Tissue Engineered Mini-Cornea Model for Eye Irritation Test

BACKGROUND@#Eye irritation tests with animals have been conducted for a long time. However, the subjective decision to irritation, the anatomic/physiologic difference between species and humans, and ethical issues are crucial problems. Various research groups have paid attention to alternative testing methods. In these senses, we fabricated in vitro minicornea models with immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (iHCECs) and keratocytes (iHCKs) and used them for irritation tests. This study hypothesized that our mini-cornea model could present different viability tendencies according to test chemicals with different irritancy levels. @*METHODS@#Cells used in this study were characterized with cornea-specific markers by immunocytochemistry and western blot. To make a three-dimensional hemisphere construct like cornea stroma, we cultured iHCKs under modified culture conditions verified by matrix formation and total collagen content. iHCECs were seeded on the construct and cultured at an air–liquid interface. The model was treated with 2-phenoxyethanol, triton X-100, sodium lauryl sulfate, and benzalkonium chloride. @*RESULTS@#iHCECs and iHCKs presented their specific cell markers. In modifying the culture condition, the group treating ascorbic acid (200 lg/ml) presented an intact cellular matrix and included the highest collagen content; thus, we used this condition to fabricate the mini-cornea model. The model shows hemisphere shape and homogenous cell distributions in histological analysis. We observed different sensitivity tendencies by types of chemicals, and the model’s viability significantly decreased when the chemical concentration increased. @*CONCLUSION@#In this study, we performed and observed irritation tests using a tissue-engineered mini-cornea model and considered to apply as an alternative approach for animal tests.

A Concept Analysis of Sexual Dysfunction in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Purpose@#This study aimed to define and clarify the concept of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer. @*Methods@#This study used the concept analysis process of Walker and Avant, and 20 studies were selected. @*Results@#Sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer was defined as experiencing 1) loss of femininity, 2) negative changes in sexual response, and 3) negative feelings about relationship with partners. The identified antecedents were 1) breast cancer treatment-induced changes in body structure and function, 2) disease-related pain, 3) depression, 4) lack of medical services provided to help address sexual matters and difficulties, and 5) lack of understanding and support from partners. The consequences of this were 1) deterioration of relationship with partner, 2) seeking alternatives to overcome sexual dysfunction, 3) deterioration in quality of life, 4) depression, and 5) decrease in frequency of sexual activity. @*Conclusion@#The definition and attributes of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer identified in this study can be applied to the development of tools and programs to measure sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer to enhance understanding of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Anti-Osteoarthritic Effects of Cartilage-Derived Extracellular Matrix in a Rat Osteoarthritis Model

BACKGROUND@#The extracellular matrix (ECM) has many functions, such as segregating tissues, providing support, and regulating intercellular communication. Cartilage-derived ECM (CECM) can be prepared via consecutive processes of chemical decellularization and enzyme treatment. The purpose of this study was to improve and treat osteoarthritis (OA) using porcine knee articular CECM. @*METHODS@#We assessed the rheological characteristics and pH of CECM solutions. Furthermore, we determined the effects of CECM on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in the chondrocytes of New Zealand rabbits. The inhibitory effect of CECM on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a-induced cellular apoptosis was assessed using New Zealand rabbit chondrocytes and human synoviocytes. Finally, we examined the in vivo effects of CECM on inflammation control and cartilage degradation in an experimental OA-induced rat model. The rat model of OA was established by injecting monosodium iodoacetate into the intra-articular knee joint. The rats were then injected with CECM solution. Inflammation control and cartilage degradation were assessed by measuring the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and C-telopeptide of type II collagen and performing a histomorphological analysis. @*RESULTS@#CECM was found to be biocompatible and non-immunogenic, and could improve cell proliferation without inducing a toxic reaction. CECM significantly reduced cellular apoptosis due to TNF-a, significantly improved the survival of cells in inflammatory environments, and exerted anti-inflammatory effects. @*CONCLUSION@#Our findings suggest that CECM is an appropriate injectable material that mediates OA-induced inflammation.

Psychometric Validation of the Korean Version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly in Individuals with Dementia

PURPOSE: The prevalence of dementia has increased rapidly with an aging Korean population. Compared to those without dementia, individuals with dementia have more and complex needs. In this study, the Korean version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE-K) was evaluated to determine its suitability for individuals with dementia in Korea. METHODS: The CANE-K was developed following linguistic validation. The reliability of the measurement was examined with Cronbach α coefficient. The factor structure and construct validity were evaluated by performing exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analyses. Pearson's correlation coefficients with related measures were used to ensure concurrent validity. RESULTS: Four factors extracted with exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analyses validated the model structure (χ² = 367.25, p < .001, goodness-of-fit index = .84, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = .80, root mean square error of approximation = .07, and comparative fit index = .83). Items on the CANE-K loaded on the four factors in a range between .40 and .80. The output of Pearson's correlation coefficient with cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, activities of daily living, and caregiver burden showed acceptable concurrent validity. CONCLUSION: The CANE-K showed a reasonable degree of reliability and validity. Therefore, it has good potential to appropriately measure the needs and unmet needs of those with dementia.

Clinical and psychological characteristics of propofol abusers in Korea: a survey of propofol abuse in 38, non-healthcare professionals / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of propofol abuse based on the results of a survey analysis of abusers among non-healthcare professionals in Korea. METHODS: Thirty-eight propofol abusers were questioned between October and December 2010, and were enrolled and voluntarily participated in a structured survey consisting of an interview and completing a previously prepared questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three distinct parts: part 1 dealt with the history of propofol abuse; part 2 highlighted the problems caused by propofol abuse; and part 3 enquired regarding demographics of abusers. RESULTS: Thirty-one (81.6%) of the 38 interviewees abused propofol for more than one year. During the last 12 months, 34 (89.0%) received propofol at two or three times a week. The minimum and maximum amounts of propofol (median, range) administered each time were 500 (100, 1000) and 2000 (500, 4000) mg, respectively. Stress relief and the maintenance of a sense of well-being were quoted the most important reasons for the first-time administration of propofol and its subsequent abuse, respectively. The majority of abusers (36.0, 97.3%) reported a sense of pleasure or euphoria at the time of their propofol injection. Withdrawal symptoms occurred in five abusers (13.2%). Thirteen (36.1%) reported disruptions in their work life. None of the respondents had previously admitted to and or reported abuse of any other controlled substances. CONCLUSIONS: These results provided reference data for the regulation of propofol in Korea as a controlled substance and may also be of interest to international agencies in other countries.

Mycoflora of Soybeans Used for Meju Fermentation

Diverse fungi are present in Korean traditional meju and they are known to play an important role in fermented soybean products. To determine the origin of the fungi in meju, we examined the mycoflora of soybeans from 10 traditional meju factories. The samples were untreated or treated with sodium hypochlorite, and placed on malt extract agar (MEA), dichloran 18% glycerol agar (DG18), and dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol agar (DRBC) medium. A total of 794 fungal strains were isolated and they were identified as 41 genera and 86 species. From sodium hypochlorite untreated soybeans, the genera, Cladosporium (55%), Eurotium (51%), Fusarium (33%), Penicillium (22%), and Aspergillus (exclusion of Eurotium) (20%), were mainly isolated, and Eurotium herbariorum (22%), Eurotium repens (18%), Cladosporium tenuissimum (18%), F. fujikuroi (18%), Aspergillus oryzae/flavus (7%), and Penicillium steckii (6%) were the predominant species. In case of sodium hypochlorite-treated soybeans, Eurotium (31%) and Cladosporium (5%) were frequently isolated, but Aspergillus (excluding Eurotium), Penicillium and Fusarium which were frequently isolated from untreated soybeans, were rarely isolated. Eurotium herbariorum (21%), Eurotium repens (8%), and Cladosporium tenuissimum (3%) were the predominant species. Of the 41 genera and 86 species isolated from soybeans, 13 genera and 33 species were also found in meju. These results suggest that the fungi on soybeans may influence the mycoflora of meju.

Erratum: Mycoflora of Soybeans Used for Meju Fermentation

There was a spelling error in the Table 2.

Prevalence and Correlating Factors of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVES: Renal osteodystrophy has been recognized as one of the major complications in long-term hemodialysis patients. Bone histomorphology is the definite method for diagnosis but plasma intact PTH level has predictive value for diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy. We performed this study to evaluate the prevalence and correlating factors of secondary hyperparathyroidism in ESRD patients. METHODS: we analyzed the intact PTH level (normal value: 12-72 pg/ml) and clinical parameters in 309 maintance hemodialysis patients retrospectively. RESULTS: The causes of ESRD were chronic glomerulonephritis (32%) diabetic nephropathy (25%) and hypertensive nephropathy (13%). In hemodialysis patients, the mean duration were 48+/-43 months, the serum phosphorus levels were 5.0+/-1.8 mg/dl, and the serum albumin levels were 3.9+/-0.6 gm/dl. The intact PTH levels were 175+/-266 pg/ml. The incidence of hypercalcemia (>10.5 mg/dl) in patients was 4.6% and the incidence of hypocalcemia (<8.5mg/dl) was 26.4%. Twenty-five percent of the patients had iPTH level more than three times normal. Another 42% had a less than normal iPTH level. In multiple regression, serum calcium (r=-0.24), age (r=-0.17) and duration of dialysis (r=0.15) correlated significantly with iPTH level. The iPTH levels between diabetic (82+/-139 pg/ml) and nondiabetic (229+/-320 pg/dl) patients were significantly different (P<0.01). But there are no significant correlation between sugar control and iPTH level. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the iPTH levels were significantly correlated with the age, durations of hemodialysis and the serum calcium levels. Level of intact iPTH in diabetic group were significantly lower than nondiabetes in hemodialysis.