Cardiac fibroblasts constitute one of the largest cell populations in the heart, and contribute to structural, biochemical, mechanical and electrical properties of the myocardium. Nonetheless, their cardiac functions, especially electrophysiological properties, have often been disregarded in studies. Ca2+-activated K+(KCa) channels can control Ca2+influx as well as a number of Ca2+-dependent physiological processes. We, therefore, attempted to identify and characterize KCa channels in rat Cardiac fibroblasts. First, we showed that the cells cultured from the rat ventricle were cardiac fibroblasts by immunostaining for discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR-2), a specific fibroblast marker. Secondly, we detected the expression of various KCa channels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and found all three family members of KCa channels, including large conductance KCa (BK-alpha 1- and -beta 1~4 subunits), intermediate conductance KCa (IK), and small conductance KCa (SK1~4 subunits) channels. Thirdly, we recorded BK, IK, and SK channels by whole cell mode patch clamp technique using their specific blockers. Finally, we performed cell proliferation assay to evaluate the effects of the channels on cell proliferation, and found that the inhibition of IK channel increased the cell proliferation. These results showed the existence of BK, IK, and SK channels in rat ventricular fibroblasts and involvement of IK channel in cell proliferation.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Fibroblasts ; Heart ; Humans ; Myocardium ; Physiological Processes ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Receptors, Mitogen ; Reverse Transcription

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a short-form measurement scale specifically designed to evaluate the core competencies of nursing care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with a particular focus on the administration of anticancer agents. Methods: Data were collected from November 6 to November 29, 2023, with a total of 192 oncology nurses participating. Data were collected using an online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability and validity with the SPSS/WIN statistic version 25.0 and Amos version 26.0 program. Results: Statistical validation and expert validation were conducted to finalize the three-factor (chemotherapy administration, education and management of chemotherapy-related adverse events, assessment and regimen verification), 23-item instrument. These three factors collectively explained 72.37% of the total variance. On the overall scale,Cronbach's α was .96. Conclusion The short-form Core Competencies Scale of Nursing Care (CCSC) developed through this study is a measurement tool with proven reliability and validity and can be used for education and evaluation to improve the work of nurses involved in chemotherapy. By focusing on the essential competencies required for chemotherapy administration, the tool offers a practical, efficient, and reliable means of evaluating nursing performance in this critical area.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a short-form measurement scale specifically designed to evaluate the core competencies of nursing care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with a particular focus on the administration of anticancer agents. Methods: Data were collected from November 6 to November 29, 2023, with a total of 192 oncology nurses participating. Data were collected using an online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability and validity with the SPSS/WIN statistic version 25.0 and Amos version 26.0 program. Results: Statistical validation and expert validation were conducted to finalize the three-factor (chemotherapy administration, education and management of chemotherapy-related adverse events, assessment and regimen verification), 23-item instrument. These three factors collectively explained 72.37% of the total variance. On the overall scale,Cronbach's α was .96. Conclusion The short-form Core Competencies Scale of Nursing Care (CCSC) developed through this study is a measurement tool with proven reliability and validity and can be used for education and evaluation to improve the work of nurses involved in chemotherapy. By focusing on the essential competencies required for chemotherapy administration, the tool offers a practical, efficient, and reliable means of evaluating nursing performance in this critical area.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a short-form measurement scale specifically designed to evaluate the core competencies of nursing care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with a particular focus on the administration of anticancer agents. Methods: Data were collected from November 6 to November 29, 2023, with a total of 192 oncology nurses participating. Data were collected using an online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability and validity with the SPSS/WIN statistic version 25.0 and Amos version 26.0 program. Results: Statistical validation and expert validation were conducted to finalize the three-factor (chemotherapy administration, education and management of chemotherapy-related adverse events, assessment and regimen verification), 23-item instrument. These three factors collectively explained 72.37% of the total variance. On the overall scale,Cronbach's α was .96. Conclusion The short-form Core Competencies Scale of Nursing Care (CCSC) developed through this study is a measurement tool with proven reliability and validity and can be used for education and evaluation to improve the work of nurses involved in chemotherapy. By focusing on the essential competencies required for chemotherapy administration, the tool offers a practical, efficient, and reliable means of evaluating nursing performance in this critical area.

Objective: This was a retrospective investigation conducted to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the treatment and outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were collected over one year for the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 (control) groups, from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, when COVID-19 was prevalent in Korea, and from May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. Adult patients diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction at three emergency medical centers during the study period were included. COVID-19-positive patients (i.e., those with COVID-19 symptoms but those who tested positive) were excluded from this study to ensure only the evaluation of delays in stroke treatment due to the pandemic. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, of the total of 82,558 patients who visited the emergency centers, 710 were diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The study observed that the pandemic caused process delays for these patients, resulting in longer wait times for brain CT scans (P=0.010, P<0.001) and emergency room stays (P=0.0055, P<0.001) during the COVID-19 period. However, the length of time for administration of tissue plasminogen activator remained relatively constant. Notably, the 28-day mortality rate was considerably higher for patients with COVID-19-related symptoms during the pandemic (13.6% vs 3.1%; P=0.006). A cumulative risk analysis revealed an increased mortality risk for patients with COVID-19 related symptoms (P=0.005). Conclusion This study showed the need to improve emergency care procedures during pandemics to ensure prompt treatment of ischemic stroke. Preparation and resource allocation for ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 symptoms are crucial.

Objective: This was a retrospective investigation conducted to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the treatment and outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were collected over one year for the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 (control) groups, from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, when COVID-19 was prevalent in Korea, and from May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. Adult patients diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction at three emergency medical centers during the study period were included. COVID-19-positive patients (i.e., those with COVID-19 symptoms but those who tested positive) were excluded from this study to ensure only the evaluation of delays in stroke treatment due to the pandemic. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, of the total of 82,558 patients who visited the emergency centers, 710 were diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The study observed that the pandemic caused process delays for these patients, resulting in longer wait times for brain CT scans (P=0.010, P<0.001) and emergency room stays (P=0.0055, P<0.001) during the COVID-19 period. However, the length of time for administration of tissue plasminogen activator remained relatively constant. Notably, the 28-day mortality rate was considerably higher for patients with COVID-19-related symptoms during the pandemic (13.6% vs 3.1%; P=0.006). A cumulative risk analysis revealed an increased mortality risk for patients with COVID-19 related symptoms (P=0.005). Conclusion This study showed the need to improve emergency care procedures during pandemics to ensure prompt treatment of ischemic stroke. Preparation and resource allocation for ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 symptoms are crucial.

Objective: This was a retrospective investigation conducted to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the treatment and outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were collected over one year for the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 (control) groups, from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, when COVID-19 was prevalent in Korea, and from May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. Adult patients diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction at three emergency medical centers during the study period were included. COVID-19-positive patients (i.e., those with COVID-19 symptoms but those who tested positive) were excluded from this study to ensure only the evaluation of delays in stroke treatment due to the pandemic. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, of the total of 82,558 patients who visited the emergency centers, 710 were diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The study observed that the pandemic caused process delays for these patients, resulting in longer wait times for brain CT scans (P=0.010, P<0.001) and emergency room stays (P=0.0055, P<0.001) during the COVID-19 period. However, the length of time for administration of tissue plasminogen activator remained relatively constant. Notably, the 28-day mortality rate was considerably higher for patients with COVID-19-related symptoms during the pandemic (13.6% vs 3.1%; P=0.006). A cumulative risk analysis revealed an increased mortality risk for patients with COVID-19 related symptoms (P=0.005). Conclusion This study showed the need to improve emergency care procedures during pandemics to ensure prompt treatment of ischemic stroke. Preparation and resource allocation for ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 symptoms are crucial.