Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand the lived experience of illness among older females with cancer in South Korea. Methods: Data were collected from May to December of 2019 through individual in-depth interviews with eight older females with cancer who have undergone thorough cancer diagnosis and treatments. Transcribed data were analyzed using the hermeneutic phenomenological method developed by van Manen. Results: Six essential themes emerged: old body physically devastated through the fight against cancer; tug of war for symbiosis between cancer and the old body; home that does not provide comfort anymore; twilight years with no regrets even with cancer; womanhood to keep for a lifetime even in old age; and putting pieces together of the relationships around oneself. Conclusion Based on the participants’ illness experience, efforts need to be made to develop and implement effective strategies to improve nurses’ understanding of the life experiences of illness among older females with cancer in the Korean socio-cultural context, and to provide patient and family-centered nursing interventions that reflect patients’ age and gender characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The visceral fat obesity is known to be associated with coronary artery disease. We investigated the relation between visceral fat obesity and the severity of coronary artery disease by angiography. METHODS: The coronary artery disease (CAD) group included 54 angina patients (43 men and 11 women) with angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease. The control group included angiographically normal 28 controls (15 men and 13 women). The subjects with hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and taking any medication known to affect the insulin sensitivity were excluded. We measured the visceral fat area, abdominal subcutaneous fat area, thigh muscle area and the thigh fat area with computed tomography (CT) in both groups. We measured the plasma lipid profile, fasting plasma insulin and glucose level in both groups. RESULTS: There were no differences in the age, sex ratio and body mass index (BMI) between both groups. Total cholesterol and triglyceride increased in CAD group significantly (p<0.05, p<0.001). The HDL cholesterol decreased in CAD group. But there was no statistical significance (p=0.056). The fasting insulin increased in CAD group significantly (p<0.001). There were significant differences between CAD group and the control group in the visceral fat area (117.8+/-34.4 cm2vs. 85.5+/-17.6 cm2, p<0.001), thigh fat area (50.0+/-22.3 cm2vs. 65.8+/-12.9 cm2, p<0.001), visceral fat to abdominal subcutaneous fat area ratio (VS ratio:0.81+/-0.31 vs. 0.51+/-0.15, p<0.001) and the visceral fat to thigh fat area ratio (VSFTF ratio:2.72+/-1.24 vs. 1.34+/-0.35, p<0.001). In the male subgroup (CAD:43, control:15), triglyceride and fasting insulin increased in CAD group significantly (p<0.001). The visceral fat area, VS ratio, and VSFTF ratio increased in CAD group significantly (P<0.001) The thigh fat area decreased in CAD group significantly (P<0.001). In the female subgroup (CAD:11, control:13), fasting insulin and visceral fat area increased in CAD group significantly (p<0.001, p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that VSFTF ratio, fasting insulin and the HDL cholesterol were independent associated factors of coronary artery disease. In comparison with normal control, one-vessel disease and multi-vessel disease (two vessel and three vessel), there were significant differences between groups in fasting insulin, triglyceride, visceral fat area, thigh fat area, VS ratio, VSFTF ratio. In Turkey's HSD Post Hoc test, however, there were no significant differences between one-vessel disease and multi-vessel disease. CONCLUSION: We observed significant increases in the visceral fat area, VS ratio and VSFTF ratio and decrease in thigh fat area in angiographically demonstrated CAD group compared with age, BMI matched angiographically normal control. But we did not observed any relation between the visceral fat area and the severity of coronary disease by angiography.
Angiography ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Disease ; Coronary Vessels* ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Fasting ; Female ; Glucose ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Intra-Abdominal Fat* ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Obesity* ; Plasma ; Sex Ratio ; Subcutaneous Fat, Abdominal ; Thigh ; Triglycerides

The synaptic contacts of cochlear afferent fibers (CAFs) with inner hair cells (IHCs) are spatially segregated according to their firing properties. CAFs also exhibit spatially segregated vulnerabilities to noise. The CAF fibers contacting the modiolar side of IHCs tend to be more vulnerable. Noise vulnerability is thought to be due to the absence of neuroprotective mechanisms in the modiolar side contacting CAFs. In this study, we investigated whether the expression of neuroprotective Ca²⁺-buffering proteins is spatially segregated in CAFs. The expression patterns of calretinin, parvalbumin, and calbindin were examined in rat CAFs using immunolabeling. Calretinin-rich fibers, which made up ~50% of the neurofilament (NF)-positive fibers, took the pillar side course and contacted all IHC sides. NF-positive and calretinin-poor fibers took the modiolar side pathway and contacted the modiolar side of IHCs. Both fiber categories juxtaposed the C-terminal binding protein 2 (CtBP2) puncta and were contacted by synaptophysin puncta. These results indicated that the calretinin-poor fibers, like the calretinin-rich ones, were afferent fibers and probably formed functional efferent synapses. However, the other Ca²⁺-buffering proteins did not exhibit CAF subgroup specificity. Most CAFs near IHCs were parvalbumin-positive. Only the pillar-side half of parvalbumin-positive fibers coexpressed calretinin. Calbindin was not detected in any nerve fibers near IHCs. Taken together, of the Ca²⁺-buffering proteins examined, only calretinin exhibited spatial segregation at IHC-CAF synapses. The absence of calretinin in modiolar-side CAFs might be related to the noise vulnerability of the fibers.
Animals ; Calbindin 2* ; Calbindins ; Carrier Proteins ; Fires ; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner ; Intermediate Filaments ; Nerve Fibers ; Noise* ; Rats ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Synapses ; Synaptophysin

Background: Whether hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association of overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism with the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. Methods: Studies regarding the association between hyperthyroidism and cardiovascular events were searched on PubMed and Embase databases. The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was classified as high and low, based on pre-existing diseases, including history of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral artery disease; heart failure; atrial fibrillation; diabetes mellitus; or chronic kidney disease. Results: Thirty-seven cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio for subjects with overt hyperthyroidism compared with the control group was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.19) for IHD, 1.35 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.75) for stroke, and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.46) for cardiovascular mortality. For subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism, the pooled hazard ratio was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.45) for IHD, when compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis by CVD risk showed that the risk of stroke in overt hyperthyroidism was increased in the low CVD risk group; however, these association was not observed in the high CVD risk group. Similarly, the risk of IHD in subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism was significantly increased in the low CVD risk group. Conclusion Overt hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, and subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD. These associations were particularly observed in the low risk CVD group without underlying CVD.

Cochlear afferent nerve fibers (ANF) are the first neurons in the ascending auditory pathway. We investigated the low-voltage activating K + channels expressed in ANF dendrites using isolated rat cochlear segments. Whole cell patch clamp recordings were made from the dendritic terminals of ANFs. Outward currents activating at membrane potentials as low as -64 mV were observed in all dendrites studied. These currents were inhibited by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a blocker known to preferentially inhibit low-voltage activating K + currents (I KL ) in CNS auditory neurons and spiral ganglion neurons. When the dendritic I KL was blocked by 4-AP, the EPSP decay time was significantly prolonged, suggesting that dendritic I KL speeds up the decay of EPSPs and likely modulates action potentials of ANFs. To reveal molecular subtype of dendritic I KL , α-dendrotoxin (α-DTX), a selective inhibitor for K v 1.1, Kv 1.2, and K v 1.6 containing channels, was tested. α-DTX inhibited 23±9% of dendritic I KL . To identify the α-DTXsensitive and α-DTX-insensitive components of I KL , immunofluorescence labeling was performed. Strong K v 1.1- and K v 1.2-immunoreactivity was found at unmyelinated dendritic segments, nodes of Ranvier, and cell bodies of most ANFs. A small fraction of ANF dendrites showed K v 7.2-immunoreactivity. These data suggest that dendritic I KL is conducted through K v 1.1and K v 1.2 channels, with a minor contribution from K v 7.2 and other as yet unidentified channels.

Purpose: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising technique for postoperative pain control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the TAP block in managing postoperative pain after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had received ultrasonography-guided TAP blocks after surgery from January 2019 to August 2023 were reviewed and compared with those of patients who had not received. Propensity score matching was controlled for age as a confounder. Postoperative pain levels were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: After matching, 95 patients were included in each group. The TAP block group (2.7 vs. 4.0, P < 0.001) had significantly lower NRS scores immediately and early postoperative pain than the control group (1.9 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion TAP block is effective and safe for managing immediate and early postoperative pain in laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair and does not increase the risk of complications.

Purpose: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising technique for postoperative pain control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the TAP block in managing postoperative pain after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had received ultrasonography-guided TAP blocks after surgery from January 2019 to August 2023 were reviewed and compared with those of patients who had not received. Propensity score matching was controlled for age as a confounder. Postoperative pain levels were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: After matching, 95 patients were included in each group. The TAP block group (2.7 vs. 4.0, P < 0.001) had significantly lower NRS scores immediately and early postoperative pain than the control group (1.9 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion TAP block is effective and safe for managing immediate and early postoperative pain in laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair and does not increase the risk of complications.

Purpose: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising technique for postoperative pain control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the TAP block in managing postoperative pain after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had received ultrasonography-guided TAP blocks after surgery from January 2019 to August 2023 were reviewed and compared with those of patients who had not received. Propensity score matching was controlled for age as a confounder. Postoperative pain levels were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: After matching, 95 patients were included in each group. The TAP block group (2.7 vs. 4.0, P < 0.001) had significantly lower NRS scores immediately and early postoperative pain than the control group (1.9 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion TAP block is effective and safe for managing immediate and early postoperative pain in laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair and does not increase the risk of complications.

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are available both as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines at pharmacies.Although they are generally safe drugs, inappropriate and excessive use could result in potential side effects. Thus, it is important to have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of TCs. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess public knowledge and the potential misuse or overuse of TCs. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide online survey was conducted among participants who were aware of TCs. The survey items included sources of information, indications, potential side effects, and methods of application of TCs. A comparative analysis was conducted between those with (TC users) and without (TC non-users) an experience of using TCs. Results: Among 3,000 participants, 74.4% were TC users. The mass media was the most common information source of TCs, and only one-third of the surveyed people relied on pharmacists or doctors for information. Regarding indications and application methods, incorrect answer rate was high in some items, but respondents showed adequate knowledge. However, awareness of the safety of TCs was low. Overall, the TC users showed a higher knowledge of TCs than TC non-users. Conclusions Public knowledge of the use of TCs appears to be appropriate. However, we found potential misuse or overuse of some items and a lack of awareness of the side effects concerning TCs. Thus, healthcare professionals’ significant role is required.

Background: Many studies have evaluated the prevalence of different reasons for retraction in samples of retraction notices. We aimed to perform a systematic review of such empirical studies of retraction causes. Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE database and the Embase database were searched in June 2023. Eligible studies were those containing sufficient data on the reasons for retraction across samples of examined retracted notices. Results: A 11,181 potentially eligible items were identified, and 43 studies of retractions were included in this systematic review. Studies limited to retraction notices of a specific subspecialty or country, journal/publication type are emerging since 2015. We noticed that the reasons for retraction are becoming more specific and more diverse. In a meta-analysis of 17 studies focused on different subspecialties, misconduct was responsible for 60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53–67%) of all retractions while error and publication issues contributed to 17% (95% CI, 12–22%) and 9% (95% CI, 6–13%), respectively. The end year of the retraction period in all included studies and the proportion of misconduct presented a weak positive association (coefficient = 1.3% per year, P = 0.002). Conclusion Misconduct seems to be the most frequently recorded reason for retraction across empirical analyses of retraction notices, but other reasons are not negligible. Greater specificity of causes and standardization is needed in retraction notices.