310 nm UV-LEDs attenuate imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in C57BL/6 mice and inhibit IL-22-induced STAT3 expression in HaCaT cells.

Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) are a novel light source for phototherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of UV-LEDs on psoriasis. Importantly, 310 nm UV-LEDs have not been studied in psoriasis in vitro and in vivo. Effects due to 310 nm UV-LED and 311 nm narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) irradiation were compared for suppressing IL-22-induced activation of STAT3 expression using cell viability assay, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. C57BL/6 mice were topically treated with imiquimod (IMQ) for 6 consecutive days and degenerative changes were observed. Test groups were irradiated with a 310 nm UV-LED and 311 nm NBUVB. Phenotypic observations, histopathological examinations, and ELISA were conducted with skin and blood samples. STAT3-dependent IL-22 signalling and effects in keratinocytes are negatively regulated by the 310 nm UV-LED, which significantly ameliorated IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis development and reduced Th17 cytokine levels (IL-17A, IL-22) in serum and dorsal skin. Histopathological findings showed decreases in epidermal thickness and inflammatory T-cell infiltration in the UV-LED-irradiated groups. Quantitative PCR confirmed a UV radiation energy-dependent decrease in IL-17A and IL-22 mRNA levels. The results demonstrated that UV-LEDs had anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. So, UV-LED phototherapy inhibits psoriasis development by suppressing STAT3 protein and inflammatory cytokines and could be useful in treating psoriasis.

Safety evaluation of stamp type digital microneedle devices in hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: Microneedles provide a minimally invasive means to transport molecules into the skin. A number of specific strategies have been employed to use microneedles for transdermal delivery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of two new digital microneedle devices (Digital Hand® and Digital Pro®; Bomtech Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea) for the perforation of skin in skin-hairless-1 mice. This device replaces conventional needles and is designed specifically for intradermal delivery. METHODS: We used two newly developed digital microneedle devices to perforate the skin of skin-hairless-1 mice. We conducted a comparative study of the two digital microneedle devices and DTS® (Disk type-microneedle Therapy System; DTS lab., Seoul, Korea). To evaluate skin stability, we performed visual and dermatoscopic inspections, measurements of transepidermal water loss, and biopsies. RESULTS: The two novel digital microneedle devices did not induce significant abnormalities of the skin on visual or dermatoscopic inspection, regardless of needle size (0.25~2.0 mm). No significant histopathological changes, such as inflammatory cell infiltration, desquamation of the stratum corneum, or disruption of the basal layer, were observed. The digital microneedle devices and microneedle therapy system produced similar results on measures of skin stability. CONCLUSION: These two novel digital microneedle devices are safe transdermal drug delivery systems.

Effects of script-based role play in cardiopulmonary resuscitation team training.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) team dynamics and performance between a conventional simulation training group and a script-based training group. METHODS: This was a prospective randomised controlled trial of educational intervention for CPR team training. Fourteen teams, each consisting of five members, were recruited. The conventional group (C) received training using a didactic lecture and simulation with debriefing, while the script group (S) received training using a resuscitation script. The team activity was evaluated with checklists both before and after 1 week of training. The videotaped simulated resuscitation events were compared in terms of team dynamics and performance aspects. RESULTS: Both groups showed significantly higher leadership scores after training (C: 58.2 ± 9.2 vs. 67.2 ± 9.5, p=0.007; S: 57.9 ± 8.1 vs. 65.4 ± 12.1, p=0.034). However, there were no significant improvements in performance scores in either group after training. There were no differences in the score improvement after training between the two groups in dynamics (C: 9.1 ± 12.6 vs. S: 7.4 ± 13.7, p=0.715), performance (C: 5.5 ± 11.4 vs. S: 4.7 ± 9.6, p=0.838) and total scores (C: 14.6 ± 20.1 vs. S: 12.2 ± 19.5, p=0.726). CONCLUSION: Script-based CPR team training resulted in comparable improvements in team dynamics scores compared with conventional simulation training. Resuscitation scripts may be used as an adjunct for CPR team training.

Effects of audio tone guidance on performance of CPR in simulated cardiac arrest with an advanced airway.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Despite the emphasis of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality, the performance of on-site CPR is reported to be frequently unsuccessful. In order to improve CPR quality, various feedback systems have been developed, but they have not yet been widely used on site due to low economic efficiency. The present study was attempted to determine whether CPR quality can be improved using audio tone guidance. THE METHODS: A total of 80 seniors at our medical school and college of nursing participated in the study. After they were trained in CPR according to the 2005 guidelines, they performed CPR using a cardiac arrest model with an advanced airway. The participants were organized into 40 groups. After they took Test 1 without any feedback for 2 min, they were randomly assigned to the feedback and control groups and took Test 2 for 2 min. In the feedback group, a low-pitched sound was delivered every 0.6 s for the guidance of chest compression and a high-pitched sound was simultaneously delivered every 10 deliveries of a low-pitched sound for the guidance of ventilation at 6s intervals. THE RESULTS: In the feedback group the mean compression rate significantly improved in accuracy from 111.5+/-13.7/min to 100.1+/-3.2/min (P<0.01), and ventilation counts significantly improved in accuracy from 7.4+/-1.8/min to 9.9+/-0.3/min (P<0.01). However, the mean compression depth significantly decreased from 39.3+/-9.5 mm to 35.8+/-8.2 mm (P<0.01). THE CONCLUSION: Audio tone guidance ensures better chest compression rate and ventilation rate but this does not necessarily result in a better CPR quality.