The purposes of this descriptive study were to identify the prevalence rate of urinary incontinence(UI) and the differences in frequency of incontinent and normal women by general characteristics, obstetrical history, and the conditional events for urinary incontinence of the elderly women in a community. By the results of this study, it is intended to provide nursing practice guidelines for incontinent women. The research design of this study was a preliminary descriptive study. The 173 subjects were 55 years old and over, and resided in a small city area. Data were collected from June 20 to July 20, 2001, by an interview or a self-report with questionaire. The questionaire was composed of items of general characteristics, obstetrical characteristics, and conditions of UI by the modified Henderickon's Stress Incontinence Scale(1981). The results were summariezed as follows: 1. The UI prevalence rate of the sample was 64.2%. Of the incontinent women, 31.5% had experienced UI for a period of three to five years, and 84.7% had never treated or managed their UI. Frequency of UI was once or twice times per month(46.8%). 2. The total mean of UI on the scale in the incontinent women was 25.50 of 85, ranging from 18 to 41. 3. The most frequent condition of UI was coughing, followed by laughing, sneezing, heavy exercise, and preparation of urination in descending order. 4. There were significant differences in age, education, social activity, and urinary difficulty between the incontinent women and the normal women. 5. There were significant differences in frequency of spontaneous abortion, age of menopause between the incontinent women and the normal women. 6. There were no significant differences in number of delivery, frequency of artificial abortion, age of the last delivery, and postal health management between the incontinent women and the normal women. In conclusion, the incidence of UI in this study was high, but there were no effective treatments or management. It is suggested to provide the adult women with knowledge about UI, and to educate preventive behavior and control skill of urinary incontinence. Also episodes of urinary incontinence were high in the situation of sudden increase of abdominal pressure. This data can be used for the prevention strategy of urinary incontinence, In future research it is recommended to identify comprehensive factors related to urinary incontinence including psychosocial factors, and effective strategies of urinary incontinence.
Abortion, Spontaneous ; Adult ; Aged* ; Cough ; Education ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Menopause ; Middle Aged ; Nursing ; Pregnancy ; Prevalence ; Psychology ; Research Design ; Sneezing ; Urinary Incontinence* ; Urination

T cells are an essential cellular component of the immune system. When T cells encounter antigen and receive co-stimulatory signals, they become activated, proliferate and produce cytokines. Flow cytometry is a valuable research tool in analyzing T cell functions including proliferation, survival and cytotoxicity as well as cytokine production and cell signaling. This article has reviewed the utility of flow cytometry in evaluating T cell functions.
Cytokines ; Flow Cytometry ; Immune System ; T-Lymphocytes

Purpose: We investigated the association of effector memory (EM) CD8 + T cell and CD4 + T cell immunity with metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: Surface and intracellular staining of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed. Anti-interleukin-7 receptor-alpha (IL-7Rα) and CX3CR1 antibodies were used to stain the subsets of EM CD8 + T cells, while anti-interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) antibodies were used for CD4 + T cell subsets. Results: Of the 47 obese children, 11 were female. Children with MS had significantly higher levels of serum insulin (34.8±13.8 vs. 16.4±6.3 μU/mL, p<0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (8.9±4.1 vs. 3.9±1.5, p<0.001) than children without MS.Children with MS revealed significantly higher frequencies of IL-7Rα low CD8+ T cells (60.1 ±19.1% vs. 48.4±11.5%, p=0.047) and IL-7Rα low CX3CR1 + CD8 + T cells (53.8±20.1% vs. 41.5 ±11.9%, p=0.036) than children without MS. As the serum triglyceride levels increased, the frequency of IL-7Rα low CX3CR1 + and IL-7Rα high CX3CR1 – CD8 + T cells increased and decreased, respectively (r=0.335, p=0.014 and r=−0.350, p=0.010, respectively), in 47 children. However, no CD4 + T cell subset parameters were significantly different between children with and without MS. Conclusion In obese children with MS, the changes in immunity due to changes in EM CD8 + T cells might be related to the morbidity of obesity.

Purpose: We investigated the association of effector memory (EM) CD8 + T cell and CD4 + T cell immunity with metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: Surface and intracellular staining of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed. Anti-interleukin-7 receptor-alpha (IL-7Rα) and CX3CR1 antibodies were used to stain the subsets of EM CD8 + T cells, while anti-interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) antibodies were used for CD4 + T cell subsets. Results: Of the 47 obese children, 11 were female. Children with MS had significantly higher levels of serum insulin (34.8±13.8 vs. 16.4±6.3 μU/mL, p<0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (8.9±4.1 vs. 3.9±1.5, p<0.001) than children without MS.Children with MS revealed significantly higher frequencies of IL-7Rα low CD8+ T cells (60.1 ±19.1% vs. 48.4±11.5%, p=0.047) and IL-7Rα low CX3CR1 + CD8 + T cells (53.8±20.1% vs. 41.5 ±11.9%, p=0.036) than children without MS. As the serum triglyceride levels increased, the frequency of IL-7Rα low CX3CR1 + and IL-7Rα high CX3CR1 – CD8 + T cells increased and decreased, respectively (r=0.335, p=0.014 and r=−0.350, p=0.010, respectively), in 47 children. However, no CD4 + T cell subset parameters were significantly different between children with and without MS. Conclusion In obese children with MS, the changes in immunity due to changes in EM CD8 + T cells might be related to the morbidity of obesity.

PURPOSE: Estrogen is known to act as both a growth factor and a survival factor for breast cancer. The responsible molecular mechanisms remain, however, to be fully elucidated. We hypothesize that the effect of estrogen relates to its ability to induce the cellular antioxidant defense enzymes. METHODS: In the presence study, we examined the ability of 17beta-estradiol (E2) to regulate the level of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) protein, which is an anti-oxidative enzyme that can directly reduce both phospholipids and cholesterol-hydroperoxides located in the cell membranes and lipoproteins. RESULTS: E2 elicited a dose- and time-dependent increase in the GPX4 expression in the MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and this up-regulation was blocked by the free radical scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Additionally, we confirmed that E2 triggered a rapid and transient increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and this E2-induced increase in the ROS levels was inhibited by pretreatment with NAC. Moreover, such ROS inducers as TGF-beta, TNF-alpha and insulin induced an increase in the level of GPX4 protein. However, estrogen receptor (ER)alpha knockdown by transfection with ERalpha-siRNA did not significantly change the GPX4 protein level that was induced by E2. Furthermore, pre-incubation with the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 did not inhibit E2-mediated GPX4 induction. Conversely, pretreatment of cells with LY294002, a pharmacological inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, suppressed the E2-augmented GPX4 expression. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our data show that E2 may partly provide a survival advantage through the regulation of cellular oxidative homeostasis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Acetylcysteine ; Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Cell Membrane ; Chromones ; Estradiol ; Estrogens ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Homeostasis ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Imidazoles ; Insulin ; Lipoproteins ; Morpholines ; Nitro Compounds ; Oxidative Stress ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase ; Phospholipids ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Receptors, Estrogen ; Transfection ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVE: Alterations in the immune system occur with aging, and these contribute to an increased risk of infection and malignancy. The age-associated changes in T cell immunity range from single cell function to the maintenance of cell populations. We investigated the kinetics of CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation in young and elderly subjects after stimulating their peripheral blood mononuclear cells with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies (Abs). METHODS: The expressions of the activation markers CD69, CD40L and CD25 on the CD4+ T cells from young (n=14) and elderly (n=19) were analyzed at 6, 24 and 48 hours (hrs) of T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation by using flow cytometry. In the same individuals, the CD4+ T cell proliferation was determined at 48 and 96 hrs of TCR stimulation by using the CFSE dilution method. RESULTS: The elderly had decreased CD69 and CD40L expressions on the CD4+ T cells at 6 hrs of stimulation, as compared to that of the young patients. The elderly also had a decreased CD25 expression on the CD4+ T cells at 24 hrs of stimulation. However, the two groups had similar levels of the CD25, CD69 and CD40L expressions at 48 hrs of stimulation. The elderly had decreased CD4+ T cell proliferation at 96 hrs of stimulation, as compared to that of the young, although both groups had similar levels of CD4+ T cell proliferation at 48 hrs of stimulation. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the elderly have altered kinetics of CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation in response to anti-CD3 and -CD28 Ab stimulation, and that such an altered response is governed by the duration of stimulation.
Aged ; Aging ; Antibodies ; CD40 Ligand ; Cell Proliferation ; Flow Cytometry ; Fluoresceins ; Humans ; Immune System ; Kinetics ; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell ; Succinimides ; T-Lymphocytes

PURPOSE: Increased bone regeneration has been achieved through the use of stem cells in combination with graft material. However, the survival of transplanted stem cells remains a major concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at an early time point (24 hours) based on the type and form of the scaffold used, including type I collagen membrane and synthetic bone. METHODS: The stem cells were obtained from the periosteum of the otherwise healthy dental patients. Four symmetrical circular defects measuring 6 mm in diameter were made in New Zealand white rabbits using a trephine drill. The defects were grafted with 1) synthetic bone (β-tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite [β-TCP/HA]) and 1×105 MSCs, 2) collagen membrane and 1×105 MSCs, 3) β-TCP/HA+collagen membrane and 1×105 MSCs, or 4) β-TCP/HA, a chipped collagen membrane and 1×105 MSCs. Cellular viability and the cell migration rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Cells were easily separated from the collagen membrane, but not from synthetic bone. The number of stem cells attached to synthetic bone in groups 1, 3, and 4 seemed to be similar. Cellular viability in group 2 was significantly higher than in the other groups (P<0.05). The cell migration rate was highest in group 2, but this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that stem cells can be applied when a membrane is used as a scaffold under no or minimal pressure. When space maintenance is needed, stem cells can be loaded onto synthetic bone with a chipped membrane to enhance the survival rate.
Bone Regeneration ; Bone Transplantation ; Cell Movement ; Cell Survival ; Collagen ; Collagen Type I ; Humans ; Membranes ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Periosteum ; Rabbits ; Space Maintenance, Orthodontic ; Stem Cells ; Survival Rate ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Transplants

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.