The association between periodontitis and systemic disease among Korean adults / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: Periodontal disease has developed not only as a localized factor of oral disease, but also as an important factor related to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and smoking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between periodontitis and systemic disease by utilizing the representative national health nutrition survey in Korea. METHODS: Study participants without any missing data were selected from the sixth (2014) national health nutrition survey, which included 5,604 individuals with periodontal pocket depth. To determine that periodontal disease was associated not only with localized factors but with various factors interacting with each other, parameters such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, dyslipidemia, alcohol intake, smoking, age, level of education, income, regular visits to a dentist, frequency of toothbrushing, and presence of a dental cavity were investigated and evaluated anemic factors with CPITN. The associations were analyzed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Only hypertension was found to influence periodontitis independently [95% confidence interval: 0.6-0.9]. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant association between hypertension and periodontal disease was noted and this association is expected to be fundamental data for future studies.

Predictors of Successful Aging in Korean Older Women Based on Successful Aging Theory (SAT) / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore predictors of successful aging in older Korean women based on a recent mid-range nursing theory, the Successful Aging Theory (SAT). METHODS: This study utilized a descriptive correlational design. The convenience sample was composed of 174 older women living in the community. Successful aging was measured using the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). Transcendence was measured using the Self-transcendence Scale (STS). Adaptation was measured using the Coping behavior scale. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify significant predictors of successful aging. RESULTS: Transcendence, adaptation, and religion were shown to be predictive of successful aging. This regression model explained 56% of the variance in successful aging. The factor with the highest influence was transcendence which explained 52% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Gerotranscendence-promoting interventions can be an important consideration in caring for older Korean women. Adaptation and spirituality should be included in a holistic aging care.

The Association among Activity of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Depression and Isolation in Disabled People / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association among of Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), depression and isolation in disabled people. METHOD: The subjects consisted of 761 disabled people in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlational statistics. RESULTS: There were significant differences in age, cause of disability, type of disability, degree of disability, education, job, perceived health condition, and economic status between disabled people with high and low levels of ADL and IADL. Depression showed significant differences in type of disability, degree of disability, education, job, perceived health condition, and economic state; isolation showed significant differences in age, cause of disability, type of disability, education, job, residence, perceived health condition, and economic status. A significant association was identified between depression and isolation (r=.69, p<.001). CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of depression in disabled men with high levels of isolation and ADL and IADL dependence. An effort to increase disabled people's ADL, IADL, and independence levels is needed, and nursing interventions should be designed and tested to increase their community involvement and decrease the sense of isolation and depression.

The Stem Bark of Kalopanax pictus Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Effect through Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction and NF-kappaB Suppression

BACKGROUND: The stem bark of Kalopanax pictus (KP) has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatoidal arthritis, neurotic pain and diabetes mellitus in China and Korea. In this study, the mechanism responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of KP was investigated. METHODS: We examined the effects of KP on NO production, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and HO-1 expression, NF-kappaB, Nrf2 and MAPK activation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of KP inhibited LPS-induced NO secretion as well as inducible iNOS expression, without affecting cell viability. KP suppressed LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation, phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB-alpha, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Furthermore, KP induced HO-1 expression and Nrf2 nuclear translocation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that KP has the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in macrophages through NF-kappaB suppression and HO-1 induction.

Cardiovascular Disease Management among Workers in Small-Sized Enterprise Using Community-Based Approach / 산업간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze effects of cardiovascular disease prevention in small scale enterprise using community-based approach. METHOD: The target work site included 4,050 small scale enterprises which were under 50 in non-manufacturing workplace and total 20,986 employees were enrolled. Data collection was conducted from March to December, 2008 by 46 occupational health nurses who were registered in Korean Association of Occupational Health Nurses. RESULTS: The rate of smoking was decreased from 39.9% to 34.6%, and normal BMI group was increased from 61.6% to 64.0%. Evaluation of post-intervention blood pressure(BP) outcomes revealed that significant reductions in systolic BP and diastolic BP(3.25mmHg and 1.89mmHg, respectively) were achieved. In addition, the amount of reduction in total cholesterol level was 180.89+/-28.22mg/dL at pre-ntervention and 177.71+/-24.73mg/dL at post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular prevention program by community-based approach was an effective strategy for quitting smoking and improving BMI, BP, and cholesterol control.

A Co-inhibitory Molecule, B7-H4, Synergistically Potentiates Oral Tolerance by Inducing CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T Cells

BACKGROUND: A co-inhibitory molecule, B7-H4, is believed to negatively regulate T cell immunity by suppressing T cell proliferation and inhibiting cytokine production. However, the mechanism behind B7-H4-mediated tolerance remains unclear. METHODS: Balb/c (H-2(d)) mice were fed with dendritic cell line, DC2.4 (H-2(b)) every day for 10 days. Meantime, mice were hydrodynamically injected with recombinant plasmid expressing B7-H4 fusion protein (B7-H4.hFc) or hFc via tail vein. One day after last feeding, mice were immunized with allogeneic B6 spleen cells. 14 days following immunization, mice were challenged with B6 spleen cells to ear back and the ear swelling was determined the next day. Subsequently, a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was also performed and cytokines profiles from the reaction were examined by sandwich ELISA. Frequency of immunosuppressive cell population was assayed with flow cytometry and mRNA for FoxP3 was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Tolerant mice given plasmid expressing B7-H4.hFc showed a significant reduction in ear swelling compared to control mice. In addition, T cells from mice given B7-H4.hFc plasmid revealed a significant hyporesponsiveness of T cells against allogeneic spleen cells and showed a significant decrease in Th1 and Th2 cytokines such as IFN-gamma, IL-5, and TNF-alpha. Interestingly, flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs in spleen was increased in tolerant mice given recombinant B7-H4.hFc plasmid compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that B7-H4 synergistically potentiates oral tolerance induced by allogeneic cells by increasing the frequency of FoxP3+ CD4+CD25+ Treg and reducing Th1 and Th2 cytokine production.

A Co-inhibitory Molecule, B7-H4, Synergistically Potentiates Oral Tolerance by Inducing CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T Cells

BACKGROUND: A co-inhibitory molecule, B7-H4, is believed to negatively regulate T cell immunity by suppressing T cell proliferation and inhibiting cytokine production. However, the mechanism behind B7-H4-mediated tolerance remains unclear. METHODS: Balb/c (H-2(d)) mice were fed with dendritic cell line, DC2.4 (H-2(b)) every day for 10 days. Meantime, mice were hydrodynamically injected with recombinant plasmid expressing B7-H4 fusion protein (B7-H4.hFc) or hFc via tail vein. One day after last feeding, mice were immunized with allogeneic B6 spleen cells. 14 days following immunization, mice were challenged with B6 spleen cells to ear back and the ear swelling was determined the next day. Subsequently, a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was also performed and cytokines profiles from the reaction were examined by sandwich ELISA. Frequency of immunosuppressive cell population was assayed with flow cytometry and mRNA for FoxP3 was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Tolerant mice given plasmid expressing B7-H4.hFc showed a significant reduction in ear swelling compared to control mice. In addition, T cells from mice given B7-H4.hFc plasmid revealed a significant hyporesponsiveness of T cells against allogeneic spleen cells and showed a significant decrease in Th1 and Th2 cytokines such as IFN-gamma, IL-5, and TNF-alpha. Interestingly, flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs in spleen was increased in tolerant mice given recombinant B7-H4.hFc plasmid compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that B7-H4 synergistically potentiates oral tolerance induced by allogeneic cells by increasing the frequency of FoxP3+ CD4+CD25+ Treg and reducing Th1 and Th2 cytokine production.