Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis and has been described as a useful tumor marker and one of the poor prognostic indicators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To investigate the role and cellular localization of TGF-beta1 during multistep hepatocarcinogenesis we performed a quantitative analysis of TGF-beta1 mRNA and immunohistochemical expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptor II (TGF-betarII) in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The experimental groups included neoplastic lesions produced by Solt-Farber's protocol, regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy, and normal control. Quantitative change of TGF-beta1 mRNA was analysed by competitive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TGF-beta1 protein and TGF-betarII expression were evaluated by immunohistochemical stain. The discrete tumor nodules were detected on 14th day and then increased in number and size. Three HCCs were induced on 8th or 9th month. RT-PCR demonstrated TGF-beta1 mRNA band in all examples of the normal and regenerating liver, nodules and HCCs. Competitive RT-PCR displayed higher TGF-beta1 mRNA in nodules, HCCs and regenerating liver than in normal controls. Hepatocytes from control and regenerating livers showed weak immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1. In contrast, the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of nodules in 7th, 8th and 9th month and HCCs were intensely stained for TGF-beta1. Some sinusoidal cells showed immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1 in all experimental groups. In early phase of carcinogenesis, the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in liver of 12h, 1d and 3d showed transiently increased immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1 and The immunoreactivity decreased thereafter. TGF-beta1 mRNA was also detected in the neoplastic hepatocytes by in-situ hybridization. Although TGF-betarII expression was correlated with TGF-beta1 immunoreactivity during early phase of carcinogenesis, hepatocytes in most nodules in 7th, 8th, 9th month and carcinomas showed decreased or little immunoreactivity for TGF-betarII. Based on the above results, it is concluded that TGF-beta1 expression increases not only in precancerous nodules but also in HCCs and its increase seems to be correlated with decrease or loss of TGF-betarII expression although its mechanism remains unclear. Hepatocytes may be a major cellular source of TGF-beta1 during hepatocarcinogenesis.
Carcinogenesis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cytoplasm ; Diethylnitrosamine* ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Hepatocytes ; Humans ; Liver ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley* ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; RNA, Messenger* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1* ; Transforming Growth Factors*

The propolis, honey bee hive product, is a folk medicine for treating various ailrnents and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an extract of propolis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ethanol extracted propolis (EEP) or CAPE on the tumorigenesis, pulmonary metastases, and proliferation and activity of splenocytes and macrophages in ICR mice. EEP at 0.2, 2 or 20mg/ml applied topically on the back of each mice 30 minutes before application of 7,12-dimethylbenz (a)anthracene and 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate inhibited the number of tumors per mouse by 61, 75 or 100%, respectively. ...continue...
Animals ; Bees ; Carcinogenesis* ; Ethanol ; Honey ; Macrophages* ; Medicine, Traditional ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Propolis*

PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the rates and methods of contraception among Korean adolescents from 2007 to 2009. METHODS: The study was a descriptive study. The data were taken from a web-based survey on risk behavior of Korean youth that was conducted between 2007 and 2009 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Among adolescents, 4.7% in 2007, 4.6% in 2008, and 4.7% in 2009 reported having had sexual intercourse. In those who had sexual experiences, less than 30% reported consistent use of contraception, whereas more than 45% report no contraceptive use at all. A condom was the most frequently used contraceptive method and its use has increased continuously among contraceptive users. Some of the adolescents were, nevertheless, using unreliable methods such as withdrawal or the rhythm method. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that most adolescents are not using contraception consistently and some were relying on unreliable contraceptive methods. Efforts to raise awareness about consistent and correct contraceptive use and the importance of dual protection are essential.
Adolescent ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; Coitus ; Condoms ; Contraception ; Humans ; Korea ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Behavior

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe motivational factors and barriers which nurses experience while preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam. METHOD: Data was collected from July 5 to August 28, 2002 using self-administered open questionnaires. A total 144 nurses preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam participated in this study. Descriptive statistics were used and respondents' statements were analyzed using content analysis. RESULT: The motivation for taking the NCLEX-RN Exam was for a new adventure (23.7%), better working conditions and benefits (20.4%), children's education (14.5%), to study aboard (13.8%), economic issues (11.8%), and career issues (11.2%). The barriers while preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam were studying in English (35.3%), fatigue (21.8%), limited time (16.0%), lack of information (8.3%), complicated documentation (5.1%), and cultural differences (4.5%). CONCLUSION: The result suggests that it is imperative to improve working conditions and benefits for nurses in Korea to prevent the brain drain of highly experienced nurses to other countries. It is also essential to develop strategies to minimize the barriers to support nurses preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam and promote jobs overseas.
Brain ; Education ; Fatigue ; Korea ; Licensure ; Motivation* ; Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between temperament and character dimensions and family environments, and to investigate the influences of those factors on the antisocial personality traits in delinquent adolescents. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 160 male adolescents detained at the public prosecutor's office on the suspicion of crimes. To assess personality dimensions and family environmental factors, the Temperament and Character Inventory(TCI) and the Family Environment Scale(FES) were completed. Antisocial personality traits were assessed by the number of antisocial personality disorder symptoms of the Personality Disorder Questionnaire-Revised. RESULTS: Most of the TCI dimensions except Reward Dependence(RD) were highly correlated with the subscales of FES. Among temperament dimensions, Novelty Seeking(NS) and Persistence(P) were significantly affected by Organization, and Harm Avoidance(HA) was influenced by Expressiveness of FES. Self-Directednss(SD) was best predicted by Organization and Achievement-Orientation. While the Independence had significant effect on Cooperativeness, Expressiveness and Achievement-Orientation best predicted the level of Self-Transcendence(ST). On factor analysis, NS, HA, SD and ST were allocated to the same factors with subscales of FES. The level of antisocial personality trait was best predicted by NS, P and SD scores of TCI, and conflict subscale scores of FES. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that not only the character dimensions but also the temperament dimensions have close relationships with family environmental factors, and that the antisocial personality traits of delinquent adolescents may developed by the interaction between temperament/character dimensions and family environments.
Adolescent* ; Antisocial Personality Disorder* ; Crime ; Humans ; Personality Disorders ; Reward ; Temperament*

Purpose: Septoturbinoplasty is frequently performed to correct nasal obstruction; however, there is still a lack of research on changes in nasal and nose-related symptoms early after septoturbinoplasty. Therefore, we aimed to investigate changes in subjective outcomes within 6 months after septoturbinoplasty. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent septoturbinoplasty at Gangnam Severance Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Symptom scores were evaluated using the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and obstruction scores.The SNOT-22 and obstruction scores were investigated before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Results: We noted significant decreases in both SNOT-22 and obstruction scores at 1 month after surgery, compared to those before surgery (p<0.001). However, there were no significant changes at 3 and 6 months after surgery, compared to scores at 1 month after surgery. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a larger difference between SNOT-22 scores preoperatively and 1 month after surgery was significantly associated with a significant improvement in symptoms at 3 or 6 months after septoturbinoplasty (p=0.029). Conclusion These results imply that subjective outcomes and degree of improvement in the first month after septoturbinoplasty can be used as a predictor of the results thereof and for counseling patients about its progress.

Biomarkers of suicidal behavior (SB), particularly peripheral biomarkers, may aid in the development of preventive and intervention strategies. The peripheral biomarkers of SB should be easily accessible, cost-effective, and minimally invasive. To identify peripheral biomarkers of SB, we summarized the current knowledge related to SB biomarkers with a focus on suicidal outcomes (suicidal ideation [SI], suicide risk [SR], suicide attempt [SA], and suicide death [SD]), measured site (center or periphery), and study design (cross-sectional or longitudinal). We also evaluated the central findings to validate the findings of peripheral biomarkers of SB. We found reduced peripheral interleukin (IL)-2 levels in individuals with a recent SA, higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6 levels in patients with a current SR and future SD, higher CSF tumor necrosis factor-α levels for current and future SRs, higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and lower peripheral total cholesterol levels for recent SAs, lower peripheral 5-HT levels for present SR, and a lower folate level for future SR and SA within 1 year. Previous studies have shown inconsistent associations of low peripheral leptin levels with SR and recent SA; therefore, further study is required. Given the multiple determinants of SB and weak associations with single biological markers, combinations of potential biological markers rather than single markers may improve the screening, diagnosis, and prediction of SB.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest study was to test the effects of self-directed nursing practice using peer-tutoring, on the level of confidence, performance and learning satisfaction of nursing students in practicing core nursing skills. METHODS: The data were collected from 80 junior nursing students at a nursing college in Daejeon before and after 3 weeks of intervention on practicing six core nursing skills, according to the highest order of priority. The subjects were divided into the peer-tutoring practice group (PTPG, n=40) and the lecturer-guided practice group (LGPG, n=40). The data were analyzed using mean, frequency, and t-test. RESULTS: The PTPG scored statistically higher than the LGPG on the performance of ‘indwelling urinary catheterization’ and ‘wearing protection equipment while entering quarantine room & disposing waste’ The PTPG scored statistically higher than the LGPG on the confidence of ‘indwelling urinary catheterization’ and ‘inserting intravenous catheterization’. The PTPG scored statistically higher on learning satisfaction than LGPG. CONCLUSION: The results showed that self-directed nursing practice using peer-tutoring could be effective for nursing students in improving proficiency in core nursing skills and might be applied to core nursing skills training.
Clinical Competence ; Humans ; Learning* ; Nursing* ; Quarantine ; Students, Nursing*

PURPOSE: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that rhinitis and asthma commonly coexist in the same patients and that a temporary relationship exists between the onset of rhinitis and asthma, with rhinitis frequently preceeding the development of asthma. Despite the compelling evidence that rhinitis has a remarkable impact on asthma, it has been controversial how the presence of rhinitis causes asthma to be worsen. We studied to know the effect of coexistence of allergic rhinitis on lower airway eosinophilic inflammation in mild persistent bronchial asthma. METHODS: A total of 129 mild persistent asthmatics were enrolled and divided into three different groups as follows: 37 cases with asthma only; 40 cases with mild allergic rhinitis; and 52 cases with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. Methacholine challage test and sputum induction were performed and sputum ECP, sputum eosinophils and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) were compared in each group. RESULTS: In mild asthmatics with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis, the BHR to methacholine increased compared to those with mild or no allergic rhinitis. Eosinophils and ECP in induced sputum were significantly higher in more severe allergic rhinitis groups. We also found a significant correlation between BR index and sputum eosinophils. (gamma=0.578, P< 0.05) CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the severity of allergic rhinitis was related to lower airway eosinophilic inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in mild persistent asthmatics with allergic rhinitis.
Asthma* ; Child ; Eosinophils* ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Inflammation* ; Methacholine Chloride ; Respiratory System ; Rhinitis* ; Sputum

OBJECTIVES: To survey the behavioral science education in Korean medical schools and to develop a standard syllabus for behavioral science course. SUBJECTS: Professors who are in charge of behavioral science course in 32 medical schools in 1996. METHODS: To develop a standard syllabus of behavioral science course for medical school Delphi technique was used. A questionnaire was mailed to each professor who was in charge of the behavioral science course in 32 medical schools to ask about the course objectives and contents and educational method in January 1996 and 27 questionnaires were completed and returned. The course objectives and syllabi of 27 medical schools were listed and mailed to the same professors to check his/her opinion on the necessity of each item for the behavioral science course. Twenty-three questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The opinion of 23 respondents on each objective and syllabus were listed again and mailed back to the respondents and asked to check if he/she agree with the other respondents' opinion. Nineteen questionnaires were collected. From this results a standard syllabus was developed. RESULTS: We recommend that educational objectives of behavioral science course for medical students include understanding of human behavior in biologic, psychologic and sociocultural contexts, understanding of the relationship between body and mind (stress and diseases), acquiring techniques for establishing doctor-patient relationship, and acquiring knowledge and skill for holistic approach to patient care. Recommendable syllabi for behavioral science course are medicine and behavioral science (basic principles of human behavior), body and mind, growth and development, family and health, medical care and society and culture, illness behavior, physician's identity, doctor-patient relationship, communication (clinical interview), and psychologic aspects of human behavior. We recommend that the behavioral science course be offered in the first and second grades of medical students, be integrated into the medical curriculum to link better with clinical courses. Duration of course needs to be expanded from 25.2 hours on the average at present to at least 48 hours. To improve the effectiveness of behavioral science education, it is necessary to develop various teaching methods such as small group discussion, panel discussion, case study, role play and clinical practicum. It is recommended that behavioral science be taught by a team consisted of behavioral scientists and physicians with behavioral science background including psychiatrists instead of by psychiatrist alone.
Behavioral Sciences* ; Curriculum ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Delphi Technique ; Education* ; Growth and Development ; Humans ; Illness Behavior ; Patient Care ; Postal Service ; Psychiatry ; Schools, Medical* ; Students, Medical ; Teaching