Development of a safety education program using simulator fire extinguishers in Korea: Focusing on elementary school students

Safety education aims to promote safe habits through experience-oriented education that combines knowledge, skills  and attitudes. However, in situations where experience-oriented safety education is challenging, realistic content created through technological advancements can indirectly function as an excellent safety education tool that allows for individual safety experiences. This study conducted a safety education program for 34 elementary school students using the most commonly used realistic safety education content in Korea, the 'simulator fire extinguisher,' four times. Safety knowledge tests and safety problem-solving ability tests were used as measuring tools and statistical significance was verified through paired sample t-tests. This study demonstrated that the safety education program using the 'simulator fire extinguisher' was effective in improving safety knowledge and problem-solving abilities . The average score of elementary school students increased from 8.47 to 9.23 in safety knowledge tests and from 4.26 to 4.64 in safety problem-solving ability tests. These results were statistically significant (p < 0.001)

Lipid-coated polymeric nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery

Polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes have been the platform of choice for nanoparticle-based cancer drug delivery applications over the past decade, but extensive research has revealed their limitations as drug delivery carriers. A hybrid class of nanoparticles, aimed at combining the advantages of both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, has received attention in recent years. These core/shell type nanoparticles, frequently referred to as lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs), possess several characteristics that make them highly suitable for drug delivery. This review introduces the formulation methods used to synthesize LPNs and discusses the strategies used to treat cancer, such as by targeting the tumor microenvironment or vasculature. Finally, it discusses the challenges that must be overcome to realize the full potential of LPNs in the clinic

High-dose clevudine impairs mitochondrial function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Clevudine is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor that exhibits potent antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) without serious side effects. However, mitochondrial myopathy has been observed in patients with chronic HBV infection taking clevudine. Moreover, the development of diabetes was recently reported in patients receiving long-term treatment with clevudine. In this study, we investigated the effects of clevudine on mitochondrial function and insulin release in a rat clonal β-cell line, INS-1E.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA levels were measured by using quantitative PCR. MTT analysis, ATP/lactate measurements, and insulin assay were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Both INS-1E cells and HepG2 cells, which originated from human hepatoma, showed dose-dependent decreases in mtDNA copy number and cytochrome c oxidase-1 (Cox-1) mRNA level following culture with clevudine (10 μM-1 mM) for 4 weeks. INS-1E cells treated with clevudine had reduced total mitochondrial activities, lower cytosolic ATP contents, enhanced lactate production, and more lipid accumulation. Insulin release in response to glucose application was markedly decreased in clevudine-treated INS-1E cells, which might be a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our data suggest that high-dose treatment with clevudine induces mitochondrial defects associated with mtDNA depletion and impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in insulin-releasing cells. These findings partly explain the development of diabetes in patients receiving clevudine who might have a high susceptibility to mitochondrial toxicity.</p

Comparison of first-line treatment with CHOP versus ICED in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma eligible for upfront autologous stem cell transplantation

IntroductionUpfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been recommended for patients who are newly diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), and CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), an anthracycline-based chemotherapy has been the frontline chemotherapy for PTCL. However, it is not clear whether anthracycline-based chemotherapies such as CHOP could be standard induction therapy for PTCL.MethodsWe conducted a randomized phase II study to compare CHOP with fractionated ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide, and dexamethasone (ICED) for patients eligible for ASCT. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints included objective response rate, overall survival (OS), and safety profiles.ResultsPatients were randomized into either CHOP (n = 69) or ICED (n = 66), and the characteristics of both arms were not different. PTCL-not otherwise specified (NOS, n = 60) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL, n = 53) were dominant. The objective response rate was not different between CHOP (59.4%) and ICED (56.1%), and the 3-year PFS was not different between CHOP (36.7%) and ICED (33.1%). In AITL patients, CHOP was favored over ICED whereas ICED was associated with more cytopenia and reduced dose intensity. Patients who received upfront ASCT after achieving complete response to CHOP or ICED showed 80% of 3-year OS.DiscussionIn summary, our study showed no therapeutic difference between CHOP and ICED in terms of response and PFS. Thus, CHOP might remain the reference regimen especially for AITL based on its better outcome in AITL, and upfront ASCT could be recommended as a consolidation of complete response in patients with PTCL

Genetic association of human Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor 1 (CRHR1) with Internet gaming addiction in Korean male adolescents

Background The number of people with Internet gaming addiction (IGA) is increasing around the world. IGA is known to be associated with personal characteristics, psychosocial factors, and physiological factors. However, few studies have examined the genetic factors related to IGA. This study aimed to investigate the association between IGA and stress-related genetic variants. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 230 male high school students in a South Korean city. We selected five stress-related candidate genes: DAT1, DRD4, NET8, CHRNA4, and CRHR1. The DAT1 and DRD4 genes were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction, and the NET8, CHRNA4, and CRHR1 genes were genotyped by pyrosequencing analysis. We performed a Chi-square test to examine the relationship of these five candidate genes to IGA. Results Having the AA genotype and the A allele of the CRHR1 gene (rs28364027) was associated with higher odds of belonging to the IGA participant group (p = .016 and p = .021, respectively) than to the non-IGA group. By contrast, the DAT1, DRD4, NET8, and CHRNA4 gene polymorphisms showed no significant difference between the IGA group and control group. Conclusions These results indicate that polymorphism of the CRHR1 gene may play an important role in IGA susceptibility in the Korean adolescent male population. These findings provide a justification and foundation for further investigation of genetic factors related to IGA

Magnetically vectored nanocapsules for tumor penetration and remotely switchable on-demand drug release

Hollow-sphere nanocapsules containing intentionally trapped magnetic nanoparticles and defined anticancer drugs provide a powerful magnetic vector under moderate gradient magnetic fields, and enable the nanocapsules to penetrate into the midst of tumors and allow a controlled on-off switchable release of the anticancer drug cargo by remotely applied Radio Frequency (RF) magnetic field. This imageable smart drug delivery system is compact because the drug molecules and magnetic nanoparticles can all be self-contained within 801̃50 nm capsules. In vitro as well as in vivo results indicate that the nanocapsules are effective in reducing tumor cell growth. In Chapter 1, the concept of Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) and the impact of nanotechnology on Drug Delivery Systems were introduced. Triggered drug release using magnetothermally-responsive nanomaterials, magnetic nanoparticles for nanomedicine, and ordered mesoporous materials in the context of Drug Delivery System were discussed. In Chapter 2, creation of remotely controllable, On-Off switchable drug release methodology was described. In this thesis work, triggerable nanocapsules which contain magnetic nanoparticles responsive to external radio frequency (RF) magnetic field have been successfully created. This is in contrast to the regular hollow nanospheres for slow passive release of drugs. The new nanocapsule material consists of bio-inert, bio-compatible or bio-degradable material that we can be selected from a variety of materials depending on specific medical applications. In Chapter 3, study and utilization of magnetic vector for guided tumor penetration was discussed. In the presence of a moderate gradient magnetic field, a powerful magnetic vector is created that allows these nanocapsules to cross cell membranes or blood-tissue barriers and penetrate into the midst of tumors, thus overcoming the well-known problem of limited access of anti-cancer drugs to cancer cells in the interior of a tumor tissue. In Chapter 4, potential applications to Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB) crossing and other therapeutics was described. In Chapter 5, the study was summarized and conclude

Practical approaches to the nutritional management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and a serious health burden worldwide which increases risk of cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular complications. Current epidemics of obesity, unhealthy dietary patterns, and sedentary lifestyles, all contribute to the high prevalence of NAFLD. Dietary patterns and nutrients are important contributors to the development, progression, and treatment of NAFLD. A healthy diet is beneficial for all NAFLD patients beyond weight reduction. Generally, hypercaloric diets, especially rich in trans/saturated fat and cholesterol, high consumption of red and processed meat, and fructose-sweetened beverages seem to increase the risk of progression toward nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), whereas reducing caloric intake and high-glycemic index (GI) foods, increasing consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, fibers, and specific protein sources such as fish and poultry have preventive and therapeutic effects. Therefore, nutrition serves as a major route of prevention and treatment of NAFLD, and patients with NAFLD should have an individualized diet recommendation. In this review, the evidence linking macronutrients to NAFLD are discussed

Domain-specific physical activity, sedentary behavior, subjective health, and health-related quality of life among older adults

Abstract Purpose This study aims to investigate the association between domain-specific physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, subjective health perception, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in Korean adults aged ≥ 65 years. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 6,004 older adults from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2020. PA and sedentary behavior were measured using a global PA questionnaire, and HR-QoL was assessed using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D, three-level version). Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for confounding parameters. Results Older adults who were physically active at work showed a negative association with subjectively good health and HR-QoL, whereas those physically active in transport or leisure time showed a positive association with subjectively good health and HR-QoL. Older adults highly engaged in sedentary behavior showed a worse perception of health and HR-QoL. Compared to high sedentary behavior and physical activity during leisure time or transport, the EQ-5D index was higher than that of their counterparts. Conclusion Both domain-specific PA and sedentary behavior were significantly associated with older adults’ perception of health and HR-QoL. Interventions are needed to improve HR-QoL by reducing sedentary behavior and encouraging physical activity in transportation or leisure time among adults aged 65 years and above

The Efficacy and Safety of Jaungo, a Traditional Medicinal Ointment, in Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Pilot Study

Purpose. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jaungo in preventing radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer. Methods. Thirty patients were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to receive Jaungo or general supportive skin care. Radiation dermatitis and pain were examined at daily intervals from the start of radiotherapy until 4 weeks after its completion. The primary endpoint of this study was the incidence of radiation dermatitis. The secondary endpoints were time to onset of radiation dermatitis, duration of radiation dermatitis, and maximum pain score. Results. Jaungo reduced the incidence of grade ≥2 (46.7% versus 78.6%) and grade 3 radiation dermatitis (20.0% versus 50.0%) in comparison with general supportive skin care. Jaungo also delayed the onset of grade 2 dermatitis (35 days versus 30 days). In terms of time to onset of grade 3 dermatitis, duration of dermatitis, and maximum pain score, Jaungo showed results comparable to those achieved with general supportive skin care. No patients experienced adverse effects caused by Jaungo administration. Conclusions. Jaungo minimized radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer without causing adverse effects. Further randomized studies with a larger sample size are required to assess clinical use of Jaungo