Alteration in Cngb1 Expression upon Maternal Immune Activation in a Mouse Model and Its Possible Association with Schizophrenia Susceptibility

Objective@#The cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (Cng) regulates synaptic efficacy in brain neurons by modulating Ca2＋ levels in response to changes in cyclic nucleotide concentrations. This study investigated whether the expression of Cng channel, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel subunit beta 1 (Cngb1) exhibited any relationship with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia in an animal model and whether genetic polymorphisms of the human gene were associated with the progression of schizophrenia in a Korean population. @*Methods@#We investigated whether Cngb1 expression was related to psychiatric disorders in a mouse model of schizophrenia induced by maternal immune activation. A case-control study was conducted of 275 schizophrenia patients and 410 controls with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5′-near region of CNGB1. @*Results@#Cngb1 expression was decreased in the prefrontal cortex in the mouse model. Furthermore, the genotype frequency of a SNP (rs3756314) of CNGB1 was associated with the risk of schizophrenia. @*Conclusion@#Our results suggest that CNGB1 might be associated with schizophrenia susceptibility and maternal immune activation. Consequently, it is hypothesized that CNGB1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Influence of clozapine on neurodevelopmental protein expression and behavioral patterns in animal model of psychiatric disorder induced by low-level of lead

Exposure to lead during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders in the offspring. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to low levels of lead acetate (0.2%) in drinking water during pregnancy and lactation causes behavioral impairment and affects the expression of proteins associated with neurodevelopment. Lead exposure altered several parameters in rat offspring compared with those unexposed in open-field, social interaction, and pre-pulse inhibition tests. These parameters were restored to normal levels after clozapine treatment. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of the hippocampus revealed that several neurodevelopmental proteins were downregulated in lead-exposed rats. The expression was normalized after clozapine treatment (5 mg/kg/day, postnatal day 35–56). These findings demonstrate that downregulation of several proteins in lead-exposed rats affected subsequent behavioral changes. Our results suggest that lead exposure in early life may induce psychiatric disorders and treatment with antipsychotics such as clozapine may reduce their incidence.

Effects of Tianeptine on Adult Rats Following Prenatal Stress

OBJECTIVE: Exposing a pregnant female to stress during the critical period of embryonic fetal brain development increases the risk of psychiatric disorders in the offspring. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of antidepressant tianeptine on prenatally stressed (PNS) rats. METHODS: In this study, a repeated variable stress paradigm was applied to pregnant rats during the last week of gestation. To investigate the effects of antidepressant tianeptine on PNS rats, behavioral and protein expression analyses were performed. Forced swim test, open field test, and social interaction test were performed to determine changes in PNS rats compared to non-stressed offspring. Haloperidol was used as a positive control as an antipsychotic drug based on previous studies. RESULTS: Behavioral changes were restored after treatment with tianeptine or haloperidol. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of the prefrontal cortex revealed downregulation of several neurodevelopmental proteins in PNS rats. After treatment with tianeptine or haloperidol, their expression levels were increased. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of several proteins in PNS rats might have caused subsequent behavioral changes in PNS rats. After tianeptine or haloperidol treatment, behavioral changes in PNS rats were restored. Therefore, tianeptine might decrease incidence of prenatal stress related-psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

Effects of tianeptine on symptoms of fibromyalgia via BDNF signaling in a fibromyalgia animal model

Previous reports have suggested that physical and psychological stresses may trigger fibromyalgia (FM). Stress is an important risk factor in the development of depression and memory impairments. Antidepressants have been used to prevent stress-induced abnormal pain sensation. Among various antidepressants, tianeptine has been reported to be able to prevent neurodegeneration due to chronic stress and reverse decreases in hippocampal volume. To assess the possible effect of tianeptine on FM symptoms, we constructed a FM animal model induced by restraint stress with intermittent cold stress. All mice underwent nociceptive assays using electronic von Frey anesthesiometer and Hargreaves equipment. To assess the relationship between tianeptine and expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. In behavioral analysis, nociception tests showed that pain threshold was significantly decreased in the FM group compared to that in the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus showed downregulation of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the FM group compared to the control group. However, tianeptine recovered these changes in behavioral tests and protein level. Therefore, this FM animal model might be useful for investigating mechanisms linking BDNF-CREB pathway and pain. Our results suggest that tianeptine might potentially have therapeutic efficacy for FM.

Toll-Like Receptor 10-1-6 Gene Cluster Polymorphisms Are Not Associated With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Korean Population / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Inflammation and infection have been associated with the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play key roles in the innate immune system and initiate the inflammatory response to foreign pathogens. We investigated the relationship between TLR10-1-6 gene cluster polymorphisms and BPH. METHODS: We genotyped four promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (TLR10, rs10004195; TLR1, rs5743557; and TLR6, rs1039560 and rs1039559) by directly sequencing (233 BPH patients and 214 control subjects). SNPStats and Haploview version 4.02 were used to analyze the data. Multiple logistic regression models (log-additive, dominant, and recessive) were performed to determine odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and P-values. RESULTS: The genotype and allele frequencies of each SNP was not different between the BPH and control groups (P>0.05). Haplotype analysis showed no association between the haplotype in the linkage disequilibrium (LD) block and BPH (P>0.05), although the LD block was constructed. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the TLR10-1-6 gene cluster may be not associated with the development of BPH in the Korean population.

Influence of Panax ginseng on Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate problem in older men. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng) on a rat model of testosterone-induced BPH. METHODS: The rats were divided into 3 groups (each group, n=10): control, testosterone-induced BPH (20 mg/kg, subcutaneous injection), and P. ginseng (200 mg/kg, orally) groups. After 4 weeks, all animals were sacrificed to examine the blood biochemical profiles, prostate volume, weight, histopathological changes, alpha-1D adrenergic receptor (Adra1d) mRNA expression, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein expression. RESULTS: The group treated with P. ginseng showed significantly lesser prostate size and weight than the testosterone-induced BPH group. In addition, P. ginseng decreased the mRNA expression of Adra1d as well as the expression of EGFR and BCL2 in prostate tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that P. ginseng may inhibit the alpha-1-adrenergic receptor to suppress the development of BPH.

Association of a Missense ALDH2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (Glu504Lys) With Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in a Korean Population / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a well-known gene involved in alcohol and aldehyde metabolism. Moreover, recent studies have reported associations between ALDH2 and age-related disorders. Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disorder and genetic factors may contribute to its onset. In this study, we investigated the association of a well-studied ALDH2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs671, with the onset and clinical features of BPH. METHODS: A total of 222 BPH patients and 214 control subjects were genotyped. The clinical features of the BPH patients (prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen level, and International Prostatic Symptom Score) were analyzed. RESULTS: The results show that rs671 was only associated with the volume of BPH in genotype and allele frequencies (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We propose that rs671 is an Asian-specific SNP in ALDH2 that may affect the disease progression of BPH in the Korean population.

Association between ABCB1 Polymorphisms and Ischemic Stroke in Korean Population

Neuronal expression of ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B (MDR/TAP), member 1 (ABCB1) has been demonstrated after brain ischemia. To investigate whether ABCB1 polymorphisms are associated with the development, risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus), severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS), and sequelae (Modified Barthel Index, MBI) of ischemic stroke (IS), four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ABCB1 gene [rs4148727, promoter, -154T>C; rs3213619, 5'-untranslation region (5'UTR), -129T>C); rs1128503, synonymous, Gly412 (C>T); rs3842, 3'UTR, A>G] were analyzed in 121 IS patients and 291 control subjects. SNPStats and SPSS 18.0 were used to obtain odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p values. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant1, codominant2, dominant, recessive, and log-additive models) were applied to analyze the genetic data. The rs3842 SNP was weakly associated with the development of IS (p=0.020 in codominant1 model and p=0.028 in dominant model). In the analysis of clinical phenotypes, ABCB1 polymorphisms were nominally associated with hypertension (rs3213619 and rs3842, p<0.05), dyslipidemia (rs1128503, p<0.05), diabetes (rs3842, p<0.05), and NIHSS (rs4148727, p<0.05). Interestingly, rs3842 showed statistically strong association between IS with hypertension and IS without hypertension (Fisher's exact p=0.003, OR=0.11, 95% CI=0.03-0.51 in recessive model). These results suggest that the ABCB1 gene may be associated with the development and clinical phenotypes of IS in Korean population.

Effects of Sinapic Acid of 4 Vessel Occlusion Model-Induced Ischemia and Cognitive Impairments in the Rat

OBJECTIVE: Sinapic acid (SA, Sinapine), small naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid, has a GABA(A) receptor agonistic property and free radical scavenging activity. We examined potential neuroprotective effects of sinapic acid (SA) using global cerebral ischemia animal model. METHODS: MTT assay was performed to determine cytotoxic effects of SA. To examine the neuroprotective effects of SA, SA was administrated for 14 d before 4-vessel occlusion. Also, to determine whether SA prevents cognitive impairment, Morris water maze was performed. RESULTS: In this study, the efficacy of SA for the prevention of neuronal damage and for the reduction of memory impairment was investigated. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that SA confers significant neuroprotection especially for ischemic hippocampal neurons.

The Efficacy of Shikonin on Cartilage Protection in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The potential therapeutic action of shikonin in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated. As a RA animal model, DBA/1J mice were immunized two times with type II collagen. After the second collagen immunization, mice were orally administered shikonin (2 mg/kg) once a day for 35 days, and the incidence, clinical score, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and joint histopathology were evaluated. BMD in the proximal regions of the tibia largely increased in the shikonin treatment group compared with the control group. We also examined the effect of shikonin on inflammatory cytokines and cartilage protection. Shikonin treatment significantly reduced the incidence and severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), markedly abrogating joint swelling and cartilage destruction. Shikonin also significantly inhibited the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and up-regulated tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in mice with CIA. In conclusion, shikonin exerted therapeutic effects through regulation of MMP/TIMP; these results suggest that shikonin is an outstanding candidate as a cartilage protective medicine for RA.

Development of Web-based Multimedia Contents for the Critical Care Practice of Nursing Students through Inter-College Collaboration / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop Web-based multimedia contents for supporting student nurses' clinical practice on critical care, and to evaluate learners' responses. METHODS: Based on the steps of Assessment, Design, Development, Implementation, & Evaluation(ADDIE) model, a total of 13 self-directed learning modules including live lectures and real video clips were developed through faculty collaboration of nine nursing colleges in Gwangju and Chonnam province. The finally developed multimedia contents were published on the Web of the learning management system at a local e-learning center. RESULTS: The Web contents were evaluated after self-learning by 81 junior college nursing students who were encouraged to study it at their own pace during their two-week clinical practice at a medical or surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital and two hospitals. The knowledge (t = -27.66, p < .001) and self-evaluated clinical performance level(t = 7.54, p < .001) were significantly increased after learning of the Web contents and clinical practice, and satisfaction level that measured post-test only was 4.0 out of 5 point. CONCLUSION: The use of Web contents for critical care need to be extended as a complimentary material in a class room lecture or clinical practice of students to increase their self-learning ability and understandings of clinical knowledge and situation.

The Effects of Hardiness: A Meta-Analysis of Korean Nursing Research Findings / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to meta-analyze the effects of hardiness on health-related variables. METHOD: After review of 19 studies performed by Korean nurses, research variables, statistical data(r or F), and other methodological data were extracted and coded. Research variables were categorized under 5 groups such as health-related behavior, well-being, adaptation, stress, and support according to conceptual similarity. Using SAS program, 20 research variables and 34 effect sizes were calculated after eliminating heterogeneous data by Q-test, RESULTS: Effects of hardiness on whole research variables was .512 and ranged from .322 to .643 by categories. The greatest effect was obtained from well-being category, whereas the smallest effect from stress category. All effect sizes were statistically significant. But fail-safe numbers were small and failed to achieve reasonable tolerance level. CONCLUSION: Results of meta-analysis indicated that hardiness has a moderate effect on health-related variables. But for improving the reliability of the results by minimizing publication bias, the more hardiness studies should be done.

Analysis of Nursing Studies on Hardiness Published in Korea / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify patterns and trends of hardiness studies and to suggest the direction of further research. METHOD : Forty-seven hardiness studies were collected through internet searching and were reviewed by some criteria. RESULT : The results showed that hardiness studies have increased rapidly since 1990's. Eighteen studies were thesis' for degrees and others were for non- degree research studies. All studies employed the non-experimental design, particularly correlational studies. In the sampling method, all studies used non-probability sampling. Most commonly used instrument for hardiness measurement was Pollock(1986)'s HRHS. In the majority of research, hardiness was treated both as a composite measure and 3 subscales. Hardiness-related concepts were 27 and classified into 5 categories such as health behavior, stress, adaptation, support, and others. Most common statistical technique was Pearson's correlation coefficient, followed by regression, ANOVA, path analysis. CONCLUSION: To be utilized as practical nursing knowledge, hardiness studies should be done with more empirical analysis such as experimental research, and Meta-analysis is needed to compare the effect size and significance of composit and 3 subscales of hardiness construct.

Analysis of Nursing Studies on Hardiness Published in Korea / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify patterns and trends of hardiness studies and to suggest the direction of further research. METHOD : Forty-seven hardiness studies were collected through internet searching and were reviewed by some criteria. RESULT : The results showed that hardiness studies have increased rapidly since 1990's. Eighteen studies were thesis' for degrees and others were for non- degree research studies. All studies employed the non-experimental design, particularly correlational studies. In the sampling method, all studies used non-probability sampling. Most commonly used instrument for hardiness measurement was Pollock(1986)'s HRHS. In the majority of research, hardiness was treated both as a composite measure and 3 subscales. Hardiness-related concepts were 27 and classified into 5 categories such as health behavior, stress, adaptation, support, and others. Most common statistical technique was Pearson's correlation coefficient, followed by regression, ANOVA, path analysis. CONCLUSION: To be utilized as practical nursing knowledge, hardiness studies should be done with more empirical analysis such as experimental research, and Meta-analysis is needed to compare the effect size and significance of composit and 3 subscales of hardiness construct.

Effects of Arteriovenous Fistula on Nerve Conductions in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

OBJECTIVE: We tried to evaluate the effects of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on the nerve conductions of the arms in hemodialyzed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). METHOD: Subjects were 22 patients with AVF in patients with CRF and 10 controls without AVF in patients with CRF. We studied nerve conductions, and compared the findings in the arms with fistula and without fistula, and the arms in controls. RESULTS: In ulnar motor nerve conduction study, the amplitude in fistula side was lower than non-fistula side, but the conduction velocity in non-fistula side was lower than fistula side. In radial motor nerve conduction study, the distallatency in non-fistula side was more delayed than that in fistula side. There were no statistical significancies between fistula side and non-fistula side in the other nerve conduction study parameters in arms. And there was no statistically different incidences of carpal tunnel syndrome in both sides. Comparing with controls, conduction velocities of ulnar and radial motor nerves and peak latencies of ulnar and radial sensory nerves were more delayed in both sides. CONCLUSION: There were no significant local effects of arteriovenous fistula on nerve conductions in patients with chronic renal failure.

A Study of Factors Predicting Burnout in Hospital Staff Nurses / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of hardiness, job stress, and burnout in nurses, and to identify predictors of burnout. METHOD: Empirical data were collected from 154 staff nurses at one university hospital in Gwangju city. Self- reported questionnaires were composed of the Personal Views Survey(PVS), job stress scale, Tedium scale, and 7 items asking nurse's general characteristics. Data analysis was done with a SAS package. RESULT: In correlation analysis, hardiness, job stress, and nursing satisfaction had significant correlation with burnout. In stepwise multiple regression, 28.7% of the variance in burnout was accounted for by nursing satisfaction(19.9%), job stress(6.0%), and hardiness(2.8%). Among subscales of hardiness, only commitment was a significant predictor, so nursing satisfaction, job stress, and commitment explained 28.9% of variance in burnout. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, the development of program for nurses to increase nursing satisfaction is needed, and more studies to examine causal relationship between nursing satisfaction and burnout is also highly recommended.

Immediate Replacement of Bone Fragments in Compound Comminuted Depressed Skull Fractures

No abstract available.

The Effects of Plate Stabilization on Maintenance of Interspace Height in Patients with Lower Cervical Lesion Underwent Anterior Cervical Interbody Fusion

OBJECTIVEL: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has been successfully performed for many years using a variety of techniques. Recently, the concept of internal fixation has been applied to the lower cervical lesions. The need for postoperative immobilization, usually required to stabilize the patient while the fusion mass heals, is decreased or negated by internal fixation. In order to determine the effects of plate stabilization on maintenance of interspace height during postoperative period, we assessed the potential differences between anterior interbody fusion without plate and fusion with plate in patients with lower cervical lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors analyzed the results of 76 patients with lower cervical lesions, who underwent anterior interbody fusion between May, 1991 and December, 1997. Of these, 36 underwent only anterior interbody bony fusion and 40 underwent bony fusion plus interbody fixation with plate system. RESULTS: In order to compare the difference of two groups, we investigated the pre- and postoperative interspace height, clinical outcomes, and radiographic fusion success rates. Anterior interbody fusion with plate was found to be superior to anterior interbody fusion without plate after anterior cervical decompression procedures with respect to maintenance of cervical interspace height(p<0.01), and radiographic and clinical fusion success rates. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that the use of anterior plate fixation may provide added security to the nervous system before bony fusion occurs, may potentiate the maintenance of interspace height, may increase the probability of successful fusion, and may permit early ambulation.

Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Thoracic Spinal Cord Meninges: A Case Report

Inflammatory pseudotumor arising in the meninges of spinal cord is extremely rare and most of the cases have occurred in the lung. A case of a thoracic inflammatory pseudotumor causing myelopathy and mimicking an extradural mass is presented. The lesion was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging, and total removal of the mass was performed. Its histology was characterized by infiltration of three kinds of cells; histiocytes with slight epithelioid appearance, plasma cells with numerous Russell bodies, and lymphocytes. Although extrapulmonary inflammatory pseudotumors have been reported, the authors believe this is the second case of this type tumor in the spinal cord meninges.

A Study of Factors Predicting Self-care Behavior in Diabetics / 간호학회지

To determine factors affecting self-care behavior if diabetics, the relationships of hardiness, family support, demographic and medical variables to self-care behavior were investigated in 180 samples with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, 26.76% of the variance in self-care behavior was accounted for by family support(15.52%), age(7.76%), and clinical history(2.07%). To compared the magnitude of predictor's significance by gender, stepwise multiple regression was conducted separatively by gender group. In the male sample 25.22% of the variance in self-care behavior was accounted for by family support, age, and challenge. In the female sample family support, age, and committment were significant predictors in self-care behavior with 28.82% of the variance. The results highlight the value of family support in self-care behavior in diabetics regardless of gender difference. According to the finding of this study, family support is the most significant predictor of self-care behavior in NIDDM. This implicates that in future diabetic care, a family member should be encouraged to participate in the patient education process. Also as hardiness is not supported by a unidimensional construct, more empirical studies are recommended to differentiate the conceptual traits for the three subconcept of hardiness.