly postulated.