Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback training for emotion regulation and brain homeostasis on anxiety about COVID-19 infection, impulsivity, anger rumination, meta-mood, and self-regulation ability of late adolescents in the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic situation. Methods: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The participants included 55 late adolescents in the experimental and control groups. The variables were evaluated using quantitative EEG at pre-post time points in the experimental group. The experimental groups received 10 sessions using the three-band protocol for five weeks. The collected data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, t-test and paired t-test using the SAS 9.3 program. The collected EEG data used a frequency series power spectrum analysis method through fast Fourier transform. Results: Significant differences in emotion regulation between the two groups were observed in the anxiety about COVID-19 infection (W = 585.50, p = .002), mood repair of meta-mood (W = 889.50, p = .024), self-regulation ability (t = - 5.02, p < .001), self-regulation mode (t = - 4.74, p < .001), and volitional inhibition mode (t = - 2.61, p = .012). Neurofeedback training for brain homeostasis was effected on enhanced sensory-motor rhythm (S = 177.00, p < .001) and inhibited theta (S = - 166.00, p < .001). Conclusion The results demonstrate the potential of EEG biofeedback training as an independent nursing intervention that can markedly improve anxiety, mood-repair, and self-regulation ability for emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Fasting has a profound impact on GH synthesis, and is released in all mammalian species that have been studied. The male rat has long been used as a model to determine the mechanism on how fasting mediates these changes. However, many aspects of GH synthesis, release and function are known to be gender-dependent. This study was conducted in order to determine if changes in the GH-axis, in response to fasting, differs between the sexes. METHODS: Male and female rats (8~9 weeks; n=5/group) were fasted for 72h, or supplied food ad libitum. The mean circulating serum GH and IGF-I concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. The levels of hypothalamic GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin (SRIF), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pituitary GH mRNA were measured using an RNase protection assay. The levels of pituitary GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), GH secretagogue (GHS) receptor (GHS-R) and SRIF receptor (sst1-5) mRNA were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Fasting resulted in a comparable weight loss in both the males and the females, (18.0+/-0.9%) and (17.0 0.8%), respectively. In the fasted males, there was a characteristic decrease in the serum GH (98 60 vs. 7 4 ng/mL) and IGF-I (367 35 vs 152 12 ng/mL), associated with a decrease in the hypothalamic GHRH, and an increase in the NPY mRNA, levels of 52 6% and 138 6%, respectively, compared to those of the fed controls (p<0.05). In spite of the reduction in the GHRH, fasting did not alter the levels of the pituitary GH mRNA, and in fact increased the expression of the pituitary receptors, GHRH-R and GHS-R, to 185 15 and 169 25%, respectively, to those of the fed controls. In contrast to the positive impact of fasting on the GH-stimulatory receptors, fasting led to a dramatic decrease in the expressions of the somatostatin receptor subtypes, sst2 (29+/-5% of Fed) and sst4 (60+/-7% of Fed). Fasting had comparable effects on the GH-axis of the female rats, with two notable exceptions; first, fasting did not suppress the mean circulating GH levels (16 3 vs. 38 28 ng/mL) and second, did not alter the sst2 and sst4 expressions. CONCLUSION: These results corroborate the other reports regarding the effects of fasting on the expressions of hypothalamic neuropeptides, pituitary GHRH-R and sst2, in male rats. This is the first report demonstrating that fasting stimulates the expression of pituitary GHS-R in both sexes. This is of great interest given the fact that ghrelin, the putative GHS-R ligand, is also elevated by fasting. We propose that the upregulation of both ghrelin and GHS-R may play important roles in increasing the sensitivity of the pituitary to GHRH, in that these GH-stimulatory systems work synergistically. These changes may compensate for the fasting-induced suppression of hypothalamic GHRH input. We might speculate that such compensatory mechanisms are dominant in the female rat, in that circulating GH levels are not suppressed by fasting.
Animals ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra* ; Fasting* ; Female* ; Ghrelin ; Growth Hormone ; Humans ; Hypothalamus ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Male* ; Neuropeptide Y ; Neuropeptides ; Radioimmunoassay ; Rats* ; Receptors, Somatostatin ; Ribonucleases ; RNA, Messenger ; Somatostatin ; Up-Regulation ; Weight Loss

The stigma of mental illness is a problem that should be addressed urgently as such stigma has a negative effect on the lives of individuals with mental disorders, which may result in social and economic losses. Moreover, mental health stigma acts as a barrier to mental health service utilization. Thus, the need to reduce the mental health stigma has been highlighted. In Korea, stigma associated with individuals with mental disorders has been studied; however, few of those studies investigated mental health literacy, which might influence an individual's attitudes toward and beliefs about people with mental disorders. Furthermore, there are fewer evidence-based anti-stigma campaigns and programs in Korea than in other countries. On that basis, a review of previous studies focusing on mental disorder stigma was undertaken, and the effects of such stigma on individuals with mental disorders and on society were assessed. In addition, research into mental health literacy, rarely undertaken in South Korea, was discussed. Finally, anti-stigma campaigns that are reportedly effective in reducing mental illness stigma were reviewed. With regard to future research on mental health stigma in South Korea, it is suggested that researchers study mental health literacy to assess accurately the public's misperceptions about mental disorders. In addition, a variety of evidence-based anti-stigma campaigns should be implemented to increase public knowledge of mental disorders. Lastly, cooperation between public and private sectors should be encouraged to develop strategies for reducing the stigma and negative beliefs associated with mental disorders.
Korea* ; Literacy ; Mental Disorders ; Mental Health ; Mental Health Services ; Private Sector

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify and assess from nursing students and nurses in the clinical field what constitute good instruction, through the review of nursing students' opinions and clinical field demands.METHODS: The study design was used Creswell's exploratory sequential design by collecting and analyzing qualitative data obtained from interviews and then analysis of quantitative data. The participations were 79 seniors in nursing schools and 85 nurses with less than three years of clinical experience. The data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed based on Elo and Kyngäs's content analysis method. The quantitative data were collected using the questionnaire developed based on qualitative results and analyzed by SPSS 23.0 program and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA).RESULTS: The results showed that IPA extracted seven items with high importance but low satisfaction: “nursing fads and trends,” “teacher-learner communication and reflection,” “materials used in clinical settings such as monitoring results and test results,” “special presentations by experienced practitioners,” “instruction assures learners' comprehension,” “accurate and detailed evaluation standards” and “feedback on homework and exam.”CONCLUSION: The factors comprising good instruction were verified, and the necessity for additional efforts to improve high importance and low performance factors was noted. Therefore, this study can serve as a guide for nursing education facilities and educators in developing of a thorough education system with excellent instruction designed to achieve an ideal nursing education.
Education ; Education, Nursing ; Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide ; Humans ; Methods ; Nursing ; Schools, Nursing ; Students, Nursing

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify and assess from nursing students and nurses in the clinical field what constitute good instruction, through the review of nursing students' opinions and clinical field demands. METHODS: The study design was used Creswell's exploratory sequential design by collecting and analyzing qualitative data obtained from interviews and then analysis of quantitative data. The participations were 79 seniors in nursing schools and 85 nurses with less than three years of clinical experience. The data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed based on Elo and Kyngäs's content analysis method. The quantitative data were collected using the questionnaire developed based on qualitative results and analyzed by SPSS 23.0 program and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: The results showed that IPA extracted seven items with high importance but low satisfaction: “nursing fads and trends,”“teacher-learner communication and reflection,”“materials used in clinical settings such as monitoring results and test results,”“special presentations by experienced practitioners,”“instruction assures learners' comprehension,”“accurate and detailed evaluation standards” and “feedback on homework and exam.” CONCLUSION The factors comprising good instruction were verified, and the necessity for additional efforts to improve high importance and low performance factors was noted. Therefore, this study can serve as a guide for nursing education facilities and educators in developing of a thorough education system with excellent instruction designed to achieve an ideal nursing education.

Background: Methods of determining proper endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure to prevent air leakage include the minimal occlusive volume (MOV) technique, which uses auscultation, and the spirometer technique, which directly measures inspiratory and expiratory breathing volumes. Spirometers may measure even small air leakage, therefore, the spirometer technique requires a higher cuff pressure than the MOV technique to completely seal the airway. This study aimed to evaluate the difference in cuff pressure between the two techniques used to seal the airway. Methods: Thirty-five female patients were intubated using an ETT with a cuff, and cuff inflation was performed with both techniques at a 10-min interval in random order—the MOV technique and then the spirometer technique or vice versa. The cuff pressure was measured at each period. Results: The cuff pressures were 16.7 ± 1.2 cm H2O and 18.7 ± 1.3 cm H2O for the MOV and spirometer techniques, respectively. The cuff pressure for the spirometer technique was 2 cm H2O higher than that for the MOV technique and this difference was statistically significant (95% confidence interval, 0.7–3.3; P = 0.003). Considering the upper end (3.3 cm H2O) of the 95% confidence interval and the size of one scale unit (2 cm H2O) of a manometer, the difference in cuff pressure was up to 4 cm H2O in practice. Conclusions Even though the air leakage sound disappears on auscultation, unlike the previous recommendation, the airway sealing would be completed only by increasing the cuff pressure by approximately 4 cm H2O.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze and clarify the concept of warmth in nursing to establish a theoretical foundation and provide practical insights for improving patient-centered care. By defining the key attributes of warmth, this study seeks to contribute to the development of strategies for improving therapeutic nurse-patient relationships and holistic nursing care. Methods: Using Walker and Avant's concept analysis framework, a total of 15 articles from the Korean and international literature related to warmth were reviewed. Results: Warmth in nursing is defined as verbal and non-verbal behaviors that convey compassion, empathy, and dignity, fostering trust and emotional stability in patients. The key attributes of warmth identified in this study include humanity, communication, professionalism, and dignity. The antecedents of warmth were identified as the caregiver's recognition of emotional vulnerability and the need for empathy in situations where human dignity is at risk. The consequences of warmth include increased patient trust and satisfaction, improved emotional well-being, and the realization of holistic nursing care. To further clarify the concept, model, borderline, and contrary cases were analyzed. Conclusion This study systematically explores the attributes and significance of warmth in nursing by integrating previous research and linking it to specific nursing practices. These findings highlight the need for developing standardized assessment tools and implementing educational programs to facilitate the integration of warmth into nursing care. By reinforcing the role of warmth in clinical practice, this study provides a foundation for improving the quality of patient-centered care and strengthening the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze and clarify the concept of warmth in nursing to establish a theoretical foundation and provide practical insights for improving patient-centered care. By defining the key attributes of warmth, this study seeks to contribute to the development of strategies for improving therapeutic nurse-patient relationships and holistic nursing care. Methods: Using Walker and Avant's concept analysis framework, a total of 15 articles from the Korean and international literature related to warmth were reviewed. Results: Warmth in nursing is defined as verbal and non-verbal behaviors that convey compassion, empathy, and dignity, fostering trust and emotional stability in patients. The key attributes of warmth identified in this study include humanity, communication, professionalism, and dignity. The antecedents of warmth were identified as the caregiver's recognition of emotional vulnerability and the need for empathy in situations where human dignity is at risk. The consequences of warmth include increased patient trust and satisfaction, improved emotional well-being, and the realization of holistic nursing care. To further clarify the concept, model, borderline, and contrary cases were analyzed. Conclusion This study systematically explores the attributes and significance of warmth in nursing by integrating previous research and linking it to specific nursing practices. These findings highlight the need for developing standardized assessment tools and implementing educational programs to facilitate the integration of warmth into nursing care. By reinforcing the role of warmth in clinical practice, this study provides a foundation for improving the quality of patient-centered care and strengthening the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze and clarify the concept of warmth in nursing to establish a theoretical foundation and provide practical insights for improving patient-centered care. By defining the key attributes of warmth, this study seeks to contribute to the development of strategies for improving therapeutic nurse-patient relationships and holistic nursing care. Methods: Using Walker and Avant's concept analysis framework, a total of 15 articles from the Korean and international literature related to warmth were reviewed. Results: Warmth in nursing is defined as verbal and non-verbal behaviors that convey compassion, empathy, and dignity, fostering trust and emotional stability in patients. The key attributes of warmth identified in this study include humanity, communication, professionalism, and dignity. The antecedents of warmth were identified as the caregiver's recognition of emotional vulnerability and the need for empathy in situations where human dignity is at risk. The consequences of warmth include increased patient trust and satisfaction, improved emotional well-being, and the realization of holistic nursing care. To further clarify the concept, model, borderline, and contrary cases were analyzed. Conclusion This study systematically explores the attributes and significance of warmth in nursing by integrating previous research and linking it to specific nursing practices. These findings highlight the need for developing standardized assessment tools and implementing educational programs to facilitate the integration of warmth into nursing care. By reinforcing the role of warmth in clinical practice, this study provides a foundation for improving the quality of patient-centered care and strengthening the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of air pollutants on upper airway disease development have been seldom studied. In this study, we evaluated the effects of air pollution on the prevalence of ENT diseases. METHODS: We identified cases of ENT disease occurring in 2009, as recorded by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and explored their associations with the levels of five air pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM₁₀ particles; particulates ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameter). Subjects diagnosed with at least one of the five studied ENT diseases were included in analysis, but those aged under 19 years were excluded. Linear associations between ENT disease frequency and pollutant levels were evaluated by calculating Spearman correlations. After adjusting for age, gender, and geographic region, multivariate logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 7,399 subjects with ENT diseases were identified. A linear association was evident between PM₁₀ concentration and the frequency of septal deviation (Spearman coefficient, 0.507; P=0.045). After adjustment, the PM₁₀ level was associated with high odds ratios for chronic rhinosinusitis (1.22; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.46) and septal deviation (1.43; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.67). Both of these conditions were more prevalent in males. CONCLUSION: We found that increased ambient concentrations of PM₁₀ particles were clearly associated with increased the risk of chronic rhinosinusitis and septal deviation; the exposure-response relationship was definitive.
Air Pollutants ; Air Pollution ; Carbon Monoxide ; Ear ; Health Impact Assessment ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; Nose ; Nutrition Surveys ; Odds Ratio ; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases ; Ozone ; Particulate Matter ; Pharynx ; Prevalence ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Sulfur Dioxide