Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on cutaneous lupus erythematosus in (NZB × NZW) F1 mice

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have evaluated the effects and precise molecular mechanism of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of human cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Our findings shed light on the therapeutic effects of MMF in a UVB-induced NZB × NZW (NZBW) F1 CLE mouse model.MethodsContinuous MMF treatment (60 mg/kg/day) was administered up to Day 50 from the beginning of UVB induction (Day 0; 20 weeks old), as the pathologic features of CLE are present after 50 days. The therapeutic effects of MMF treatment in NZBW lupus mice were examined by comparing histopathological changes, lupus band test (deposition of immune complexes at the dermal–epidermal junction) and colocalization of autoantibodies with a dermal autoantigen Dsg3, and by evaluating the associations of local matrix metalloprotease activities.ResultsMMF improved survival in the NZBW lupus mice from 35.7% to 81.8%. The proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and interleukin 6 levels were significantly reduced after MMF treatment. The dermal lymphocytic infiltration, deposition of immune complexes at the dermal–epidermal junction, colocalized autoantibodies with Dsg3, and epidermal matrix metalloprotease activity were also attenuated in MMF-treated NZBW F1 mice.ConclusionThe results confirmed that MMF could substantially attenuate skin damage due to CLE in the NZBW F1 mouse model

Eight Infernal Generals

Sessions presented on Saturday, November 7, 2015 and Sunday, November 8, 2015. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the folk religious temple activity “Eight Infernal Generals” and its relationship between religion and health in Taiwan. References: 1. Tzeng, H. M.. (2008). Religious Activities of Inpatients and Their Family Visitors in Taiwan. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 26(2), 98-106. Doi: 10.1177/0898010107310616 2. Yeh, C.H.. (2001). Religious Beliefs and Practices of Taiwanese Parents of Pediatrics Patients with Cancer. Cancer Nursing, 24(6), 476-482. 3. Yeager, D.M., Glei, Dana, Au, Melanie, Lin, H. S., Sloan, R.P., & Weinsteiin, Maxine (2006). Religious involvement and Health Outcomes among Older Persons in Taiwan. Social Science & Medicine, 63, 2228-2241. Doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2006.05.2

Search for the QCD Critical Point: Higher Moments of Net-proton Multiplicity Distributions

Higher moments of event-by-event net-proton multiplicity distributions have been applied to search for the QCD critical point. Model results are used to provide a baseline for this search. The measured moment products, $\kappa\sigma^2$ and $S\sigma$ of net-proton distributions, which are directly connected to the thermodynamical baryon number susceptibility ratio in Lattice QCD and Hadron Resonance Gas (HRG) model, are compared to the transport and thermal model results. We argue that a non-monotonic dependence of $\kappa \sigma^2$ and $S \sigma$ as a function of beam energy can be used to search for the QCD critical point.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures. CPOD 2010 Proceeding

Cultural Competence of Taiwanese Nurses

Research on the cultural competence in nursing care in Taiwan is scarce. Little information has been documented regarding the level of cultural competence among its health care professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of cultural competence among Taiwanese nurses. This study employed a quantitative design using a self-report online survey. Research findings indicated that Taiwanese nurses had low to moderate level of cultural competence. They perceived themselves as being not culturally competent when caring for clients from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds. While Taiwanese nurses scored high on cultural sensitivity and awareness, they scored low on cultural knowledge and skills. Cultural competence correlated with continuing education and years of nursing work experience. Based on these findings, recommendations were provided to improve nurses\u27 cultural competence by implementing curricular change and by advocating for culturally appropriate policies and guidelines in nursing practice

PENGARUH MODEL ADVANCE ORGANIZER TERHADAP KESADARAN SEJARAH PESERTA DIDIK DALAM PEMBELAJARAN SEJARAH KELAS X SMA NEGERI 1 DRIYOREJO

 The low awareness of students in appreciating and valuing the meaning and noble values, culture, and heritage of historical sites, as well as the limited skills of teachers in implementing varied learning approaches that apply conventional teaching models, have resulted in less comprehensive and holistic learning activities, which are the main focus of this research issue. Based on observations in class X of SMA Negeri 1 Driyorejo, it was found that the lack of attention from teachers in developing students' initial abilities and their failure to connect previously acquired knowledge with new knowledge that students learn, have led to history lessons being taught incompletely and incomprehensively. Furthermore, the students' low awareness in appreciating and valuing the meaning and noble values, culture, and heritage of historical sites is evident as students perceive history as mere memorization. To address these problems, it is necessary to apply an appropriate and well-organized teaching model, in line with the characteristics of a comprehensive and holistic history teaching model, namely the advance organizer model. This study aims to determine the influence of the advance organizer model on students' historical awareness in the history learning of class X at SMA Negeri 1 Driyorejo. This research is a quantitative study using the Quasi Experimental Design research method. The research design used is the Non-equivalent pretest post-test Control Group. The sample was selected using purposive cluster sampling. The data analysis technique used in this study is the Independent Sample T-test, with the hypothesis testing resulting in a significance value (2-tailed) of 0.002 < 0.05 and a calculated t-value of 3.203. Therefore, it can be concluded that the calculated t-value of 3.203 > the tabulated t-value of 1.939, which means that the null hypothesis (H₀) is rejected and thealternative hypothesis (Hₐ) is accepted. This indicates that there is a significant difference in the average historical awareness of students between the advance organizer model in the experimental class and the conventional cooperative learning-based model in the control class, suggesting that the advance organizer model (X) has an effect on students' historical awareness (Y) in class X at SMA Negeri 1 Driyorejo.Keywords: Advance Organizer Model, Historical Awarenes

Suppressor of K+ transport growth defect 1 (SKD1) interactswith RING-type ubiquitin ligase and sucrose non-fermenting1-related protein kinase (SnRK1) in the halophyte ice plant

SKD1 (suppressor of K+ transport growth defect 1) is an AAA-type ATPase that functions as a molecular motor. It was previously shown that SKD1 accumulates in epidermal bladder cells of the halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. SKD1 knock-down Arabidopsis mutants showed an imbalanced Na+/K+ ratio under salt stress. Two enzymes involved in protein post-translational modifications that physically interacted with McSKD1 were identified. McCPN1 (copine 1), a RING-type ubiquitin ligase, has an N-terminal myristoylation site that links to the plasma membrane, a central copine domain that interacts with McSKD1, and a C-terminal RING domain that catalyses protein ubiquitination. In vitro ubiquitination assay demonstrated that McCPN1 was capable of mediating ubiquitination of McSKD1. McSnRK1 (sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that contains an N-terminal STKc catalytic domain to phosphorylate McSKD1, and C-terminal UBA and KA1 domains to interact with McSKD1. The transcript and protein levels of McSnRK1 increased as NaCl concentrations increased. The formation of an SKD1–SnRK1–CPN1 ternary complex was demonstrated by yeast three-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation. It was found that McSKD1 preferentially interacts with McSnRK1 in the cytosol, and salt induced the re-distribution of McSKD1 and McSnRK1 towards the plasma membrane via the microtubule cytoskeleton and subsequently interacted with RING-type E3 McCPN1. The potential effects of ubiquitination and phosphorylation on McSKD1, such as changes in the ATPase activity and cellular localization, and how they relate to the functions of SKD1 in the maintenance of Na+/K+ homeostasis under salt stress, are discussed

The Stewpot Experiences: Connections between humanitarian and mental health for homeless

Homeless population have greater chances suffering from and live with mental illnesses. Nursing students were arranged to interact with homeless population in a church affiliated agency within psychiatric/mental health context. The ultimate outcomes provided the students to understand the importance of humanitarian component in mental health for homeless population

Source Evaluation and Trace Metal Contamination in Benthic Sediments from Equatorial Ecosystems Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques

race metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) concentrations in benthic sediments were analyzed through multi-step fractionation scheme to assess the levels and sources of contamination in estuarine, riverine and freshwater ecosystems in Niger Delta (Nigeria). The degree of contamination was assessed using the individual contamination factors (ICF) and global contamination factor (GCF). Multivariate statistical approaches including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and correlation test were employed to evaluate the interrelationships and associated sources of contamination. The spatial distribution of metal concentrations followed the pattern Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd>Ni. Ecological risk index by ICF showed significant potential mobility and bioavailability for Cu, Cu and Ni. The ICF contamination trend in the benthic sediments at all studied sites was Cu>Cr>Ni>Cd>Pb. The principal component and agglomerative clustering analyses indicate that trace metals contamination in the ecosystems was influenced by multiple pollution sources