The skin functions as a physical barrier against entry of pathogens while concomitantly supporting a myriad of commensal organisms. The characterization of these microbial communities has enhanced our knowledge of the ecology of organisms present in normal skin, and studies have begun to illuminate the intimate relationship between the host and resident microbes. The cutaneous innate and adaptive immune responses can modulate skin microbiota, while simultaneously, the microbiota educates the host immune system. A crucial element of the innate immune response is mast cells, which reside strategically in tissues that are commonly exposed to the external environment, such as the skin and mucosae. Mast cells are present on the frontline of defense against pathogens, suggesting they may play an important role in fostering the host-microbiota relationship. In this review, we highlight findings regarding the interaction between skin microbiota and mast cells and the resulting outcomes in skin homeostasis.
Architectural Accessibility ; Ecology ; Foster Home Care ; Homeostasis ; Immune System ; Immunity, Innate ; Mast Cells* ; Microbiota* ; Mucous Membrane ; Skin*

The skin functions as a physical barrier against entry of pathogens while concomitantly supporting a myriad of commensal organisms. The characterization of these microbial communities has enhanced our knowledge of the ecology of organisms present in normal skin, and studies have begun to illuminate the intimate relationship between the host and resident microbes. The cutaneous innate and adaptive immune responses can modulate skin microbiota, while simultaneously, the microbiota educates the host immune system. A crucial element of the innate immune response is mast cells, which reside strategically in tissues that are commonly exposed to the external environment, such as the skin and mucosae. Mast cells are present on the frontline of defense against pathogens, suggesting they may play an important role in fostering the host-microbiota relationship. In this review, we highlight findings regarding the interaction between skin microbiota and mast cells and the resulting outcomes in skin homeostasis.
Architectural Accessibility ; Ecology ; Foster Home Care ; Homeostasis ; Immune System ; Immunity, Innate ; Mast Cells* ; Microbiota* ; Mucous Membrane ; Skin*

Human mast cells are potent effector cells in host defense mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity, including inflammatory diseases such as asthma and atherosclerosis. Mast cells originate from pluripotent hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow. Activation of mast cells by different stimuli triggers the release of a large range of mediators, including de novo synthesized eicosanoids which are highly biologically active lipid mediators. For the generation of lipid mediators, cytoplasmic lipid droplets have been shown to function as a major intracellular pool of arachidonic acid, the precursor for eicosanoids biosynthesis. The article summarizes current knowledge on mast cell biosynthesis of lipid mediator and the role in inflammation.
Adaptive Immunity ; Arachidonic Acid ; Asthma ; Atherosclerosis ; Bone Marrow ; Cytoplasm ; Defense Mechanisms ; Eicosanoids ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Mast Cells*

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolism is the major complication in patients with the insertion of cardiac prosthetic valves. The purpose of this study is evaluate the risk factors about the formation of left atrial thrombi after cardiac valve replacement. METHOD: Transesophageal(TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) were done to evaluate postoperative cardiac condition in 98 patients with cardiac prosthetic valves from Jan. 1991 to Oct 1991. Several clinical and echocardiographic parameters were analyzied to evaluate the relationship with the formation of left atrial thrombi. RESULT: In univariate analysis, important factors related to the formation of left atrial thrombi are type of operation (p=0.027), postoperative left ventricular function(p=0.003), preoperative(p=0.037) and postoperative systolic ventricular size(p=0.024). However, in multivariate analysis postoperative left ventricular size(p=0.017), presence of previous thrombi(p=0.014), preoperative left atrial size(p=0.014) and postoperative left atrial size(p=0.014) are significant factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with high risk and low risk for the formation of left atrial thrombi after valve replacement can be identified by readily available clinical and echocardiographic variables.
Echocardiography ; Heart Valves ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors* ; Thromboembolism

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage is frequently associated with birth trauma or perinatal hypoxia. Hemorrhagic necrosis of the adrenal glands is often found at autopsy and many small lesions are usually asymptomatic. A palpable abdominal mass and jaundice are the usual presenting signs. Ultrasound is very useful in the diagnosis of this lesion; however, if the mass has mixed echoic pattern, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is helpful for the differential diagnosis from neuroblastoma. We present the case of a female newborn who was found to have a abdominal mass on physical examination. The patient showed anemia and hyperbilirubinemia. An ultrasonogram disclosed a 3.8 × 3.0 cm suprarenal mass with mixed echoic pattern. The mass was initially suspected to be neuroblastoma. An abdominal computed tomogram was not able to differentiate the mass. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed markedly increased signal intensity on T1 and T2-weighted sequences. This findLl1g was consistent with adrenal hemorrhage. Serial sonogram demonstrated the mass that resolved completely by 12 weeks of age.
Adrenal Glands ; Anemia ; Anoxia ; Autopsy ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hyperbilirubinemia ; Infant, Newborn ; Jaundice ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Necrosis ; Neuroblastoma ; Parturition ; Physical Examination ; Ultrasonography

No abstract available.
Animals ; Medulla Oblongata* ; Putrescine* ; Rats*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships among professional self-concept, critical thinking disposition and clinical competence in nursing students. METHOD: The participants in the study were 505 nursing students, 262 associate degree nursing students and 243 baccalaureate nursing students, all in schools in Gwangju or South Jeonla Province. A questionnaire survey was conducted from April 25 to May 27, 2011. Statistical processing was performed with SPSS 18.0 Version and the data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple stepwise regression. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation among clinical competence and professional self-concept, critical thinking disposition. The most effective factor for clinical competence was professional practice in professional self-concept, followed by prudence and objectivity in critical thinking disposition. The total explanation of clinical competence was 46.2%. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate confirm that professional self-concept and critical thinking disposition have an effect on clinical competence in nursing students. Accordingly in order to improve clinical competence, it is necessary to provide practice environment and educational curriculum that enhance the professional self-concept and critical thinking disposition of nursing students.
Clinical Competence ; Curriculum ; Humans ; Professional Practice ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Self Concept ; Students, Nursing ; Thinking

Purpose: Compassion is integral to nursing, yet the concept of compassionate care is not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to clarify the nature of compassionate care among Korean clinical nurses using a hybrid model. Methods: This study utilized a mixed methods approach involving hybrid concept analysis to explore the nature and attributes of compassionate care, encompassing both theoretical and empirical stages. In the theoretical stage, the domains, attributes, and a preliminary definition of compassionate care were formulated. In the fieldwork stage, in-depth interviews with 18 nurses were conducted to gather insights, which were integrated in the final stage. Results: Compassionate care was categorized into three domains: cognitive, relational, and behavioral, with 11 defining attributes. It was defined as the capacity to recognize individual patient needs, engage empathetically with their suffering, establish trust through emotional connection, and deliver therapeutic partnership, specialized, personalized, ethical, and holistic care. Conclusion This study advances the understanding of compassionate care in nursing by providing a multidimensional framework. It lays the groundwork for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the need for measurement tools and strategies to promote compassionate care among clinical nurses.

Purpose: Compassion is integral to nursing, yet the concept of compassionate care is not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to clarify the nature of compassionate care among Korean clinical nurses using a hybrid model. Methods: This study utilized a mixed methods approach involving hybrid concept analysis to explore the nature and attributes of compassionate care, encompassing both theoretical and empirical stages. In the theoretical stage, the domains, attributes, and a preliminary definition of compassionate care were formulated. In the fieldwork stage, in-depth interviews with 18 nurses were conducted to gather insights, which were integrated in the final stage. Results: Compassionate care was categorized into three domains: cognitive, relational, and behavioral, with 11 defining attributes. It was defined as the capacity to recognize individual patient needs, engage empathetically with their suffering, establish trust through emotional connection, and deliver therapeutic partnership, specialized, personalized, ethical, and holistic care. Conclusion This study advances the understanding of compassionate care in nursing by providing a multidimensional framework. It lays the groundwork for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the need for measurement tools and strategies to promote compassionate care among clinical nurses.

Purpose: Compassion is integral to nursing, yet the concept of compassionate care is not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to clarify the nature of compassionate care among Korean clinical nurses using a hybrid model. Methods: This study utilized a mixed methods approach involving hybrid concept analysis to explore the nature and attributes of compassionate care, encompassing both theoretical and empirical stages. In the theoretical stage, the domains, attributes, and a preliminary definition of compassionate care were formulated. In the fieldwork stage, in-depth interviews with 18 nurses were conducted to gather insights, which were integrated in the final stage. Results: Compassionate care was categorized into three domains: cognitive, relational, and behavioral, with 11 defining attributes. It was defined as the capacity to recognize individual patient needs, engage empathetically with their suffering, establish trust through emotional connection, and deliver therapeutic partnership, specialized, personalized, ethical, and holistic care. Conclusion This study advances the understanding of compassionate care in nursing by providing a multidimensional framework. It lays the groundwork for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the need for measurement tools and strategies to promote compassionate care among clinical nurses.