PURPOSE: We determined the toxic and morphologic effects of the anti-proliferative drugs, mitomycin-C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and genistein on rabbit corneal endothelium. METHODS: After intramuscular anesthesia, each drug of different concentrations (MMC at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/ml; 5-FU at 5, 10, and 50 mg/ml; and genistein at 0.013, 0.027, and 0.054 mg/ml) was perfused into the anterior chamber of 54 white rabbits (108 eyes). The same amount of balanced salt solution was perfused into control eyes. The corneal thickness was measured before perfusion and 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1 h, and 24 h after perfusion. Corneal samples were prepared at 24 h after perfusion to determine the changes in corneal thickness and to observe morphologic changes of corneal endothelium under scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: A significant increase in corneal thickness was observed. Destruction of corneal endothelial cell structure was seen under scanning electron microscope at 24 h after perfusion with MMC at 0.2 mg/ml for 1, 3, and 5 min, and at 0.1 mg/ml for 5 min; and 5-FU at 50 mg/ml for 5 min into the anterior chamber. However, no significant difference was seen in corneal thickness or in corneal endothelial morphology at 24 h after perfusion with genistein. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid morphologic changes of the cornea, we recommend the anterior chamber perfusion of MMC at 0.1 mg/ml between 1 and 2 min, 5-FU at 10 mg/ml between 3 and 5 min, and genistein at 0.027 mg/ml for 5 min. Genistein at low concentrations showed no morphologic change in the cornea, suggesting the possible clinical use with safety.
Anesthesia ; Anterior Chamber ; Cornea ; Endothelial Cells ; Endothelium, Corneal* ; Fluorouracil* ; Genistein* ; Mitomycin* ; Perfusion ; Rabbits

As a major component of the epidermal tissue, a primary keratinocyte has served as an essential tool not only for the study of pathogenesis of skin-related diseases but also for the assessment of potential toxicities of various chemicals used in cosmetics. However, its short lifespan in ex vivo setting has been a great hurdle for many practical applications. Therefore, a number of immortalization attempts have been made with success to overcome this limitation. In order to understand the immortalization process of a primary keratinocyte, several key biological phenomena governing its lifespan will be reviewed first. Then, various immortalization methods for the establishment of stable keratinocyte cell lines will be explained. Finally, its application to a three-dimensional skin culture system will be described.
Aging ; Biological Phenomena ; Cell Line ; Keratinocytes* ; Skin*

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the level of chewing and swallowing function (CSF) and the factors related to CSF among elderly vendors in a conventional market. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted between August 10 through September 8, 2020, using a self-reporting questionnaire to collect data. The study sample comprised 61 elderly vendors aged 65 years and over, from a conventional market at Jeju-si. CSF was measured using the Questionnaire for Chewing and Swallowing Function of the elderly, and depression was assessed by applying the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: Chewing and swallowing dysfunctions were reported by 34.4% of elderly vendors. CSF was significantly associated with the current smoking status (β=0.39, P=0.001) and depression (β=0.33, P=0.006). Conclusion These results indicate that current smoker and depression are significant factors affecting CSF. The factors determined in this study may be used in community health programs for preventing and managing chewing and swallowing dysfunction among the elderly vendors in a conventional market.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the level of chewing and swallowing function (CSF) and the factors related to CSF among elderly vendors in a conventional market. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted between August 10 through September 8, 2020, using a self-reporting questionnaire to collect data. The study sample comprised 61 elderly vendors aged 65 years and over, from a conventional market at Jeju-si. CSF was measured using the Questionnaire for Chewing and Swallowing Function of the elderly, and depression was assessed by applying the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: Chewing and swallowing dysfunctions were reported by 34.4% of elderly vendors. CSF was significantly associated with the current smoking status (β=0.39, P=0.001) and depression (β=0.33, P=0.006). Conclusion These results indicate that current smoker and depression are significant factors affecting CSF. The factors determined in this study may be used in community health programs for preventing and managing chewing and swallowing dysfunction among the elderly vendors in a conventional market.

In spite of frequent usage of primary human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) in the study of skin biology, senescence-induced blockage of in vitro proliferation has been a big hurdle for their effective utilization. In order to overcome this passage limitation, we first isolated ten HFK lines from circumcision patients and successfully immortalized four of them via a retroviral transduction of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncogenes. We confirmed expression of a keratinocyte marker protein, keratin 14 and two viral oncoproteins in these immortalized HFKs. We also observed their robust responsiveness to various exogenous stimuli, which was evidenced by increased mRNA expression of epithelial differentiation markers and pro-inflammatory genes in response to three reactive chemicals. In addition, their applicability to cytotoxicity assessment turned out to be comparable to that of HaCaT cells. Finally, we confirmed their differentiation capacity by construction of well-stratified three dimensional skin cultures. These newly established immortalized HFKs will be valuable tools not only for generation of in vitro skin disease models but also for prediction of potential toxicities of various cosmetic chemicals.
Antigens, Differentiation ; Biology ; Foreskin* ; Humans* ; In Vitro Techniques ; Keratin-14 ; Keratinocytes* ; Oncogene Proteins ; Oncogenes ; RNA, Messenger ; Skin Diseases ; Skin* ; Zidovudine

Purpose: This study investigated hand-washing practice among community-dwelling older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and aimed to identify the impact of COVID-19-related concerns and depression on hand-washing practice. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data extracted from the 2020 Community Health Survey. The primary data were collected through self-reporting from August 10 to September 8, 2020 in a cross-sectional study. The subjects consisted of 1,350 adults aged 65 or older living in J Province who participated in the 2020 Community Health Survey. Results: The factors affecting hand-washing practice among older adults were male gender (β = –.18, p < .001), age (β = –.07, p = .001), no education (β = –.20, p < .001) and elementary, middle, and high school graduation (β = –.15, p < .001) compared to a college or higher education, poor health perception (β = –.13, p < .001), COVID-19-related concerns (β = .08, p = .005), and depression (β = –.07, p = .001). To summarize, the factors negatively affecting hand-washing practice included male gender, lower education level, poor health perception, and depression, while the factors positively associated with hand-washing practice included COVID-19-related concerns. Conclusion These findings show the importance of considering these multifaceted determinants when designing targeted interventions and educational programs aimed at promoting hand-washing among older adults. Additionally, based on the relationship between hand-washing practice and COVID-19-related concerns and depression, interventions that can alleviate mental problems along with providing proper education are required.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the correlation between LUTS and osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in the vendors working in a conventional market. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 153 vendors aged 40 and over from August 10th to September 8th, 2020, in a conventional market. Data were collected via the self-reported questionnaires. We assessed LUTS by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and OA symptoms by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: The mean age of 153 subjects was 61.31±9.92 years old. The mean score of IPSS and WOMAC was 5.37±5.68 (range, 0–35) and 16.89±19.61 (range, 0–96). Fifty-one percent of subjects had urinary incontinence at least monthly. Twenty-four point two percent of subjects had moderate-to-severe LUTS which were defined as a score of IPSS ≥8. LUTS were positively correlated with OA symptoms (r=0.41, P<0.001). Conclusions The results showed that LUTS were associated with OA symptoms, and it also emphasized the need for vendors to be provided with a health education program to manage and prevent their LUTS and OA symptoms.