Effects of an urban forest healing program on cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-session structured urban forest healing program for cancer survivors with fatigue. BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a complex and multifactorial common symptom among cancer survivors that limits quality of life (QoL). Although health benefits of forest healing on physiological, physical, and psychological aspect as well as on the immune system have been reported in many studies, there is limited evidence on the efficacy of specialized forest program for cancer survivors. METHOD: A single-blinded, pre-test and post-test control group clinical trial was conducted with -75 cancer survivors assigned to either the forest healing group or the control group. The intervention was an eight-session structured urban forest program provided at two urban forests with easy accessibility. Each session consists of three or four major activities based on six forest healing elements such as landscape, phytoncides, anions, sounds, sunlight, and oxygen. Complete data of the treatment-adherent sample (≥ 6 sessions) was used to examine whether sociodemographic, clinical, physiological (respiratory function, muscle strength, balance, 6-min walking test) and psychological (distress, mood state, sleep quality, QoL) characteristics at baseline moderated the intervention effect on fatigue severity at 9 weeks. RESULTS: Significant time-group interactions were observed muscle strength, balance, 6-min walking test, distress, fatigue, moods, and QoL. The mean difference in fatigue between pre- and post-forest healing program was 9.1 (95% CI 6.2 to 11.9), 11.9 (95% CI 7.6 to 16.1) in moods, and -93.9 (95% CI -123.9 to -64.0) in QoL, showing significant improvements in forest healing group, but no significant improvements in the control group. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a forest healing program positively impacts the lives of cancer survivors, by addressing both physical and psychological challenges associated with CRF. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: KCT0008447 (Date of registration: May 19, 2023).

Evaluation of Student Satisfaction with Ubiquitous-Based Tests in Women's Health Nursing Course.

Learning evaluation using ubiquitous-based tests may be essential during a public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, during which theoretical classes and clinical practice are conducted online. However, students may not be as familiar with ubiquitous-based tests as they are with paper-based tests. This survey study aimed to evaluate students' satisfaction with ubiquitous-based tests and compare the evaluation results of a paper-based test with that of a ubiquitous-based test in nursing education. For the midterm exam of the Women's Health Nursing course, a paper-based test was conducted, while a ubiquitous-based test using a tablet computer was used for the final exam. The Ubiquitous-Based Test Usefulness and Satisfaction tool, which has a five-point Likert-type response scale, was employed to evaluate the post-test usefulness and satisfaction scores of the ubiquitous-based test. The mean score of the ubiquitous-based test usefulness was 4.01 ± 0.67. There was a significant difference in satisfaction levels between the ubiquitous-based and the paper-based test (t = -3.36, p = 0.001). Specifically, the evaluation scores were not affected by different evaluation methods. Study participants deemed the ubiquitous-based test highly useful and satisfactory, suggesting that such tests may be a future-oriented evaluation method, potentially replacing paper-based tests.

Micropatterning of polymer-embedded metal nanoparticles by an ion beam contact lithography.

A convenient and effective method to pattern polymer-embedded metal nanoparticles by ion irradiation has been developed. The thin Pluronic films containing silver nitrate as a precursor of silver nanoparticles were irradiated through a pattern mask with accelerated proton (H+) ions. It was found from the UV-Vis measurement that the formation of silver nanoparticles in the Pluronic matrix was dependant on the amount of silver nitrate. The 50 microm line (pitch 150 microm) patterns of the Pluronic containing silver nanoparticles were obtained with the thin film irradiated to 1 x 10(16) ions/cm2. The heat treatment effect on the morphology of the patterns was investigated by using a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The results confirmed that the silver nanoparticles were successfully embedded in the Pluronic patterns and the patterns were changed into large silver particles by a heat treatment above 350 degrees C.

Micropatterning of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/silver nanoparticle thin films by ion irradiation.

This study describes a new patterning method of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) containing silver nanoparticles by using ion irradiation. The thin films prepared from PVP/silver nanoparticle solutions were irradiated through a mask with accelerated H+ ions. Well-defined 50 microm line (pitch 150 microm) patterns were generated from the film irradiated at 1 x 10(16) ions/cm2. The heat treatment effect on the morphology of the patterns was investigated by using a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The results confirmed that the silver nanoparticles were successfully immobilized in the PVP patterns and the patterns were changed into silver particles by heat treatment above 300 degrees C.

Somatostatin down-regulates LFA-1 activation by modulating Rap1 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) is one of the integrins that are expressed on the leukocytes, and has been shown to play an important role in leukocyte trafficking. The adhesive activity of LFA-1 is governed partially by the Rap1. This study examined that the relationship between LFA-1 and Rap1 mRNA expressions by anti-CD3 and anti-CD3+SOM treatment in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The LFA-1 mRNA expression levels following the anti-CD3 and anti-CD3+SOM treatment for 30 min was greater on the CD8+ T cells, and the LFA-1 expression of the CD8+ T cells with anti-CD+SOM treatment was affected more severely than that of the CD4+ T cells. The Rap1 mRNA expression patterns following anti-CD3 and anti-CD3+SOM stimulation in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were similar to the LFA-1 expression patterns, and the expression level following anti-CD3+SOM treatment was suppressed more significantly in the CD8+ T cells. These results suggest that the difference in the Rap1 expression level after stimulation might explain the differences in the LFA-1 expression level on the T cell subsets, and that the down-regulation of Rap1 expression following SOM treatment is closely related to the diminished LFA-1 expression.

Hepatic cirrhosis occurring in a young woodchuck (Marmota monax) due to vertical transmission of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV).

Histologic and clinicopathologic findings of a woodchuck (Marmota monax) vertically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) are presented. The liver exhibits marked cirrhotic changes, which is characteristic of the pre-transformation phase of WHV. At necropsy, the woodchuck exhibited ascites and the liver had a grossly nodular appearance. Microscopically, focal hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory cells were observed in midzonal and periportal areas in the liver. In Macchiavellos stained sections, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies appeared reddish granular materials. We believe that this may represent a new suitable and cost-effective cirrhotic model for the disease processes associated with hepadnaviruses in a number of other species, most notably Hepatitis B virus infection in man.

Effects of benzo[alpha]pyrene, 2-bromopropane, phenol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on IL-6 production in mice after single or repeated exposure.

Altered IL-6 production regulation is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, lymphoid malignancies, chronic infectious processes and certain types of autoimmune conditions. Here, we examine the effects of pollutants on IL-6 levels in mice serum and in culture supernatants of spleen cells. Mice were treated with vehicles (PBS or olive oil), benzo[alpha]pyrene (B[alpha]P, 100 mg/kg body weight), 2-bromopropane (2-BP, 3.5 g/kg), phenol (21.2 mg/kg), or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, 15 mg/kg). Serum IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the TCDD-treated group at 24 hours and 48 hours after a single exposure, whereas exposure to phenol, B[alpha]P or 2-BP did not cause a significant difference. IL-6 levels in culture supernatants of splenocytes were not affected at 24 hours and 48 hours after a single pollutant treatment. A repeated dose of TCDD (once/week for 4 weeks) resulted in a significant elevation of IL-6 levels in serum and its spontaneous production in culture supernatants of splenocytes. Repeatedly TCDD-treated mice contained more CD11b (Mac-1)-positive cells in the spleen and higher titers of tissue-specific autoantibodies than the vehicle-treated group. These results suggest that repeated exposure to TCDD might impair the regulation of immune response by deregulating the production of IL-6.

Fetal bladder outlet obstruction in a stillborn bovine fetus.

A stillborn bovine male fetus with abdominal distention, arthrogryposis and atresia ani was presented for diagnostic evaluation. At necropsy, this fetus had a large amount of ascites, urachal obstruction and marked bladder distention. The ventral surface of the bladder had ruptured and attached to the abdominal wall by fibrinous adhesions. There was bilateral hydronephrosis with moderate pelvic dilatation and cortical attenuation. The rectum was filled with meconium but the anus was imperforate. The right forelimb was contracted. The cause(s) of these abnormalities could not be determined; however, we believe that developmental abnormalities during embryogenesis may be the result of chromosomal abnormalities.

A novel aortic coarctation model for studying hypertension in the pig.

We have developed a reproducible renovascular model of hypertension via a controllable, suprarenal aortic coarctation in the pig. This model has many potential applications, including investigation of the effects of acute hypertension in the conscious animal; identification of cardiac and vascular adaptations to chronic hypertension and their reversal; determining the effect of pharmacologic agents or other interventions on hypertension; and furthering our understanding of the implications of chronic hypertension on neurologic function. A totally implantable system was devised by attaching a reinforced silicone vascular occluder to a vascular access port. The occluder was placed around the suprarenal aorta proximal to the diaphragm. Ten pigs were made hypertensive by sequentially inflating the occluder. In six pigs, telemetric monitoring of blood pressure was used to determine when the pigs had reached target pressures (mean arterial blood pressure >150 mm Hg). Four pigs did not have telemetry units placed and blood pressure and heart rate were monitored for 4 weeks by periodically restraining the pigs in a sling. Two pigs reversed their occlusion due to presumed technical errors; the remaining pigs were studied for 4 (n = 5) or 8 (n = 3) weeks and then euthanized. Advantages of this model of aortic coarctation are that the occlusions are performed in awake animals and excessive occlusion of the aorta resulting in neurologic dysfunction or other distress to the animal can be easily corrected by simply withdrawing a small amount of the fluid used for inflation of the occluder. Additionally, removal of the constriction does not require a second surgical procedure.

Development and evaluation of a new apparatus for continuous perfusion of isolated perfused pig heart.

To develop a better model of isolated perfused heart, a new apparatus of coronary artery cannula- fixed-in-aortic tube was developed for continuous normothermic perfusion and compared to the Casalis apparatus with cold ischemia. Eight mongrel pigs with the body weight of 18 to 24 kg were divided half into two groups. All the continuous perfusion experimental hearts resumed a spontaneous heart beat and stabilized earlier than the control hearts without the need of defibrillator or pacemaker, indicating no reperfusion injury on the heart. All the experimental hearts did not show fibrillation nor stopped beating during the entire experiment, whereas the control hearts fibrillated. Two control hearts stopped beating, and only one of the two survived with the help of pacemaker.The coronary systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures were more stable with low variation in the experimental hearts than the cold ischemic control hearts. The experimental hearts consumed more oxygen than the control hearts, indicating more cardiac output. According to these results, the continuous normothermic perfusion method by the new cannula, even though with a short-period of hypothermic perfusion, provided better myocardial protection than the cold ischemia.

Frequencies of micronuclei in peripheral lymphocytes in Korean populations after chronic low-dose radiation exposure.

The purpose of this study was to estimate predictive markers of intrinsic radiosensitivity in individuals who were exposed to occupational or environmental radiation. Throughout this process, the actual biohazard risks and base-line chromosome damage were evaluated in human population. Further studies were carried out to provide evidence for the existence of individual variations in age-dependent responses through micronuclei (MN) assay. Spontaneous frequencies not only vary greatly between individuals, but also working or living areas. It was shown that the increased level of spontaneous cell with MN was observed with increasing age. The relationship between radiosensitivity and the increased spontaneous level of MN may be in an inverse proportion. Ionizing radiation may be targeted mutagenic effects at the usual exposures of background levels that populations were exposed. Age and gender are the most important demographic variables in determining the MN index with frequencies in females, which were greater than those in males. The main life-style factors influencing the MN index in subjects were correlated significantly and positively with smoke. The results showed that an indicator of the genetic damaged rate in MN index in human populations significantly correlated with age, sex and life-style factors. So far, it is evident that with regard to the application of MN assay all future studies have to take into account the influence of age, gender, and life-style. In Conclusion, using micronuclei assay technique a large population can be easily monitored. This study illustrated that the MN assay may provide a high potential to ensure appropriate quality control and standard documentation protocol that can be used to monitor a large population exposed to radiation epidemiologically.

Effects of benzo[a]pyrene, 2-bromopropane, phenol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on proinflammatory cytokines gene expression by mice spleen cells.

The detrimental effects of environmental pollutants on the health of the individual are generally accepted, although the mechanisms of these effects remain to be incompletely understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of B[a]P, 2-BP, phenol and TCDD on proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in mice spleen cells which were stimulated with anti-CD3. 10(-9)M TCDD increased IFNgamma and TNFalpha gene expression, but suppressed IL-1 gene expression. 10(-6)M phenol inhibited IL-1, IL-6 and TNFalpha gene expression, and 10(-6)M of 2-BP downregulated TNFalpha gene expression. However, 10(-6)M of B[a]P did not influence on IL-1, IL-6, IFNgamma and TNFalpha gene expression. These findings suggest that TCDD may impair the immune functions of mice by enhancing proinflammatory cytokines production, whereas phenol and 2-BP may impair the functions by inhibiting the production of these cytokines.